The Everlasting Gospel

Bible references used in part 1 of the Three Angels' Messages series by Light Bearers

Dead to sin, alive to God

Romans 7:4-6 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In Christ we're declared righteous (Justification)

Romans 3:24 

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

God can speak things into being even before they exist

Romans 4:17  (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

In Christ, we're set free from the guilt and power of sin

Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh

Your life is hidden with Christ

Colossians 3:1-5 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Be forgiving toward others just like how Christ has forgiven you

Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Also see: How to actually have victory over sin

How to get ready for the second coming

The following comes from a sermon...

Opening Prayer:Dear God, we just want to say thank you so much for your love and mercy to us, for giving Jesus who came all the way from heaven and spent years of life on Earth in an inconvenient and difficult position, then to die to pay the price for all our sin. We just want to thank you for His sacrifice, for His support from heaven, for the gift of the Holy Spirit who you said will guide us in all truth. But we know you don’t force yourselves on us and so we want you to know that you’re welcome here and we’re asking for your guidance. Speak to our hearts as we study from your word and give us strength in our hearts, give us love for you that will enable us to love the people around us and to prepare for your return. Thank you so much for your compassion. Amen.

God shows us in His Word how to get ready
God has told us in His word how to prepare for Christ's second coming. We will look at passages of scripture which will show us how to prepare. As we look over these passages of scripture, we need to ask ourselves "Am I getting ready for the second coming of Jesus? Am I following the instructions that God has given in His Word?"

Don't Trust Material Things, Trust in God!
People have come up with many interesting ideas on how to get ready for Jesus to come. Many suggest  moving to the country in order to avoid the temptations of the world. While there's validity to that, getting ready is more of a faith issue. There are many who even go to the extreme of stockpiling food, but it says in Isaiah 33:16 that bread will be given to us and our water will be sure. Now there is wisdom in having enough food before a big storm comes, but we don't need to worry about that in order to prepare for the second coming.

Some think they have to obtain gold or silver because they won't be able to buy or sell in the last days. This might actually be a bad financial investment (James 5:3) and the bible tells us we shouldn't place our trust in riches (Job 31:24-28, Proverbs 11:28, 1 Timothy 6:17). Some place their trust other material things, such as solar panels. The problem is, if you're putting your trust in things that are going to be destroyed anyway, you're going to be greatly disappointed when Jesus comes. We need to place our trust in God!

The bible provides spiritual preparation
With that in mind, we need to think about spiritual preparation. Jesus is coming, He's a spiritual person and if you want to connect with Him on a good basis when He comes, you have to cultivate spirituality. Throughout the bible we read about how to prepare spiritually for Jesus' second coming. There are 42 uses for the word "ready" in the English bible and 1 in 5 are talking about getting ready for the second coming. Of all the things to get ready for, every 5th one is the second coming.

Cultivating God's love in our families
There are various places in the bible which let us know if we're ready for the second coming. For example, Malachi 4:5-6 says God (through the message of Elijah) would "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Here we see the importance of cultivating God's love in our families and this is part of our getting ready for the second coming of Jesus. The way you are at home is a better indicator of who you really are. If we want to cooperate with what God's spirit wants to do, then we need to look for opportunities to rebuild those bonds that may have become strained. We have to look for ways to cultivate the love of Christ in our families.

Righteousness by Faith
Revelation 19:6-9 describes the second coming of Jesus as a wedding and refers to God's people as a wife who has made herself ready for Him. She is "granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." To have this righteousness, we need to be right with God and we can only have it by faith in Jesus (Romans 3:22, Romans 5:1, Galatians 5:5). You need to be right with God and be at peace with God now to be at peace when Jesus comes back. Anyone who knows if they've been doing things shouldn't could tell you if they have peace with God. It's that simple.

Ask For God's Spirit
In Matthew 25, Jesus uses parables to describe how to prepare for His second coming. Here we will only cover one of them. Jesus said His second coming is like ten virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom to come. Although they had all fallen asleep, only half of them had enough oil for their lamps. The lesson from that is that in order to be ready for Jesus to come, you need to have oil, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. If you ask God for the Holy Spirit, will He give it to you? Yes! Jesus said "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Luke 11:13. God will give us the Holy Spirit if we ask.

Watch and Pray
In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus speaks of His second coming saying that we should watch and pray, lest He come and find us sleeping, spiritually speaking. Though we saw all the virgins sleep in Jesus' parable, we shouldn't be found sleeping. 1 Peter 4:7 says, "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." These verses say be ready, watchful, sober, and vigilant.

Now it's important to approach this topic in the right way and the right attitude, or else we're going to find ourselves frustrated and discouraged, which is exactly what Satan would want. God doesn't want that and He has given us guidance so that doesn't happen.

Sanctification by Faith
Notice the mission that Jesus gave Paul: "to open [people's] eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me [Jesus]" (Acts 26:18). Notice here that sanctification, or our growth in Christ and reflecting His character, is by faith. Naturally we seem to think we have to work really hard to be sanctified, but that's wrong because we're sanctified by faith.
We experience growth in character, become more like Christ, and prepare for the second coming by trusting God, in the same way you've first accepted Jesus by faith. Paul tells us in Colossians 2:6, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him". In other words, the same way that Jesus came into your life is the way He's going to stay in your life, it's by trusting Him. It's by believing that God can be trusted. That's how you experience a change in character and that's how you'll be ready for Jesus to come (notice in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, God does the work of sanctifying us).

The Gift of Repentance
Also notice in Acts 26:20, there is a call to repent, which means to have a change of heart and mind. Repentance is a gift of God (Acts 5:31). God is the one who puts it our hearts to say "I've hurt other people, I've hurt God, and I don't want to live this way anymore". Repentance isn't about being sorry for getting caught. True repentance is when we recognize we did wrong and we don't want to do it anymore (notice King David's repentance in Psalm 51).

