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wholewheatonline.com Search Resentment A terrible disease of the flesh Resentment is a very treacherous thing. It is dangerous because it builds so slowly, we often are not even aware of its presence. Resentment kills people, destroys marriages, causes misunderstandings between friends, and is an enemy of all happiness. It is the cause of wars, racial strife, murder, and rape. It can be present in almost every situation in life. People resent laws, regulations, taxes, governments, employers, foremen, teachers, neighbors, relatives, friends, and their own children. Children resent their parents and the parents resent their children’s resentment of them, and on and on it goes. Resentment actually kills the resentful person. When we resent someone, we actually hate that person to some degree. That is why the Lord has said those who hate their brother are the same as murderers (1 John 3:15). When we harbor resentment we feel emotionally disturbed. As we become more resentful, we become more emotionally disturbed and our health deteriorates. We feel bad. Some people drink alcoholic beverages to feel good. Some people take narcotics or lose their minds in lust and pornography. Because people hold resentment, the food they eat doesn’t digest properly. Many have stomach trouble. As resentment burns inside, adrenalin pours through the entire system, poisoning and weakening all the organs of the body. Resentment actually eats us alive. It devours us from the inside out. It causes sleepless nights, worry, frustration, anxiety and stress. Some people eat more, craving for some pleasures in life, something to soothe a troubled mind. Life sometimes becomes a living hell. As resentment mounts, frustration mounts. Anxiety and restlessness increase. We become short-tempered. We become angry inside and wild on the outside. On top of all the trouble resentment is causing in our lives, we still have all the other pulls of our human natures to put up with. The apostle Paul said, “I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against my mind, making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in the members of my body. Oh, wretched person that I am, who will set me free from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. So on the one hand I am serving the law of God, while at the same time I am living in my sinful body. But there is no condemnation for those who live to please their Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 7:23-25; 8:1). Paul was saying he wanted to do the right thing, but kept doing the opposite. Many of us have the same problem! But should we continue to sin and practice resentment one to another? Heaven forbid! Instead, we must overcome resentment by practicing mercy, compassion and forgiveness with all our might. We cannot allow anything to take our peace in Christ, even if we are living in a “hell on earth.” All is well for those who continue to serve Christ by serving, loving and forgiving others daily. The heart of man is exceedingly evil, beyond all human comprehension (Jer. 17:9; Gen. 6:5; 8:21). Human nature is a fallen nature. It is satanic. That is why Jesus Christ said to the Jews, “You are doing the things your own father does” (John 8:38, 41, 44). Humans are being held captive by Satan to do his will until God allows them to repent (2 Tim. 2:26). Satan fell from the grace of God through bitter resentment. He became puffed up and full of pride because of his beauty and wisdom. Satan’s wisdom and knowledge warped with time, and he became an adversary of God. He twisted the knowledge of God to receive power and acclaim for himself. He wanted to make a name for himself and have people look up to him. Today, Satan’s ministers also demand respect from their followers and lord it over their subjects (Matt. 20:25). They desire to be looked up to and respected for reasons of power, position, fame and wealth (Luke 16:14). Cain was resentful of his righteous brother, Abel, because Abel’s deeds were righteous and Cain knew his own deeds were evil (1 John 3:12). The Lord told Cain that his evil nature was out to destroy him, but he could master it by constantly doing good and what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord (Gen. 4:7). This truth applies to everyone God calls. We either become like Abel and are persecuted for righteous acts, or we remain like Cain and persecute the righteous. Abel was a friend of God. Cain was of his father, the devil. The Pharisees of Jesus Christ’s day knew He was from God and that His message was right and true (John 3:2). They knew He was right and they were wrong. They resented Jesus because they took the position of Cain. They, like Cain, did not want to be told to overcome their evil natures by doing good for God daily in secret. There is no glory in that for self. That didn’t sound profitable for those ministers of Satan — Pharisees — who were lovers of money more than lovers of God. They sought for fame, glory and respectability from men. They didn’t want respectability from God because they didn’t know Him anyway. It was bitter resentment that killed Jesus Christ, our Savior. Now, if we, as God’s elect (Luke 18:7-9), insist on bearing resentment and practicing it one to another, we make ourselves out to be those who would have killed Jesus Christ if He had lived in our time. When we bear resentment, we maintain the same position as those who hate their neighbor, and Jesus Christ said that is the same as being a murderer (Matt. 5:21-22). Husbands love your wives. Wives love your husbands. Do not allow any