God will test all men before they can believe n n God will always bring forth His people through a series of tests. (Zech 13:9)

God will test all men before they can believe


God will always bring forth His people through a series of tests. (Zech 13:9)



Zechariah 13:9 (NKJV) - I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”



Why do men respond two ways to the same evidence? (Acts 13:48; 14:1-2; 28:24-29)



Acts 13:48 (NKJV) - Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.



Acts 14:1-2 (NKJV) - Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.



Acts 28:24-29 (NKJV) - And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.



There were 12 spies but only 2 claimed the land could be taken. (Num 32:12)



Some doubt that the Bible could be God’s word because of the different reactions men have to it. They are missing the purpose of God in this.



Some doubt that the Bible could be God’s word because of the different reactions men have to it. They are missing the purpose of God in this.

God told us ahead of time that only a few would find the truth. (Mt 7:13-14)



Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV) - “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.



By design God has given a message that would cause the proud to reject it and the humble to find it. (1 Cor 1:22-29)

Jesus stated that God’s truth must be carefully pursued. (Jn 7:17; Mt 13:10-15)

John 7:17 (NKJV) - If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.



By design God has given a message that would cause the proud to reject it and the humble to find it. (1 Cor 1:22-29)



1 Cor 1:26-29 - For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;



28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.



Jesus stated that God’s truth must be carefully pursued. (Jn 7:17; Mt 13:10-15)



John 7:17 (NKJV) - If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

Matthew 13:10-15 (NKJV) - And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.



Matthew 13:10-15 (NKJV) - And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.



Matthew 13:10-15 (NKJV) - 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.



14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears Bare hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’



Potentially anyone can find the truth of God, but those who do will have to dig deep and not be easily discouraged.



Potentially anyone can find the truth of God, but those who do will have to dig deep and not be easily discouraged.

Can you find the truth and keep the truth because you have a love for the truth?



Consider a series of test we must go through. Will you pass the test?

The Test of Knowing JesusThe Test of Knowing JesusThe Test of Knowing JesusThe Test of Knowing Jesus

While God gave powerful evidence, there were many who did not believe in Jesus. (Mt 16:13-16)


Matthew 16:13-16 (NKJV) - When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”


Jesus did not give men the kind of evidence they demanded but rather gave them sufficient evidence to believe. (Jn 5:38-40)


John 5:38-40 (NKJV) - But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.


When men demanded signs, Jesus gave them something else. (Jn 2:18-22)


John 2:18-22 (NKJV) - So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”


21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.


Consider the tests men had to pass in order to believe.


The test of alleged contradictions


How could Jesus be from Nazareth and still be the Messiah? (Jn 1:45-46; Mic 5:2)


John 1:45-46 (NKJV) - Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”


Micah 5:2 (NKJV) - “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”


Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy? How would one come to know this?


Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy? How would one come to know this?

Those who are quick to turn away will never find God’s truth!


The test of knowledgeable, influential men. (Jn 7:45-49)


John 7:45-49 (NKJV) - Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” 46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”


These popular men did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.


These popular men did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

How many stopped listening at the words of these men?


The test of Jesus teaching and doing “hard” things.


Jesus taught without apology in a way to drive off the shallow. (Jn 6:61-69)


John 6:63-69 (NKJV) - It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”


66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”


Jesus at times responded in a way that would have cased the sensitive to quit. (Mt 15:22-28)


Matthew 15:22-28 (NKJV) - And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”


24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”


28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.


Blessed are those who persist and pass the test of truth.

The test of knowing how to be savedThe test of knowing how to be saved

While God wants all men to be saved, one must search the scriptures to learn how to be saved. (1 Tim 2:3-4)


1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) - For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.


Some are confused when they fail to find all requirements of salvation specifically listed in one verse.



There are very different views that are widely taught that require a careful serious study of God’s word.



There are very different views that are widely taught that require a careful serious study of God’s word.

As a result some will interpret a passage in a way to contradict others.


Some interpret passages showing the necessity of faith in a way that contradicts passages teaching the necessity of baptism. (Jn 3:16; Acts 2:38)


John 3:16 (NKJV) - 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.


Acts 2:38 (NKJV) -Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


Others interpret salvation by grace in such a way to contradict other passages. (Eph 2:8-9; Jn 6:28-29)


Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.


