GOD’S
PLAN
FOR
MAN
Introduction
Welcome to “God’s Plan for Man.” This book was prepared to give you simple easy to understand answers from the Bible, God’s Holy Word. We pray this book will be a blessing to you, your family, and friends.
May God Bless You,
Bro. Larry Hample
Founder/Director, ARM
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN
Part 1
IN THE BEGINNING
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The Creation: Heaven and Earth. The Word of God. |
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
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The Word becomes flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ. |
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21
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The Creation: Fish, fowl, all creatures, beast, cattle, everything that creepeth. |
And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25
GOD'S CREATION OF MAN
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The Creation of Man. |
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26
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God creates man in his own image. |
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27
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Man becomes a living soul.
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And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
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God puts man in the garden. |
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8
GOD CREATES EVE FROM ADAM’S RIB
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The creation of Eve. |
| God decides to make a woman for man. |
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18
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She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. God ordains marriage, husband and wife. |
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God gives Adam a wife. |
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:21-25
THE FALL OF MAN
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The Lord warns man not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. |
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:16-17
SATAN, THE DEVIL, IN THE FORM OF A SERPENT DECEIVES EVE AND DEATH AND SIN PASSES UNTO MANKIND
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Satan deceives Eve. |
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1
SATAN, IN THE FORM OF A SERPENT CALLS GOD A LIAR
| Adam and Eve disobey the Lord God and sin enters into the world. |
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Satan, in the form of a serpent, shows why he is called the father of lies. . |
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Genesis 3:2-7
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Man's first attempt to save himself by works. |
MAN BECOMES A SINNER BY DISOBEYING GOD
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Death passes unto man, both physical and spiritual. |
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
ADAM AND EVE MAKE EXCUSES FOR DISOBEYING GOD'S COMMAND, SHOWING THEIR FALLEN CONDITION AS SINNERS, LOST, IN NEED OF GOD'S SALVATION.
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Adam makes excuses and blames God and Eve.
Eve blames the serpent |
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God calls Adam to be accountable for his household |
| Adam and Eve try to hide themselves in the garden. |
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:8-13
GOD PUTS A CURSE ON THE SERPENT (SATAN). THE LORD ALSO GIVES US THE FIRST PROPHECY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD, GOD THE SON:
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God curses the serpent.
The Promise of a Savior to save us from our sins. |
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:14-15
ONLY GOD COULD COME UP WITH THE PLAN TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO DIE FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD
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The Lord God promises to send himself in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. |
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
THE BIBLE PROVES JESUS (BORN OF MARY WHEN SHE WAS A VIRGIN) IS NONE OTHER THAN GOD IN THE FLESH.
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God's free gift of salvation is in the person of His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. |
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
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The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. |
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:11
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Isaiah 45:5
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And besides the Lord Jesus there is no other Savior. |
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
BECAUSE OF MAN'S SIN NATURE, WE HAVE BEEN SEPARATED FROM GOD. IN ORDER FOR US TO GET SALVATION WE MUST FIRST REALIZE THAT WE ARE LOST. JUST AS YOU AND I WERE BORN IN OUR FLESH, WE ALSO MUST BE BORN AGAIN, THAT IS, BORN OF THE SPIRIT.
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The Lord Jesus Christ was born to die |
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him (JESUS) the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
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That is, born to die for the sins of the world. |
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION (KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS GOD'S PLAN AND NOT MANS PLAN), TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD.
1. IT IS A FACT THAT GOD LOVES YOU.
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The greatest love story ever told.
God does love us in spite of our sin nature. |
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9
2. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER.
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Keep in mind all of us are sinners by nature |
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10
3. IT IS A FACT THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.
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All of us have sinned |
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; Isaiah 64:6
4. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU OWE A PENALTY, A DEBT, FOR YOUR SINS.
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We all must realize the wages of sin is death, both physically and spiritually. |
For the wages of sin is death; Romans 6:23
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:20
. . . ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23
5. IT IS A FACT THAT DEATH IS SEPARATION FROM THE BODY.
| The Bible proves that a real Hell will be the final destination of all people who do not repent. |
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We must understand that we never really die. Death is separation from our physical body |
. . . the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:22-24
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14
6. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF.
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You cannot save yourself |
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
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Salvation is trusting in the person of the Lord Jesus, not good works , not church membership, not living a good life or doing your best. |
. . . for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
7. IT IS A FACT THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR SINS.
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The only saving Gospel in the Bible is the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
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He came down from Heaven and died for our sins. |
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, 1 Peter 3:18
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
8. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU MUST REPENT.
