Teaching On Trial!

‘Teaching On Trial.’

Acts 17:19.

a)       They took Apostle Paul.

b)       They brought Paul to the Areopagus. (The Areopagus was the oldest and most famous court in Athens with jurisdiction in moral, civil and religious matters)

c)       The Areopagus wanted to know about the new Teaching that Paul was speaking of.

(This QT causes me to Pray for Bible Teachers: Teaching On Trial)

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‘A Land Of Milk And Honey.’

Deuteronomy 6:3.

a)       God’s People were called by Him to listen.

b)       They needed to obey His Laws and Statutes.

c)       Then:-

1-      It may go well with them.

2-      They may prosper.

3-      They would multiply greatly.

d)       This was the Promise of the Lord God.

e)       They would be given a land of milk and honey.

(This Second one is a Blessed lesson to me: A Land Of Milk And Honey)

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Chris.

The Areopagus wanted to know about the new Teaching that Paul was speaking of. If the Church was as keen as the Areopagus about knowing the Word of God then there would be transformation in Church Services and a renewed hunger and thirst for Bible Classes and Studies.

Receive Peace!

‘Receive Peace.’

a)       Philemon 1:3; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

b)       Exodus 29:28; Leviticus 7:34. From God’s People for their Spiritual Leaders.

c)       Leviticus 26:6. In the land.

d)       1 Kings 2:33. A Promise for King David.

e)       Isaiah 54:10. It is a part of the Lord’s Covenant with us.

f)        Malachi 2:6. As we walk with the Lord.

g)       Revelation 1:4. From Him Who:-

1-      Is.

2-      Was.

3-      Is to come.

(Through this QT I Receive Peace)

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‘Ephesus.’

a)       2 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 16:8. Was a place that Apostle Paul especially cared for.

b)       Acts 18:19. Apostle Paul taught the Word of God there.

c)       Acts 18:24. Apollos went to Ephesus to Teach God’s Word.

d)       Acts 19:1. Apostle Paul found some Disciples of the Lord there.

(Through this Second one I can see God’s Love and Grace being given to the city of Ephesus)

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Chris.

Extending Greeting from God our Father is sharing His Love and Mercy with whoever we greet. Greeting is a most important part of the Life of the Church. Maybe we are writing to missionaries on the Mission Field, we should greet them well. Maybe it is standing at the Church door on Sunday mornings, we should also greet the Church goers well. Greeting is not just social, it is also Spiritual.

My Beloved Lord!

‘My Beloved Lord.’

Song of Solomon 2:16-17.

a)       I belong to Him and He belongs to me.

b)      He pastures me, feeding His flock.

c)       I anticipate His coming again.

(Through this QT I love My Beloved Lord more)

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‘Tychicus.’

a)       Acts 20:4. He was a part of Apostle Paul’s team.

b)      Ephesians 6:21. He was a Beloved Brother and Faithful Minister in the Lord.

c)       Colossians 4:7. He was a:-

1-      Beloved Brother.

2-      Faithful Minister.

3-      Fellow Servant together with Paul.

d)      2 Timothy 4:12. He was sent out by Paul.

e)       Titus 3:12. He was helpful to others in the doing of God’s Will.

(This Second one shows me more about Tychicus)

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Chris.

The study of Bible Characters, whether in the Old or New Testaments is always a fruitful thing to do. We have so much to learn from them. When we serve the Lord we need to be serving together with good people. When the people that we serve together with have unresolved issues in their lives it can make our serving difficult and joyless. We are responsible for our own lives and issues in front of God so that we can serve Him well and also be helpful to our fellow Servants.

God Confirmed The Message!

‘God Confirmed The Message.’

a)      Hebrews 2:3-4. The Message:-

1-    The Lord Jesus Himself announced this great Salvation.

2-    The Message of Salvation was delivered to other people by those people who heard Jesus speak.

3-    God confirmed the Message by giving whenever He chose:-

A-    Signs.

B-    Wonders.

C-    Various miracles.

D-   Gifts.

b)     Mark 1:27. When Jesus taught He also commanded evil spirits to leave people.

c)      Matthew 8:27. Even the winds and the waves of the sea obeyed Jesus.