This is the first step for getting ready for the second coming. True repentance is when you're sorry in your heart that you did wrong, you know you can't change yourself, but you say, "I really don't want to do this anymore, God help me". When you've reached that point, then you're ready to put away what ever it is that you did wrong with God's help. Then you're putting yourself in a place where you're ready to grow in character because you've repented. Then you will "do works befitting repentance" Acts 26:20.

If you've lost your temper with a spouse, brother, or sister, repentance means you won't want to do it again, because you have a relationship with God and He helps you. Will you fall again perhaps? Possibly, yes, but the Lord helps you over time through a relationship with Him so that you don't. It's because you love God, you want to do His will and you want to be ready when Jesus comes. Love is a transforming power and people say that they love God, but they don't grasp that when you have a committed relationship, that it changes you. We'll look more into that later. You are sanctified by faith, it leads you to repent and do works befitting for repentance.

Be kept by God's power through faith
In 1 Peter 1:3-5, we see that God, in His abundant mercy, has begotten us a living hope through Christ's resurrection, an inheritance reserved for us in heaven. We are "kept by the power of God through faith" for Christ's second coming. We aren't to live trying to save ourselves, that's not how salvation works (Mark 8:35). God didn't purpose that we should live for ourselves, but rather for Him and for others (2 Corinthians 5:15, 1 Corinthians 10:24). When we live for ourselves, we are not answering the purpose that God made us for. Righteousness is a gift of God, we can't make ourselves good (Romans 5:17). We are to trust in God, not in self. We are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." This "last time" is talking about the last days before Jesus comes.

Trials Strengthen Faith
Notice what it says in 1 Peter 1:6-9: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls."

Examining your spiritual life
In order to prepare for Jesus to come, we need to be right with God through faith, repentance leads us to put away sins, and to trust God who will enable us to do right. We are to trust God, put away every known sin, trust Him that He will give us a new heart and right spirit, and cultivate that relationship. Examine yourselves, check if there's something that's not right, take some initiative (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Now don't beat yourself up, God doesn't want that. Don't take this the wrong way. To examine yourself simply means to be honest to God about your condition (much like a patient would with a physician) and then He can and will help you. Just as it is wise for us to examine our physical health, we should examine our spiritual life.

Trust in God's willingness and power to save you
Let's look at Jude 1:24

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy

You see, the Lord wants you to be saved. Is He going to present you with exceeding frustration? No! It's with exceeding joy! God really wants to save us and He is able to do it, do you believe what His word says?

There's a scam that says the devil is stronger than God. It says God forgives you, but you won't change that much. It says you just have to sin less and that God doesn't really expect you to put away all known sin. The reason we hear these things taught is not always because someone wants to be wicked, nor are they thinking "let me see what lies I can brew up for you." It comes from a genuine sense of frustration.

The Power of God's Love
We see ourselves and we see that we can't, of our own strength, do what's right. We try not to lose our temper, we try not to curse, we try not to do impure actions or think impure thoughts, we try not to waste our money, then we fail. We don't have to do that if we have a relationship with Jesus. Love is a powerful force. It often happens that if someone really loves someone else, they will learn to love what they do and do as they do in order to develop a closer relationship with that person.
Now there is a danger of falling out of love with God and yet still continue going through the motions. It's possible for people to look like Christians without the relationship, "having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". Then once the slightest temptation comes, they fall over like a tree rotting on the inside. This is why we need to examine ourselves to make sure our hearts are right with God. We need to be careful not to let that happen, that's how church leaders fall. "Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts" Psalm 95:7-8. God has better plans for us that we have for ourselves. God wants us to be saved, but He can't force it on us.

Our Responsibility
"In simplicity and truth we would speak to the impenitent in regard to the way in which men destroy their own souls. You are not to say that God is to blame, that he has made a decree against you. No, he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth, and to the haven of eternal bliss. No soul is ever finally deserted of God, given up to his own ways, so long as there is any hope of his salvation. God follows men with appeals and warnings and assurances of compassion until further opportunities and privileges would be wholly in vain. The responsibility rests upon the sinner". RH Feb. 17, 1891

If you're not saved, it's not because God didn't try hard enough. If you're not saved it will be because you didn't take advantage of the opportunities He's given you.

"Now some will tell you, and they will begin to reckon, and reckon, and reckon, when the latter rain is coming. I would rather that you would reckon right now whether you have brought eternity into your reckoning concerning your individual self. Consider whether you have brought eternity daily to view. If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today". Ms36-1891

The Publican's Prayer: Be merciful to me a sinner!
If you want to know if you're right with God, remember the prayer of the publican (a Roman tax collector) who said "God, be merciful to me a sinner!". This penitent sinner was "justified" or made right with God, "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted". (Luke 18:14). So there's your answer: You want to be ready when Jesus comes back? You can say "God, be merciful to me a sinner!". You have to do this with humility. It's one thing to preach about it or hear about it, it's another thing to let it come into your heart and change your life.

"God be merciful to me a sinner". Do you want to tell that to the Lord now? Let's pray and do that, this is serious stuff. It's not a game. God loves us. He has given us life, a beautiful world to live in, guidance for health, and social relationships. He has predicted the future for us and promised to be with us until the end. He wants us to be at peace with Him when He comes. Are you getting ready for Jesus to come? Do you want to say that prayer that the publican prayed “God be merciful to me a sinner”? Let’s pray that now.

Closing Prayer
Dear God, we just want to say thank you that we can come to you and that you have been unreasonably merciful with us. You said you were pleased with the approach the publican took, he didn’t have a record of good things and we don’t have a record of good things, Lord. But we are just asking today that you would be merciful to us. We’ve messed up in a lot of ways. Please help us, God, to be ready when you come. Clean up my heart, clean up my friends’ hearts here and prepare us, Lord. Break through the fear and send away Satan and his voices of distrust. Enable us to walk in your ways, to love you and to love those around us. Put repentance in our hearts for the mistakes of the past. Help us to be ready when you come. Thank you, Amen.

