I Know Your Works And Endurance!

'I Know Your Works And Endurance.'
Revelation 2:2-3.
a)  This is a part of the Message that the Lord gave to John to share with the Ephesian Church.
b)  The Lord knew about them well.
c)  He knew their deeds.
d)  He knew their hard work.
e)  He knew their toil.
f)  He knew their patient endurance.
g)  He knew their perseverance.
h)  He knew that they could not tolerate wicked people.
i)  He knew that they had tested people who claimed to be apostles, but were not.
j)  He knew that they found out false apostles.
k)  He knew that they had persevered.
l)  He knew that they had endured hardships for His Name.
m)  He knew that they had not grown weary.
(This QT greatly encourages me: I Know Your Works And Endurance)
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'Give A Welcome And Acceptance.'
Romans 15:7.
a)  Accept one another.
b)  Welcome one another.
c)  Just as Christ has accepted us.
d)  Just as Christ has welcomed us.
e)  This will bring Praise and Glory to God.
(This Second one calls me to Give A Welcome And Acceptance)
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Chris.
Jesus tells us in the Book of Revelation that He knew the hard work of the Ephesian Church. It is exactly the same today. Jesus knows all that goes on in every Church that claims to be Christian. It is obvious that the hard work going on in the Ephesian Church was pleasing to Him. Jesus knows all things about His Church!

Mercy And Pardon From God!

'Mercy And Pardon From God.'
Isaiah 55:7.
a)  Wicked people are to change their ways.
b)  Wicked people are to forsake their ways.
c)  Unrighteous people are to forsake their thoughts.
d)  Banish the very thought of doing wrong.
e)  These wicked and unrighteous people then can return to the Lord.
f)  When they turn to the Lord they can receive:-
1-Mercy.
2-Pardon.
3-Generous Forgiveness.
(This QT reveals to me Mercy And Pardon From God)
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'With One Mind And One Voice.'
Romans 15:6.
a)  We should join together.
b)  With one mind.
c)  With one voice.
d)  To give Praise.
e)  To give Glory.
f)  To God.
g)  The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Through this Second one I desire to be amongst people who are With One Mind And One Voice)
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Chris.
Wicked people are capable of forsaking their ways. There is not one wicked person on this planet who is incapable of forsaking their ways. God clearly makes His Call to wicked people to repent and to turn to Christ. This is why it is not pointless to intercede for wicked people.

Holy Encouragement!

'Holy Encouragement.'
1 Thessalonians 2:12.
a)  We should live to please God.
b)  How?:-
1-Through encouraging our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
2-Through comforting our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
3-Through urging our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
c)  We should live lives that are worthy of God.
d)  We should live to please God.
e)  God is the One who has Called and Chosen us into:-
1-His Kingdom.
2-His Glory.
3- His Holy Nation.
4-His Shining Greatness.
(This QT gives me Holy Encouragement)
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'The Same Attitude Of Mind.'
Romans 15:5.
a)  God helps us not to give up.
b)  God gives us:-
1-Endurance.
2-Encouragement.
3-Strength.
c)  God will help us to think with the same attitude of mind towards each other.
d)  That Christ Jesus had.
e)  God will help us to please each other.
f)  As Christ Jesus did.
(This Second one encourages me to have The Same Attitude Of Mind)
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Chris.
We should live to please God. We should live to please God first. This does not mean that we neglect our human relationships, it is so Biblically evident that human relationships are important. However the foremost relationship in our lives needs to be our relationship with God.

The Ephesus Church In Revelation!