(This QT reminds me that God Confirmed The Message)

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‘Maintaining Fellowship Well.’

Ephesians 6:21-24.

a)      Ephesians 6:21. Apostle Paul, from prison wanted the Ephesian Believers to know how he was and what he was doing. They were much in his heart and he was much in their hearts.

b)     Ephesians 6:21. Paul sent Tychicus to them. He was a beloved  brother and faithful minister in the Lord, he would tell all the news from Paul.

c)      Ephesians 6:22. Tychicus was sent by Apostle Paul as a messenger and also he would encourage the hearts of the Ephesian Believers.

d)     Ephesians 6:23-24. Apostle Paul’s Blessing to the Church at Ephesus:-

1-    Peace be to the Brothers.

2-    Love with Faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3-    Grace be with all those people who Love our Lord Jesus Christ with Love incorruptible.

(This Second one teaches me that Apostle Paul always wanted to be Maintaining Fellowship Well with the Churches that he had some part in)

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Chris.

Tychicus was sent by Apostle Paul as a messenger. This man Tychicus was very special as a colleague and brother in the Lord. Paul trusted him to fulfil the Will of God amongst the Ephesian Believers. Corrupt and careless messengers can ruin fellowship between True Believers by their careless talking.

A House Church In Colosse!

'A House Church In Colosse.'
Philemon 1:1-2.
a)  Apostle Paul was in prison for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
b)  He wrote letters from the prison to Churches and individuals. 
c)  Timothy also combined with Paul as the author of this letter.
d)  The letter was written to Philemon in Colosse whom Paul called a beloved co-worker. (Meaning co-worker for the Gospel)
e)  There was a house Church meeting in Philemon's house.
f)  Apphia was Philemon's wife.
g)  Archippus was probably their son, Paul called him a fellow soldier.
h)  This was obviously a True Believer family leading a house Church.
(This QT reveals to me A House Church In Colosse)
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'Another Letter For Another Church.'
Ephesians 6:19-20.
a)  Apostle Paul was nearing the end of his letter to the Church at Ephesus, this was already a large group of True Believers probably meeting in several, or more, meeting places throughout the region.
b)  This letter was also written from prison.
c)  Apostle Paul was asking the Ephesian Church to Pray for Him. 
d)  Apostle Paul wanted to have the correct words from God to boldly explain his message to the people around him. 
e)  Paul wanted to explain God's mysterious Plan that the Good News was for Jews and Gentiles alike.
f)  Paul was in chains but he was still preaching the Message as God's Ambassador.
g)  Paul wanted the Ephesian Church to Pray that he would keep on speaking boldly the Message for the Lord.
(This Second one reveals to me Another Letter For Another Church)
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Chris.
A house Church in Colosse that was hosted, and probably also led by Philemon and his family. This was nothing strange in New Testament days when Churches did not have buildings in which to meet. Even today the Church frequently goes into homes for mid week meetings of some kind. There are also globally house Churches which probably function in a very similar way to the one that was in Philemon's house.

Catch The Foxes!

'Catch The Foxes.'
Song of Solomon 2:15.
a)  Catch the foxes.
b)  These little foxes harm our relationship with the Lord and our relationships with each other. 
c)  They ruin love.
d)  Even though the grapevines are blossoming and the season is ready. 
e)  These little foxes are cunning and can ruin relationships, they need to be caught:-
1-Rejection.
2-Jealousy.
3-Pride.
4-Lies. 
5-Manipulation. 
6-Bitterness. 
(This QT calls me to Catch The Foxes)
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'Be Alert In Prayer.'
Ephesians 6:18.
a)  Pray in the Spirit at all times.
b)  Pray in the Spirit on every occasion.
c)  Stay alert.
d)  Be persistent in our Prayers.
e)  Be Praying for all Believers everywhere.
(This Second one reminds me to Be Alert In Prayer)
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Chris.
Our relationships with each other as True Believers are not just meant to be good, they are also meant to give a message to the World. The Bible tells us that all people will know that we are Christ's Disciples because of our Love for one another. The Body of Christ only functions properly when the True Believers are having good relationships with each other. 

