Christians live by the Word of God, which provides guiding principles and wisdom for living in accordance with his will. Here is the secret to a successful life that pleases God and gives you direction, purpose, fulfillment, and peace. Follow these principles, and you will live your best life. (The following has been gathered from other sections of this work.)

Fear God

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ^{Ecclesiastes 12:13} 

To fear God is to acknowledge who and what he is: the only living God, the creator of all things, the judge of our souls, whose wrath can destroy us, and who can save us by his loving mercy and grace. Because of this, we live in awe (fear, even paralysis, with overwhelming possibility), respect, reverence, and obedience to our Father, who has total authority and power over everything. That is what it means to fear the Lord.

If we fear and love him for his mercy and grace, we are driven to obey his word, strive to live by his will, and conduct ourselves in a way that pleases him. God gives us the strength to do these things and provides us with the wisdom to live according to his plan.

The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ^{Proverbs 9:10}

Trust in God

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. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6}

Place your unwavering faith in God. Accept that his ways are beyond your understanding, and trust him with all aspects of your life.

Love God

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. ^{Mark 12:30}

The first and foremost commandment clearly instructs us to love God above all else. We are called to love him completely, with our entire being, putting him before everything else.

The word “love” can mean many things. In this context, it refers to love shown through will, action, dedication, commitment, and purpose. It comes from our gratitude for his mercy (the forgiveness of sins) and his saving grace, which make us heirs to his kingdom (our justification), as well as our humble respect (the fear of God) for who he is. Loving God in this way leads to obedience to his will; if you love God, you will keep his commandments. This love is not based on emotions, friendship, or religious rituals.

It is important to understand that God takes this commandment seriously. It is a directive, not a suggestion. In the verse below, Moses tells the Jews that God does not tolerate those who reject his commands and love other gods (idols) of the world.

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. ^{Deuteronomy 6:14-15}

Solomon tells us in Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” While fear is the beginning, it is through love that wisdom is fully realized. Those who love God will immerse themselves in his word, obey his commands, and discover his wisdom.

Live in the Word of God

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ^{2nd Timothy 3:16}

It is the Word of God that gives us doctrine, instruction, and correction. When we immerse ourselves in the Word every day, we are empowered to live confidently in faith.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ^{Colossians 3:16}

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ^{Psalm 119:105}

Strive to be the Unashamed Workman

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ^{2nd Timothy 2:15}

Work diligently to present yourself as approved by God. Know and understand the truth in the scriptures. Handle them properly with confidence, good conscience, and deliver them in humble simplicity and sincerity.

Be Humble

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. ^{Matthew 23:11-12}

The world often suggests that greatness comes from pride, power, and dominance. However, Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in humility and serving others. He, the highest authority, exemplified this humility by humbling himself to death on a cross, offering salvation from sin to the world through his sacrifice. Achievements gained through ungrateful arrogance are repulsive, while accomplishments rooted in humble service reflect the nature of Christ. 

Love Your Neighbor

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. _{Matthew 22:39}

The second greatest commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. Unlike our love of obedience to our Heavenly Father, this commandment emphasizes love as an act of service. We are called to love others as Jesus loved us. This involves qualities like patience, tolerance, humility, service, support, encouragement, and edification. It is free from envy, coveting, arrogance, and self-serving attitudes.

This love is not just an emotion; our attitude, actions, and deeds define it. We are not asked to like others but to love them! When we interact with others, including those we might see as enemies, we should aim to treat them as Jesus would. Always remember to ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. ^{John 15:12}

Forgive and Love Your Enemy

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}

Forgiving those who have wronged us, whether friends or enemies, is a command. To forgive is a divine act, demonstrated by God’s mercy toward us. We pray that the Holy Spirit grants us this ability.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ^{Matthew 5:43-44}

Hating your enemy is a natural, instinctive reaction. However, loving your enemy is one of the great distinguishing characteristics of Christianity. This goes against what the world would do; it is only possible in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Pray About Everything

Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ^{Philippians 4:6}

Gratefully ask God for what you need. Take everything to the Lord. Pray about everything, worry about nothing. When you suffer, pray for God to lift you, comfort you, establish, and heal you. When others are in pain, trouble, or headed in the wrong direction, pray for God to intervene. Seek those rooted in faith to pray with and for you. The power of fervent prayer is effective, sometimes amazingly so, when it aligns with God’s will. God hears and answers prayer all the time; it confirms that our faith is not in vain.

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}

Be Grateful to God

Be grateful for the ridiculous shower of unmerited blessings we enjoy. The forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God through the blood of Jesus Christ sit at the top of that list.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ^{Ephesians 5:20}

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:18}

Know That What You Say Matters

Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. ^{James 3:4-8}

Your words can destroy your life. In a moment of foolishness, you might hurt others, damage your reputation, and dishonor God. An undisciplined tongue is the hallmark of a fool. Discipline in what you say, along with listening and calm control, are marks of a mature Christian.

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. ^{James 1:19}

Those who live in Christ, seeking God’s approval, speak differently from those who are lost in the world. God despises those who spew boastful arrogance, slander (tearing others down), obscenities, and offensive, malicious, and derogatory language. This includes those who dishonor and disparage God by using his name as profanity.  This is all filth from the world and should not be present in those who live in Christ. What you say matters, and you will be held accountable for everything that comes out of your mouth.

