Month: September 2024

1.         Is it right? 1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

2.         Will this bring me near some temptation? Rom. 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

3.         Does this give place to the devil? Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

4.         Is there anything in scripture contrary to it? Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

5.         Am I trusting God or depending in my own strength? Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

6.         Is it doubtful? Rom. 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

7.         Will it cause someone to stumble? Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

8.         Does it appear evil to anyone? 1 Thess. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil

9.         Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this? 1 Pet. 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Soiyihat he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

10. Will it please God? John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath n0 ft me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

11. Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality? Acts 5: 1-11 But a certain  man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was so d, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry tb.ee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12.       Do I hope somebody notices me? Gal. 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

13.       Does it edify? 1 Cor. 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

14.       Am I being selfish? Phil. 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

15.       Am I denying the flesh? Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

16.       Am I putting Christ first? Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

17.       Is it expedient? 1 Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

18.       Will it bring glory to God? 1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

19.       Am I deceiving myself or being deceived? 1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

20.       Do I know better? 1 Cor. 8: 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.

21.       Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do? Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

22.       Do I have to hide it from anyone? Sneak around? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

23.       Did I handle the word of God deceitfully? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

24.       Will this in anyway defile God’s body? 1 Cor. 3: 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Cor. 6: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

25.       Can I sincerely thank God for it? 1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

26.       Can I do this in Jesus’ name? Col. 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

27.       Can I go all the way with it? Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Eccl. 9: 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

28.       Have I prayed about it? Ps. 66: 18 If l regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

29.       Will it increase or hinder my prayer life? 1 Pet. 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

30.       Am I breaking one commandment in order to keep another? Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

31.       What does my pastor think about it? Hebr. 13 :7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebr. 13: 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

32.       What does my church brethren think about it? Prov. 11: 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Prov. 15 :22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

33.       Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns? 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 3: 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

34.       How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ? Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 1 Cor. 3: 11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

By Steve Sturgeon

1. AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS PROACTIVE– He is not a passive person around whom things simply “happen”. He makes things happen through being a galvanizing catalyst.

2.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS GOAL ORIENTED-So often church leaders just bumble along without any goal in mind, with their churches just doing things because that’s the way they have always been done. Such aimless conduct should have no place in a witnessing, gathering church.

3.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER PUTS FIRST THINGS FIRST-He doesn’t major on secondary, inconsequential matters, but ensures that his priorities are the same as those the Lord expects from him.

4.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WANTS EVERYONE TO BENEFIT, IF POSSIBLE-He ensures that his actions and his teaching do not favor one particular group in the church, but provides milk and meat, something appropriate for all to grow by.

5.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS HARD AT BEING UNDERSTOOD– Anyone in leadership swiftly discovers that there is a continual danger of being misunderstood – even when one speaks plainly. Misunderstandings can lead to disastrous situations. How many church splits have been rooted originally in misunderstandings? How often do misunderstandings worsen already strained relationships or discussions?

6.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS AT CREATIVE COOPERATION AND LEADERSHIP THROUGH TEAMWORK– Leaders can only lead by consent at every level. They can only lead effectively by helping people to feel part of a team-effort, rather than being under a leader’s feet.

7.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS CONTINUALLY LEARNING– One of the very best ways that a leader can stimulate people around him to have a thirst for learning is to be an avid learner himself. “Leaders are readers.” A leader who thinks he has nothing new to learn will be the worst bottleneck possible in the life of a church.

8.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS NA TU RALLY SERVICE ORIENTED-A Christian leader will not see himself as a “boss” but as a servant-leader, whose work of rulership in the church (cf. Heb.13:7, 17 & 24) is a servant role on behalf of the Lord.

9.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER BELIEVES IN PEOPLE AND THEIR CAPACITY TO DO GOOD THINGS– This can be a difficult way of thinking to fulfil. There are people whom we want to run a mile from when see them in the street; people who drive us crazy with their brattish and often boorish behavior. A true leader is one who can even see the good in the most troublesome person, and then go on to encourage it and develop it.

10.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER TAKES TIME TO ENCOURAGE AND REWARD– He doesn’t miss an opportunity to show gratitude and pleasure when work is well done. People need appreciation by nature. And nothing is more demoralizing than to feel that your achievements are of no significance. The Lord Himself rewards His people for their endurance and achievement. So should those who are the under shepherds.

11.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS AT EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING– True leaders do not encourage dependency but always work at enabling others to develop their own abilities to stand. A teacher of the Word should not be content for people to sit at his feet open-mouthed like babies; but instead he should be providing the tools for them to study the Word effectively on their own. He takes pleasure in seeing people grow and think for themselves.

12.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER LEADS A BALANCED LIFE– He doesn’t only read one genre of literature, or listen to one kind of music, or follow one school of theology, or have a one-track mind in any respect. He is a spiritual “renaissance man”. As such, he seeks to enrich his life with many varied influences, and thus enrich the lives of many others. He knows that God “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim.6:17).