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True repentance is a change of mind. |
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, Acts 3:19
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True repentance will lead you to trust on the Lord Jesus as your Savior. |
. . . repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5
9. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU MUST BELIEVE ON JESUS, TRUSTING IN HIM AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:15
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What does it mean to believe on Jesus? It means more than just a head knowledge of Him. It means to trust Him completely |
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36
. . . Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:30-31
10. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU MUST CONFESS THE LORD.
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True Salvation brings a change in us, and will cause us to confess this before men. |
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
11. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU MUST CALL ON THE LORD
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It will cause us to call on the Lord. |
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
12. IT IS A FACT THAT YOU MUST RECEIVE HIM.
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To receive God's free gift of Salvation you must trust and receive His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Mark 9:37
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
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We pray that you will trust in the Lord for you Salvation. The choice is yours. |
GOD, THROUGH THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, CALLS ALL MEN TO REPENTANCE. BUT GOD WILL NOT FORCE HIMSELF ON YOU. THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
. . . choose you this day whom ye will serve; Joshua 24:15
WOULD YOU NOW LIKE TO RECEIVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR? IF SO, YOU MAY PRAY THIS PRAYER TO GOD:
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Sinner's Prayer. |
LORD GOD, BEING CONVINCED THAT I AM A SINNER AND KNOWING THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR MY SINS, I DO NOW TRUST AND ACCEPT JESUS AS MY SAVIOR AND WITH HIS HELP I PLAN TO CONFESS HIM BEFORE MEN.
_____________________________
Signed
____________________
Date
GOD'S PLAN FOR MAN INCLUDES ASSURANCE OF HIS SALVATION
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It is a fact that God has given us Eternal Life, and this life is in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. |
GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU TO HOPE THAT YOU ARE SAVED. HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW IT. GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU TO THINK THAT YOU ARE SAVED. HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW IT. GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU TO FEEL LIKE YOU ARE SAVED. GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAVED. THANK GOD WE HAVE PROOF OF THE FACT THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE, AND THAT HE WANTS YOU AND I TO KNOW IT. LET US SHARE THIS GOOD NEWS WITH YOU:
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It is a fact that God wants you to know you have Everlasting Life. |
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24
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This is our security: The Lord Jesus Christ. |
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37
| Praise God for the real gift of life - Eternal Life. |
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God's record of Eternal Life. |
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:11-13
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Praise God! Amen! and Amen! |
IF YOU RECEIVED CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, PLEASE WRITE US AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF YOUR SALVATION WITH US, AND WE WILL PRAY FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AS A NEW CHRISTIAN.
WRITE TO:
ALBANY RESCUE MISSION, INC.
604 NORTH MONROE STREET
ALBANY, GEORGIA
31701
NOW THAT YOU ARE SAVEDWHAT IS NEXT?
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Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the command-ments of men.” |
We most certainly live in a day of religious confusion, especially when it comes to the different Christian beliefs that are practiced by various denominations and their churches. However, the Bible tells us in I Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” Most churches claim to have the truth, but the Bible is plain in this area. John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
The next section of this book was prepared to show us what God expects us to do after we have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. Keep in mind: the final authority is God’s Holy Word, the Bible. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN
Part 2
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Now that you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you may be asking, "What's next?" |
IN SEARCH OF THE RIGHT CHURCH
THIS IS GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN AFTER HE RECEIVES THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR, AND HE HAS BEEN GIVEN ASSURANCE OF HIS SALVATION BY THE WORD OF GOD.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
THE FIRST THING THE LORD WANTS YOU TO DO IS CONFESS HIM BEFORE MEN, AND FOLLOW HIM IN SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM.
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As an obedient Christian, you will want to do as the Lord commands. |
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32
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Keep in mind when we use the word "Man" in this writing, we are referring to mankind: men, women and children. |
YOUR PROFESSION OF FAITH AND BAPTISM SHOULD BE MADE IN A LOCAL BIBLE PREACHING AND BELIEVING NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. IF YOU WERE SAVED OUTSIDE OF A CHURCH, AND YOU ARE NOT SURE WHERE TO GO, DO THIS: IMMEDIATELY PRAY AND ASK THE LORD TO HELP YOU FIND THE CHURCH HE WANTS YOU TO SERVE HIM IN. THIS CHURCH SHOULD BE A CHRIST HONORING, BIBLE PREACHING AND BIBLE BELIEVING, SIN HATING, WITNESSING, SOUL WINNING MISSIONARY MINDED CHURCH.