Often, the best approach is to remain silent. Unless you’re confident that what you’re about to say is true, adds value, isn’t self-serving, and pleases God, it’s better to keep it to yourself.

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. ^{Proverbs 17:28}

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: ^{1st Peter 3:10}

A common belief is that trying to be a good person during your time on Earth is enough to avoid Hell. Being good, whatever that may mean, might please God, but it does not earn salvation. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ; relying on the deficient righteousness of your humanity means your fate is to face God’s wrath and eternal damnation.

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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^{Matthew 7:21-23}

Qualities that make a good person, shown through love and obedience to God, will bring reward and glory in the next life. Good works do not earn us salvation; we are saved so we can do good works.

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ^{Ephesians 2:8-10}

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. ^{Matthew 16:27}

Astounding Evil.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceedingly wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. ^{Matthew 2:16}

The evil that man is capable of knows no limits. Through history, we have countless examples of unthinkable, astounding evil from the corrupt souls of mankind. To kill every innocent child to address a perceived threat to his kingship is malevolence from the pit of Hell.

Jesus will separate the wheat from the chaff.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worth to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan (winnowing fork) is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. ^{Matthew 3:11-12}

The agricultural symbolism in the verse above is clear. The saved are gathered in Heaven, while the lost spend eternity in Hell. His “threshing floor” represents God’s judgment, with the verdict determined during each person’s lifetime on earth. God’s children—those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ—are distinguished and separated from those who are forever lost and condemned during our brief time here on Earth.

Transcendent, eternal joy and peace await those who successfully arrive at the threshing floor as wheat, not chaff. The word of God is crystal clear on how this is accomplished; it is only by faith in Jesus Christ. Later, in Heaven or Hell, we will reflect on our time here on Earth, when the quality of our eternity was settled, with either gratitude and joy or deep anguish, remorse, and sorrow. This mortal life is God’s sieve to separate those who are his from those who are not.

Here, the fate of the unrighteous vs the righteous is clearly presented. I love that we will shine forth as the sun in Heaven!

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; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. ^{Matthew 13:41-43}

Love your enemy.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ^{Matthew 5:43-44}

Hating your enemy is a natural, instinctive response. However, to love your enemy is one of the great distinguishing characteristics of Christianity. This is the opposite of what the world would do; it is possible only in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

To forgive is not a suggestion.

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}

Forgiveness of those who have wronged us, both friends and adversaries, is a command. To forgive is a divine action, exemplified by God’s mercy toward us. We pray that the Holy Spirit gives us this ability.

Our treasure is in Heaven.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ^{Matthew 6:19-21}

Jesus tells us that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Living to accumulate wealth and stuff is fleeting happiness, and one day you will leave it all behind. Accumulating treasure in heaven by serving God and others pays eternal dividends. You can indeed either pursue your lusts or you can serve God – you cannot serve both.

Don’t worry.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ^{Matthew 6:33-34}

This is where faith provides one of its greatest earthly rewards. God will abundantly provide everything you need when you trust him. No good comes from worry; it needlessly steals peace and happiness from today in fear of what might happen tomorrow. Don’t worry about tomorrow, because today has enough trouble of its own.

God hears and answers prayers.

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}

God hears our prayers and provides for those who strive to live in accordance with His will. It is answered prayer that confirms our faith, and by his provision, we know we are never alone or left fending for ourselves. Know that God is not your genie, and we trust he gives or withholds all things for our good.

The Golden Rule.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.  ^{Matthew 7:12}

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is fulfillment of the 2nd most important commandment – to love your neighbor as yourself. This is a foundational Christian attitude.

Few will find the way to Heaven.

Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  ^{Matthew 7:13-14}

We all choose a gate to enter. The narrow gate is faith in Jesus Christ, and the way is narrow because it is constricted by the word of God. To believe in Jesus, to establish him as the Lord of your life, and live in submissive obedience to the word of God, is the narrow gate and the narrow path to heaven. Wide and easy is the path that caters to desires in this life, often promising prosperity, health, and happiness. There is only one way to the Father and to eternal life, and that is the narrow way of Jesus Christ. All other paths lead to an eternity in hell. Sadly, most happily travel the wide path to destruction.

Beware corrupt teachers who will lead you to Hell.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ^{Matthew 7:15-16}

Beware of false prophets. A false prophet is anyone who leads people away from the narrow gate of Jesus Christ. These tools of Satan are everywhere, and many are clothed in trappings of Christianity; truly wolves in sheep’s clothing.

There are heretics who openly, blatantly teach against the truth of the bible. There are apostates, those who have rejected the truth, and then there are deceivers, who pervert the truth to capture the undiscerning. These crafty liars are the emissaries of Satan who will deceive you, selling a way to Heaven that lands you in Hell. You can tell the false versus the faithful prophets by their fruits (their character and motives, what they do, obedience to God). Look at what they produce, bad fruit is seen in bad character (how they live in immorality), in their corrupt attitudes (arrogant, greedy, seeking power & prestige, self-willed, jealous, pompous, self-indulgent, and vain). These are hucksters peddling the word of God, selling Jesus for profit. Good fruit is manifested in the genuine desire to glorify God, to overcome the offensiveness of sin, to magnify Christ, living in humility and selflessness.

