PSALM 139

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

God knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and still he accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely.

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Many people feel confused about the identity of Jesus Christ, whether or not Jesus is God, and what the word ”trinity” means exactly. In this Bible Study, I’ll address the question: Is Jesus God?

One of the most beautiful illustrations of who Jesus is can be found in the gospel of John, at the very beginning. In this passage we read about the various manifestations of God. Now some people believe in what is commonly called “The Trinity”, while others have a “oneness of the godhead” belief. Regardless of which of those doctrines that believers adapt, when asked “Is Jesus God?” they will both reply with an emphatic ‘Yes!’

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As I was reading in my Life Application Study Bible, I came across study notes on The Names of Jesus:

In different settings, Jesus gave himself names that pointed to special roles he was ready to fulfill for people. Some of these refer back to the Old Testament promises of the Messiah. Others were ways to help people understand him.

• Son of Man (John 6:27)

Jesus’ favorite reference to himself. It emphasized his humanity - but the way he used it, it was a claim to divinity.

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There is a debate between some denominations as to how water baptism should be conducted. Specifically that some baptize in “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” while others believe wholeheartedly that we should only baptize in “the name of Jesus”.

Personally I didnt give it a lot of thought, or I should say it didnt initially concern me. Baptism is baptism, right? But as I was studying the Word, I noticed some interesting things… and decided to go back and take a second look at water baptism.

I had just completed a study on the great commission, and also on water baptism. What is commonly referred to as “the great commission” is found in three of the four gospels, and it is the version found in the book of Matthew (28:18-20) that is most popular. This is where we find the instructions for baptizing “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

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Have you ever wondered why the bible isnt just 5 or 10 pages long? Aside from all of the history it contains, of course - couldnt the salvation plan and the requirements for good Christian living be laid out much more simply?

Instead, the bible speaks in parables and mysteries and leaves many people confused with interpretations. Wouldnt it be nice if it were just given to us in an easy-to-understand list, much like the ten commandments?

Actually, the bible is a mystery for a reason. God created us for true fellowship, and in order to do so he gave us Free Will. He wants us to actively seek him, and make a conscious choice to enter the kingdom. If it were all simplified, there would be a lot of half-hearted followers. But as it is, a person has to put forth a serious amount of desire and energy to understand the mysteries of the bible… and to come into close fellowship with God.

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The Bible Prayer Study Course is 232 pages of solid Scripture-based teaching that will help you to know the Word of God in regards to prayer and praying. You will find specific instructions on how to pray to God, the way that God intended.

This is a life-changing book that will forever change the way that you pray, and the results that you experience from prayer!

From Part 1: Learning how to pray effectively is one of the most important things a believer can ever do in his Christian walk. Really, a believer cannot be a success in fulfilling God’s purpose in his life if he does not know how to pray according to biblical principles.

A believer’s prayer life should be based and built upon the Word of God. In this study course, we’re going to discuss the many principles of prayer that are found in the Word of God.

As you study these principles of prayer, determine to get them into your heart so you can practice them in your own private prayer life. This is what I began doing more than fifty-five years ago, and I have been receiving the answers to my prayers ever since!

 
You can get this course for under $10, brand new! See: Bible Prayer Study Course on Amazon.com for more information and ordering instructions.

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What does the bible say about Jesus’ name?

Jesus’ name carries authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus gave us specific instructions about the use of his name in his teachings, and the apostles continued that teaching throughout the New Testament.

The New Testament represents a New Covenant - one where anyone can approach the throne of God, through Jesus…

Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Mark 9:41
“I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”

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Church was awesome today! I had been looking forward to it actually. While I really enjoy my personal bible studies, and fellowship with my Christian friends throughout the week, there’s nothing like church.

I am fairly new to the church I’m attending, and several times I’ve questioned whether I’m in the right place - or even a member of the right denomination. But every single week seems to bring confirmation that I am where I am supposed to be, and I feel lead to stay and get involved.

One of my closest friends stayed over last night, and as we were getting ready for church this morning I said, “TGIS!” with a big smile. She laughed and said “what’s that?” And I said, “Thank God it’s Sunday! I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

We both laughed because we knew that it wasnt very long ago that either one of us might have said “TGIF!” instead - glad for the weekend so we could get out and have some fun. It’s amazing how God can change you from the inside out, in the blink of an eye. (pause for praise)

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Doctrine of the Trinity

1. One God
2. The Father is God
3. The Son is God
4. The Holy Spirit is God
5. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons (i.e., they are not each other, nor are they impersonal; they relate to one another personally)

Source: The Biblical Basis of the Doctrine of the Trinity 

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You’ve heard the term Tough Love before. Often this is in reference to the way that parents treat a disobedient child. They might cut the child off financially or even emotionally, to punish them for serious discipline problems - or to keep from ‘enabling’ them.

This came to mind to me tonight, the term Tough Love, as I was meditating on the Word. I recalled in Jesus’ teaching that he compared God to an earthly parent, so that we might grasp the concept:

Mat 7:9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Mat 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
Mat 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

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