Jesus loves you

@Livingwater Study 1B LOT: A SAVED SOUL – A LOST LIFE (Scripture Portions: Genesis 12: 1-5; 13: 1-13; 14: 1-16; and 19: 1-38) In Genesis 19: 15-16, we read that Lot “hesitated” –- which tells us that his conscience was seared (1 Timothy 4: 2). How slow he was to obey God, even when God had warned him of impending judgment! –- look up 2 Thessalonians 1: 7 – 9. These are some of the most solemn words in the Bible. 3 . Lot had no influence for God . He did not look, walk or act like a man of God, and nobody ever dreamed that he was one. As a believer he should have exerted a powerful influence for the Lord, but because he was so weak and so worldly his influence for God counted for nothing at all. He had no influence with the men of Sodom. We learn this from Genesis 19: 1-11, and particularly notice in verses 7 –- 9 that they laughed him to scorn. The men of Sodom must have despised Lot, and the world despises a worldly, “make-believe” Christian. He had no influence with his chi

@Livingwater Study 1A LOT: A SAVED SOUL – A LOST LIFE (Scripture Portions: Genesis 12: 1-5; 13: 1-13; 14: 1-16; and 19: 1-38) In this series of studies we shall concentrate our attention upon ten Old Testament characters. There is no better way to encourage ourselves and one another than by studying the lives of men and women who have served God in the past –- look up Romans 15: 4. But this line of study will also bring us solemn warnings about the dangers and pitfalls which confront us –- look up 1 Corinthians 10: 11-12. This series, therefore, will provide us with a balance of encouragements and warnings. We begin with a word of warning, as we read and study the character of Lot. The scripture references above make very sad reading. They tell us about a man who was saved, as is made clear when he is referred to as “that righteous man” in 2 Peter 2: 6 – 9. In New Testament language, Lot was a saved man, but he was only just saved; he was a worldly Christian who had a saved soul

@Livingwater Study 10B  A PROMISE TO CHRISTIAN WORKERS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 126) The Christian Worker is one who SOWS SEED All true Christian service consists of seed sowing – taking a Sunday School class, distributing tracts, preaching, visiting the sick, letter-writing……Look up Luke 8:11 and see what the seed is. 1. This seed is precious (Psalm 126:6 (KJV); 2 Peter 1:4). There is none like it; it is life-giving (John 6:63). 2. This seed is powerful (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12). It can turn sinners into saints (Psalm 19:7). 3. This seed is productive (Daniel 12:3). It brings forth an eternal harvest. But the seed must be sown! Seed in the basket will never produce a harvest. It is not the truth we know but the truth we sow that bears fruit –- and we shall reap what we sow! Sow wheat, and there will be a harvest of wheat; sow truth, and there will be a glorious harvest; sow error, and there will be a harvest of shame –- look up Galatians 6:7. 4 . The Christian Worker h

@Livingwater Study 10A  A PROMISE TO CHRISTIAN WORKERS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 126) The last two verses of this psalm are the key-verses of this study, and the last two phrases in particular are wonderfully prophetic, in a three-fold sense. First , they are prophetic of Israel’s history. The words have already received a large measure of fulfilment, and today the Jews everywhere are passing through the time of tears and weeping. Soon their time of weeping will pass and they will “return with songs of joy”. Second , they are prophetic of our Lord’s ministry. Meditate on the separate phrases in verse 6, and compare the following: Psalm 40:7; Luke 9:51; 19:41; John 11:25 and Hebrews 5:7; John 12:24; 14:3; Jude 14. Third, these words are prophetic, or descriptive of Christian workers. There is a three-fold contrast: (1) going out and coming in again; (2) weeping and rejoicing; (3) carrying seed and carrying sheaves. Let us look at the description of the Christian worker in verse 6.