Relevant song: Are you ready for Jesus to come?

What is Biblical Perfection?

If you read the context in which Jesus said to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, you will find that He was talking about loving your enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48). If you read Luke's account, you find Jesus saying to be merciful as our Father in heaven is merciful (Luke 6:36). The Pharisees tried to be perfect in that they even tithed their mint, anise, and cummin. Yet Jesus called them hypocrites, for they "neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith" Matthew 23:23.

As we can see, perfection isn't something we do, it's about having God's character of love and mercy in our hearts. It doesn't matter how talented and smart you are, if you don't have love, everything you do will be pointless (1 Corinthians 13:2). "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5. Yet this fruit of the Holy Spirit isn't something we can conjure up on our own, we can only have it as long as we abide in Christ. Jesus says: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Character perfection isn't a destination, it's a growth process. When a plant grows, you can't tell that it's growing by looking at it, but over time you can eventually see the changes (Mark 4:27-28). As we grow in Christ (The Vine), God the Father prunes us so we may bear more fruit (John 15:2). God cuts away the thorns of sin from our hearts so that the seed of His word can grow (Matthew 13:22).

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

When we behold the glory of God's character, we will say like Isaiah: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5. Our prayers will be like that of the publican who said, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" Luke 18:13. This doesn't mean living in fear of being judged, for "perfect love casts away fear" 1 John 4:18.

This growth process of perfection never ends, we will never claim to have arrived. We will keep going forward from perfection to perfection "The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day" Proverbs 4:18

Notice what Paul says here: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

When we understand that we can only find perfection in Christ, we won't compare ourselves with others (2 Corinthians 10:12). We won't be so quick to judge others because we will see that we also fall short in the same things that others do (Romans 2:1-2). Rather than pointing out the speck in another's eyes, we will ask God to help us with the log in our eyes (Matthew 7:5, 2 Corinthians 13:5). Instead of putting others down, we will seek to restore them. "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Galatians 6:1.

Biblical perfection is about being united in Christ with fellow believers (John 17:20-23). Love is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14). "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us." 1 John 4:12

Also see: Quotes on Christian Growth

Think On These Things

Evaluate before you ruminate

Use the Philippians 4:8 Mental Filter:

Is it true? Does it align with gospel truth?

Is it honorable or respectable?

Is it just or right?

Is it pure or innocent?

Is it lovely, agreeable or acceptable?

Is it of good report?

Is it of virtue or excellence?

Is it commendable or worthy of praise?

Why evaluate of our thoughts?
Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart, so is he....

"If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character." In Heavenly Places, p. 164

"As a man 'thinketh in his heart, so is he' [Proverbs 23:7]. Many thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day; and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded; for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them."  Messages to Young People, p. 144

"We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts and the damaging influence of evil thoughts. Let us place our thoughts upon holy things. Let them be pure and true, for the only security for any soul is right thinking." In Heavenly Places, p. 164

Dismiss wrong thoughts and replace them with God's Word:
Martin Luther once said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair”. When a thought comes and it doesn't pass through the filter found in Philippians 4:8, dismiss it and replace it with God's word. Every thought is to be brought captive to the obedience of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5).

"Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind." Steps to Christ pg 90

To be more like Jesus and bear the Spirit's fruit, we must be constantly thinking on God's word and we shouldn't let our minds wander in the "counsel" of ungodly. (see Psalm 1:1-3) We should avoid watching or listening to ungodly media. We should not set any wicked thing before our eyes (Psalm 101:3).

Has anyone ever said or done something that left you with troublesome thoughts that you couldn't seem to stop worrying about? To be set free from that, you must put those thoughts through the filter of God's Word (John 8:31-32). There is liberty found in beholding Jesus, upon Whom was laid the iniquity of us all (Hebrews 12:1-4, Isaiah 53:6). When you know what God has said, done, and wants to do in your life, then nothing else will matter as much (Romans 8:28, Romans 8:32).

If we don't keep Jesus in mind as our personal Savior and Lord of our lives, we can't even see ourselves or others in the right way. When we loose sight of Jesus, we become worried and fearful because we'll forget that we are His and that He will take care of us (Isaiah 43:1-4). Are you often tempted to worry? In the second part of this study we will look at what the bible says about temptation and how to have victory over sin.

Temptation isn't sin until you consent to it
James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

While it is true that the devil tries to tempt us from without, this verse tells us we are also tempted from within. Sin itself has the following stages: conception, birth, growth, and death. Temptation isn't sin and cannot "conceive" as sin unless you give it consent.

This verse also tells us that the sin doesn't just "birth" into actions, "conception" must happen first. The great controversy between Christ and Satan in our minds lies in the gap between temptation and the conception of sin.

"By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act, before passion can dominate over reason, or iniquity triumph over conscience." Messages To Young People, 67.

Not consenting to sin isn't enough, we must give God our consent
While temptation isn't sin until you consent, we don't even have the power not to. We will find ourselves doing (or thinking) wrong even if we don't want to (Romans 7:19). Only God can work in you "both to will and to do for His good pleasure" Philippians 2:13.

"You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him." Steps to Christ, p. 47

You can read and listen to a lot of theory and try to practice it yourself, but that won't help you. Nothing we do can replace the work God will do in us if we consent.

How we give God our consent: Through Prayer and His Word
We give God consent when we pray to Him, saying something like, "Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. Make me willing to be willing".

We constantly need to pray for God's Spirit to bring His word to memory, but you won't remember anything you haven't studied (John 14:26).We need to be filling our minds with God's Word so that when temptation comes, we will be ready to combat it with an "it is written" before sin is conceived.