The Sabbath!

'The Sabbath.'
a)  Mark 2:28. The Son of Man is Lord over it.
b)  Genesis 2:2-3. Was initiated by God.
c)  Leviticus 26:34-35. Should be given to land also.
d)  Mark 15:42. Was to be prepared for.
e)  Mark 6:2; Luke 4:16 & 31. Was when Jesus taught in the synagogue.
f)  Exodus 34:21. Was to be observed even during the seasons of ploughing and harvest.
g)  Exodus 35:2-3; Isaiah 56:2. It was to be strictly observed. 
h)  Psalm 92:1. It was a time to Praise the Lord.
i)  John 7:21. Jesus did miracles on it.
(Through this QT I understand more about The Sabbath)
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'Put It On And Take It Up.'
Ephesians 6:17.
a)  Put on Salvation as our helmet.
b)  Take up the Sword of the Holy Spirit.
c)  Which is the Word of God.
(This Second one encourages me to Put It On And Take It Up)
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Chris.
God comes first! There are some people, who because of the nature of their jobs, have to work on Sundays. This is, I am sure fully understood and accepted by God. For those of us who are not indisposed in that way we should see to it that we attend Sunday Worship if it is possible. We do not go to Church for appearance, we go because God comes first. 

A Fond Farewell!

'A Fond Farewell'
Titus 3:15.
a)  This is how Apostle Paul closed his letter to Titus.
b)  Everybody here sends their greetings. (It was the greeting of the Body of Christ)
c)  Please give my greetings to the Believers.
d)  Please give my greetings to all people who love us.
e)  May God's Grace be with you all. 
(This QT reveals to me what is A Fond Farewell)
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'An Important Addition.'
Ephesians 6:16.
a)  In addition to all the weapons of spiritual warfare mentioned the Church was to take up the Shield of Faith. 
b)  This shield will enable us to extinguish all the flaming arrows.
c)  Sent by the evil one. 
(Through this Second one I learn about An Important Addition)
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Chris.
Greetings and communication are part of necessary life, especially so in Body of Christ. If we fail to greet and communicate then we will be having a very lonely life. Apostle Paul had a very important part to play in the establishing of New Testament Churches but he never made himself aloof from the people whom he served, he loved them.

Church Come Out Of Hiding!

'Church Come Out Of Hiding.'
Song of Solomon 2:14.
a)  The Lord sees that His Church is hiding in a place where it cannot be seen. It is a hidden Church.
b)  The loving Lord calls the Church out of hiding.
c)  He wants to see the joyful and shining face of the Church.
d)  He wants to hear the pleasant voice of the Church.
e)  The face of the Church is lovely to Him.
(Through this QT I echo the call: Church Come Out Of Hiding)
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'Put On Our Armour.'
Ephesians 6:13-15.
a)  Ephesians 6:13. We should put on every piece of God's armour.
b)  Ephesians 6:13. Then we can resist the enemy in times of evil.
c)  Ephesians 6:13. Then after the battle we will be standing firm.
d)  Ephesians 6:14. We are to stand our ground.
e)  Ephesians 6:14. We are to put on the belt of Truth. 
f)  Ephesians 6:14. We are to put on the body Armour of God's Righteousness. 
g) Ephesians 6:15. For shoes we are to put on the Peace that comes from the Good News so that we will be fully prepared. 
(This Second one exhorts me to Put On My Armour)
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Chris.
The Lord wants to hear the pleasant voice of the Church. That pleasant voice comes from words spoken and songs sung. If we have responsibility in public Worship to speak and sing then our voice should be pleasant, it means that our heart will also be pleasant. The Church is still the Church outside public Worship, it is Church in the members' homes. At home, also, the pleasant voice of the Church should be heard.

When Jesus Taught!