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As an obedient Christian, you will want to do as the Lord commands. |
AS A BORN AGAIN CHILD OF GOD YOU CANNOT BE IN GOD'S WILL UNLESS YOU ARE SERVING HIM IN THIS KIND OF A LOCAL CHURCH. THIS CHURCH SHOULD BE A CHURCH THAT HAS A FRIENDLY WARM ATMOSPHERE AS FAR AS IT'S PASTOR AND MEMBERS. YOU SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE OTHER BELIEVERS IN THIS CHURCH.
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It is very important that you join a Church that puts the Lord Jesus Christ first |
AVOID ANY CHURCH THAT DOES NOT TEACH AND PREACH SALVATION BY THE DEATH BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR OUR SINS, PLUS NOTHING, MINUS NOTHING. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE ALONE. AVOID ANY CHURCH THAT MIXES WORKS WITH GOD'S GRACE. YOU SHOULD NOT JOIN A CHURCH THAT TEACHES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING UNSCRIPTURAL DOCTRINES.
1 THAT YOU CAN LOSE YOUR SALVATION. THE BIBLE SAYS:
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me (RECEIVES CHRIST AS SAVIOR) I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37
2 AVOID ANY CHURCH THAT TEACHES IN ORDER TO BE SAVED THAT YOU MUST DO THE BEST YOU CAN, HOLD OUT, LIVE A GOOD LIFE, GET BAPTIZED, SPEAK IN TONGUES OR RECEIVE "THE BAPTISM". THE BIBLE SAYS:
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Remember, anyone who adds works into God's plan of salvation is teaching false doctrines. |
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
(3) ALSO BEWARE OF ANY CHURCH THAT "OVER" EMPHASIZES THE GIFTS, HEALINGS, TONGUES, SIGNS AND WONDERS, MIRACLES, "THE BAPTISM" AND AVOID ANY CHURCH WHERE EMOTIONS AND CONFUSION RULE RATHER THAN THE WORD OF GOD. REMEMBER, THE BIBLE SAYS:
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Once you have found the church the Lord wants you to serve Him in, you need to make public your profession of faith and follow Him in scriptural baptism. |
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. . . Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:33,40
ALSO, JESUS SAID:
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:8-9
BAPTISM
NOW THAT WE KNOW WHAT KIND OF CHURCH THE LORD WANTS YOU IN, LETS TALK ABOUT THE TWO ORDINANCES THE LORD GAVE AND COMMANDED US TO OBSERVE AS MEMBERS OF HIS CHURCH; THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY.
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To scripturally baptize one must dip, submerge, or immerse under water. Baptism is meant to be a picture or illustration of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. |
| It also pictures our death to sin, our new birth and new life in Christ. |
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. . . Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:41-42,47
BELIEVERS BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER HAVE NO SAVING POWER. WE MUST FIRST BE SAVED, BORN AGAIN OF THE SPIRIT, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, BEFORE WE CAN FOLLOW THE LORD IN BELIEVERS BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.
NOTICE NO ONE IN THE BIBLE EVER GOT BAPTIZED UNTIL AFTER THEY RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD AND TRUSTED ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER:
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Also the fact that we will be following the Lord in the resurrection of the saved and be taken by Him to heaven: Home of the Saved. Remember, baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ as Lord. Keep in mind baptism is only for believers. You must be saved before you can be baptized. Study Romans 6:1-4 |
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. . . And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 16:30-31,33
PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH:
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:35-38
YOUR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
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You may ask, "When should I go to Church?" |
AFTER YOU FIND THE RIGHT CHURCH, WHICH WE COVERED EARLIER, AND YOU HAVE MADE YOUR PROFESSION OF FAITH AND HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED, YOU SHOULD JOIN THAT LOCAL ASSEMBLY AND START SERVING THE LORD THERE.