@Livingwater Study 9B HOW TO BE WELL-BEHAVED (Scripture Portion: Psalm 101) The deeds of faithless men David hates, and he resolves that they will not cling to him. “I’ll not let a worldly spirit get hold of me!” It is so easy for a Christian to be like a worldling: by indulging in the world’s questionable pleasures, using the world’s corrupt forms of speech, adopting the world’s debased standards, and so on 3 . The well-behaved Christian refuses to regard iniquity. See verse 3. We cannot help seeing “vile” things, but it is a very different matter deliberately and willingly to set them before our eyes –- look up Psalm 66:18 and Romans 13:14. How necessary it is for us to make the resolve of verse 3, and to apply it to the literature we read, the places we go to, the people we associate with and the thoughts of our heart! We are called unto holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1); and what have we to do with wickedness (2 Timothy 2:19)? 4 . The well-behaved Christian is separate from the

@Livingwater Study 9A HOW TO BE WELL-BEHAVED (Scripture Portion: Psalm 101) It has been said that there are two kinds of psalms: psalms of Praise and psalms of Practice. An example of the former is Psalm 100 –- full of praise and thanksgiving; and an example of the latter is Psalm 101. Psalm 101 is full of resolutions made by David at a time when he was about to become king of Israel. They all have to do with daily life and conduct, and that is why the psalm is so practical. Eight times David says, “I will” . The key-verse is verse 2: “I will be careful to lead a blameless life.” That is: “My behaviour shall be such as will be pleasing to God and commendable in the sight of men.” Are you a Christian? Are you a well-behaved Christian? 1 . The well-behaved Christian has a spirit of praise . A life that is filled with praise to God –- verse 1. The important thing to notice is that the psalmist sings just as much of “love” as he does of “justice”. Naturally speaking, it is far easie

@Livingwater Study 8B THE SEVEN-FOLD GLORY OF THE CHURCH (Scripture Portion: Psalm 87) All types of people are in the Church –- verses 4 and 5 –- “this one and that one”. How wonderful it is to sit at the Lord’s Table and remember that all over the world others gather in a similar way to worship the same Lord, to remember the same death, and to rejoice in the same great salvation –- rich and poor, nobles and common people, who have been proud, rebellious, worldly –- all saved by Jesus Christ and brought into His Church! 4 . THE GROWTH AND COMPLETION OF THE CHURCH ARE CERTAIN Look at verse 5 (last part), and compare Matthew 16:18. How wonderful to know that the Lord Himself is building His Church and that nothing will prevent Him from completing the work! Many forces are arrayed against the Church, as well as many from within, but the Lord has declared that He will build it, and He will not fail! Look up Acts 2:47 –- it is still happening! –- and read Philippians 1:6. 5 . ALL T

@Livingwater Study 8A THE SEVEN-FOLD GLORY OF THE CHURCH (Scripture Portion: Psalm 87) The Church is distinctively a New Testament revelation, and the epistles of Paul tell us much about the glories of the Church. For example, in Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV) we find the expression “a glorious Church”; but link this up with Psalm 87:3, and let the “city of God” represent the Church, then read the rest of the psalm and discover the glories of the Church that are mentioned –- at least seven. The word “Selah” at the end of verse 3 means, “Pause, and think of that!” So the psalmist is saying, “Glorious things are spoken of the Church. Pause and think of them! 1 . THE CHURCH HAS A SURE FOUNDATION What is the sure foundation upon which the Church is built? Turn to Matthew 16:13-18 and in particular notice our Lord’s words to Peter just after his confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). He said, “You are Peter ( petros , a piece of rock, ‘a little rock’), a

@Livingwater Study 7 SEVEN STEPS TO REVIVAL (Scripture Portion: Psalm 85) 2 . We must admit the POSSIBILITY of Revival. Are we convinced that revival is possible? The psalmist was! Six times in verses 1-3 he reminded God of what He had done –- “You showed… You restored“. And the fact that God has sent revival in the past demonstrates the possibility of revival coming again. Some people will not admit the possibility of revival coming in our day; for example, the ultra-dispensationalists, and all pessimistic, unbelieving, self-satisfied, worldly Christians will be slow to admit the possibility. But history, plus the promises of God, prove the possibility of revival. Look up 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 33:3; Malachi 3:10 3 . We must recognise the SOURCE of Revival Where does revival come from? Verse 6 tells us. “You……” –- look up Psalm 62:11. It comes from God; it is not worked up but sent down, and therefore our eyes must not be upon men, methods, churches or denominations –- b