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Great Controversy, p. 600]

Relevant song: Think On These Things

Nebuchadnezzar's Conversion

God wants us to spread the gospel
God is interested in the spread of the gospel. God wants every person in the world to hear about Him, about the plans He has for them, how He wants to save them, and how He's coming soon for them. God wants to use you and me to reach people.

I imagine that God's angels look at each of us and what we're doing, then say to us: "Hey, get with the program! Look! There's a person who's getting ready to walk by that could use an encouraging word or is searching for Christ, if you would just say something, you could move the game plan forward!". Sometimes we listen, but more often that we would like to admit, we get so self-absorbed that we miss opportunities that Jesus has.

God wanted Israel to share the gospel with Nebuchadnezzar
There were multiple ways God wanted to convert Nebuchadnezzar. God placed ancient Israel between three major continents. God set them up so they could be an example to other nations and thus spread the good news about God and His character. For example, in Leviticus 25, God established something called the Jubilee in which every 50 years, all debt would be forgiven. The other surrounding nations were very brutal, it's no wonder that God didn't want His people to be associated with them. Unfortunately though, ancient Israel didn't always cooperate in being the example God wanted them be to due to sin and selfishness. Though they weren't perfect, God tried some other things.

In the bible we learn about how Hezekiah gets sick, he prays for healing and God turns the time back as a sign. God had done something that the whole world could not ignore. It was the Babylonians that came up with sixty seconds in a minute and sixty minutes in an hour.. So then when the Babylonians heard about Hezekiah, they sent two ambassadors to go see him. However, instead of Hezekiah telling them about God, he shows them his stuff, which later gets stolen. This is another example of when God tried to do something big to let other people know about the plan of salvation, but because of pride and unbelief, it went nowhere.

God reaches Nebuchadnezzar through a dream
When you look at what historical records say about Nebuchadnezzar, you'll see he was feeling very unsure about himself and his kingdom. It was in that context we learn about the dream God gave him in Daniel 2. When we don't know what's going on, when we're struggling and depressed, God cares. Nebuchadnezzar was just about to have all his wise men killed because he couldn't find someone who could help him remember the dream and give its interpretation.

God reveals the dream and interpretation
Then comes Daniel who is given time to get the dream and interpretation from God and then tells Nebuchadnezzar about it. This became big news all over Babylon.

God is interested in the spread of the gospel and He has an advertising plan. He tried this various times before, but His people failed to cooperate because of unbelief. Daniel followed through with the adverting plan, thus everyone would know about him and his God. After Nebuchadnezzar is made known the interpretation of his dream, he promotes Daniel as a ruler, but God wanted his heart. There were a few things that Nebuchadnezzar had to unlearn before he could really be a follower of God.

Nebuchadnezzar ignores the interpretation and forces worship
Next, according to historical records, we find out that there was a rebellion in Babylon and this was the context behind the golden image of Daniel 3. Nebuchadnezzar had set up this image so that people would prove their allegiance to him by bowing down to it, but if anyone didn't, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. Daniel's three friends refuse to do this (Daniel wasn't present at the time), God spares their lives, and then Nebuchadnezzar makes a death decree against anyone who speaks against their God. The death decree wasn't what God intended though, God doesn't want anyone to feel forced to follow Him, He wants our hearts.

Nebuchadnezzar has another dream and forgets about God
Nebuchadnezzar's heart still hadn't changed, he became proud. In Daniel, 4 Nebuchadnezzar had a second dream and he goes back to the same source of knowledge that failed him in Daniel 2. Instead of going to God, he goes back to the same source that didn't help. That's an easy mistake for us to make too. Sometimes we have a problem in an area or something and instead of taking it to God and saying 'God what is your will, help me to be humble", we go to the same release that has been used of Satan before. And we're like, "let me try this, let me work on this, let me do something".

God wanted Nebuchadnezzar to repent
Daniel explained that God wanted Nebuchadnezzar to repent and to show mercy to the poor. Instead, Nebuchadnezzar becomes proud, as if to say "I made Babylon great again". In spite of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and sin, God was merciful. If God wanted to, He could have just said, "You know what Nebuchadnezzar? Your time's up, next!". We should be thankful that God is merciful to us because we're all sinners too.

God humbles Nebuchadnezzar for seven years
What God did next was to basically put Nebuchadnezzar in time out for seven years. After seven years of eating grass, he would learn to be humble before God. Now this isn't what God really wanted to do. Nebuchadnezzar should have learned about God's mercy to the poor (with the Jubilee), and to the sick (like with Hezekiah), and to people who are concerned about their future (like Nebuchadnezzar himself). God had a plan for Nebuchadnezzar and it took a little while for him to finally accept it.

The last we hear of Nebuchadnezzar:

Eusebius records these words of Nebuchadnezzar:

I, Nebuchadrezzar, announce to you the future calamity which neither Bel, my ancestor, nor our queen Beltis, can persuade the Fates to avert. There shall come a Persian, a mule, who shall have your own gods as his allies, and he shall make you slaves. Moreover, he who shall help to bring this about shall he the son of a Median woman, the boast of the Assyrian. Would that before his countrymen perish some whirlpool or flood might seize him and destroy him utterly; or else would that he might betake himself to some other place, and might be driven to the desert, where is no city nor track of men, where wild beasts seek their food and birds fly hither and thither? Would that among rocks and mountain clefts he might wander alone? And as for me, may I, before he imagines this, meet with some happier end!

God has a work for you and me today
God has a work for you and me today. There may never seem to be a perfect time for evangelism, the enemy makes sure of that. But God can't bless a bible study that you don't give. God won't bless a door that you don't knock on. The gospel isn't just about getting to heaven, it's about the betterment of our lives here.

Remember how others reached out to help you get to know the gospel and think of how you can also do likewise by reaching out to others to know the gospel too. The enemy will try to make it seem like evangelism isn't important, that's his game plan. But Jesus also has a game plan and He's working in a thousand ways we can't understand.

God has a work you and me today, but you won't experience the blessing until you go forward into His work.