The most terrifying verse in the bible.

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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^{Matthew 7:21-23}

This speaks of the poor souls who approach God on their terms. Possibly, they were deceived by false teachers, or a wide-gate religion that failed or chose not to follow the word of God. These may be devout religious individuals who follow rules and rituals, or the lax souls who believed they were saved by their good intentions, words, and attempts to live a good life, but never made Christ the Lord over their lives. The terrifying shock of being found guilty and condemned when salvation was thought to be in hand is incomprehensible. In disbelief, they join those who rejected Christ and face the crushing eternal anguish, agony, and misery of God’s wrath.

God says Believe and I will show you.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. ^{Matthew 8:13}

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. ^{Matthew 9:20-22}

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. ^{Matthew 9:27-30}

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. ^{Matthew 21:21-22}

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: ^{Matthew 12:38-39}

It is man’s nature to say, “I will believe, maybe, if you show me something astounding.” But it is by faith first that brings the hand of God into play. If we have faith (the conviction of things not seen, the promises of God), then we will experience the power of God.

Fear God, not men.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ^{Matthew 10:28}

Jesus has told his disciples that as they preach the gospel, they will be persecuted, but to not fear what man can do to them. We live in complete confidence that our lives and well-being are in God’s hands. Fear no man, but fear your creator, the ultimate authority who holds the fate of mankind in his hands.

Find rest for your soul in Jesus.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light ^{Matthew 11:28-30}

Jesus invites people who are burdened by sin to come to Him for rest. Rest means salvation, so this is an invitation to salvation. Take Christ’s yoke upon yourself by submitting to his lordship. The objective of Satan is to convince us that it is better and preferable to live without God, to reject taking the yoke of Christ. But that is a lie – living under submission to Christ is a life under the loving God. He is gentle, tender, and under his yoke is where we find peace, fulfillment, and rest. Christ demands your life, but he is not an oppressive, cruel master. The yoke of the world that Satan rules is crushing, cruel, and leads to eternal damnation.

Live only for God.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. ^{Matthew 10:32-33}

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. ^{Matthew 16:24-27}

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. ^{Matthew 19:29}

Here is the great paradox. Live for yourself, your desires, comfort, prosperity, and glory, then you will lose your life in hell. Live for God, giving him your life as a living sacrifice, and you will enjoy eternal life and reward in Heaven. Living your life in obedience to God is proof of saving faith.

 Jesus is the only way to the Father.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. ^{Matthew 11:27}

God gives the elect to his Son, and it is through Jesus that we are able to know God. There is only one way to God that does not end in condemnation, and that is by faith in Jesus. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

The most important question.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ^{Matthew 16:13-16}

The most important question in life is asked by Jesus . . . “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”  The answer is correctly given by Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” If you get this wrong, then nothing else matters, because then you have no hope of salvation.

Ruined by wealth.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ^{Matthew 19:23-24}

The more self-sufficient we are, the more likely it is that we live for our lusts, stuff, and security; the less we feel the need for a savior, and the harder it is to find the narrow gate. To come to saving faith in Christ, you must realize your moral and righteous bankruptcy, turn to Christ for salvation, and forsake all you have to follow him. For the self-sufficient, this is near impossible for them, and their best days are now; those who grasp their spiritual weakness will enjoy their best days ahead in Heaven.

The two most important commandments.

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ^{Matthew 22:36-40}

Love (obedience and devotion) God, and love (service) your neighbor. Pretty clear.

Greatness is found in humility.

 But is shall not be so among you: but whosever will be great among you , let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ^{Matthew 20:26-28}

Humility is one of the most Christ-like characteristics one can possess. We are to put the interest of others above ourselves. We do this (along with forgiveness) because that is what we experienced from God.

Teach the world.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  ^{Matthew 28:19-20}

We are called to be evangelists, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

Persevere in the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost. ^{1st Thessalonians 1:3-5}

We persevere in obedient and confident faith, looking forward to our inheritance in Jesus Christ. We received and believed the good news of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, which is given to those whom God has elected.

Christians will be taken off the earth.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ^{1st Thessalonians 4:16-18}

The rapture of the church is coming. Those in Christ, both those who have died and those who are alive on earth, will be taken off the earth to be with Jesus forever. Those alive at this event will miss mortal death! Woe to those left behind to experience the great tribulation and the end of human history.

God’s judgement will stun the world.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travel upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:2-3}

The rapture, then the ensuing judgment in “the day of the Lord,” will happen fast, and everything will change in an instant. We live now in the false comfort of the status quo, but God’s wrath will shake the world. The day is close.

Appointed for salvation, not wrath.

But let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:8-9}

We are children of the light, chosen by God to be his people.  The Elect, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, we live self-controlled in faith, love, and hope.

Christian Conduct.

Now we exhort you brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:14-22}

Rejoicing, constantly in prayer and grateful, we are God’s children pursuing the good and righteous life. Minister to the helpless, be patient, kind, and loving to all men.

Jesus will return, bringing the wrath of God.

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. ^{2nd Thessalonians 1:7-9}

Leave vengeance to God, as he will set things right and punish the “sons of disobedience” who have chosen to disregard the good news. They will be destroyed, removed from the presence of God for eternity in hell.