bitter resentment to exist in your lives (Col. 3:19). All things can be overcome through practicing charity and love. Don’t resent your children when they demonstrate the fact that they, too, have evil human natures; but love them all the more, and discipline them all the more with love. The word used for love in 1 Corinthians 13 is translated from a word meaning charity. When you practice charity, you do not seek your own glory. You do not act in a way that is displeasing to others. You are more concerned for the welfare of others and their comforts than you are for your own. Charity only believes what is good about others. It is not provoked. It does not take into account wrong that is suffered. That is why charitable love never fails. Make a list of all the things you resent in others. Then realize you were wrong, forgive them, and practice charity one to another with a pure and a light heart before the Lord daily. How do you overcome resentment? First, you must be afflicted by it. Then, when your test begins, apply these principles of Christ. Forgive those who trespass against you daily so the Father in heaven can forgive you your trespasses (Matt. 6:14-15). Do good to those who persecute you or say evil about you. Pray for them. Do not repay them any evil, for that is the Lord’s job (Heb. 10:30). Love all, forgive all, and bless all who curse you. Bless those who say all manner of evil against you, and do not say any evil against them. Joseph’s brothers were resentful of him because he was their father’s favorite son. They all wanted to kill him. Only because of Judah’s greed, was he spared death by being sold (Gen. 37:26-27). Judah, the father of the Jews, was a Judas. He sold his own flesh and blood for money. What does the Bible teach us through the experience of Joseph? It shows that Joseph triumphed over resentment by showing love to his brothers. As a result of his attitude, God exalted him to a position of second-in-command in all Egypt. Did Jesus carry resentment in His heart for those who killed Him? No! He overcame resentment with pure love. “Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing,” He said (Luke 23:34). We must overcome all resentment in our lives in order to put on the new nature of love. We now are without excuse. It can no longer be said of us, “Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Now we know how important it is to get rid of all resentment in our lives. Destroy resentment by giving it no place in your life! Start now. If you don’t, it will destroy you. It has already harmed you, but you didn’t realize it before. Now you know what to do about it. Forgive everyone all the time; and be like Jesus Christ, our example. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Suffering When you decided to stop living to the flesh and started to live to the Spirit by practicing righteousness to please God every day, things started happening to you that you may not understand (Rom. 8:13; 1 John 3:7; Matt. 5:16). The Apostle Peter says not to be surprised at the fiery ordeal that comes upon you for your testing. Do not think that some strange thing is happening to you. Instead, remember that you share in the sufferings of Christ. Keep on rejoicing so at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with great enthusiasm (1 Peter 4:12-13; Gal. 4:19). Look what is happening to you! "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (1 Peter 5:10). You are being made complete in Christ (2 Cor. 13:9, 11). You are being made into a new creation (Gal. 6:15). God can do great things through our suffering, as He did all throughout the Bible. It is a unique way He works with us, teaches us and stimulates us in our conversion. Yes, we need endurance so that when we have done the Will of God - which is practicing righteousness - we may receive what is promised – a brand new nature created in us by God Himself (Heb. 10:36). We are told not to get weary in well-doing when we are practicing righteousness because that is how we allow God to form that new nature in us (Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13; Titus 3:8, 14; 2:7). Now you can begin to see why the Scripture tells us to consider how to stimulate, provoke or encourage one another to more love and more good deeds or works (Heb. 10:24). Doing good works is how you put on Christ (Rom. 13:14). It is how you abide in Christ (John 15:5). It is how you imitate Christ and the Father (1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1). Doing good works is how you put your old nature to death (Rev. 2:26). Doing good works for God’s glory is the way to crush your old, Satanic nature under your heel (Rom. 16:20). Yes, we must suffer to enter the kingdom within, but it is only momentary light affliction (Phil. 1:29; Rom. 8:17; Luke 17:21, KJV; Acts 14:22; 2 Cor. 4:17). By doing the Will of the Father daily, we come out of the captivity of Satan and put his will to death in our bodies (1 John 2:17; Heb. 10:36; Matt. 7:21; 2 Tim. 2:26). So let's understand suffering and know that God is working with us, making us perfect by perfecting Jesus Christ ‘s nature within us (Heb. 12:1-15, 23; Matt. 5:48; Gal. 4:19; 1 John 2:6). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

CHAPTER 21 PREV NEXT We recommend you follow along in your Bible being there is a lot of information to take in, and additional Scripture references given throughout, that you will want to make note of. In addition, to really immerse yourself, we suggest using headphones to listen to the narrarted version, to fully expereinece the cinematic style bringing the chapters to life.