'When Jesus Taught.'
Matthew 7:28-29.
a)  Jesus had just finished a time of Teaching.
b)  The crowds were amazed at His Teaching.
c)  Jesus taught with real Authority.
d)  His teaching was quite unlike the teaching of the teachers of Jewish Law.
(This QT shows me what happened when Jesus Taught)
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'Our Fight Is Spiritual.'
Ephesians 6:12. 
a)  We are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies. 
b)  We are fighting against evil rulers.
c)  We are fighting against authorities of the unseen world.
d)  We are fighting against mighty powers in this dark world. (The rulers of the darkness in this world) 
e)  We are fighting against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 
f)  We are fighting against spiritual wickedness in high places. 
(This Second one causes me to remember that My Fight Is Spiritual)
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Chris.
When Jesus taught it was a totally different type and style of teaching to what the people had been used to. The people were used to the very sombre and religious style of the teachers of Jewish Law. Here, with Jesus were Words of Life and Hope, Words that could bring change to people's lives. Jesus taught clearly and simply and mostly never raised His voice. 

We Need To Be Doing!

'We Need To Be Doing.'
Titus 3:12-14.
a)  Titus 3:12. Doing our best.
b)  Titus 3:13. Doing everything we can.
c)  Titus 3:14. Doing Good.
(This QT reminds me that I Need To Be Doing)
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'Wear The Armour God Gives To Us.'
a)  Ephesians 6:11. Put on all of God's Armour so that we can stand against the strategies of the Devil.
b)  Jeremiah 46:3-4. Prepare the Armour and advance into battle.
c)  Romans 13:12. Put on the shining Armour of right living.
d)  2 Corinthians 6:7. And be fully equipped to Preach the Truth. 
e)  1 Thessalonians 5:8. Be protected by the Armour of:-
1-Faith.
2-Love.
3-Confidence of Salvation. 
(Through this Second one I know that I am to Wear The Armour God Gives To Me)
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Chris.
Wear the Armour God gives to us. This is a clear call to us from the Word of God. Having on the Armour that God provides makes our lives well protected and also more ready to do His will. There is an advance to be made by the Church of our times. Not only are we called to stand, we are also called to advance. 

Church Anticipating The Presence Of Her Lord!

'Church Anticipating The Presence Of Her Lord!'
Song Of Solomon 2:8-13.
a)  Song Of Solomon 2:8. Both the Church and her Lord are enthusiastic about this meeting. 
b)  Song Of Solomon 2:9. Her Lord comes speedily.
c)  Song Of Solomon 2:9. Her Lord looks at her through the window before coming in, seeing if she is ready.
d)  Song Of Solomon 2:10. Her Lord calls her to rise up and to follow Him.
e)  Song Of Solomon 2:11. The season is changing. 
f)  Song Of Solomon 2:12. The beautiful spring has come, New Life for the Church as she meets with her Lord. 
g)  Song of Solomon 2:13. The Church becomes fruitful as she moves with and follows her Lord.
(In this QT I find the Church Anticipating The Presence Of Her Lord)
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'We Should Not Force It.'
Zechariah 4:6.
a)  This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says.
b)  It is not by force.
c)  It is not by strength.
d)  It is by the Spirit of God.
(This Second one reminds me that I Should Not Force It)
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Chris.
The Lord calls the Church to rise up and follow Him. This is a clear challenge to which the True Church needs to respond. Sometimes we Pray in our Churches and in our Prayers we are almost telling our Lord what to do. This is different, so different. This is the Lord Calling to us and telling us what to do. I am convinced that God knows best so let us always respond to His Calling. 

Truly Suffering For The Lord!

'Truly Suffering For The Lord.'
a)  Philippians 1:29. It is a privilege.
b)  Philippians 3:10. Apostle Paul wanted to suffer for the Lord.
c)  Colossians 1:24. When Apostle Paul suffered for the Lord he was also suffering for His Body, the Church.
d)  1 Corinthians 4:11-12. Environmental suffering for the Lord.
e)  2 Corinthians 1:4-5. When suffering for the Lord we may receive comfort and with that comfort we can comfort other people who are suffering for Him. 
(This QT teaches me about Truly Suffering For The Lord)
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'A Different Kind Of War.'
2 Corinthians 10:3-5. 
a)  2 Corinthians 10:3. It
 is not a war against human beings.
b)  2 Corinthians 10:4. We use God's mighty weapons, not world system weapons. 
c)  2 Corinthians 10:4. We knock down the strongholds of human reasoning.
d)  2 Corinthians 10:4. We destroy false arguments.
e)  2 Corinthians 10:5. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people  from knowing God.
f)  2 Corinthians 10:5. We capture people's rebellious thoughts and teach people to obey Christ.
(This Second one shows me about A Different Kind Of War)
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Chris.
It is rare in these modern days in the affluent Nations of the World to experience suffering for the Body of Christ, the Church. This does not mean that there are no people who are suffering for the Body of Christ. There is still persecution and poverty taking place in many parts of this World and in the 'net' of that persecution and poverty there are many people suffering for the Body of Christ.