'The Ephesus Church In Revelation.'
Revelation 2:1.
a)  It is written to the (Angelic?) Minister of the Ephesian Church.
b)  These are the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom the Church belongs.
c)  The Lord holds the seven stars in His Right Hand.
d)  These are the human leaders of the Church.
e)  The Lord walks among the candlesticks.
f)  These are the Churches. (Not only in Ephesus - but everywhere)
(This QT gives me more of an understanding of The Ephesus Church In Revelation)
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'That Which Was Written In The Past.'
Romans 15:4.
a)  Everything that was written in the past.
b)  Was written to teach us.
c)  It was also written for our learning.
d)  That through the Teachings of the Scriptures.
e)  We might learn and have:-
1-Endurance.
2-Patience.
3-Comfort.
4-Encouragement.
5-Hope.
(This Second one shows me the value of That Which Was Written In The Past)
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Chris.
The Lord holds the human leaders of the Church in His Hand. This should give confidence and assurance to every Church Leader who is living in the Light of God. Church Leadership can often be lonely and sometimes by necessity even secretive. The Leaders are God's under-shepherds and their decision and actions are so important. Let us Pray for the human leaders of the Church.

While The Lord Is Near!

'While The Lord Is Near.'
Isaiah 55:6.
a)  Deuteronomy 4:29. Seek the Lord.
b)  Psalm 32:6. While He may be found.
c)  Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 29:12. Call on Him.
d)  While He is near.
(This QT draws me to the Lord: While The Lord Is Near)
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'Christ Did Not Please Himself.'
Romans 15:3.
a)  Even Christ did not please Himself.
b)  But, as it is written.
c)  Psalm 69:9. The insults.
d)  Of those people who insult You.
e)  Have fallen on Me.
(This Second one Teaches me that Christ Did Not Please Himself)
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Chris.
There are several ways in which the Lord draws us to Himself. He will do that in His Nearness to us. I am convinced that the Lord enjoys the Fellowship of His People. When we gather together to Him, in whatever form the gathering may take, that surely is a gathering that He is pleased with. In that gathering, the Lord draws us to Himself.

God Has Rescued Us!

'God Has Rescued Us.'
Colossians 1:13.
a)  God has rescued us from the Dominion of Darkness.
b)  God has saved us from the Kingdom of Darkness.
c)  God has brought us into the Kingdom.
d)  Of the Son He loves.
(This QT makes me Rejoice because God Has Rescued Me)
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'Build Them Up.'
Romans 15:2.
a)  Each of us.
b)  Should please our neighbours.
c)  For their good.
d)  In order to build them up.
(Through this Second one I desire to Build Them Up)
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Chris.
God has rescued us from the Dominion of Darkness. This is something that, as we more and more appreciate it in our lives, we can respond to through our Love and Service to God. Every adult person, whatever their background, lives under the Dominion of Darkness and needs Salvation.

The Lord Said 'Write'!

'The Lord Said "Write".'
Revelation 1:17-20.
a)  Revelation 1:17. When John saw the Lord.
b)  Revelation 1:17. He fell at His Feet as though dead.
c)  Revelation 1:17. The Lord placed His Right Hand on John.
d)  Revelation 1:17. The Lord said to John:-
1-Do not be afraid.
2-I am the First.
3-I am the Last.
e)  Revelation 1:18. The Lord identifies Himself to John as the Living One Who was dead.
f)  Revelation 1:18. The Lord called John to look.
g)  Revelation 1:18. The Lord is now alive for ever and ever.
h)  Revelation 1:18. The Lord now holds the keys of death and Hades.
i)  Revelation 1:19. The Lord called John to write about what:-
1-He had seen.
2-Was the present.
3-Would take place later.
j)  Revelation 1:20. The mystery of the seven stars that he saw in the Lord's Right Hand.
k)  Revelation 1:20. And of the seven golden lampstands.
l)  Revelation 1:20.  Is this:
m)  Revelation 1:20. The seven stars are the Angels of the Seven Churches.
n)  Revelation 1:20. The seven lampstands are the Seven Churches.
(This QT teaches me what was revealed when The Lord said: "Write".) 
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'We Should Not Just Please Ourselves.'
Romans 15:1.
a)  We who are strong.
b)  Ought to bear.
c)  With the failings of the weak.
d)  Not Just to please ourselves.
(This Second one reminds me that I Should Not Just Please Myself)
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Chris.
Some good Christians, True Believers, concentrate on the future. They get caught up with all kinds of future prophetic teachings. There are other good Christians, True Believers, who concentrate far too much on the past. They waste people's time attempting to be overtly 'spiritual' attempting to delve into and bring 'healing' to people's inner man. The Lord wanted John also to write about the present. In our churches and ministries, let's not get caught up with the past and the future, but essentially minister in the present.