Pray you are worthy of God’s call.

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  ^{2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12}

Pray and strive to be worthy of your high calling to fulfill God’s will, pleasing him and glorifying his Son.

Reject Jesus and God will blind you to the truth.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish: because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie. And they might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. ^{2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12}

Those who reject the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be blinded to the message of the gospel of Jesus and left to believe the lies of the world. This will end in death.

Chosen by God, saved by faith, and sanctified by the Spirit.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  ^{2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14}

We are chosen by God to be saved. We are called by hearing the gospel of Jesus, and we believe and have faith that the word of God is true, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who sets us apart for salvation. God chose us, God called us, God redeems us, but man can reject that calling and miss glorification and instead endure forever in agony.

Those saved by God were chosen by God.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ^{Ephesians 1:4-7}

The mystery of election is clearly presented here. God, in his sovereign authority and will, chose those to forgive, justify, and adopt as his sons and daughters. He made these choices to the pleasure of his will before the beginning of time. We who are the Elect have been spiritually blessed beyond comprehension. We are accepted, redeemed, and forgiven by God as Jesus has paid the penalty of death for our sin. God has revealed this truth to us so that we may know the plan of salvation.

Almighty God is sovereign and in control of all things.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: ^{Ephesians 1:12}

Nothing can thwart God’s will. He works everything to accomplish his will.

Salvation cannot be lost.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  ^{Ephesians 1:13}

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ^{Ephesians 1:19-20}

In contrast to the reality of God’s sovereignty, those who hear the gospel of Jesus – the good news of salvation – and believe in and make Jesus their Lord are saved from God’s wrath, a salvation that can never be lost. This is the mystery that is beyond man’s ability to comprehend: that God chooses some for salvation, a gift to those who believe. Are there souls chosen by God who do not believe? I think so, as this is a validation of authentic free will. But what about those not chosen? This conundrum is not ours to understand, so there’s no need to worry about it. Be eternally grateful if you are a child of God and pray hard for the lost.

Spiritually Dead in the world, then made alive by the mercy and grace of God.

And you hath he quickened (brought to life), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ^{Ephesians 2:1-7}

Those who believe are spritiaully brought to life to enjoy our inheritance in Heaven. We were filthy and unrighteous but now we have been justified and sanctified to experience the “exceeding riches” of God’s grace toward us.

Saved only by the grace of God (Sola Gratia)

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  ^{Ephesians 2:8-10}

False doctrine teaches that man earns his salvation by doing good and following the rules, rituals, and traditions of religion. These are the souls who will be devastated when they land in hell because they did not submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ. We are not saved by our good works, but saved to do good works.

The fullness of God in us.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. ^{Ephesians 3:16-21}

For effectual faith, we are spiritually strengthened for Christ to live in our hearts so that we may grasp the incomprehensible magnitude of his love for us.  By his love, we live a life that is pleasing to God, and his divine nature is present and matured in our character. If so, then God will shower us with blessings that are beyond our needs and expectations. God is good, and by his response to our love (obedience), he is glorified.

Strive to walk worthy of our holy charge and station

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  ^{Ephesians 4:1-3}

A worthy walk is living in a manner that pleases God. Below are four critical characteristics of the worthy walk presented in these verses. These are the characteristics that foster unity of the body of Christ in a bond of peace:

• Lowliness – total humility
• Meekness – quiet, willing submission to God and others. It is power under control, not weakness.
• Longsuffering – a long-restrained temper, patience. An attitude that does not give in to negative circumstances. An endurance to be humble and meek in tough situations and with tough people. An acceptance of God’s plan, our lot, and the people in our lives.
• Forbearing Love – This is the act of loving one another when it is extremely hard to do; this is tolerance. This is a selfless love for those who may be your enemy. Forbearing love is a dramatic fruit of the Spirit of God.

Love one another.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ^{Ephesians 4:32-5:2}

Paul tells us to walk (in daily conduct and lifestyle) in love, patterning our lives after Christ, who loved us to the point of ultimate sacrifice for us. Being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving is the conduct of the children of God.

Walk in light.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) ^{Ephesians 5:8-9}

Live in the light of Jesus (truth, understanding, morality, and righteousness). Be a transformed Christian, no longer living in darkness, enabled by the Holy Spirit who works in us to manifest the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Have no fellowship with the sin and immorality of the world.

Live in the wisdom of God’s will.

See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. ^{Ephesians 5:15-17}

Walk in wisdom, which is to live in accordance with the will of God. Make the most of your time here on earth, exploit opportunities to glorify God and advance his kingdom.

Prepare for spiritual battle.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  ^{Ephesians 6:10-18}

Be strong in the “power of his might” of our Lord and put on the “whole armor of God” because our spiritual struggle is with a powerful adversary. Our battle is with the unholy evil of the world that Satan controls. With this “armor” we are ready to withstand, endure, and triumph over his temptations and deception. This is a fight for our minds.