There's no thief like fear

The following is a sermon that was done by Dee Casper

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This implies that fear can rob us of power, the ability to love (God and others) and be loved (by God and others), and to be able to think and make decisions with a sound mind. Fear alters the way that we do the essentials of life.

What is the solution to fear?

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. -1 John 4:16-19

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him. -Desire of Ages 480.3

Let the youth see the tender love the Father in heaven has manifested toward them, and the dignity and honor to which they are called—even to become the sons of God— and thousands would turn with contempt from selfish aims and pleasures that have hitherto engrossed them. They would learn to hate sin, not merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment, but from a sense of its inherent baseness. -From Eternity Past 436.3

Love is the only pure and true power that should motivate us in our experience and in our decision making. And the only way to find that love is to encounter God’s love for us. “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. God wants us to experience a “faith that works by love” (Galatians 5:6) not a faith that works by fear.

Fear, again, robs us of love for God, and love for others because we’re afraid of being hurt. What we desperately need is a life-course altering encounter with God’s perfectly selfless love for us. To be fully known and fully loved. It drives out all of our fear, and brings us to a deeper love for Him, and the capacity to be willing to love and be loved ourselves.

Some people become atheists because they fear having hope and getting disappointed, We don't need to fear this, the bible says: "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." -Galatians 6:9

So abject fear is not God’s chosen method to reach us, or to motivate us. In fact, fear is in many ways a selfish motivation. It leads us to make decisions to protect ourselves, and to provide for ourselves, instead of relying upon God to protect and to provide for us. Interestingly, in many of the supernatural encounters that the people of God had with Him or with angels they would be greeted with the tender charge to “fear not” or “don’t be afraid”. God doesn’t want our experience with Him to be driven by fear, but by true love. He wants our perspective to shift to something better.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her; I will bring her into the wilderness and speak comfort to her…And it shall be, in that day,” says the LORD, “That you will call Me 'My Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘My Master,'” -Hosea 2:14, 16. Encountering the amazing love of God leads us to have a shift in how we view Him, and our standing with Him. When He sees that we’re ready to fall in love He then drops to one knee. “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy. I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.” -Hosea 2:19-20. “Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth, And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, “You are my God!” -Hosea 2:23

No longer are we to feel like groveling slaves who fear they’ll never be good enough. But instead we should view ourselves as loving spouses who have come to know that Christ is enough, and that He is standing in our stead.

What about “fear God and give glory to Him”? First of all, that’s not where the sermon begins. It begins with the Everlasting Gospel being preached to the world. “Fear God and give glory to Him” is the appeal of that sermon, and it’s also the logical response to the Everlasting Gospel.

"The love of God ever tends to the fear of God—fear to offend Him. Those who are truly converted will not venture heedlessly upon the borders of any evil, lest they grieve the Spirit of God and are left to their own way, to be filled with their own doings. The Word of God is the Guidebook; turn not from its pages to depend upon the human agent. That Book contains the warnings, the admonitions, from God, the rebuke of every evil, the clear definition of sin as the transgression of the law which is God’s great standard of virtue and holiness.... Not one who will study the Word of God and apply its teachings will miss the way." – The Upward Look 371.7

So abject fear robs us of a clear picture of the love of God, and an absence of a godly fear can rob us of a true perspective of our relation to God and how to follow Him.

What does fear do to us? If we use fear in our approach to this beautiful set of beliefs God has given us, or in the way in which we raise and counsel our children, it causes harm and paralysis. When you mix Biblically conservative principles with a fear based approach (even if it’s done in a gentle, loving fashion), it leads to analysis paralysis and misery in the religious experience.

You may be able to scare someone into a pew, but it won’t keep them there. This is one of the reasons why we as Seventh-day Adventists reject the teaching of eternal torment. A teaching that has brought about abject fear into the hearts of many, along with a hatred of God, and a rejection of Him. Regarding the topic of eternal torment: “If this is sound Bible truth, instead of preventing the salvation of sinners, it will be the means of winning them to Christ. If the love of God will not induce the rebel to yield, the terrors of an eternal hell will not drive him to repentance. Besides, it does not seem a proper way to win souls to Jesus by appealing to one of the lowest attributes of the mind,—abject fear. The love of Jesus attracts; it will subdue the hardest heart.” -Ellen White’s Mother, Life Sketches 49.4

We need to ask God how fear is ruling us and shaping our lives. “Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason…” -Ecclesiastes 7:7 Even people with wisdom can be beat up by fear and in turn make decisions and develop ideas that aren’t reasonable. This is why we need God to open our eyes, and to allow His love to set us free from our fear. Fear can make us create standards and rules that aren’t Biblical to try to save ourselves and protect ourselves. And it also leads to additional shame, because it’s more standards that we fail to measure up to when we mess up.

God’s solution is; "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:1-10.

In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. –Christ’s Object Lessons 38.1

One of the reasons we deal with fear is because we are insecure in our connection and dependence upon God. We’ve gotten behind the wheel and feel like we may run off the road. And we are in danger of that if we’re not letting Him drive, and if He’s not sitting in first place in our life. Whatever we are afraid of losing can’t bring us any more security in our identity or freedom or happiness than He can. Only He can give us our identity, acceptance, and purpose.

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me. -Psalm 56:3-4. This implies that fear affects our ability to trust God. And I believe this is why many of us have self protective tendencies

The Self-Forgetful Praying Christian

The following is based on a sermon

In the epistles to the Corinthians, we learn that it is unwise to compare yourself with others (2 Corinthians 10:12). "For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" 1 Corinthians 4:7.  It's also carnal and immature to make an idol out of another Christian's work (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:9. As God's building, our foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

With that in mind, notice this passage: "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." 1 Corinthians 4:3-4.

Here we see Paul didn't care what others think, nor what he thought of himself, but rather what God thinks. Now let's look at this principle point by point.