THE BIBLE SAYS:
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The answer is every time the Church has a service you should be there unless you are ill or have to work. |
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25
THE LORD JESUS SAID:
. . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
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We must keep in mind we are not saved by going to church; we are saved to go to church. |
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
THE LORD'S SUPPER
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The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus the night He was betrayed. This is a memorial of the death of our Lord on the Cross. |
NO UNSAVED PERSON HAS A RIGHT TO PARTAKE IN THE LORD'S SUPPER OR HOLY COMMUNION. THIS IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
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It is a very serious thing to take the Lord's Supper with unconfessed sin in our lives. |
BEFORE WE OBSERVE THE LORD'S SUPPER, WE SHOULD EXAMINE OURSELVES TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY UNCONFESSED SIN IN OUR LIVES. THIS ALSO WOULD MEAN ANY BITTERNESS OR UNFORGIVING SPIRIT WE MAY HAVE TOWARD A BROTHER OR SISTER. IF SO, WE MUST FORGIVE THAT PERSON AND ASK THEM TO FORGIVE US. THEN WE MUST ASK THE LORD TO FORGIVE US AND CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS.
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We see that the Corinthians who did this were sick and weak and many had suffered death. |
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30
CONFESSING YOUR SIN
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Christians still sin. When we do sin we should confess them immediately. The Bible says these sins will be remembered no more. |
SO WE SEE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO THE LORD. THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON QUALIFIED TO FORGIVE YOU OF YOUR SINS, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:
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“And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more”. Hebrews 10:17 |
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5
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Remember ¾ confess your sins to God |
. . . and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:7-10
YOUR BIBLE READING AND BIBLE STUDY
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You should get in the habit of reading your Bible every day. |
THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD, IT IS GOD'S REVELATION TO MAN:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS WORD:
. . . For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalms 119:89
OUR FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE WORD OF GOD:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
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You should try to read the Bible through every year. If you read just 4 chapters every day you will complete it in a year. |
A CHRISTIAN'S DELIGHT COMES FROM THE WORD OF GOD:
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:2
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The Holy Bible, the Word of God, should be the most important book in your life. |
IT COULD BE SAID THAT THE BIBLE IS THE CHRISTIAN'S OWNERS MANUAL FOR THE BODY, SPIRIT AND SOUL. SOME OF WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE BIBLE:
1. THE WAY OF SALVATION (John 14:6)
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You should read the Bible before you read anything. |
2. WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT (John 3:16) (1 Corinthians Chapter 13)
3. WHERE DO WE GET WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, INSTRUCTION? (PROVERBS)
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The Bible is the only book containing God's prophecy that has never failed. |
4. WHERE DO WE LEARN TO REJOICE AND PRAISE THE LORD? (PSALMS)
5. WHERE DO WE LEARN ABOUT GOD’S POWER. (ACTS)
6. THE HALL OF FAITH (Hebrews Chapter 11)
7. GOD’S PLAN FOR SUCCESS (Psalm 1:1-3)
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Let us remember, the Bible interprets itself. |
WHAT BIBLE SHOULD I USE? DOES IT MATTER? YES, IT DOES! YOU NEED A REAL BIBLE ¾ NOT A PARAPHRASE, NOT A COMMENTARY.
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Be careful how much you rely on a commentary, since these are the thoughts off men commenting on the Bible. |
THIS WRITER RECOMMENDS WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION AS THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY TRANSLATION. I USE ONLY THE AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION WHEN I PREACH, WHEN I TEACH, WHEN I READ, AND WHEN I STUDY.
I ALSO SUGGEST THE ORIGINAL SCOFIELD REFERENCE BIBLE AS THE BEST REFERENCE BIBLE. I DO NOT AGREE WITH EVERY FOOTNOTE BUT IT IS STILL THE BEST AVAILABLE.
THE RICE REFERENCE BIBLE IS ALSO A VERY GOOD REFERENCE BIBLE. FOR STUDY AIDS, I RECOMMEND STRONG'S CONCORDANCE AND NOAH WEBSTER'S 1828 DICTIONARY (FOR SCRIPTURAL MEANINGS OF OUR ENGLISH WORDS).
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
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Let us be careful to compare scripture to scripture in our daily Bible study. |
WE ARE COMMANDED TO STUDY TO SHOW OURSELVES APPROVED: NOT TO MAN, BUT UNTO GOD.