We Should Not Condone Factious People!

'We Should Not Condone Factious People.'
Titus 3:10-11.
a)  If people are causing divisions among you. (In the local Church)
b)  Give them a first and second warning. 
c)  After that have nothing more to do with them.
d)  These people have turned away from the Truth.
e)  Their own sins condemn them.
(This QT is a Message for the Church: I Should Not Condone Factious People)
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'Apostle Paul's Last Words To The Ephesian Church.'
Ephesians 6:10. 
a)  These words were introduced as follows-
b)  A final word.
c)  Be strong in the Lord.
d)  Be strong in His Mighty Power.
(I am encouraged through this Second one: Apostle Paul's Last Words To The Ephesian Church)
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Chris.
The sins of factious people condemn them. The very fact that these people are making trouble and dividing the Church is enough evidence of their sin. These people cannot be ignored and just treated as being awkward to serve together with. If they are factious they need to be confronted with it so that room can be given for them to repent and change. It is only after that is done properly that any other action may, or may not, need to be taken.

We Should Not Play With People's Emotions!

'We Should Not Play With People's Emotions.'
Song of Solomon 2:7.
a)  The Lady in love is calling for a promise from her female friends.
b)  These female friends were daughters of Jerusalem, God's People. 
c)  They, through their words or behaviour, were not to stir up the Lady in love's emotions. 
d)  They, through their words or behaviour, were not to awaken the Lady in love's emotions.
e)  She pleaded for them to wait until the time was correct.
(Through this QT I am convinced that We Should Not Play With People's Emotions)
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'Christ Is Not Divided.'
1 Corinthians 1:12-13.
a)  There were quarrels and divisions amongst God's People in Corinth. 
b)  These immature quarrels were to do with personalities.
c)  Some people said that they belonged to:-
1-Paul.
2-Apollos.
3-Cephas.
4-Christ.
d)  Apostle Paul challenged this situation with three questions:-
1-Has Christ been divided?
2-Paul was not crucified for you, was he?
3-Were you baptised in the name of Paul?
(This Second on reminds me that Christ Is Not Divided)
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Chris.
They, through their words or behaviour, were not to awaken the Lady in love's emotions. Sometimes we can be unthoughtful and inconsiderate even though we may be True Believers. To tease or play around with another person's emotions can cause all kinds of damage. Sometimes it is done in the name of 'fun', other times it may be done with motives of jealousy. Simply put, whatever the motive, it should not be done. 

The True Believer's Great Privilege!

'The True Believer's Great Privilege.'
John 15:15.
a)  Jesus Christ does not call us slaves.
b)  A Master does not confide in his slaves.
c)  Jesus Christ calls the True Believer a friend.
d)  Because He tells us everything the Father tells Him. (To tell us)
(This QT reveals to me The True Believer's Great Privilege)
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'Submit To God In Difficult Times.'
Acts 5:29.
a)  Peter and the Apostolic team were replying to people who were trying to silence them.
b)  They said that they must obey God and continue with their Ministry.
c)  They said that in this case obeying God was more important than obeying human authority. (Because they were not breaking any law)
(This QT calls me to Submit To God In Difficult Times)
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Chris.
As True Believers we have this privilege of Jesus Christ calling us His friends. This makes our spiritual life very real and free. It means that we can freely Pray in His Name. It means that we can Believe His Words in the Bible, especially as we read the four Gospels. It also means we can come to the Father in His Name and receive the Holy Spirit in His Name.