"It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you"
The fear of man is a trap and depending on man is a curse (Proverbs 29:25a, Jeremiah 17:5-6). Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.

Why should we worry what others think or we think of ourselves when it is God's word that stands forever? (Proverbs 29:25b, Isaiah 40:8). God's word is alive, with creative power, and will not return void (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 33:6, 9; Isaiah 55:11). Our worth comes from God who says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus didn't worry what the religious leaders of his day thought of him when they complained  “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30). Jesus' reply: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32. Jesus didn't come to seek His own glory, but rather to do the will of the Father who sent Him  (John 8:50, John 6:38). Jesus willingly chose come and taste the cup of suffering and death for our sins (Hebrews 10:7, Matthew 26:39).

Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him. Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies. He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all. Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself was the one afflicted. He had a calm inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father. Not My will but Thine be done, was heard from His pale and quivering lips. – {Manuscript Releases Vol. 3, p. 427}

In the heart of Christ, where reigned perfect harmony with God, there was perfect peace. He was never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment. Amid the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment, He was still of good courage. But many who profess to be His followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace. [Desire of Ages, p. 330]

"I do not even judge myself"
We are not justified or saved by our own works, but rather by faith, which itself is a gift from God, so how could we boast about anything? (Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9). We are God's workmanship, "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10. We simply "work out" what God "works in" us (Philippians 2:12-13). As believers we pray in Jesus name, acknowledging that without Him we can do nothing (John 14:12-14, John 15:5).

Any righteousness we think we have is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Righteousness comes to us through faith in Jesus (Romans 3:21-22). In Christ, we can have a living faith that works through love (Galatians 5:6, James 2:26). The Christian life doesn't revolve around self, but around Christ who lives in you by faith. Like Paul, you can say, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Don't let your feelings judge you either. Feelings are no evidence of God’s displeasure. The heart can play tricks on us, but God knows our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9-10, 1 Samuel 16:7). John says, "And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:19-20.

"He who judges me is the Lord"
Our thoughts are not like God's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). God says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11. It is a blessing to trust in God and what He says (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

God already established our worth by redeeming us with the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 6:20). "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. Knowing this, we are to live for His glory, not for ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:15).

The only way to destroy the idolatry of people pleasing is to worship Jesus!

“All experiences of the fear of man share at least one common feature: people are big. They have grown to idolatrous proportions in our lives. They control us. Since there is no room in our hearts to worship both God and people, whenever people are big, God is not. Therefore, the first task in escaping the snare of the fear of man is to know that God is awesome and glorious, not other people.” When People are Big and God is Small, p. 95

“A growing knowledge of God displaces the fear of people, and it casts out our tendency to be casual with our secret sins. And the good news is that it can be learned…You must simply be a person who prays and seeks after this great gift.” When People are Big and God is Small, p. 107-108

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

How to be a self-forgetful praying Christian

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life. Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. [Steps to Christ, p. 93]

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

There is never a reason to worry, only a reason to pray

Luke 5:16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. [Steps to Christ, p. 93]

None need feel that they are too busy to pray, too full of business cares to spend an occasional fifteen minutes to seek counsel from God. My brethren, make God your entire dependence. When you do otherwise, then it is time for a halt to be called. Stop right where you are and change the order of things. Pray first, before taking up the work of the day. [10MR 233]

A worker cannot gain success while he hurries through his prayers to God, and rushes away to look after something that he fears may be neglected or forgotten. He takes time to give only a few hurried thoughts to God, that is all. He does not give himself time to think, to pray, to wait upon the Lord for a renewal of spiritual and physical strength. [LHU 263]

"Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work"
Oswald Chambers

Often times ministry is our biggest hindrance to quality time with God. Many of us become like Martha, so busy serving God, but not taking the time to listen to Him (Luke 10:38-42). Many times we wonder why our ministries don't have power. But how can we share Jesus if we left Him at home? And how can we share Him if we're not even sure we know Him for ourselves? That comes from spending meaningful time with Him.

So remember, it does not matter what other people think, it does not matter what we think, it only matters is what God knows. In order to know what God knows, we should spend that meaningful time in prayer with Him.

A self-forgetful praying Christian is consumed with the image of Jesus Christ.

Heaven’s hall of fame of faith

The first verse of Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is the basis for "things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Here we find that faith has nothing to do with the circumstances that we see. The following verse says "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God" and so the things that are seen were not made by things visible.

The verses that follow show that faith has nothing to do with circumstances, but it has everything to do with taking God at His word.

(verses 4-6) Abel died by faith, Enoch survived by faith
Faith has nothing to do with how many years you will have in this life.

(verses 7-10) Noah stayed by faith, Abraham ventured out by faith
Like Noah, God may tell you to work on and stay in your "ark" (home or your church), regardless of how difficult, stinky, and messy it may be. Or like Abraham, God may tell you to leave your hometown to a place He will show you (perhaps a foreign mission?).

(verses 11-12, 17-18) Sarah bore Isaac by faith, Abraham offered him up by faith
God may give you something that He may later convict you to to let go of. I also think of the story of Hannah and her son Samuel. She must have had a lot of faith to leave her son with Eli, who had some really bad kids.

Joseph and Moses are interesting contrasts as well. Joseph lived by faith and gained riches in Egypt, while Moses lived by faith and gave up the riches of Egypt. (especially notice verses 24-26). Well, that definitely throws the "prosperity gospel" out the window (which isn't even a gospel at all).

Again, in verses 32-37, we see more examples of people who either escaped death by faith or they died because of their faith.