@Livingwater Study 7A SEVEN STEPS TO REVIVAL (Scripture Portion: Psalm 85) In verse 6 of this wonderful psalm, the psalmist prays for revival. Multitudes today are praying a similar prayer, and in this study we shall discover some of the things that God says about revival. Some of us have seen revivals on a very small scale, where in crowded meetings many souls have been saved, lives have been transformed and there has been a deep spirit of prayer resting upon the people of God; but few of us have seen any large-scale revivals. We have read sufficient about such mighty movements of the Spirit of God to make us long for the Lord to do it again! But – what is revival? Revival is renewal, restoration –- a fresh inflow of the life, love and power of God. People faint and then, when help is brought, they revive. Flowers droop, and when placed in fresh water they revive. Christians and churches also droop, faint and need reviving. There are degrees of revival. A sick person may revive an

@Livingwater Study 6B THE CAUSES AND CURE FOR DEPRESSION (Scripture Portion: Psalm 77) # WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DEPRESSION? 1. A morbid, pessimistic outlook on life. In verse 2, the psalmist “refused to be comforted”. Some people are full of pessimism, always thinking and speaking in a “minor key” – “enjoying bad health”! As Christians, we should cultivate a holy optimism and deliberately refuse to dwell upon the dark side of things. What right have we to be pessimists? 2. An offending conscience. In verse 3, he tells us that in his depression he suddenly remembered God “…and was troubled”. Evidently he did not have a conscience “clear before God” (Acts 24:16). There was something between himself and God. Is there anything between us and the Lord? Are we disobeying Him in any way (Ephesians 4:30)? 3. A complaining spirit. In verse 3, the psalmist says, “I remembered you, O God, and I groaned”. The person who is always complaining is especially prone to depression. A

@Livingwater Study 6A THE CAUSES AND CURE FOR DEPRESSION (Scripture Portion: Psalm 77) Most of us know what depression is, and few can claim that they have never experienced depression of any kind. Certainly the psalmist was depressed when he wrote Psalm 77; and since he knew what depression was, and we know it also, we shall base this study upon two books –- the Book of God and the Book of Human Experience. What gloomy and depressing reading this psalm makes! Have you ever felt like verses 2, 3 and 4? And have you ever said verses 7, 8 and 9? # NOTICE THAT DEPRESSION AFFECTS US IN AT LEAST FOUR WAYS 1. It overwhelms our spirit. The psalmist tells us this in verse 3. One dictionary definition of depression is “a lowering of the spirit”. How often some of us have experienced this! For some unaccountable reason we have found ourselves down in the depths –- our spirit has been defeated, dejected and overwhelmed. 2. It awakens our memory. In verse 6 the psalmist tells us that in hi

@Livingwater Study 5B WHAT TO DO WITH LIFE’S BURDENS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 55) What ARE we to do with life’ s burdens ? Three things are indicated in our key-verse – Psalm 55:22 1. ACCEPT the burden FROM the Lord. The word “burden” here literally means “that which He has given you”; or the word may simply mean “gift”. Did you ever think of your burdens as a trust from God? To understand this is to take the first step in the transformation of trouble. That trial, disappointment, loss –- is that God’s doing? Yes, He has permitted it; He has trusted you with it for some very wise and loving purpose – – Romans 8:28. It has not come because of “fate” or “bad luck”; it may have come from the Devil, but only with the Lord’s full permission. Therefore, accept it from His hands. One reason God gives us burdens to bear is that they may bring us closer to Himself –- look at verse 19. It is easy to forget Him and become slack when things go smoothly, when there are no “changes”! Compar

@Livingwater Study 5A WHAT TO DO WITH LIFE’S BURDENS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 55) The key-verse of this study is Psalm 55:22. Look it up, for it introduces a theme that must make an appeal to all; we all have to carry burdens! This is a world of burden-bearing. Sorrow and trouble come alike to all mankind. There is no respect of persons; the rich have their share as well as the poor. How true are the statements in Job 5:7 and 14:1! Some have to carry heavier burdens than others, and some of us have little conception of the hidden burdens that some, maybe our own friends, are carrying. Often the deepest and most poignant burdens are not seen. 1 . What kind of burdens do people carry ? 1. Burdens to do with the home. To most of us home is “sweet”, but not to all. In many homes there is poverty, sickness, and strained or broken relationships. 2. The burdens of business responsibilities. 3. Burdens in connection with the Lord’s work (2 Corinthians 11:28). 4. Burdens to do with ou