Because Of The Lord's Great Gift!

'Because Of The Lord's Great Gift.'
Isaiah 55:5.
a)  We will call for Nations that we did not know yet.
b)  Nations that we did not know will come running to us.
c)  This is all because of the Lord our God.
d)  He is the Holy One of Israel.
e)  He endows us with splendour.
f)  He honours us.
(This QT reveals what happens Because Of The Lord's Great Gift)
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'Watch And Be Careful.'
1 Timothy 4:16.
a)  Be careful and watch our:-
1-Life.
2-Doctrine.
3-Teaching.
b)  In them:-
1-Live.
2-Persevere.
3-Teach correctly.
c)  Then we will save ourselves and those people listening to us.
(This Second one alerts me to Watch And Be Careful)
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Chris.
The Lord our God is the Holy One of Israel. As we read this QT we can think of the Lord our God very much. He is Unique because He is the Holy One of Israel. There is only One - the Holy One. He is of Israel, this is where He was born of a Jewish (Israeli) mother. The Holy Spirit created Him in her womb. Thank God for the Holy One of Israel.

The Arrogance Of God's Wandering People!

'The Arrogance Of God's Wandering People.'
Hosea 7:10.
a)  When God's People wander away from His Will they become arrogant.
b)  This arrogance testifies against them.
c)  Despite all this.
d)  God's People do not turn to the Lord their God.
e)  God's People do not search for Him.
(This QT reveals to me The Arrogance Of God's Wandering People)
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'A Living Witness.'
1 Peter 2:12.
a)  2 Corinthians 8:21. We are to keep our behaviour excellent before non-believers.
b)  Philippians 2:15. We are to live such good lives before non-believers.
c)  Even though they may accuse us of doing wrong.
d)  They may see our good deeds.
e)  Matthew 5:16. Then they will Glorify God on the Day that He visits us.
(This Second one shows me the necessity of being A Living Witness)
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Chris.
In the local area where we live, whatever we may call it, we will be seen by our neighbours. The reason that God puts us there, for however long a period it is, is for us to be His Living Witnesses. The Power of Living Witness is huge and can open many doors for discreet and intelligent conversations. To simply blabber about 'Jesus' in our local area may cause us to be seen as fanatics or fools.

John's Amazing Vision Of The Lord!

'John's Amazing Vision Of The Lord.'
Revelation 1:12-16.
a)  Revelation 1:12. John heard the Voice first, then he turned and saw.
b)  Revelation 1:12. John saw seven golden lampstands.
c)  Revelation 1:13-14. The Appearance of the Son of Man amongst the lampstands:-
1-Dressed in a robe reaching down to His Feet.
2-With a golden sash around His Chest.
3-The hair on His Head was white like wool or snow.
4-His Eyes were like burning fire.
d)  Revelation 1:15. His Feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace.
e)  Revelation 1:15. His Voice was like the sound of rushing waters.
f)  Revelation 1:16. In His Right Hand He held seven stars.
g)  Revelation 1:16. Coming out of His Mouth was a sharp two-edged sword.
h)  Revelation 1:16. His Face was like the sun shining in all of its brilliance.
(This QT reveals to me John's Amazing Vision Of The Lord)
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'Live Wisely.'
Ephesians 5:15.
a)  Be very careful.
b)  How we live.
c)  Not as unwise people.
d)  But as wise.
(This Second one calls me to live wisely)
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Chris.
To see this golden sash around the Chest of Jesus Christ speaks to me about His Perfect Purity of heart. All the Lord's Decisions are totally Righteous. They cannot be challenged or manipulated into our favour. Jesus Christ does not do 'special favours' for True Believers, He simply gives to us an abundance of Grace.
 

A Major Function Of The Lord Jesus Christ!