GOD'S TITHE, AND YOUR GIVING AS A CHRISTIAN
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This is another area where some Christians have a problem. |
THE FIRST THING WE MUST REALIZE ABOUT THE TITHE IS THAT IT DOES NOT BELONG TO US, IT BELONGS TO GOD. SO IF YOU DO NOT TITHE OR YOU TAKE IT AND SPEND IT YOU ARE ROBBING GOD AND YOU HAVE A CURSE ON YOU. PLEASE READ THIS:
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They may say, "I can't afford to tithe", but the truth is they can't afford to NOT tithe. |
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:8-10
AS A SAVED CHRISTIAN AND A MEMBER OF A LOCAL NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH YOU SHOULD PUT THE TITHE IN THAT LOCAL CHURCH TO HELP SUPPORT THE LORD'S WORK THERE. YOU MUST REALIZE THE TITHE IS THE LEAST YOU SHOULD DO. YOU HAVEN'T GIVEN THE LORD ANYTHING UNTIL YOU GIVE ABOVE THE TITHE. THESE ARE REFERRED TO AS OFFERINGS OR LOVE OFFERINGS.
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You cannot out give the Lord. Trust Him in your giving and He will pour you out a blessing. |
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
YOUR PRAYER LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN
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Prayer is talking with God. It is asking and receiving. |
WHAT IS PRAYER? GOD SPEAKS TO US MAINLY THROUGH THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD. HE ALSO SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS PREACHERS, SCRIPTURAL CHRISTIAN BOOKS AND OTHER CHRISTIANS. HE WILL ALSO SPEAK TO YOUR SPIRIT BY CONVICTING YOU AND LEADING YOU THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY FOR YOU TO TALK TO GOD. THAT WAY IS THROUGH PRAYER. THE WORD PRAYER MEANS ASK. THE BIBLE TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS ASKING AND RECEIVING.
HERE ARE SOME MEMORY VERSES:
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God is your Father and He wants to hear from you. |
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7
WHEN AND WHERE TO PRAY
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As Christians, we need to pray daily. |
THE BIBLE TEACHES US:
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
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Everyone should set aside a special place and a certain time to pray. |
WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER. THE LORD BEING OUR EXAMPLE SHOWS US THAT THE EARLY PART OF THE DAY IS THE BEST TIME TO PRAY.
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You should not pray to be seen of men. Most of your praying should be done in secret. (Matt. 6:5-6). |
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Mark 1:35
YOU SHOULD FIND A SPECIAL PLACE WHERE YOU CAN BE ALONE WITH THE LORD. AND YOU SHOULD NOT LET
WHAT AND WHO TO PRAY FOR
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Keep in mind there is only one mediator between man and God. Not Mary, not a pope, not a preacher. The one and only mediator is the Lord Jesus Christ. (1Tim. 2:5, John 14:6). |
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:4
GOD WANTS US TO HAVE THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART, BUT KEEP IN MIND THOSE DESIRES SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BY WHAT PLEASES GOD, AND IS ACCORDING TO HIS WILL FOR OUR LIFE.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
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Think about this. As a saved person you are a child of God. |
ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING WAYS TO HANDLE YOUR PROBLEMS IS BY HELPING OTHERS WITH THEIR PROBLEMS. LEARN TO PRAY FOR OTHERS FIRST. THIS WILL HELP US HAVE AN UNSELFISH PRAYER LIFE.
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God is your Father. |
ASK GOD TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. GOD ALSO SAYS WE SHOULD PRAY FOR ENEMIES:
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How do you think He feels when His children do not speak to Him? Pray! |
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
PRAISE GOD FOR ALL HIS GOODNESS AND BLESSINGS (PSALMS 150)
REPENT OF YOUR SINS ON A DAILY BASIS, CONFESS YOUR SINS DAILY (1 JOHN 1:8-10)
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You may find this outline useful in making out your daily prayer list. |
ASK GOD TO BLESS LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS. AND PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES (1 SAMUEL 12:23) (MATTHEW 5:43-44)
YOUR
NEEDS SHOULD BE LAST. AS A CHILD OF GOD HE PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF US.
(PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7,19)
WHAT HINDERS OUR PRAYER LIFE?
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The next time you get upset at someone and an unforgiving spirit rises up, stop and think how much Jesus forgave you. |
REBELLION AND DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4
ALSO UNCONFESSED SIN, AND BITTERNESS, AND AN UNFORGIVING SPIRIT TOWARD SOMEONE WILL HINDER OUR PRAYERS.
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We should always forgive one another. |
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:23-24
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
REMEMBER GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD. EVEN ON OUR BAD DAYS. STUDY ROMANS 8:28:
FASTING AND PRAYER
FASTING IS WHEN WE ABSTAIN FROM FOOD AND SOMETIMES FOOD AND WATER IN ORDER TO BE TOTALLY GIVEN TO GOD IN PRAYER AND MEDITATION.