@Livingwater Study 4B THE SWEETEST PSALM OF ALL (Scripture Portion: Psalm 23) #If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 2 describes the POSITION into which I am brought . It is one of complete satisfaction. What is the secret of this satisfaction? 1. The sheep are fully satisfied because the Shepherd provides perfect conditions for them. Green pastures and still waters. Perfect rest and refreshment! Notice that the sheep lie down, something a sheep will never do while it is hungry. Here, then, is perfect satisfaction. Are you fully satisfied with Jesus? 2. The sheep are fully satisfied because the Shepherd is in full control of them. “He makes me to lie down……He leads me……” By nature we are foolish, wandering sheep (Isaiah 53:6), but if the Lord is our shepherd He assumes full responsibility for us; He gently makes us to lie down and He leads us in the way of His gracious provision. This is the secret of a fully satisfied life. It is not only the Shepherd’s provision that satisfies

@Livingwater Study 4A THE SWEETEST PSALM OF ALL (Scripture Portion: Psalm 23) This psalm is undoubtedly one of the best loved passages in the Bible. Whoever we are, wherever we are and whatever circumstances we are in, it has its message for us. The whole psalm is a wonderful illustration of the truth expressed in Proverbs 4:18. The position of the psalm is significant. Psalm 22 is PAST tense and speaks to us of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); Psalm 23 is PRESENT tense and speaks to us of the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21); and Psalm 24 is FUTURE tense, speaking to us of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). The key that unlocks the whole psalm is the opening phrase: “The Lord is my shepherd……” He is a shepherd, but best of all, He is my shepherd. Is He yours? It is only when we know Him that the blessings of the rest of the psalm become ours. It is possible to know the psalm without knowing the shepherd; it is better to know both! #. If the Lord is my Shepherd – POSSESSION – vers

@Livingwater Study 3B THE REWARD FOR OBEDIENCE (Scripture Portion: Psalm 19) 2 . What are the rewards God promises to the man or woman who will keep His commandments? 1. LONG LIFE. Can obedience affect one’s length of days? Look up Deuteronomy 32:46-47; Proverbs 3:1-2. As a general principle, if we will seek to live in the will of God and obey His laws, then our days will be lengthened; but if we break His laws by living careless, intemperate, self-led lives, then our days may be shortened. 2. PROTECTION. There is a wonderful promise in Ecclesiastes 8:5 – look it up! Does it mean that nothing will “go wrong” if we obey God? It means that Romans 8:28 will be fulfilled in our experience. Sorrow, trials and testings will come, but as they come from Him they will never be “evil”, always “good” (Deuteronomy 23:5). 3. GLADNESS. Read Nehemiah 8:13-17, and notice the last words in verse 17. The most joyful people in the world are those who are constantly seeking to keep God’s commandme

@Livingwater Study 3A THE REWARD FOR OBEDIENCE (Scripture Portion: Psalm 19) The key-words of this study are in Psalm 19:11 – “In keeping them there is great reward.” In this simple statement the psalmist tells us that there is a reward for obedience. Some of God’s children are disobedient, (in fact, we all are at times); but when we obey Him the Lord promises us a “great” reward. The reference is not primarily to future rewards which we shall receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), but to rewards we receive here and now. One day we must all appear before the Lord to be rewarded, or to suffer loss, according to the way we have lived and laboured for Him (1 Corinthians 3:9-15), but Psalm 19 is speaking of a reward for obedience which is to be received and enjoyed here and now. Notice the words “in” and “is”; that means that in the actual process of doing God’s will and keeping His commandments there is great reward. 1 . Before we think about the rewards that Go

