WORKMAN's FAITH

 

Ephesians 6:10

King James Version

10 Finally, 

my brethren, 

be strong in the Lord, 

and in the power of his might.

It's been quite a journey.

A life-long journey.

Searching for truth.

Ultimate truth.

Which turned out to be GOD's TRUTH.

And when I did find it, peace prevailed.

BECOMING a workman for God, nearly 27 months now.

2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.

SHARING the WORD of GOD each day, with you.

Hebrews 4:12

King James Version

12 For the word of God is quick, 

and powerful, 

and sharper than any twoedged sword, 

piercing even to the dividing asunder 

of soul and spirit, 

and of the joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts 

and intents of the heart.

DELIGHTING in the simplicity of the GOSPEL.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

King James Version

3 For I delivered unto you first of all 

that which I also received, 

how that Christ died for our sins 

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, 

and that he rose again the third day 

according to the scriptures:

TRUSTING in God completely.

Psalm 31:15

King James Version

15 My times are in thy hand: 

deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, 

and from them that persecute me.

KNOWING I am safe, with GOD.

Psalm 118:6

King James Version

6 The Lord is on my side; 

I will not fear: 

what can man do unto me?

TRUSTING in His promise.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 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.

BECOMING child-like with JESUS.

Matthew 18:3

King James Version

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

HAVING faith in Him alone.

Romans 8:31

King James Version

31 What shall we then say to these things? 

If God be for us, 

who can be against us?

FOCUSING on Him, above all.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

BEING conformed to GOD's WILL alone.

Romans 12:2

King James Version

2 And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed 

by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, 

and perfect, 

will of God.

WALKING with Spirit, each moment.

Galatians 5:16

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil 

the lust of the flesh.

WAITING to be taught, each day.

John 16:13

King James Version

13 Howbeit when he, 

the Spirit of truth, 

is come, 

he will guide you into all truth: 

for he shall not speak of himself; 

but whatsoever he shall hear, 

that shall he speak: 

and he will shew you things to come.

LIVING by FAITH alone.

Ephesians 2:8

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

BEING born again.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, 

I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

BELIEVING in JESUS, the SON of GOD.

John 14:1

King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: 

ye believe in God, 

believe also in me.

KNOWING all come from Him.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, 

and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

ALERTING me to something really urgent.

Matthew 24:39-42

King James Version

39 And knew not until the flood came, 

and took them all away; 

so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

40 Then shall two be in the field; 

the one shall be taken, 

and the other left.

41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; 

the one shall be taken, 

and the other left.

42 Watch therefore: 

for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

REVEALING the time is at hand.

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

WAITING for His soon return.

Hebrews 9:28

King James Version

28 So Christ was once offered 

to bear the sins of many; 

and unto them that look for him 

shall he appear the second time 

without sin unto salvation.

KNOWING only God knows when.

Matthew 24:36

King James Version

36 But of that day and hour 

knoweth no man, 

no, 

not the angels of heaven, 

but my Father only.

LOOKING forward to being with JESUS.

Revelation 21:1-5

King James Version

21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: 

for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; 

and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, 

new Jerusalem, 

coming down from God out of heaven, 

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, 

Behold, 

the tabernacle of God is with men, 

and he will dwell with them, 

and they shall be his people, 

and God himself shall be with them, 

and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 

and there shall be no more death, 

neither sorrow, 

nor crying, 

neither shall there be any more pain: 

for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, 

Behold, 

I make all things new. 

And he said unto me, 

Write: 

for these words are true 

and faithful.

A workman's work, is truly wonderful.

And so very worthwhile.

All for the GLORY of GOD.

(Image source: Pixabay)

A STORY of GOD's LOVE

1 John 1:7

King James Version

7 But if we walk in the light, 

as he is in the light, 

we have fellowship one with another, 

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son 

cleanseth us from all sin.

Have you any idea how much God loves you?

Let the Bible tell us how.

God loves us so much, He sent His only begotten Son.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 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.

Even as the world lieth in wickedness.

1 John 5:19

King James Version

19 And we know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

He had clear instructions for Jesus.

John 6:37-39

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.

So, Jesus came for us sinners.

Luke 5:32

King James Version

32 I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

For we were in great need of the Lord's healing grace.

Mark 2:17

King James Version

17 When Jesus heard it, 

he saith unto them, 

They that are whole have no need of the physician, 

but they that are sick: 

I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

He was not about to forget anyone among us.

Luke 15:4-6

King James Version

4 What man of you, 

having an hundred sheep, 

if he lose one of them, 

doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, 

and go after that which is lost, 

until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, 

he layeth it on his shoulders, 

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, 

he calleth together his friends and neighbours, 

saying unto them, 

Rejoice with me; 

for I have found my sheep which was lost.

To be saved, we had to believe in Him.

John 6:40

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

We also had to keep the Father's commandments.