'A Major Function Of The Lord Jesus Christ.'
Isaiah 55:4.
a)  He is made by the Father.
b)  To the peoples.
c)  As a:-
1-Witness.
2-Ruler.
3-Leader.
4-Commander.
(This QT reveals to me A Major Function Of The Lord Jesus Christ)
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'Be Careful.'
1 Corinthians 10:12.
a)  If we think.
b)  That we are standing firmly.
c)  We should be careful.
d)  That we do not fall.
(Through this Second one I am reminded to Be Careful)
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Chris.
The Lord Jesus Christ has many functions in the World today. One of these functions is as a Commander of all things. He is every True Believer's Commander. We need to carefully heed His commands and not compromise them. He is also Commander of the elements. The weather we have depends on Him. His Commands reach every area of our lives. When we understand them, we should heed and obey them.

A Double Minded Person!

'A Double Minded Person.'
James 1:8.
a)  A double minded person.
b)  Is unstable.
c)  In all that they do.
(Through this QT I do not want to be A Double Minded Person)
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'The Exercise Of Our Rights.'
1 Corinthians 8:9.
a)  We should be careful.
b)  That the exercise of our rights.
c)  Does not become a stumbling block.
d)  To the weak person.
(This Second one Teaches me more about The Exercise Of My Rights)
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Chris.
The exercise of our rights is something that people who live in some form of democratic Nation are often verbal about. I am really not very much in favour of this idea because we are yet sinners. Our thoughts and decisions are sometimes determined by sinful and proud attitudes. Much conflict, at every level, could be prevented by more thoughtfulness.

Temporary Problem!

QT suffered an internet interruption. Should be back to normal tomorrow!
Thank you.

The Spiritual Father Writes!

'The Spiritual Father Writes.'
Revelation 1:10-11.
a)  On the Lord's Day.
b)  Father John was in the Holy Spirit.
c)  John heard a Voice behind him.
d)  It was like a trumpet.
e)  The Voice told him to write on a scroll what he saw.
f)  He was to send it to seven Churches.
g)  These Churches were the Churches in:-
1-Ephesus.
2-Smyrna.
3-Pergamum.
4-Thyatira.
5-Sardis.
6-Philadelphia.
7-Laodicea.
(This QT reminds me that The Spiritual Father Writes)
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'Trust The Lord's Judgment.'
1 Corinthians 4:5.
a)  Judge nothing before the appointed time.
b)  Wait until the Lord comes.
c)  The Lord will bring to Light what is hidden in darkness.
d)  The Lord will expose the motives of the hearts.
e)  At that time.
f)  Each person will receive their Praise and Commendation From God.
(Through this Second one I desire to Trust The Lord's Judgment)
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Chris.
General Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's Generals rebuilt Smyrna. It became a commercial centre for the Romans. At the time of John's writing it was a city of about 100,000 population. The Church in Smyrna was obviously one of the earliest Churches and God wanted the Church to receive His Word.

Come And Be So Blessed!

'Come And Be So Blessed.'
Isaiah 55:3.
a)  We should pay attention.
b)  Come close to the Lord.
c)  Listen carefully.
d)  To the Lord's Words.
e)  They are life-giving and life-nourishing.
f)  The Lord will make an Everlasting Covenant with us.
g)  This is the same Love that the Lord promised to David.
h)  Love that is:-
1-Faithful.
2-Sure.
3-Solid.
4-Enduring.
(This QT invites me to Come And Be So Blessed)
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'Body Building.'
1 Corinthians 3:10.
a)  This is all by Grace.
b)  The same Grace that was given to Apostle Paul.
c)  Paul laid a foundation like a wise builder.
d)  The people who build on this foundation.
e)  Should build with care.
(This Second one shows me good Body Building)
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Chris.
The Lord makes Everlasting Covenants, these are the Covenants that He has chosen and desired to make with us. When the Lord makes covenants He never breaks them, they are firm and consistent. There may be certain times in our lives that we have to make, or need to make, covenants. We should follow the Lord's pattern.

Begin Wisely!