@Livingwater Study 2B THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN (Scripture Portion: Psalm 15) #THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN IS ONE WHO IS CAREFUL OF HIS FRIENDSHIPS In the first part of verse 4 we have a negative and a positive description of the right kind of companions to have. We are constantly surrounded by worldly and ungodly people, but we are not to make them our bosom friends. We cannot be true to God if we court the friendship of ungodly people. “The friendship of the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). We cannot serve two masters, God and mammon (Luke 16:13). How bad can be the influence of a bad friend; but how good can be the influence of a good friend! A great man was asked the reason for his success, and he replied, “Well –- I had a friend!” So, “make friends of God’s children! #THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN IS ONE WHO IS CHARITABLE TOWARDS HIS NEIGHBOUR #THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN IS ONE WHOSE WORD IS HIS BOND #THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN IS ONE WHO IS MERCIFUL IN HIS DEALINGS Verse 5 tells us this. God has

@Livingwater Study 2A THE HEAVENLY CITIZEN (Scripture Portion: Psalm 15) This brief but wonderful psalm presents to us a picture of a true citizen of Zion, one who is travelling on to the city of God, where he will dwell with Him for ever. The psalm may be said to be ethical rather than evangelical; it tells us what a Heavenly Citizen is like rather than the way to become a Heavenly Citizen. The psalm might well be entitled, “Practical Christianity”. In verse 1 the psalmist asks God a two-fold question. What is the significance of and difference between “sanctuary” and “holy hill”? Is there perhaps a reference here to the Church Militant (on earth), typified by the Sanctuary/Tabernacle, and to the Church Triumphant (in Heaven)? Before we can go to Heaven we must be a member of the true Church on earth, so the psalmist asks, “Lord, who are those who belong to the true Church down here……and who are travelling on to the Heavenly City? Describe them, Lord.” And the rest of the psalm i

@Livingwater Study 1B THE SECRET OF TRUE HAPPINESS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 1) THE SECRET OF THE HAPPY MAN ’ S HAPPINESS Is there a secret? Yes! It is clearly stated, first negatively and then positively , in verses 1 and 2. It is a four-fold secret: 1. Repentance.This is implied in verse 1 2. Faith.This is indicated in verse 2. 3. Obedience. “His delight is in the law of the Lord”; therefore he is a man of obedience, and faith plus obedience brings true happiness. Trust and obey, For there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey. 4. Communion.Verse 2 tells us this 3 . THE SOLEMN PATH AND PROSPECT OF THE UNHAPPY MAN Unbelievers are described as the wicked (verses 1, 4, 5), sinners (verses 1 and 5), and mockers (verse 1). Notice that: 1. The path, the position and the prospect of the unbeliever is quite different from that of the believer (verse 4). 2. The unbeliever is like “chaff” – no life, no vitality, no fruitfulness, no security, no stabilit

@Livingwater Study 1A THE SECRET OF TRUE HAPPINESS Psalm 1 forms an introduction to the whole psalter. It shows us the secret of true happiness – and who does not want to learn that secret? There is an idea abroad that God does not want us to be happy. This, of course, is the Devil’s lie, though unfortunately even some Christians half believe it. But God wants us to be happy. Let's consider this. 1 . GOD ’ S PICTURE OF THE HAPPY MAN If we ask, What is the blessed, or happy, man like? verse 3 tells us. “He is like……”, and then follows a seven-fold description of the godly man, the believer, the Christian. We introduce these characteristics by the seven key-words so helpfully suggested by the late Dr W. Graham Scroggie. 1. Vitality: “a tree……” This denotes life, and the happy man, the true Christian, has received a new life (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1), a divine life (2 Peter 1:4). 2. Security: “a tree planted……” This suggests a carefully chosen tree, cared f

@Livingwater Study 10B GIVING HIM THE FOREMOST PLACE Key Verse: ““…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:18) But though it is His right to occupy the foremost place in human experience, He does not always do so He is not always free to exercise His right. For example: in our life very often self is first –- look up Luke 9:59 and 61; notice the words ““first let me””! and compare 3 John 9. Sometimes another life is first –- look up Matthew 10:38; sometimes personal ambition, pleasure or possessions come first –- look up Luke 18:23. How true it is that: The better often is the foe That keeps us from God’’s best! 2. The Lord Jesus may be PRESENT in our life, yet not PRE-EMINENT If you are a Christian He is truly present –- but is He pre-eminent? It is true to say that He is present in our national, political, commercial and religious life, but He is not by any means pre-eminent. The same may be true in your life or mine. “”If He is not Lord of all, t