In these verses, the tools of a Roman soldier are analogous to the attributes of our resources to defeat Satan:

• Truth (belt)– A correct attitude to fight the battle – sincerity, commitment, no hypocrisy. Discipline and a commitment to win!
• Righteousness (breastplate) – This speaks of practical righteousness, which is our persistent effort to be as righteous as we can be. Our desire is to be like Christ in how we live and to deal with our failures by confession and repentance. Seek to live a holy life.
• Gospel of peace (shoes)– Though we were weak, unjust, and at enmity with God, we were justified by faith. We now have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ. We rest in that truth and are bold in the battle because our feet are firmly rooted in our confidence in God.

The following below overarch the first three:

• Faith – (shield) This is a life believing in God. All of Satan’s temptations are lies; we do not believe him, but instead the truth of God.  In faith, we are confident we will win the war. In faith, we strive to win each battle.
• Salvation – (helmet) Salvation has three dimensions – past, present, and future. We have been saved (justification & reconciliation), we are being saved (sanctification), we will be saved (glorification). This speaks of our future salvation; we are sure of our glorification. We will be made completely righteous, we will reap glorious rewards, we will finish this test, and we will be victorious. We have an inevitable, incredible future (inheritance), so we fight the fight in this life. Our helmet of salvation protects us from discouragement and doubt from Satan. Of all that has been given to Jesus, he will lose not even one.
• The word of God (sword) – the “sword’ of the spirit. The bible is infallible in total, inerrant in part, complete, authoritative, sufficient, effective (transformative), divine, and determinative. It is the source of truth, happiness, growth, power, guidance, comfort, and perfection. The bible is our source of victory over the enemy. But it is useless if we do not know it!
• Prayer – Pray for the saints to win this battle. Pray continually for one another’s needs. Pray in harmony with the Spirit of God.

Those who pervert the true gospel are accursed.

As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you that that ye have received, let him be accursed. ^{Galatians 1:9}

The corruption of the word of God is one of Satan’s most effective tactics to lead souls away from Christ.

Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by compliance.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ^{Galatians 2:16}

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. ^{Galatians 2:10-11}

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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. ^{Galatians 2:20-21}

We are saved by faith, not by good works. A common thread of bad religion is to assert that man must earn his way to Heaven.

Jesus redeemed us to receive the promise of salvation.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  ^{Galatians 2:13-14}

Jesus took on our curse of sin and redeemed us to enjoy the promise of salvation.

The commandments bring us to Christ.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. ^{Galatians 3:24-25}

Man’s inability to keep every command of the law illuminates our desperate need for a savior. To meet God’s standard of righteousness, one must comply with every law all the time. One slip and you are unrighteous and destined to receive the wrath of God. Not one man is righteous under God’s standard; therefore, we all must call on Jesus to save us from the wrath to come.

Anyone can be the child of God by faith.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male of female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. ^{Galatians 3:26-29}

Salvation is available to every soul on earth. There is no distinction of lineage, race, past religion, or any other attribute. Christ died on the cross for the whole world.

 No longer slaves to sin, we are sons and daughters of God.

To redeem them that were under the law, the we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son then an heir of God through Christ. ^{Galatians 4:5-7}

Purchased by the blood of Jesus, we are now sons of God, looking to the promise of salvation as heirs to the Kingdom of God, Heaven. 

The fruit of the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have circumcised the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. ^{Galatians 5:22-26}

Saved souls, indwelled by the Spirit of God, exhibit these excellent Christian characteristics. We live in the Spirit and are free of the petty pursuits of the lost.

 Be dead to the world’s culture and systems.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. ^{Galatians 6:14}

We are dead to the world’s priorities, desires, enticements, lies, and vanity. Dead to the world’s systems that are run by Satan and alive in Christ.

Jesus died for every person on earth.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ^{Hebrews 2:9}

Jesus was sent to suffer in humility and was crucified for all men so that all may live. But the substitutional atonement is effective only for those who believe.

 God knows precisely what each of us is.

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. ^{Hebrews 4:12}

The word of God is living and powerful, and will pierce the soul; God will discern who are genuine disciples of his Son and who are not. To come into God’s rest (salvation), there must be faith, and God’s word will lay your heart open, so your thoughts and intent will be known.

Jesus is the only priest we need.

Seeing then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ^{Hebrews 4:14-16}

Jesus lived as a man and knows very well the feelings we have and the trials that we face. He is our high priest; we need no human to fill that role, and we can come to him and his Father in boldness when we are in need.

 Jesus was the final sacrifice.

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  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. ^{Hebrews 9:26-28}

The sacrifice of animals to temporarily cover sin never ended, and required year after year. But Jesus defeated sin by sacrificing himself, a final sacrifice that bore the sins of all who believe. We all will die and we will all face judgment, but those who look to him will appear before God deemed righteous and their sins forgotten.

You are responsible for what you know.

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be though worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and had done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ^{Hebrews 10:29-31}

Those who know the truth and toss it into the spiritual garbage heap will face God, and their punishment will be incredibly harsh. This is the unforgivable sin, to reject the Son, and God the Father will take vengeance, and their end will be terrible.

Faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ^{Hebrews 11:1}

This is the definition of faith: the confidence and conviction that what we hear in the word of God is true. We believe and taste the power and love of God, and our confidence (evidence) of the truth of things not seen becomes unwavering, immovable, and an eternal foundation of stone. It is faith that takes us into God’s rest. It is faith by which we are saved. By faith we run this race, pursuing the perfection of Jesus Christ.