1 John 2:3

King James Version

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, 

if we keep his commandments.

We had to obey His will.

Matthew 7:21

King James Version

21 Not every one that saith unto me, 

Lord, Lord, 

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

We had to confess our sins.

1 John 1:8-10

King James Version

8 If we say that we have no sin, 

we deceive ourselves, 

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, 

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, 

we make him a liar, 

and his word is not in us.

We had to repent.

Luke 15:7

King James Version

7 I say unto you, 

that likewise joy shall be in heaven 

over one sinner that repenteth, 

more than over ninety and nine just persons, 

which need no repentance.

Through the Son's death, He gave us the gift of life, and sanctification.

Hebrews 10:14

King James Version

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever 

them that are sanctified.

Good works on earth couldn't give us that salvation, only God could.

Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, 

lest any man should boast.

Jesus became our advocate.

1 John 2:1-2

King James Version

2 My little children, 

these things write I unto you, 

that ye sin not. 

And if any man sin, 

we have an advocate with the Father, 

Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: 

and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world.

He became our mediator.

1 Timothy 2:5

King James Version

5 For there is one God, 

and one mediator between God and men, 

the man Christ Jesus;

For it is God's will all of us be saved.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

King James Version

2 I exhort therefore, that, 

first of all, 

supplications, 

prayers, 

intercessions, 

and giving of thanks, 

be made for all men;

2 For kings, 

and for all that are in authority; 

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 

in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, 

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

But He had to sacrifice His Son, that we may have eternal life.

John 6:44

King James Version

44 No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It pleased God to give us His kingdom.

Luke 12:32

King James Version

32 Fear not, little flock; 

for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Which Jesus said was in our hearts, too.

Luke 17:21

King James Version

21 Neither shall they say, 

Lo here! 

or, lo there! 

for, behold, 

the kingdom of God is within you.

Before Jesus went back to the Father, He gave us a gift.

John 14:16-17

King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, 

neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; 

for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

We need the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us how to pray.

Romans 8:26

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And that intercession is aligned with the will of God.

Romans 8:27

King James Version

27 And he that searcheth the hearts 

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 

because he maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of God.

The Father really wants everyone saved.

Even if we continue to defy Him.

He is just, merciful, patient, and faithful to His people.

Deuteronomy 7:9

King James Version

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, 

he is God, 

the faithful God, 

which keepeth covenant and mercy 

with them that love him 

and keep his  commandments 

to a thousand generations;

It is the GREATEST love of all -- this love GOD has for us.

To the point of sacrificing His own Son, who knew no sin, and had to be made mortal.

May we all be worthy.

Updated 22 January 2022

WHY Did JESUS Have to Die?

 

Because GOD loved us:

John 3:16-17 

King James Version

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

Apart from GOD's incomparable love for us, what other reasons did Scripture reveal why JESUS offered His life for us?

1. In obedience to God.

Philippians 2:8

King James Version

8 And being found in fashion as a man, 

he humbled himself, 

and became obedient unto death, 

even the death of the cross.

2. To destroy the devil. 

Hebrews 2:14 

King James Version

14 Forasmuch then as the children 

are partakers of flesh and blood, 

he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him 

that had the power of death, 

that is, the devil;

3. In fulfillment of Scripture. 

Luke 24:46 

King James Version

46 And said unto them, 

Thus it is written, 

and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, 

and to rise from the dead the third day:

4. To reconcile us with God.

1 Peter 3:18 

King James Version

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, 

the just for the unjust, 

that he might bring us to God, 

being put to death in the flesh, 

but quickened by the Spirit:

5. To give us eternal life.

Hebrews 9:15 

King James Version

15 And for this cause he is the mediator 

of the new testament, 

that by means of death, 

for the redemption of the transgressions 

that were under the first testament, 

they which are called might receive 

the promise of eternal inheritance.

6. To die for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 

King James Version

6 For when we were yet without strength, 

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7. To redeem us from our sins.

Ephesians 1:7 

King James Version

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, 

the forgiveness of sins, 

according to the riches of his grace;

8. To redeem us from the vain traditional ways 

of our forefathers.

1 Peter 1:18-19 

King James Version

18 Forasmuch as ye know 

that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, 

as silver and gold, 

from your vain conversation 

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, 

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

9. To reveal His power over death.

John 10:17 

King James Version

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, 

because I lay down my life, 

that I might take it again.

10. To show His love for us.

Revelation 1:5 

King James Version

5 And from Jesus Christ, 

who is the faithful witness, 

and the first begotten of the dead, 

and the prince of the kings of the earth. 

Unto him that loved us, 

and washed us from our sins 

in his own blood,

Related posts:

Our HOPE in the BLOOD of CHRIST

The Power and Message of the Cross

More verses on why CHRIST had to die for us

TAKING up our CROSS

FULL ARMOR

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Updated 12 November 2024

What is RIGHT HEART?