John 6:28-29 (NKJV) - Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”


One must overcome the beliefs of influential men.

The test of our obedienceThe test of our obedience

Men who begin serving God will face additional tests of their faith.


Men who begin serving God will face additional tests of their faith.

Abraham could plainly tell us that. (Heb 11:17-19)


Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV) - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.


Abraham was tested and God proclaimed his grade! (Gen 22:12)


Genesis 22:12 (NKJV) - And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”


Jesus expects His disciples to follow all things He commands. (Mt 28:20)


Jesus expects His disciples to follow all things He commands. (Mt 28:20)

He made no exceptions to those who were required to make a great sacrifice. (Mt 19:20-25)


Matthew 19:20-25 (NKJV) - The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.


23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”


That is a requirement of all who would be His disciple. (Lk 14:33)


Luke 14:33 (NKJV) - So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.


We are tested in our morals. (Eph 5:3)


Ephesians 5:3 (NKJV) - But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;


“One preacher distinguished between being tempted and being tested or tried. He said that, "the former word conveys the idea of appealing to the worst part of man, with the wish that he may yield and do the wrong. The latter means an appeal to the better part of man, with the desire that he should stand.


Temptation says, 'Do this pleasant thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is wrong.' Trial or proving says, 'Do this right and noble thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is painful.' … Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us; God tests us to bring out the best in us.”


We must stand against those who are in adulterous marriages. (Mt 19:9-10)


Matthew 19:9-10 (NKJV) - And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” 10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”


When the world gets into the church we cease to be God’s.


We are tested as a local church. (2 Cor 2:9)


2 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) - For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.


We must not let one or two outspoken men cause us to pull back from obeying.


We must not let one or two outspoken men cause us to pull back from obeying.

While conflict may come, we will be faithful to God.


Do not be dismayed when such tests come! We can pass it. (Acts 15:1-2,22)


Acts 15:1-2 (NKJV) - And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.


Acts 15:22 (NKJV) - Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

The test of faithfulness in trialsThe test of faithfulness in trials

God will allow various trials to come into our lives. (1 Pt 1:6-7; Rev 2:10) 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7that 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, Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) 10Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I

will give you the crown of life. “On preacher noted that when God permits his children to go through the furnace, he keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat.” 1. This is a test that will bring greater blessings when we pass it. (Rom 5:3-5) Romans 5:3 through Romans 5:5 (NKJV) 3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now 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. “In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.” 2. Do you glory in tribulations? (Phil 1:29-30) Philippians 1:29 through Philippians 1:30 (NKJV) 29For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. B. In these tests we must go back to the foundations of why we believe. (1 Pt 3:15) 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1. What did Jesus tell John the Baptist when he was suffering in prison? (Mt 11:3-6) Matthew 11:3 through Matthew 11:6 (NKJV) 3and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 4Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6And

blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 2. We should not become offended at Christ because He allows certain things to come into our lives! Conclusion: Will you pass the tests of God or join the shallow world of unbelievers? A. The response you give will determine what you will allow Christ to become in your life. (1 Pt 2:4-8) 1 Peter 2:4 through 1 Peter 2:8 (NKJV) 4Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual

sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 1. The unbeliever fights God. No man will win that battle. 2. The believer will have Jesus as his foundation and builder. B. What is keeping you from fully following the Lord?

Where do we fit?Where do we fit?Where do we fit?Where do we fit?

Where do we fit in Jesus’ parable about prayer? (Lk 18:1-8)

What if the answer to the question in verse 8 was no?

We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer.









We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer.

The power of one prayerThe power of one prayer

God tells us of the power of one prayer. (Jas 5:16-17)



The battle between the prophets of Baal and Elijah. (1 Kings 18:36-39)



The battle between the prophets of Baal and Elijah. (1 Kings 18:36-39)Contrast the prophets of Baal.



The battle between the prophets of Baal and Elijah. (1 Kings 18:36-39)Contrast the prophets of Baal.It was a simple question of who had the “hand

of the Lord.”


The request of a young Solomon for wisdom. (1 Kings 3:5-9)


The request of a young Solomon for wisdom. (1 Kings 3:5-9)What was Solomon like before this? God’s

hand powerfully acted upon this young man. (1 Kings 3:10-14)


The request of a young Solomon for wisdom. (1 Kings 3:5-9)What was Solomon like before this? God’s

hand powerfully acted upon this young man. (1 Kings 3:10-14)

The “hand of the Lord?” is seen in changed lives!