Avoid These Things!

'Avoid These Things.'
Titus 3:9.
a)  Foolish controversies.
b)  Genealogies.
c)  Dissensions.
d)  Quarrels about the Law.
e)  These things are unprofitable and worthless.
(This QT tells me frankly to Avoid These Things)
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'Good Principles For Any Church.'
1 Corinthians 16:13. 
a)  Be watchful.
b)  Stand firm in the Faith. 
c)  Act like men.
d)  Be strong.
(This Second one shows me some Good Principles For The Church)
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Chris.
There are things in life that are unprofitable and worthless. Some of these things are things that we are tempted to do. People can waste hours doing worthless things. Mostly, however the things in life that are unprofitable and worthless are things that we say. Even True Believers sometimes spend time talking and gossiping in ways which, as True Believers, we should not do.

Our Wonderful Lord!

'Our Wonderful Lord.'
Song of Solomon 2:4-6.
a)  Song of Solomon 2:4. He welcomes us to His Feast.
b)  Song of Solomon 2:4. He places over us a Banner of Love.
c)  Song of Solomon 2:5. He sustains us.
d)  Song of Solomon 2:5. He refreshes us.
e)  Song of Solomon 2:5. He meets our need for Love.
f)  Song of Solomon 2:6. He is compassionate.
(This QT gives me gratefulness to My Wonderful Lord)
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'We Need Not Fail.'
Proverbs 11:14. 
a)  Where there is no guidance.
b)  A people falls.
c)  In an abundance of counsellors. 
d)  There is safety. 
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Chris.
Our wonderful Lord meets our need for Love. Love is a basic human need and when people do not have that need met in proper ways they go astray as they are hunting for Love. As True Believers we have direct access to the Love of God, it can be poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We can also Love each other and Love other people outside the Kingdom of God as we welcome them into our Churches and lives so that they can experience Him. 

We Do Not Have To Trust Everybody!

'We Do Not Have To Trust Everybody.'
John 2:23-24.
a)  Jesus was in Jerusalem.
b)  It was at the time of the Passover Feast.
c)  Many people saw the miraculous signs that He was doing.
d)  Many people Believed in His Name.
e)  Jesus would not entrust Himself to these people. 
f)  Because He knew what was in man.
(Through this QT I know very clearly that I Do Not Have To Trust Everybody)
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'Our Things.'
a)  Philippians 2:14. Do all things without murmurings and disputing.
b)  1 Corinthians 16:14. Let all your things be done with love. 
c)  Romans 14:19. Let us follow after the things which make for Peace. 
d)  Romans 14:19. Let us follow after the things wherewith one may edify another. 
(Through this Second one I want to take heed to My Things)
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Chris. 
Jesus would not entrust Himself to the people. Those Apostles who were closest to Jesus He could trust. He did not trust the multitude even though some of them Believed in His Name. Even though some of them may have been Disciples Jesus did not trust all the people. We do not have to trust everyone, that is a false expectation which we could never meet. We should be able to trust the people closest to us if they are wholesome people. 

Insist On These Teachings!

'Insist On These Teachings.'
Titus 3:8.
a)  We can trust the Word of God.
b)  The Teachings of Apostle Paul to Titus were and are to be referred to and insisted upon in Church.
c)  Then all the people in the Church who Trust in God will devote themselves to doing good.
d)  These Teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
(This QT reminds me to turn to the Epistle of Titus as the Lord leads me and to Insist On These Teachings)
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'Be Godly And Search For Good.'
Proverbs 11:27-28.
a)  If we search for good we will find favour.
b)  If we search for evil it will find us.
c)  If we trust in money we will go down.
d)  Godly people flourish like leaves in the Spring. 
(This Second one calls me to Be Godly And Search For Good)
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Chris.
We can trust the Word of God. This means that in order to trust the Word of God we need to read it. It does not mean pulling out 'memory verses' to suit the various situations we may face in our lives, that is not the best way that God intends for us. It means that as we daily read the Word of God, and even Pray through it, God will surely guide and help us from His Word. Yes, we can trust the Word of God.