Faith is not telling God what I want, believing He will give it to me. Faith is an abiding trust in God regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. We may be facing a life-threatening illness or enjoying good health. We may be perfectly content in our home or facing a move and dreading it. We may be prospering financially or struggling to pay the mortgage. We may be enjoying a great marriage, or the relationship may be strained. We may feel very close to God, or we may feel distant from Him. Faith is not dependent on our feelings or our circumstances (Hab. 3:17-19).
~ Mark Finley

Escaping Escapism

The Dangers of Escapism
1. Escapism destroys relationships
Escapism robs you of quality time and communication with others

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

"Now we are learning the more time you spend on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the more likely you are to feel depressed.” Dr. Christine McGrath, psychologist

“Having more internet relationships is associated with higher levels of emotional loneliness than having face-to-face relationships.” http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493101300210303

2. Escapism destroys the power of connected, vigorous thinking
“Even fiction which contains no suggestion of impurity, and which may be intended to teach excellent principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading, merely for the story. Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny. Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 383

3. Escapism draws you away from spiritual things
“You are indulging an evil which threatens to destroy your spirituality. It will eclipse all the beauty and interest of the sacred pages. It is love for storybooks, tales, and other reading which does not have an influence for good upon the mind that is in any way dedicated to the service of God. It produces a false, unhealthy excitement, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it for any spiritual exercise. It weans the soul from prayer and love of spiritual things.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 241, 242

Depression and Anxiety: “Escapism allows us to numb ourselves to a reality that we do not want to accept….It allows us to avoid feelings of shame or emotional pain. By imagining ourselves as someone who doesn’t have the constraints that we do, or who possesses something that we lack, we can ‘experience’ that life without having to do the work (and have the luck) necessary to achieve it.” http://feelhappiness.com/escapism-leave-fantasy-world-live-reality/

4. Escapism corrupts and destroys the soul
“A large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the land are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul.” The Adventist Home, p. 415

The more you escape, the more you paralyze your motivation to stop escaping. But in order to escape escapism, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION.

Keys to Escaping Escapism
1. Temperance
• Go to sleep early.
• Exercise.
• Avoid unhealthy food, drink, etc.
• Take time for recreation.
• Invest in quality relationships.

2. Reflection
Ask yourself questions like these.
• What am I fleeing from?
• In what situations do I typically engage in escapist behavior?
• Is there a specific feeling or mood that triggers the urge to escape?
• What is it that I enjoy about my fantasy?
• What do I feel as I “come down” after a fix?

3. Discipline
• Set a timer.
• Keep phone, computer, etc. away from bed.
• Set up accountability system.
• Set goals.
• Have devotions.

4. Prayer and communion with God
All of the previous ingredients are powerless without this one.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41

“God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.” The Ministry of Healing, p.176

“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 176

5. Sharpen your Sword of the Spirit!
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13, 14

“What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.” Steps to Christ, p. 32

The root cause of bad habits: Who Rules The Heart?
“The deepest issues of the human struggle are not issues of pain and suffering, but the issue of worship, because what rules our hearts will control the way we respond to both suffering and blessing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 71

“Whatever rules the heart will exercise inescapable influence over the person’s life and behavior.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 68

“Sin is much more than doing the wrong thing. It begins with loving, worshiping, and serving the wrong thing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 67

Sin causes us to steal the story and rewrite it with ourselves as the lead, and with our lives at center stage.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 35

“Sin is the ultimate disease, the grand psychosis…Rebellion is the inborn tendency to give in to the lies of autonomy, self-sufficiency, and self-focus.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 14

Also see Humanetech

Christian Lifehacks

The following is simply a list of bible verses from a 3 part series of sermons called "Christian Lifehacks". I also added in a few other bible verses.

Matthew 14:23
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23-24 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you… Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Hebrews 10:24-25 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 5:15-21
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

John 17:20-23 [Jesus’ prayer] I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 15:9-10 [Jesus tells his followers] As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

Colossians 1:24-27 [Christ in you, the hope of glory] I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church… to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which… now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 17:3
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

How to open up to healing

God promises healing
Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

Jesus' ministry involved healing
Acts 10:38
..God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

By His stripes we are healed
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.

God's Word provides healing
Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
John 4:50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

Believers can share God's healing with others
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

James 5:13-16  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

God wants both body and soul to be healthy
3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (see Matthew 9:2, Jesus both healed and forgave the sins of a paralytic)

[A paraphrased version of something Pastor Glenn Coon said]
By faith we can ask for healing to the fullest extent of God's infinite love and wisdom. God may heal us immediately, have us wait until later, or even wait until the resurrection. We do not know what God's timing is, but we should trust that God knows what's best.

Romans 8:23... even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

We should make up our minds to be well 
(notice Jesus healing of the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:6-9)

There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. [Ministry of Healing 246]

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Matthew 8:14-15 Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.

Turn you eyes upon Jesus, remember He said "...lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world”

How to forgive yourself

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.
He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities.
You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.

[Hymn: Blessed Assurance]
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[Hymn: Just As I Am]
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Christ is the wellspring of life. That which many need is to have a clearer knowledge of Him; they need to be patiently and kindly, yet earnestly, taught how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven. When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and energy to the body. [Ministry of Healing, p. 247]

Isaiah 43:1-4
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.

Psalm 103:12-14
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jeremiah 31:34 ....For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.

Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
And I will not remember your sins.

Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

John 16:8 And when [The Comforter] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Psalm 51:10-13
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Hymn: The Great Physician]
The great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.

(Recommended reading: Ministry of Healing 122-124)

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Zachariah 3:1-5
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

Also see, Biblical Principles for Healing

Other relevant verses:

Proverbs 24:16 "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again... "

John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

1 John 3:18-20 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Philippians 3:13b-14 .....one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Relevant Quote

Our past sins will sometimes come to mind, and cast a shadow over our faith, so that we can see nothing but merited punishment in store for us..  To those who, though they have repented, are troubled over their past sins, who are tempted to think that perhaps they are not forgiven, Christ says, “Go, and sin no more.” You have found peace with God; through his grace you have entered upon a new life... Instead of looking inward with regret and despair, look outward and upward in faith. Unless you are constantly fighting the fight of faith, the past will press its shadow over the present. [RH January 13, 1891]

Verses that remind us to keep our minds on the Lord

Isaiah 45:22
Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

How frustrated minds find peace

Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus ministry involved both doing (practice) and teaching (Acts 1:1)

We should be doers and not hearers only (James 1:22)

Jesus offers us peace

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Fix your eyes upon the Lord

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

"When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center. " Education, p. 297

King Jehoshaphat didn't go into orbit around his troubles, he kept eyes on the Lord 

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.