The mighty Assyrian army and king Hezekiah. (2 Kings 19:14-19)


The mighty Assyrian army and king Hezekiah. (2 Kings 19:14-19)Never say like the world: “All you have is a

prayer.”


The mighty Assyrian army and king Hezekiah. (2 Kings 19:14-19)Never say like the world: “All you have is a

prayer.” King Sennacherib no doubt learned about the

power of one prayer.(2 Kings 19:35-37)

In truth it is never just one prayerIn truth it is never just one prayerIn truth it is never just one prayerIn truth it is never just one prayer

There is something all of these men had in There is something all of these men had in common. common. (1 Kings 8:41-43)(1 Kings 8:41-43)



Prayer can do nothing for a man who does Prayer can do nothing for a man who does not posses a living faith.not posses a living faith.



Prayer can do nothing for a man who does Prayer can do nothing for a man who does not posses a living faith.not posses a living faith.– Some Jews thought it was just knowing the Some Jews thought it was just knowing the

right words. right words. (Acts 19:13-16)(Acts 19:13-16)



Prayer can do nothing for a man who does Prayer can do nothing for a man who does not posses a living faith.not posses a living faith.– Some Jews thought it was just knowing the Some Jews thought it was just knowing the

right words. right words. (Acts 19:13-16)(Acts 19:13-16)– Listen to your words. Think! Listen to your words. Think!


We can have the power of god in our lives. We can have the power of god in our lives. (Eph 3:20)(Eph 3:20)


We can have the power of god in our lives. We can have the power of god in our lives. (Eph 3:20)(Eph 3:20)– He is able to do:He is able to do:


We can have the power of god in our lives. We can have the power of god in our lives. (Eph 3:20)(Eph 3:20)– He is able to do:He is able to do:– above above all that we ask or thinkall that we ask or think


We can have the power of god in our lives. We can have the power of god in our lives. (Eph 3:20)(Eph 3:20)– He is able to do:He is able to do:– above above all that we ask or thinkall that we ask or think – abundantly abundantly above all that we ask or think above all that we ask or think


We can have the power of god in our lives. We can have the power of god in our lives. (Eph 3:20)(Eph 3:20)– He is able to do:He is able to do:– above above all that we ask or thinkall that we ask or think – abundantly abundantly above all that we ask or think above all that we ask or think – eexceedinglyxceedingly abundantly above all that we ask abundantly above all that we ask

or think or think


When we realize this is God speaking then When we realize this is God speaking then this is hard to grasp.this is hard to grasp.



Do we have the power or merely an Do we have the power or merely an outward form?outward form?



Do we have the power or merely an Do we have the power or merely an outward form?outward form?– We can have the form without power. We can have the form without power.

(2 Tim 3:5)(2 Tim 3:5)



Do we have the power or merely an Do we have the power or merely an outward form?outward form?– We can have the form without power. We can have the form without power.

(2 Tim 3:5)(2 Tim 3:5)– Or we can allow God's power to be used Or we can allow God's power to be used

through us. through us. (1 Thess 2:13)(1 Thess 2:13)


– What does access to God mean to you? Do not What does access to God mean to you? Do not tell me. How do you pray? tell me. How do you pray? (1 Jn 5:14-15)(1 Jn 5:14-15)

We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.

It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer.


It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer.– What would a person think when they lose

heart?


It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer.– What would a person think when they lose

heart? – We need to be “vigilant” and “steadfast” in

prayer. (Rom 12:12; Col 4:2)


Jesus’ example stimulated his apostles to ask to be taught about prayer. (Lk 11:1)


Jesus’ example stimulated his apostles to ask to be taught about prayer. (Lk 11:1)– Jesus prayed at His baptism in the beginning of

His ministry. (Lk 3:21)



His ministry. (Lk 3:21)– Jesus at times prayed all night. (Lk 6:12)



His ministry. (Lk 3:21)– Jesus at times prayed all night. (Lk 6:12)– Jesus prayed three times in the course of one

hour. (Mt 26:36-44)


For many this kind of praying in unknown, why?


