INTRODUCTION
For too long the Church has ignored the fact that when Jesus was only 12 years old, He not only listened intently when He was at the temple, but astounded the priests with "…His understanding and answers" (Lk.2:46-47). Whether you are a new believer, or a long time church member who has recently experienced the phenomenal difference which comes from making Jesus Lord of your life in addition to having Him as your Savior, our prayer is that this book will open up a whole new world of Bible study for you. One that will help meet the mandates of both II Tim.2:15 (KJV) and Col.3:16. Remember, all believers, young and old alike, share both the privilege and the obligation to diligently study the Word, and be prepared in season and out of season to share the truth of God's Word.
Bible study is not intended to be a mere intellectual exercise. The word of God is living and active (Heb.4:12), and is intended to be a lamp by which we can guide our life. We cannot expect to be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:1 unless we are filled with the Word to such an extent that we also can judge what we hear by the unfailing integrity of Scripture. With this in mind, please note that Scripture references are provided not only throughout the text of each chapter in this book, but every other publication of this ministry as well.
While the topics addressed in this book are foundational in nature, they are covered in a greater depth than is usually encountered in such studies. In addition to revealing basic Biblical truths, the reader will also be introduced to the interrelationships which exist between these Biblical principles, and shown how these principles relate to our walk with the Lord today.
Having said all that, it is absolutely essential for the reader to remember that we must not become complacent in our study of the Word. While the truths presented herein are indispensable for the overcomer to walk in, a thorough understanding of them is not the end of our journey, but rather the beginning (Heb.5:11 - 6:1). Therefore, after you have become familiar with these principles, ie. After the written Word referred to herein has becoming the living Word in you, move on to the companion volumes to this book, A Closer Walk, The Last Enemy, God's Pattern, and Studies in Revelation.
Our publications are in no way intended to be a substitution for your own personal reading of the Bible. It is our prayer that these works will merely encourage you in your individual Bible study. They are intended to bring into sharp focus Scriptural principles and concepts which you may not have been aware of before. In so doing, we believe that you will gain a deeper appreciation for both the depth and beauty of God's Word. At the same time, as you become aware of the intricacy with which God has interwoven these truths throughout the Old and New Testaments, your appreciation of His awesome majesty will encourage you to seek the spiritual maturity to which He has called you (Eph.4:11-13).
This chapter explains why it was actually necessary for Jesus to become a physical man and die in order to save us from our sins, as opposed to God merely forgiving Adam and starting over. This study explains the foundation upon which God's kingdom principles are based.
Chapter 2 - YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER
In this chapter, the Scriptures which reveal the deity of the Holy Spirit are discussed. The Scriptural basis for the present day existence and use of the gifts of the Spirit is also set forth.
Chapter 3 - JUMP IN, THE WATER IS PERFECT
The relationship between the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the river of life spoken of by Jesus, and our commitment to the Lord is the topic of this chapter.
Why does II Cor.5:7 tell us to "…walk by faith and not by sight?" That verse is examined in light of the concept of trusting God's Word regardless of our physical circumstances. This study also explains how God's Word can actually change our physical circumstances so that they conform to His Word.
The importance of verbally expressing God's Word is clearly explained here.
God's Word is powerful, and it does not return to Him without first accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent forth. This lesson not only provides the Scriptural proof for that statement, but also reveals its relevance for us today.
This chapter examines virtually every verse in the New Testament which deals with the topic of physical healing. The part which faith and hope play in God's overall plan for us to walk in divine health is also examined. Those verses, which at first glance appear to indicate that sickness is directly from God in order to teach us something, are also examined in detail.
Chapter 8 - WHICH ONE: POVERTY OR PROSPERITY = PRAISE
Answers the question, "Does God want us to prosper here and now?" and "What relationship if any, exists between material prosperity, and praising God?".
Chapter 9 - FILTHY RICH OR RIGHTEOUS RICHES
In this study we take a look at what our attitude towards money, and the things which it will buy, should be. Particular attention is drawn to the difference between what it means to agape money or philo it.
Chapter 10 - HOW DO I LOVE THEE?
This chapter looks at the question Jesus asked Peter in John 21:15-17, "…(D)o you truly love me?" What is the relationship between truly loving God and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbors and our enemies? How we should express our love towards others is also considered.
Chapter 11 - YOURS, MINE & OURS
How much is required of us in the realm of giving to those who are in need? Should the church be looking at some type of communal structure in order to meet those needs? In addition to answering these questions, this lesson examines the concept of private ownership of property in both the Old and New Testaments, as well as Jesus' direct teaching on this subject.
What is the purpose of giving? How much, and how often are we to give today? These questions highlight the topics of this study.
Chapter 13 - DO NOT MUZZLE THE OX
This chapter explores the reasons why God has stated that those whom He has chosen to preach and teach His Word are to be financially supported by those whom they serve.
A detailed study as to when, in terms of the sequence of events, we rise to meet the Lord in the air.
Chapter 15 - BEFORE THE ROCKS CRY OUT
The importance of praise, its relationship to our worship of God and the very reason for our existence on this earth are discussed in some detail. The interrelationship which exists between our praising God, our position as priests (II Pe.2:9), the Feast of Tabernacles, and the end times is also examined.
What does it mean to worship God as set forth in both the Old and New Testaments? What is the relationship which exists between pride, humility, worship and the last days Feast of Tabernacles? These questions are all discussed in some detail.
Chapter 17 - WITH ALL HIS MIGHT
God's explicit directions to us concerning the physical level of our praise and worship are delved into here. What does God say about dancing, shouting, clapping our hands and raising them? How do these actions relate to the end times and Gods glory?
Chapter 18 - FIRST OF ALL PRAY
Both the extreme importance of prayer and prayer's purposes are outlined here. Without continual prayer we cannot experience the totality of God's will in our life.
Chapter 19 - A WING AND A PRAYER
This final chapter examines the relationship which praise has to prayer. How do we come into the Father's presence? What does it mean to intercede in prayer? What, or for whom, do we intercede, and what importance does God place upon intercession? These questions are all discussed in this study.