But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ^{Hebrews 11:6}

It is by faith in the word that pleases God. Without faith, we are doomed.

Run this race with your eyes on Jesus.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset up, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the thrown of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Knowing the faith, persistence, and suffering of the saints who have gone before us, we strive to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. This is obedience to the word of God and also enduring the trials of life successfully. We do this looking to Jesus, who is the object of our faith, who was crucified and completed the atonement for our sins. He finished his work and is now seated at the right hand of God.

Love everyone.

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ^{Hebrews 13:1-2}

Be consistently benevolent to all that you meet! You will be a witness and will be blessed.

Be content in God’s provision and fear no man.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ^{Hebrews 13:5-6}

God is with us and in control; be bold in the faith and do not fear man.

 Jesus is unchanging and eternal.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. ^{Hebrews 13:5-6}

The God of peace will make you perfect.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ^{Hebrews 13:20-21}

God will make us perfect so that we can do His will. Through sanctification, we will be made more like Christ, serving God through our productive and good works.

God is the architect and creator of everything.

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. ^{Genesis 1:1}

God created everything by speaking it into existence. God’s power and capability are beyond comprehension. Believe, trust, fear, and serve the almighty God.

God is serious.

Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. ^{Deuteronomy 6:13-15}

A dramatic warning from the Old Testament. Fear God and do not pursue the gods (idols) of the world. If you do, he will wipe you off the face of the earth.

God holds the fate of our souls in his hands.

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. ^{Job 12:7-10}

This beautiful verse reminds us to look to God’s creation and be aware that our fate is entirely in his hands.

Trust in God alone.

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. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6}

God’s wisdom is the path to accomplish his will and is the best possible course for man to follow. Trust in him, live in the word, endure in the faith, and he will show you the way to go. Trust in yourself and you will experience a dramatically deficient and inferior life.

Fear God and keep his commandments.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. ^{Ecclesiastes 12:13-14}

To fear God is to live in acknowledgment of who and what he is – the only living God, the creator of all things, the judge of our souls, whose wrath can utterly destroy us, yet whose great love can save us. Because of this, we live in awe (fear, even paralysis, and the expectation of overwhelming possibility), respect, reverence, and obedience to our Father, who has total authority and power over everything.

Therefore, we strive to live a life that pleases him. In loving, grateful obedience, we follow his commandments as he will judge us on all that we did in this life. Thankfully, Jesus has paid the price for our sins, and we will stand before him deemed righteous, and our sins will be forgiven.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ^{Proverbs 9:10}

We are wise if we fear God and live a life that pleases him. To glorify him, that is to give him weight and preeminence in our lives, we understand the right and wrong, the holy and evil of the world and ourselves. To be wise is to live a life that accomplishes his will.

A gentle response brings peace.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. ^{Proverbs 15:1-2}

Our instinct is to fight, to display our anger when provoked. But the wise, demonstrating the character of Jesus, return enmity and animosity with calm reason and diplomacy, even kindness. Everyone then enjoys a better outcome.

Pride brings disaster.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. ^{Proverbs 16:18-19}

A common feature of life is that the proud will be humbled. God abhors pridefulness and exalts the humble.

The less said, the better.

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. ^{Proverbs 16:18-19}

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt – Abraham Lincoln.

The comfort of Christianity

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ^{Psalm 23}

This is undoubtedly the most famous Psalm, and for good reason. It conveys immense comfort and security for those to whom the Lord is their shepherd. The words are a beautiful expression of fatherly love and guidance. We experience unbounded joy and gratitude, blessed with goodness and mercy as we dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Truly awesome stuff.

Obedient love for God brings abundant blessings.

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. ^{Psalm 37:4}

To delight yourself in the Lord is to live in a manner that pleases him. Seek the will of God, and the desires of your heart will be in alignment with him. Live for God, and the blessings he will shower on you will be beyond measure.

Prophecy of Jesus’s sorrow and sacrifice.

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. ^{Isaiah 53}

Here, Isaiah gives an astounding prophecy of Jesus and his sacrifice for our sins hundreds of years before Jesus arrived. A man of sorrows, God laid on him the iniquity of us all as a lamb to slaughter. He bore the sin of many, and by his beatings and crucifixion, we were saved from the wrath of God. Amazing stuff.

Elected by God.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. ^{1st Peter 1:2}

We are the “elect,” being known by God before the beginning of time. God planned our salvation; Jesus purchased our salvation, and the Holy Spirit applies it, regenerating our spirit to make us alive. The “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” is the new covenant of our obedience and God’s forgiveness.

An incomprehensible inheritance awaits us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  ^{1st Peter 1:3-5}

We praise God because by his grace and mercy, we are born again (our spirit regenerated from dead to alive) to the sure hope of salvation, affirmed by the resurrection of Jesus. We look to the promise of our inheritance – eternal life, heirs to the Kingdom of God. A certain inheritance, never to diminish or fade away. We are protected by the power of God to realize this, as Jesus will lose no one that the Father has given him. Our salvation is assured.