@Livingwater Study 10A GIVING HIM THE FOREMOST PLACE Key Verse: ““…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:18) The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will have the supremacy, when He will be Lord and when ““at the name of Jesus every knee should bow”” (Philippians 2:10). What a glorious prospect this is for Him –- and for us! But though the prophetic application of these words is important, there is an equally important personal application. The word ““supremacy”” means ““occupying the foremost place””, and here we are not thinking of the supremacy of one doctrine over another, one creed over another or one denomination over another, but of one personality over another. The one personality is the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is you –- or me; so when we speak of the supremacy of Christ we mean Christ occupying the foremost place in our life. Does He? Is He first in our life, home, business, friendships, pleasures……? See the warning of 3 John 9. 1

@Livingwater Study 9B FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Key Verse: ““And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) Notice the characteristics of a Spirit - filled Christian 1. The first characteristic of the Spirit-filled life is power and effectiveness in witnessing. The primary purpose of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is to make us effective witnesses. Read Acts 13:44-52, and notice how mightily God’’s Spirit-filled servants witnessed for Him The first characteristic of a Spirit-filled Christian, then, is that he is a witnessing Christian –- look up Acts 1:8. 2. The second characteristic of the Spirit-filled life is discernment, a Spirit-taught understanding of God’’s plan and programme. This is brought out clearly in this portion of scripture in two ways: 1. In verses 46-47, Paul and Barnabas explained that the gospel was first given to the Jews, and then, when rejected by them, it was given to the Gentiles. Thus, they understood God’’s dispensa

@Livingwater Study 9A FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Key Verse: ““And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) There is no greater need in the life of a Christian than that there should be a full understanding of the New Testament teaching about the Spirit-filled life. Because this subject is so neglected and so little understood many Christians are living on a very low level of Christian experience. Their lives are powerless, defeated and joyless and their service is ineffective and productive of little real fruit. For the same reason many of our churches are struggling, and the forces of darkness seem to be gaining ground on every hand. The greatest need of every Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and in this study we will consider some vital aspects of this important truth. life: Notice that our key -verse tells us several important things about the Spirit - filled life: 1. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a very definite exper

@Livingwater Study 8B WHAT WENT WRONG? Key Verse: “”You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”” (Galatians 5:7) What hindered you? Was it persecution , misunderstanding or opposition? Then you need to take heed to John 16:32. Many people have accepted Christ and have then had to face the misunderstanding and opposition of loved ones and friends, and the test has been so severe that later they have become discouraged and have “given everything up”. But, “it is hard to be a Christian”, and our Lord expressly told us that it would be so – – look up Matthew 5:11-12. The Lord Jesus was threatened with stones (John 8:59); they put a crown of thorns upon His head (John 19:1-3); they mocked Him (Luke 23:33-37); then they crucified Him (John 19:16). Is it not a privilege to suffer with Him? –- look up Philippians 1:29, and compare Acts 5:41 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-30. What hindered you? Was it some severe trial or sorrow? Then you need to take

@Livingwater Study 8A WHAT WENT WRONG? Key Verse: “”You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”” (Galatians 5:7) What a wonderful thing it is when someone is converted! A truly converted person is born again (1 Peter 1:23); saved (Romans 10:9); justified (Romans 5:1); and is made a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Do you recall the day of your conversion, or if you do not remember the day, are you sure you have been converted? But it is inexpressibly sad when one who has been truly converted turns back (Acts 7:39); backslides (Proverbs 14:14); becomes lukewarm (Revelation 3:16); loses his first love (Revelation 2:4). What a tragedy – to be out-and-out for Christ, a soul-winner, an earnest worker, and then to turn away from the Lord! There were those in the Galatian Church in AD 56 (when Paul wrote his letter), who had been turned aside by false teachers who had succeeded in getting them into bondage again to the Law. The though