'Begin Wisely.'
Proverbs 1:7.
a)  The Fear of the Lord.
b)  Is the beginning of knowledge.
c)  But fools:-
1-Despise Wisdom.
2-Despise Instruction.
3-Refuse to be taught.
(This QT really encourages me to Begin Wisely)
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'What We Hear.'
Mark 4:24.
a)  We are to consider carefully what we hear.
b)  We are to be sure to put into practise what we hear.
c)  With the measure we use.
d)  It will be measured to us.
e)  The more that we do this.
f)  The more we will understand what the Lord tells us.
(This Second one reminds me that What I Hear I need to consider)
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Chris.
This is one of my favourite subjects, the Fear of the Lord. If we have the Fear of the Lord, we desire to have good fellowship with Him and to Obey Him. If we have the Fear of the Lord we find that He has many things that He wants to teach us and help us with. Let us treasure the Fear of the Lord.

John On Patmos!

'John On Patmos.'
Revelation 1:9.
a)  Father John was also to the Church:-
1-Brother.
2-Companion.
3-Co-sharer.
b)  Father John was in the Church together with the True Believers in the :-
1-Suffering of Jesus.
2-Kingdom of God.
3-Patient endurance.
c)  Father John was on the Isle of Patmos.
d)  He was there for the Word of God.
e)  He was there for the Testimony of Jesus.
(This QT teaches me a little about John On Patmos)
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'Watch Out.'
Matthew 24:4.
a)  The Disciples of Jesus wanted to know more about the End Times.
b)  Jesus told them. (And He tells us too!)
c)  Watch out.
d)  Let no-one deceive you.
(This Second one stirs me to Watch Out)
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Chris.
This QT reveals more of the heart of Father John. He was such a humble servant of the Lord that he called himself a co-sharer in the life of the Church. John was never a dominator he was a humble servant and father to the Churches. The reason that John was on the Isle of Patmos was for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus.

We Should Not Waste Money And Food!

'We Should Not Waste Money And Food.'
Isaiah 55:2.
a)  Why spend money on what is not bread?
b)  Why work for things that do not satisfy?
c)  Listen to the Lord.
d)  Eat what is good.
e)  Then we shall delight.
f)  In the richest of fare.
(This QT reminds me that I Should Not Waste Money And Food)
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'God Rewards Privacy In Worship.'
Matthew 6:1.
a)  Be careful and take heed.
b)  Not to practice our righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.
c)  If we do this.
d)  We will have no reward from our Father in Heaven.
(This Second one teaches me that God Rewards Privacy In Worship)
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Chris.
We should not waste money or food! This is not being miserly, it is being practical and it is being wise. I remember often when I visited certain nations that the serving that was offered in the restaurant was huge. I saw this many times. It was not the customers wasting food, it was the restaurant. They gave huge portions, far too large for the average person to finish and clear their plate.

The Result Of Incorrect Thinking!

'The Result Of Incorrect Thinking.'
Romans 1:28.
a)  They did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God.
b)  God gave them over.
c)  To a depraved and reprobate mind.
d)  So they do what ought not to be done.
(This QT reveals to me The Result Of Incorrect Thinking)
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'When We Go To The House Of God.'
Ecclesiastes 5:1.
a)  Guard our steps.
b)  When we go to the House of God.
c)  Go near to listen.
d)  Rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools.
e)  These fools do not know that they do wrong.
(This Second one reminds me about When I Go To The House Of God)
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Chris.
The result of incorrect thinking normally leads to incorrect action. It is so important for the True Believer always to give room for God in their thinking. When we consider God and His Ways it really helps us to think well and then make wise decisions.

The Lord Identifies Himself!

'The Lord Identifies Himself.'
Revelation 1:8.
a)  The Lord says.
b)  He is the Alpha.
c)  He is the Omega.
d)  He is the One:-
1-Who is.
2-Who was.
3-Who is to come.
4-Who is the Almighty.
(In this QT The Lord Identifies Himself)
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'Be Careful To Do What Is Correct.'
Romans 12:17.
a)  Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
b)  Be careful to do what is correct.
c)  In the eyes of everyone.
(Through this Second one I will Be Careful To Do What Is Correct)
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Chris.
The Lord Jesus is the One Who is to come. This is the expectation of every True Believer and has been since the foundation of the earliest Church that we read about in the Book of Acts. This Expectation really helps us to live the correct kind of life before God.