In 2 Chronicles 20, you see that the battle was left in God's hands, people began singing praises, and then God sent ambushes against the enemies of Judah. Instead of having to fight, God made it so their enemies ended up destroying one another.

Keep your trust in Him, don't let your heart be troubled

Jesus said in John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."

In another study we saw "how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven". Forgiveness deals with the spiritual healing of the soul. In the study before that, bible promises for physical healing were quoted. God wants to preserve our entire being (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Now what about our minds?

How to open our minds to healing agencies of heaven

The psalmist in Psalm 16:8, says: "I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."

Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray... It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance.... If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,—the great mercy and love of God,—we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God. [Ministry of Healing 251-253]

Eternal life and peace is found in knowing God and Jesus our Lord

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

Peace with God through Jesus Chris is found in being justified by faith

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms; 

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

(also notice Isaiah 53:5, Christ took our chastisement to give us peace. By His wounds, we're healed)

Peace isn't the absence of trouble

Finding peace in Jesus doesn't mean you will never face anymore trouble {1 Peter 4:12-13). In fact you may face even more troubles, but don't let that discourage you. Keep your mind stayed on the Lord and rejoice in the face of trouble.

James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

(Also notice 1 Corinthians 1:30)

Developing patience in trials

God allows the trials of our faith so we can develop patience. It's only in trusting in God's wisdom that we can know how to react in the face of trouble (see Psalm 25:9). We may not understand why certain things happen, but that's okay because God knows whether it is worth for us to know (Deuteronomy 29:29, John 16:12).

Christ's sacrifice assures us that God will provide
 Remember this: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. Whatever the circumstance, remember this, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We behold, and catch the bright beams in the face of Jesus Christ. We receive as much as we can bear. Let us not stop to quarrel over circumstances, but keep Christ in view. Through the transforming power of the Holy Ghost we become assimilated to the image of the blessed Object we behold. [Ms 26, 1889]

The Cross even guards the angels from apostasy

The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. [Signs of the Times, December 30 1889]

That old, old story is true,

That old, old story is true;

I've found out the reason they love it so well:

That old, old story is true.

Keep looking to Jesus, lest you become weary and discouraged

Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

Keep your focus on Jesus in the last days and rejoice always!

Luke 21:25-28 “And there will be... men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth,... Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

1 Thessalonians 5:4,9-11, 16-18 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief... For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Love casts away fear

1 John 4:17-18  Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Speak the praise of God for His matchless love

Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God. [Ministry of Healing 253]

Cast your cares on Christ

[Christ] has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the load from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon Him; for He carries us upon His heart. [Ministry of Healing, p. 71]

"Cast all your burdens and sorrows on Him who alone can give rest to the weary heart and peace to the troubled soul." [Lt 56, 1874]

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

How to sing your worries away

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.

Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour's presence, we shall have health and His blessing. Ministry of Healing 254

Munching on the promises of healing love
Sent to sick and weary hearts from Christ above
Brought by wings of angels and the Heavenly Dove
Munching on the promises of God

Munching, Munching,
Munching on the promises of God my Savior;
Munching, Munching,
I’m Munching on the promises of God.

Munching on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Munching on the promises of God.

Proverbs 17:22a A merry heart does good, like medicine...
Nehemiah 8:10 ...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

God promises healing and life
Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return to the Lord;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
1 John 5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

God dwells in the praises of His people
Psalm 22:3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Then let us praise God!

Revive Us Again
With His stripes we are healed
What a blessed redeemer to cure and to shield
Hallelujah, Thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen
Hallelujah, thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen

The following are responses to questions made to Pastor Glenn Coon

Do not be quick to judge other people's faith
While it is true that the teachings of a healing ministry should match up with God's word (see Isaiah 8:20), we shouldn't be so quick to judge (Matthew 7:1). God's word tells us to honor all people, even if we don't agree with them (1 Peter 2:17). We are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...." Psalm 37:7. "...In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15. Pastor Glenn Coon once said that one time someone tried to approach someone else about their difference in beliefs and this the person responded by saying, "Just pray for me and shut up!". Ha ha. It says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 that we should learn how to be quiet and mind our own business.

Glenn Coon also told of how someone had used Psalm 22:26 as a promise for weight loss. Although it seemed like a stretch in his opinion, but he came to agree with this after hearing that one should eat a good breakfast and lunch, then skip dinner to lose weight.

It is impossible for any mind to comprehend all the richness and greatness of even one promise of God. One catches the glory of one point of view, another the beauty and grace from another point, and the soul is filled with the heavenly light. [Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 111]

The blessing of being a blessing to others
One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is the centering of attention upon themselves. Many invalids feel that everyone should give them sympathy and help, when what they need is to have their attention turned away from themselves, to think of and care for others... The darkness will be dispelled from their own hearts as they try to help others. As we seek to comfort others with the comfort wherewith we are comforted, the blessing comes back to us. [Ministry of Healing, p. 256]

Do not point the finger
While it is true that many are afflicted because of their own sins (Psalm 107:17), The 9th verse of Isaiah 58 says we shouldn't point fingers at each other. That doesn't help you or the other person, it only keeps you in the darkness of selfishness and takes your focus away from the light of Jesus. Instead of usurping God's judgment seat, why not be witnesses of His grace as revealed in Jesus? Is that not what we are called to be? There are souls who are sick and in distress, they need to hear God's Word so they may be healed and delivered from destruction. (Psalm 107:19-20)