@Livingwater Study 7B THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS Key Verse: ““For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”” (Galatians 6:17) This descriptive passage of scripture explains the marks on Paul’s body –- the brand-marks of the Lord Jesus. Do they not put us to shame? Most of us want to be popular Christians, and we know little of suffering for Christ’s sake. Let us remember those in many lands today who are suffering much at the hands of men and who are, for their Lord’’s sake, bearing in their body the marks of the Lord Jesus. And let us pray that should we ever be called upon to suffer shame for His name we may be given grace to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). 2 . THE SPIRITUAL APPLICATION OF THE APOSTLE’ ’ S STATEMENT The description of Paul’s suffering does not apply to many of us, but there is a spiritual application which applies to all who name the name of Christ. Just as those physical marks branded Paul as one of Christ’s slaves, as His property, as

@Livingwater Study 7A THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS Key Verse: ““For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”” (Galatians 6:17) The apostle Paul wore a badge that marked him out as being a true servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Is there anything about us that marks us out as belonging to Christ and identifies us with Him? The word “”I”” is emphatic in the Greek. Paul said, ““I bear in my body the marks of Jesus.”” Was he boasting? No, but in this letter Paul was vindicating his ministry. Many of the Jewish teachers had subverted these Galatian Christians into believing that he was not truly an apostle because he had not known the Lord Jesus in the days of His flesh. So Paul compared himself with these judaising teachers and he asked, ““Have they the marks of the Lord Jesus upon them? No –- but I have!”” What is the proof of our attachment to Christ? Is it the words we speak? No, not primarily. There should be some distinctive marks about

@Livingwater Study 6B THE CONQUEST OF WORRY Key Verse: ““Who are you that you fear mortal men……that you live in constant terror every day……because of the wrath of the oppressor?”” (Isaiah 51:12-13) 2 . WHY IS IT FOOLISH FOR A CHRISTIAN TO WORRY? It is foolish to worry when we consider that the thing we are worrying about may never happen. But supposing it does happen? What then? It is still foolish, for the following reasons: 1. It is foolish because we gain absolutely nothing by worrying. Can you think of any possible gain? Of course, if in the goodness of God we have sought and found deliverance from worry, we are qualified to help others to seek and find similar deliverance, but apart from this reflex benefit there is absolutely no direct value in worrying at all. 2. It is foolish because if we have worried we are less ready to meet the experiences of life when they do come. We are less fortified to meet the crises of life if worry has already exhausted us, for it dissipates

@Livingwater Study 6A THE CONQUEST OF WORRY Key Verse: ““Who are you that you fear mortal men……that you live in constant terror every day……because of the wrath of the oppressor?”” (Isaiah 51:12-13) This study is a very simple one, but its aim is to deliver a death-blow at this terrible “oppressor” called Worry. A modern writer has entitled his best-selling book, ““How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”” –- and we might well take that for the title of this present Bible study. But do we need such a study? Yes, for most of us worry either about something that happened yesterday, something that is almost certainly going to happen today, or something that may or may not happen tomorrow –- and yet it is still perfectly true that – – ““If we worry we do not trust; if we trust we do not worry””. With our Bible open before us, let us emphasise two main truths: it is both sinful and foolish for a Christian to worry. 1 . WHY IS IT SINFUL FOR A CHRISTIAN TO WORRY? 1. It is sinful because

@Livingwater Study 5B WHY, WHEN AND HOW TO PRAY Key Verse: ““…they should always pray and not give up.”” (Luke 18:1) If a bad man (and the unjust judge was that) will yield to the entreaty of a poor widow, how much more will God yield to the earnest prayers of His people! 2 . WHEN should we pray ? The answer is, ““Always!”” which means at all times and in all circumstances. See how the apostle Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. When should we pray? 1. At regular stated times. We do many things daily by habit, and we should form the habit of prayer –- look up Psalm 55:17, and compare Daniel 6:10. 2. When the Holy Spirit urges us. Have we not all had this experience? – look up Romans 8:26-27. As surely as we go into the place of prayer so surely is the Holy Spirit present to guide us in our praying. It is wonderful to be thus guided by Him to pray for someone for whom previously we had no thought of praying, and afterwards to discover that our prayer was th