For many this kind of praying in unknown, why?– Because they fail to distinguish between public

prayer and private prayer.


For many this kind of praying in unknown, why?– Because they fail to distinguish between public

prayer and private prayer. – We should look at our motives and manners in

a public prayer. (Mt 6:5-7)

We need to have a clearer view We need to have a clearer view of the God that we pray toof the God that we pray to


He is a God with a mighty hand but also a He is a God with a mighty hand but also a very gentle one. very gentle one.



He is a God with a mighty hand but also a He is a God with a mighty hand but also a very gentle one. very gentle one. – The coming of the Messiah was a display of The coming of the Messiah was a display of

God’s mighty arm.God’s mighty arm. (Isa 52:10; 53:1) (Isa 52:10; 53:1)




God’s mighty arm.God’s mighty arm. (Isa 52:10; 53:1) (Isa 52:10; 53:1)– That same hand will be used to nourish and That same hand will be used to nourish and

protect us. protect us. (Isa 40:10-11; 42:1-3)(Isa 40:10-11; 42:1-3)




God’s mighty arm.God’s mighty arm. (Isa 52:10; 53:1) (Isa 52:10; 53:1)– That same hand will be used to nourish and That same hand will be used to nourish and

protect us. protect us. (Isa 40:10-11; 42:1-3)(Isa 40:10-11; 42:1-3)– Who do you feel comfortable in opening your Who do you feel comfortable in opening your

heart to? heart to?



What do you think God will do with your What do you think God will do with your prayer? prayer? (Mt 7:7-11)(Mt 7:7-11)



What do you think God will do with your What do you think God will do with your prayer? prayer? (Mt 7:7-11)(Mt 7:7-11)– Are there things you have ceased asking God Are there things you have ceased asking God

about? about? (Jas 4:2-3)(Jas 4:2-3)




about? about? (Jas 4:2-3)(Jas 4:2-3)– Do you know the impact that one prayer can Do you know the impact that one prayer can

have on your life and those precious to you?have on your life and those precious to you?




about? about? (Jas 4:2-3)(Jas 4:2-3)– Do you know the impact that one prayer can Do you know the impact that one prayer can

have on your life and those precious to you?have on your life and those precious to you?– We need more intercession in the church. We need more intercession in the church.

(2 Cor 1:11; Col 4:2-4)(2 Cor 1:11; Col 4:2-4)



What do you think God will do with your prayer? What do you think God will do with your prayer? (Mt 7:7-11)(Mt 7:7-11)– Are there things you have ceased asking God about? Are there things you have ceased asking God about?

(Jas 4:2-3)(Jas 4:2-3)– Do you know the impact that one prayer can have on Do you know the impact that one prayer can have on

your life and those precious to you?your life and those precious to you?– We need more intercession in the church. We need more intercession in the church. (2 (2

Cor 1:11; Col 4:2-4)Cor 1:11; Col 4:2-4)– Hezekiah also asked for help in prayer. Hezekiah also asked for help in prayer.

(2 Kings 19:3-4)(2 Kings 19:3-4)

Where do you stand? Where do you stand? Where do you stand? Where do you stand?

Deuteronomy 4:7 - 8 (NKJV)Deuteronomy 4:7 - 8 (NKJV)7“For what great nation 7“For what great nation is thereis there that has that has God God soso near to it, as the LORD our God near to it, as the LORD our God isis to us, for whatever to us, for whatever reasonreason we may call we may call upon Him? 8And what great nation upon Him? 8And what great nation is thereis there that has that has suchsuch statutes and righteous statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?before you this day?


Here is an interesting conversation between Here is an interesting conversation between a Swedish peasant woman and her a Swedish peasant woman and her persistent visitor. "Does your son in persistent visitor. "Does your son in America never send you any money?" was America never send you any money?" was asked of a poverty‑stricken old Swedish asked of a poverty‑stricken old Swedish woman. "Never!" was the bitter answer "He woman. "Never!" was the bitter answer "He writes often and speaks of sending money, writes often and speaks of sending money, but never a bit have I seen from him. but never a bit have I seen from him.