Faith Tested.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. ^{1st Peter 1:6-9}

This life is a time of testing. Trials test our faith, trust, and belief in Jesus Christ.  We will suffer through these trials for a time, and those who endure will be honored and glorified when Jesus returns to take us out of this world. We will escape the wrath of God and be received as his children for eternity in paradise. Therefore, we live with “joy unspeakable” because of our conviction of things not seen and confident hope in the promises of God.

Strive to be disciplined and holy.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; ^{1st Peter 1:13-15}

Work diligently to maintain a sober mind, remain alert, and be ready for spiritual action. This means to be aware and engaged; obedient to be holy (set apart), rejecting indulgence in the lusts of our old, unredeemed self. This is our appropriate behavior because the blood of Jesus has redeemed us. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. We were not redeemed with corruptible things such as tradition or reliance on our good works.

Redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

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; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ^{1st Peter 1:18-19}

Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for each of us. We were not redeemed with corruptible things such as lineage, tradition, or reliance on our good works.

The word of God endures forever.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ^{1st Peter 1:23}

The word of God, the good news of Jesus Christ, brings salvation. The truth of God’s word is alive and endures forever. But man’s wisdom is like a flower; in time, it withers and fades away.

We are a holy nation.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ^{1st Peter 2:9-10}

We enjoy the privilege of being chosen to be God’s holy nation, a unique people, a royal priesthood, forgiven and called into the truth of his light. We are God’s children, sanctified and set apart from the world in a dramatic way. 

Christ is our example.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (guardian) of your souls. ^{1st Peter 2:21-25}

Christ is our perfect example – guiltless, persecuted, who suffered wrongfully but committed himself to his Father. By his pain and death in substitutional atonement, we are made righteous and spiritually alive (healed); saved from the wrath of God to come. We were lost sheep, but are now guided and guarded by our good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Living the good life.

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (deceit): Let him eschew (avoid) evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. ^{1st Peter 3:10-12}

The good life is found when the precepts and tenets of God are embraced and demonstrated. Keep your conversation loving, as what you say reveals what you are. Strive to be good, living by the word of God, and aim to be a peacemaker among men.  The good life is found in obedience to Christ, and not in the empty pursuits of the world. Money, power, sex, pride, and domination are not the way to the good life. Pursuing the enticements of the world leads to misery both in this life and forever in eternal damnation. God watches over his children and hears their prayers, but does not consider the prayers and pleas of those who live for their own pleasure.

Be ready to explain and defend your hope in Jesus.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: ^{1st Peter 3:15}

Live for God, and when your testimony causes those who see your good behavior to ask why, be ready to give them the answer. Be a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ and engage with gentle kindness and respect.

Be diligent in your faith, for the end is near.

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. ^{1st Peter 4:7}

Knowing that the return of Christ is imminent, we are to be in control and alert. We strive to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to God, as we know that we will be standing before Christ at any time now.

Endless testing in this mortal life.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  ^{1st Peter 4:12-13}

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. ^{1 Peter 4:19}

Expect “fiery” trials or tough tests in this life. But rejoice in the suffering, the testing, and the discomfort (as Jesus did) because when we mature in trials and pass these tests, we will “be glad with exceeding joy” when Christ returns. Commit your life to Jesus and live in grateful obedience, then the outcome of your judgment will be eternal life and rewards.

God favors the humble.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ^{1 Peter 5:5}

Be humble and subject to one another. God favors the humble and crushes the proud.

Assurance and Comfort from God.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ^{1 Peter 5:6-11}

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God – to humble yourself is to be submissive and obedient to God. The scriptures are clear that God abhors arrogance and pride. His “mighty hand” is the righteous power and authority he wields.

that he may exalt you in due time – God will lift you up at the proper time, after you have been tested, according to his will.

casting all your care (anxiety) on him, because he careth for you – Give all your trouble in this world to God because he loves you, and all things work for the ultimate good for those who love him.

be sober, be vigilant – be calm, clear-minded, practice self-control, be focused on God, be alert to your surroundings and situation, and seek and follow the will of God.

your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour – know that Satan is at work to destroy you and all that you love – he will devour you. He also wants to ruin your testimony.

resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Resist Satan by being vigilant in your faith (abiding in the word of God) and in obedience to God. Take heart that all Christians experience the same suffering while here on earth.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Our suffering here on earth is temporary, and the result of endurance in reliance on God is:

• To Perfect – make us complete by maturing us, repairing us, equipping us.
• To Establish – put us on a solid footing.
• To Strengthen – we come out of trials stronger, being reliant on God, we can endure anything. ^{Philippians 4:13}
• To Settle – to confirm, approve, and give us peace.

Endure trials with calm delight.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (diverse) temptations (trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

In calm delight, we are to persevere in the faith through the trials of life. Our testing strengthens and demonstrates that our faith is genuine. Our endurance and successful navigation of temptation and trouble reveal the quality of our faith. By being carried through challenging experiences, we come to know that we belong to the lord.  An untested faith may be no faith at all. Persistence to stay faithful to God matures our Christian character and makes us more like Christ.

Wisdom is given for endurance to the crown of life.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. ^{James 1:5}

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ^{James 1:12}

God enables us to navigate life’s trials by giving wisdom to believers who ask with humility and gratitude. Here is a common theme: God enables those who submit in true faith, then showers them with blessings for their trust. Those who endure with unwavering faith will receive the “crown of life,” which is eternal life in the joy of heaven. Trials are a test of faith; trials can reveal those who are not really Christians.