@Livingwater Study 5A WHY, WHEN AND HOW TO PRAY Key Verse: ““…they should always pray and not give up.”” (Luke 18:1) Nothing is more important in the life of the Christian than that there should be a right understanding of, and a regular engaging in, the privilege of prayer. Prayer means contact with, communion with and fellowship with God. It is not simply asking God for things, though it does include that. Our Lord related the parable in Luke 18:1-8 in order to stress the great importance of prayer. He said, “”they should always pray…”…” This, of course, is a comprehensive word; it is the privilege of all to pray, and in this chapter 18 of Luke’’s Gospel we are given five examples: a praying widow (verse 3); a praying Pharisee (verse 10); a praying publican (verse 13); a praying ruler (verse 18); and a praying beggar (verse 38). 1 . WHY should we pray? There are many answers to this question, but let us confine our answer to the suggestion that arises out of the word ““should””

@Livingwater Study 4B THE WONDER OF THE WORD Key Verse: ““For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”” (Hebrews 4:12) 2 . It is LIVING in its NATURE It is spoken of as being “”quick””, or literally, “”living”” or ““full of life””. How did this Book become a living book? A comparison of Genesis 1:26 and 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us. Just as God breathed into man the breath of life and man became a living soul, so He has breathed into this Book so that it has become a living book. The word “”inspiration”” in 2 Timothy 3:16 literally means ““God-breathed””. In what way is the Word of God living? 1. It is living in itself. Compare John 6:63 with Proverbs 6:22. 2. It is life-giving, that is, it imparts life. Compare James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23. Seeds do not appear to contain life, any more than Bibles do! But seeds do contain life –- an

@Livingwater Study 4A THE WONDER OF THE WORD Key Verse: ““For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”” (Hebrews 4:12) Of all the inspired titles that the Holy Spirit uses concerning the Bible perhaps the most precious is ““the word of God”” –- compare Ephesians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:23; Hebrews 4:12. But does our key verse refer to the Bible (the written Word) or to the Lord Jesus Himself (the incarnate Word)? Look up John 1:1. Some Bible students believe that the reference here is to Christ, the incarnate Word, and verse 13 would seem to support this view. On the other hand, many other students of the Word, with equal conviction, feel that the reference here is to the written Word. We suggest that both views are right. The two Words are inseparable, for the only revelation we have of the incarnate Word is in the written Word, and the

@Livingwater Study 3B DOING WHATEVER HE SAYS Key Verse: ““Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:5) 2 . Consider the fact that all that the Lord says to us has a three- fold relationship . In that it touches God, it is for His glory; in that it touches me, it is for my good; and in that it touches others, it is for their good. 1. When the Lord Jesus said, ““Fill……draw……take…”…” (verses 7 and 8), it was for His glory. Verse 11 tells us this, and we can be sure that whenever He speaks to us about something in our life, something He wants us to be, to do or to say, it is always for His glory. In other words, to listen to what He says and to render Him full obedience will always glorify Him. 2. When the Lord Jesus said, “Fill……draw……take…”…” (verses 7 and 8), it was for their (the servants’’) good. How do we know? Because in verse 9 we are told that while the governor and the guests did not know about the miracle, the servants did. Is it not most likely that having seen the miracle th

@Livingwater Study 3A DOING WHATEVER HE SAYS Key Verse: ““Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:5) In our key verse we have the golden rule of a happy and useful Christian life. Do we want to know His joy, peace and blessing upon our service? Do we want our life to be well-pleasing to Him in all things? Do we want our prayers to be answered? Are we seeking fresh and enlarged fields of service –- and do we need guidance? Then we must do what He says. If we can live in obedience to this golden rule we shall always be filled with the glory of His presence, power and blessing. Read John 2:1-11, and notice what a remarkable claim Mary makes for the Lord Jesus –- ““Whatever He says, however contrary it may seem to your ideas, do it!”” How can she be so confident? Because He was, and is, unique. He is the Son of God. 1 . Consider the fact that He does speak to us today He speaks to us just as He spoke to the servants 2000 years ago (verses 7 and 8). But how does He speak? 1. He speaks to