13.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER TAKES HIS WORK SERIOUSLY AND HIMSELF NOT VERY SERIOUSLY-As human beings, we often take ourselves far too seriously, and as a result our work suffers. The leader should say: “The importance of my work for Him must increase; my importance in my own eyes must decrease”. A leader who doesn’t take himself very seriously will not be so easily offended, will not push his weight around, and will tend to have an infectious sense of humor -even being able to laugh at himself!

14.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER CONTINUALLY STRIVES FOR PERSONAL RENEWAL – He is not content to languish in the same spiritual, emotional and intellectual condition all his life. Instead he expects to grow and does everything possible to encourage that process. He knows the great secret that there is no such thing as “standing still” for the true Christian. One is only ever either falling backwards or moving forwards in this life. Continuous personal renewal is his goal.

15.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER SEES LIFE AS AN ADVENTURE-As a result, he views everything in life as an event on a great journey, rather than an end in itself. Seeing life as an adventure makes one into an adventurer. Adventurers are brave. Adventurers achieve things. Adventurers are fearless pioneers. Adventurers have no time for small-mindedness and pettiness. Adventurers are impervious to idle gossip, being far too occupied with adventure to be waylaid by such things. Adventurers are not afraid of the new. Adventurers don’t mind occasionally failing at things, seeing failure as an incentive to try harder. Adventurers even find hardship exciting and beneficial to their character (cf. James 1 :2-3).

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)

            Can you afford the high price of not being saved? Many times when being saved is discussed, we often speak of what we must give up to be saved. Certainly, there must be repentance of sins, and a turning from the world, but look at the other side of the story. Just what are you losing by not being saved? If you choose to live your life without Jesus Christ, it will cost you:

1.  FORGIVING LOVE

            Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world. Dying in our stead on the cross, He has made forgiveness a reality for us. The invitation is for you and me to come by faith to Jesus, accept Him as our Savior, and know this forgiveness. This, alone, can make us acceptable with God. Can you afford to reject His offer of love and forgiveness and go your own way, only to meet Him in judgment and go to hell?

2.  FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS

            In the world of the unsaved, no man cares for your soul. Everybody lives for themselves and what they can get out of life. In Jesus, however, there is abundant fellowship. Because we have been forgiven, we have fellowship with God and with all the saints. The people of God are real friends who care for you and love you. There is the plenty of the Father’s table that is always set full and free. Can you afford to miss this?

3.  ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD

            If you die without Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will surely be “turned into hell” (Psalm 9:17). It will cost you your soul to live in sin in this world and reject God’s Son as your Savior. Where will you be ten thousand years from now? Can you afford the cost of not being saved? No. None of us can, so “flee the wrath to come” (Luke 3:7) and run to Jesus now while you can. Thank God! He said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)

1.         To seek to get your heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in a given matter. In other words, simply tell the Lord you’ll do anything He says. When we are ready to do the Lord’s will–whatever it may be–nine tenths of the difficulties are overcome.

2.         Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so I make myself liable to great delusions.

3.         I seek the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with God’s Word. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Spirit guides us He will do it-according to the Scriptures, never contrary to them.

4.         I take next into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will, in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5.         I ask God to reveal His will to me.

6.         Through prayer, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgement according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If my mind is thus at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective in trivial or important issues.

No doubt the name “Jehovah” is pronounced in the Hebrew Bible (four letter

name) “JHWH” or Jahwe.

Jehovah means, “the existing, the abiding, eternal, steadfast, permanent,

dependable, true, “Who is and will ever be,” or, as the exalted Lord Himself

declares.

“which is and which was and which is to come.” (Revelation 1:4,8; 4:8)

In the most manifold way the name Jehovah gives to us a picture of

salvation, Christian living, and experience and eternal glory.

There are seven names of Jehovah in the Old Testament direct, also

revealed in Psalm 23:

1. Jehovah-Rohi; – The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23: 1

2. Jehovah-Shalom; – The Lord who is or gives peace. Psalm 23:2 (Judges 6:24)

3. Jehovah-Rapha; – The Lord the physician. Psalm 23:3 (Exodus 15:26)

4. Jehovah-Tsidkenu; – The Lord our Righteousness. Psalm 23:3, (Jeremiah 23:6)

5. Jehovah-Shammah; – The Lord is there, the tabernacle of God with men. Psalm 23:4 (Ezekiel 48:35)

6. Jehovah-Nissi; – The Lord my banner. Psalm 23:5 (Exodus 17: 15)

7. Jehovah-Jireh; – The Lord who provides. Psalm 23:6 (Genesis 22: 14)

The one other name that sums up all the names is the name “Jehovah-Sabaoth”; The Lord Of Host.

These other names I will briefly mention so you can be looking for them in the future.

1. Adonai – means Lord 450 times

2. El – means mighty God 230 times

3. El Shaddai – means Almighty 50 times

4. El Elyon – means most high God 32 times

5. Elohim – means Creator 2570 times

6. Jehovah; means redeeming and covenant God 6000 times

7. Eloth; means strong one (Almighty) 50 times

Thus altogether the names of God occur in the Old Testament over 6,000

times.

This shows their vast and exalted significance in Biblical revelation