I am getting old and poor and soon I must I am getting old and poor and soon I must die or go to the poorhouse. Yet he is rich die or go to the poorhouse. Yet he is rich and prosperous. Such is the ingratitude of and prosperous. Such is the ingratitude of children!“ children!“

Is there never anything in the letters?" Is there never anything in the letters?" asked the persistent visitor.asked the persistent visitor.

Oh, yes, he always sends pictures; but I do Oh, yes, he always sends pictures; but I do not need pictures: I need money." not need pictures: I need money."


"Have you saved those pictures?""Have you saved those pictures?" "They are all pasted on the wall in my "They are all pasted on the wall in my

bedroom. Would you like to see them?"bedroom. Would you like to see them?" "Certainly," answered the visitor. When she "Certainly," answered the visitor. When she

looked into the bare little room she saw looked into the bare little room she saw pasted on the walls a small fortune in pasted on the walls a small fortune in American paper money.American paper money.


She had a room full of money but she failed She had a room full of money but she failed to see its value. The very presence of this to see its value. The very presence of this gift suggested that someone loved her and gift suggested that someone loved her and cared for her though that one lived in cared for her though that one lived in another land.another land.

I See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of Christ

He was hated by those He loved. He was hated by those He loved. (Mt 24:37-38; Lk 23:34)(Mt 24:37-38; Lk 23:34)

Jesus suffered greatly on the cross. Jesus suffered greatly on the cross. (Lk 22:41-44; Heb 5:7-8)(Lk 22:41-44; Heb 5:7-8)

I See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of ChristI See the Suffering of Christ

He was hated by those He loved. He was hated by those He loved. (Mt 24:37-38; Lk 23:34)(Mt 24:37-38; Lk 23:34)

Jesus suffered greatly on the cross. Jesus suffered greatly on the cross. (Lk 22:41-44; Heb 5:7-8)(Lk 22:41-44; Heb 5:7-8)

Did you see Him crucified? (Gal 3:1)Did you see Him crucified? (Gal 3:1)

I See the Unmerited Love of GodI See the Unmerited Love of GodI See the Unmerited Love of GodI See the Unmerited Love of God

Why did Jesus have to die? Why did Jesus have to die? (Isa 53:4-5; 2 Cor 5:21)(Isa 53:4-5; 2 Cor 5:21)



Why the death on the cross? Why the death on the cross? (Rom 5:6-8)(Rom 5:6-8)



Why the death on the cross? Why the death on the cross? (Rom 5:6-8)(Rom 5:6-8)

God’s love for me is individual and God’s love for me is individual and personal!personal!

The Cross Shows Me How to LiveThe Cross Shows Me How to LiveThe Cross Shows Me How to LiveThe Cross Shows Me How to Live

My view of life is radically changed. My view of life is radically changed. (Col 3:1-3; Rom 6:6)(Col 3:1-3; Rom 6:6)



My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9)My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9)



My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9)My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9) How I handle hurt (Lk 23:34; Mt 10:28; How I handle hurt (Lk 23:34; Mt 10:28;

Eph 4:31-32)Eph 4:31-32)



My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9)My view of physical things (2 Cor 8:9) How I handle hurt (Lk 23:34; Mt 10:28; How I handle hurt (Lk 23:34; Mt 10:28;

Eph 4:31-32)Eph 4:31-32) The Cares of life (Mt 13:22; Jn 16:31-33)The Cares of life (Mt 13:22; Jn 16:31-33)


John 16:32 through John 16:33 (NKJV) 32Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The Cross of Christ Will Move me to:The Cross of Christ Will Move me to:The Cross of Christ Will Move me to:The Cross of Christ Will Move me to:

Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3)Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3)


Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3)Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3) Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10)Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10)


Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3)Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3) Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10)Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10) Love my brethren (1 Pt 1:22-23)Love my brethren (1 Pt 1:22-23)


Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3)Love His word. (1 Pt 2:1-3) Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10)Love to teach the lost (Lk 19:10) Love my brethren (1 Pt 1:22-23)Love my brethren (1 Pt 1:22-23) Take a stand against false doctrine. Take a stand against false doctrine.

(Gal 5:11; 6:12)(Gal 5:11; 6:12)

How Do You View the Cross?How Do You View the Cross?

2 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) 4For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

How Do You View the Cross?How Do You View the Cross?

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (NKJV) 23but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

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God will test all men before they can believe n n God will always bring forth His people through a series of tests. (Zech 13:9)