All good things come from God.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ^{James 1:17-18}

God is the consistent, reliable, and sole source of all that is good. The greatest of all the good things is salvation (regenerated, born again, begat) and then our adoption as his sons and daughters (first fruits of his creatures).

Be calm and in control.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. ^{James 1:19-20}

Those quick to anger, who speak without wisdom, work against the righteousness of God. Be measured and in control because a quick temper works against the will of God.

 Good works are evidence of a redeemed soul.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ^{James 1:22}

Good works are evidence of a redeemed soul. This is seen when we live by the word of God, and the things we do are a testimony to our transformed, holy nature. No one is saved by works or sacraments or observance of rituals, but the evidence of a saved soul is in what that person does. Faith without works is a dead faith.

Be unspoiled, control your tongue, and serve the unfortunate.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ^{James 1:26-27}

Pious, religious people who are undisciplined in what they say reveal their faux faith. True Christians serve those in need who, by effort, love their neighbor. True Christians do not succumb to temptation, permitting themselves to be defiled and corrupted by the world. We are to be holy, set apart, and different from the souls who are content in sin, pursuing vain objectives of the world.

Show no partiality.

But if ye have respect (partiality) to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. ^{James 2:9}

James tells us it is a sin to show partiality or favoritism. When we love our neighbor, which is to serve our neighbor, we are to be impartial as to the person’s status in life. The poor, afflicted, and unappealing souls who love God are chosen to be heirs to his kingdom. We, therefore, must not show partiality to the rich, the popular, the beautiful people.

Zero tolerance for sin, Sin once and land in Hell.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend one point, he is guilty of all. ^{James 2:10}

Man is either a sinner on his way to face the wrath of God, or he is sinless and perfect in his righteousness. If a man were to keep 99.9% of the commands of God, but failed one time to remain pure and righteous, he would then be headed to hell. No man is sinless; all men fall far short of God’s perfect standard. We have no hope unless deemed righteous by the blood of our Savior, Jesus.

Belief is not enough.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  ^{James 2:19-20}

Belief in every element of the good news of Jesus Christ is insufficient for salvation if one has not made Jesus the Lord of one’s life. Those who have prayed a prayer, adhered to a religion, or worked to be a good person but have not submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ are still headed to hell. Saving faith is evidenced by our good works, and it is for that for which we have been saved, but good works do not save us. We are saved only by God’s grace.

What are good works? It is doing the right thing (righteousness) to glorify God. Our fruit, or visible righteousness, sets the Christian apart from secular man. Our good works advance the Kingdom of God and result in souls won for Christ.

What you say matters.

Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  ^{James 3:3-10}

You can destroy your life with what you say. In a moment of foolishness, you can hurt others, ruin your reputation, and dishonor God. An undisciplined tongue is the hallmark of a fool. Discipline in what you say, along with listening and calm control, are markers of a mature Christian.

A friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. ^{James 4:4}

The natural man covets; he steals, lies, and murders to get what he lusts for.  He has no draw to the truth of the gospel of Jesus and loves the pleasures of the world. He has no fear of God and, in his unrepentant sin, is an enemy of God. To be at enmity with God is not a good place to be.

Humility is a virtue.

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ^{James 4:6}

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. ^{James 4:10}

Submit to God with a humble heart and resist Satan. Seek God, and he will draw near to you. Be obedient and strive to maintain a holy mind and character. Be contrite and lament your sin, repent (change your direction), and empty yourself of self-reliance, pride, and selfish desires. God will then lift you out of the morass of sin and the vain enticements of the world.

Resist Satan and draw near to God.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ^{James 4:7-8}

Be obedient to God, and resist Satan’s temptations, then Satan will depart. Those saved are given the power to overcome the enticements and lies of the devil; Satan cannot defeat those in God’s care.

Our time here is over in a flash.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ^{James 4:14}

We are here on earth for such a short time. There is nothing we do on our own that endures. Live for God during your brief time here, giving him glory for your blessings and accomplishments. Boasting is a sin.

You are responsible for what you know.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. ^{James 4:17}

Choose not to do what you know is right, and you are in sin. Inaction can be as impactful as action. Do what is right in the eyes of God.

The danger of wealth and ease.

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. ^{James 5:1}

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and have been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. James 5:5

The misuse of financial blessings will bring misery and woe. Those who hoard, cheat others, and indulgently wallow in wanton pleasure will suffer as they are headed to slaughter. A mark of true faith is stewardship of resources, using them for good and not amassing and wasting resources on worldly desires.

Jesus will return very soon.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. ^{James 5:8}

Be patient in your endurance of trials because Jesus is coming soon. Be ready, don’t be surprised in your old self (worldly behavior) because the “judge standeth before the door.”

The prayers of the righteous are effective.

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}

When you suffer, pray for God to lift you, comfort you, establish and heal you. When others are in pain, trouble, or headed in the wrong direction, pray for God to intercede. Seek those rooted in the faith to pray with and for you. The impact of vehement prayer is effective, sometimes astoundingly so, when in concert with God’s will. God hears and answers prayer all the time; it is confirmation that we do not believe in vain.