newsletter

September 2023

Finally...part 2

Remember, the word finally is found 6x in the Bible and only in the New Testament (by the 2 Apostles Paul 5x and Peter 1x). Last month we saw the first and second time finally was used. Truly we are living in the last days just before the Rapture of the Church. God warned us of these times in 2 Timothy 3:1, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

God lists what will be taking place—for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Tim. 3:2-4). There are 18 things listed that will and are happening now—the number 18 in the Bible has the meaning of bondage.

All the above verses are given by God that we might be fruitful and obedient in these times of turmoil and uncertainty. Then God continues and said what we should do when we see these things taking place, from such turn away. For these false teachers are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (2 Tim. 3:5,7). 

Also Paul warned against false teachers who believed in adding works to one’s salvation. However, it is only by grace we are saved through faith and not of ourselves lest anyone should boast. This gift comes from God and does not require any type of our own works (Eph. 2:8,9). 

3rd verse using the word finally.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Phil. 3:1

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;  Rom. 12:12 

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Phil. 2:16

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Phil. 4:4

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  1 Peter 1:8

Results—True Joy in Jesus 

True joy comes only through Jesus Christ. Paul warned against spiritual counterfeits which try to steal away our joy. It was not grievous for Paul to write this to believers because he desired that they would be safe from such false teachings.

4th verse using the word finally (Phil. 4:8).

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

True, 

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psa. 119:160

Honest

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. whatsoever things are just, 2 Cor. 8:21

Just

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. 4:18

Pure

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matt. 5:8

Lovely

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  Rom. 12:9 

Good report

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.  Prov. 15:30

Virtue 

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2 Peter 1:3

Praise

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  Heb. 13:15

Think 

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psa. 94:19

Results—Those things, which ye have both (Phil. 4:9)

Learned But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 2 Tim. 3:14

Received  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  1 Cor. 2:12 

Heard  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph. 1:13

Seen Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  1 Peter 1:8

Do And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col. 3:17

God of peace shall be with you 

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.  Rom. 15:33

Be Encouraged...Names and Titles of Jesus

Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.  Psa. 135:3

Praising the Lord Jesus and exalting His Name needs to be a continual part of our daily lives. Even though we live in turbulent times we must never forget the goodness, love, and care that our Heavenly Father gives to us because of the Name of Jesus. We will be searching the scriptures using the letters S and T to see the Names and Titles of Jesus. 

S•Saviour

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

How assured we can be of God’s love because He so loved the world that God gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus is truly the Saviour of the world and those that do not have the Son of God do not have life. (1 John 5:12).

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our SaviourJesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  2 Tim. 1:10

For our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death by His sacrifice on the Cross and brought us life. 

Shepherd

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Heb. 13:20

Through the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary we have an everlasting covenant. God raised Jesus from the dead that we might have newness of life.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  1 Peter 5:4

Jesus is called the chief Shepherd in the above verse. Also in John 10:11 Jesus is called the good shepherd. 

T•True Light 

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  John 1:9

There are many false lights in this world. However, Jesus is the true source of both life and light (physical and spiritual).

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 1 John 2:8

The new commandment was both an old and a new commandment—to love one another. When we are in Him as the scriptures says, the darkness is passed and the true light (Jesus Christ) now shines in our hearts and in our lives.

Truth

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6

This is the 6th of the 7 I am proclamations of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Jesus is the way to God, the truth of God, and the life in God.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.   John 1:17

Some think God was harsh and legalistic in the Old Testament and full of grace and love in the New Testament. The word grace is found in 37 verses in the Old Testament and the word mercy is in 208 verses. God never changes always giving grace and mercy to His people.

Because of Jesus—we need not fear though we are living in unstable times because as the Lord our God has said,

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.  Psa. 31:24 

With Thanksgiving

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isa. 55:11

We thank God that we are able to share His Word with others and see their lives changed. Exciting times are in store for the people of God. It is our prayer that this ministry and teaching will both bless you and cause you to grow in the Lord Jesus. Thank you for continuing to help us make a difference in the lives of others through your prayers and financial support. May His love, faithfulness, and power keep you safely in His perfect will.

These  things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the  world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome  the world. John 16:33 KJV