 

Proverbs 23:26 

King James Version

26 My son, 

give me thine heart, 

and let thine eyes observe my ways.

What does it mean to have the right heart?

What is pleasing to the LORD?

This amazing 41-minute video will fill your heart with things of the heart, through verses chosen by J.C. Ryle*.

Read beautifully, this will open your heart to the LORD.

A wonderful way to begin, and end your day -- listening to Scripture, making sure you get God's WORD right.

*Ryle was a writer, pastor, and evangelical preacher. His heart was close to the Jews, and was part of the movement that led to the Balfour Declaration.

Updated 22 January 2022

What Do the PARABLES of JESUS Mean?

 

In the previous article, we spoke of what the word "parable" means, and why JESUS often spoke in parables.

What are some of the LORD's parables, and what do they mean?

Are they easy to understand?

Find out through these examples from Matthew 13.

JESUS really made everything simple for us to understand.

A backgrounder -- where JESUS spoke these parables:

Matthew 13:1-2 

King James Version

13 The same day went Jesus out of the house, 

and sat by the sea side.

2 And great multitudes 

were gathered together unto him, 

so that he went into a ship, 

and sat; 

and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Parable of the sower: 

Matthew 13:3-9 

King James Version

3 And he spake many things unto them 

in parables, saying, 

Behold, 

a sower went forth to sow;

4 And when he sowed, 

some seeds fell by the way side, 

and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5 Some fell upon stony places, 

where they had not much earth: 

and forthwith they sprung up, 

because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, 

they were scorched; 

and because they had no root, 

they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; 

and the thorns sprung up, 

and choked them:

8 But other fell into good ground, 

and brought forth fruit, 

some an hundredfold, 

some sixtyfold, 

some thirtyfold.

9 Who hath ears to hear, 

let him hear.

JESUS explains the parable of the sower:

Matthew 13:18-23 

King James Version

18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, 

and understandeth it not, 

then cometh the wicked one, 

and catcheth away 

that which was sown in his heart. 

This is he which received seed by the way side.

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, 

the same is he that heareth the word, 

and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, 

but dureth for a while: 

for when tribulation or persecution ariseth 

because of the word, 

by and by he is offended.

22 He also that received seed among the thorns 

is he that heareth the word; 

and the care of this world, 

and the deceitfulness of riches, 

choke the word, 

and he becometh unfruitful.

23 But he that received seed into the good ground 

is he that heareth the word, 

and understandeth it; 

which also beareth fruit, 

and bringeth forth, 

some an hundredfold, 

some sixty, 

some thirty.

------------------------

Parable of the tares of the field:

Matthew 13:24-30 

King James Version

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, 

saying, 

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man 

which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, 

his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, 

and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, 

and brought forth fruit, 

then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came 

and said unto him, 

Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? 

from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, 

An enemy hath done this. 

The servants said unto him, 

Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, 

Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, 

ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: 

and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, 

Gather ye together first the tares, 

and bind them in bundles to burn them: 

but gather the wheat into my barn.

JESUS explains the parable of the tares of the field.

Matthew 13:37-50 

King James Version

37 He answered and said unto them, 

He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

38 The field is the world; 

the good seed are the children of the kingdom; 

but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; 

the harvest is the end of the world; 

and the reapers are the angels.

40 As therefore the tares are gathered 

and burned in the fire; 

so shall it be in the end of this world.

41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, 

and they shall gather out of his kingdom 

all things that offend, 

and them which do iniquity;

42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun 

in the kingdom of their Father. 

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

44 Again, 

the kingdom of heaven 

is like unto treasure hid in a field; 

the which when a man hath found, 

he hideth, 

and for joy thereof goeth 

and selleth all that he hath, 

and buyeth that field.

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven

 is like unto a merchant man, 

seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, 

when he had found one pearl of great price, 

went and sold all that he had, 

and bought it.

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, 

that was cast into the sea, 

and gathered of every kind:

48 Which, when it was full, 

they drew to shore, 

and sat down, 

and gathered the good into vessels, 

but cast the bad away.

49 So shall it be at the end of the world: 

the angels shall come forth, 

and sever the wicked from among the just,

50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

---------------------

Parable of the mustard seed:

Matthew 13:31-32

King James Version

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, 

saying, 

The kingdom of heaven 

is like to a grain of mustard seed, 

which a man took, 

and sowed in his field:

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: 

but when it is grown, 

it is the greatest among herbs, 

and becometh a tree, 

so that the birds of the air come 

and lodge in the branches thereof.

Parable of the leaven:

Matthew 13:33

King James Version

33 Another parable spake he unto them; 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, 

which a woman took, 

and hid in three measures of meal, 

till the whole was leavened.

Related material:

SOWER and SEED

Updated 10 July 2023