What is Sin? PREV NEXT

THE SPIRIT Faith in Action The resources below correspond, in order, with the video to give further Scriptures and encouragement: Living to the Spirit The Power of God Newsletter Baptism God’s Nature vs. Human Nature The World is Deceived About the Word Believe Podcast Jesus Our Example How to Glorify God How to be a Good Person Fruits of the Spirit Sickness, Pain and Godly Character Imitate God How to Walk in God’s Ways What is Worldly is Not Godly It Pays to Be Good For God Do We Automatically Do Good? The Resistance Factor The New Covenant Spirit How Do We Walk in the Spirit? Dying to Self Overcoming A New Creation All About God’s Nature How to Enter God’s Rest Be Like Jesus Christ Are you a Servant of God? Did Jesus Faith Have Good Works? Doing Good in Secret God’s Best Example How to Enter the Kingdom of God How to Receive the Abundant Life God’s Righteousness Do Good Works Come Naturally? Faith Without Works is Dead Practice Makes Perfect How to Be a Bond Servant for Christ How to Receive Answered Prayer Information on Righteousness Righteousness is True Repentance Podcast Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Studying Your Bible Prayer Integrity Enduring With Patience Will You Endure to the End Podcast What Does God Desire Podcast Charity the Hidden Gospel Charity Defined Prayer of God’s Servant Spiritual Boost Camp 10 Simple Ways to Start Living For God Today *This information is not meant to be medical advice but spiritual encouragement based on God ’ s word. PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Are Works Important? Did Jesus Christ glorify God by performing good works (Matt. 5:16; John 8:29, 39; 10:37-38)? Are we supposed to serve Jesus Christ by following His example of doing good works (John 12:26)? Will some of us do greater works than He did (John 14:12)? We bear good fruit by doing good works (Col. 1:10). If good works are the same as good fruit, then isn't it by doing good works that we prove ourselves to be Jesus Christ's disciples (John 15:8)? Were we not chosen and appointed by Christ to go out and bear good fruit, which is doing good works (John 15:16)? The false Christians - which the Bible calls dogs, goats, hearers, wicked, tares and bad fruit - are those who profess to know God but are worthless for any good works (Titus 1:16). If Jesus Christ is the axe described in Matthew 3:10, and if we are the trees and the fruits are good works, what is this verse saying? Are good works necessary for a resurrection of life (John 5:29)? What kind of works is Jesus Christ talking about (Matt. 25:33-46; Luke 14:13; 1 Peter 4:11, 2)? Didn't Jesus Christ die that we might live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)? Isn't living to righteousness doing good (1 Peter 3:11, 13)? Didn't Paul warn disciples of Jesus Christ to learn to do good (Titus 3:8, 14)? Isn't Christ making for Himself a people who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14)? Isn't doing good works how you overcome (Rom. 12:21; Rev. 2:26)? Aren't we warned not to get weary of doing good works (Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13)? Were we not created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph. 2:10)? Don't good works include helping the needy (James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17-19; Luke 3:11)? Aren't we, then, to bring forth good fruit if we say that we have repented (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20)? Isn't this the Way (Acts 24:22)? Isn't this the message of how to be righteous? Isn't this the message many people refuse to believe when they hear it (Matt. 21:32)? Isn't this how you know you are born again and considered righteous by God, no longer a child of Satan (1 John 2:29; 3:7, 10)? Isn't doing good works how you serve God and glorify His name (Mal. 3:18; Matt. 5:16)? Isn't this how you do God's Will and enter God's rest (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 4:10)? Isn't this the Way of righteousness Jesus lived, which we are to imitate (1 Cor. 11:1)? After reading all these Scriptures, do you believe good works are important in God's complete message of salvation (Acts 5:20)? PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search The Message of the Prophets The message of the prophets down through the ages was, "Repent! Repent, or you will all likewise perish!" (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5). Wouldn't it be something if that was the end of their message from God? No one would know how to repent. Some would think it meant cry aloud the words, "I repent! I repent!" and that would be it. Others would say the sinner's prayer and that would be the end of their repentance. They would say they gave their heart to the Lord or let Jesus into their heart. What was the whole message of the prophets (Acts 5:20)? How did the messengers from God tell people they were to repent? Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar how to repent saying, "Break away now from your sins by doing acts of righteousness, and from all your sinful ways by showing mercy to the poor" (Dan. 4:27). Isaiah said, "Cease to do evil by learning to do good. Seek to be just in all your ways, and correct those who are evil. Help orphans and serve widows who are in need. If you consent and obey, you will be blessed in the land and though your sins are as red as scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight" (Is. 1:16-20). Zephaniah told those who would repent, "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who have carried out His ordinances. Seek to be righteous and stay humble. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zeph. 2:3). Amos, the prophet, said, "Seek good and not evil, that you may live and not perish, and God will be with you. Hate evil, love what is good and establish true justice in your courts. Perhaps the Lord God of hosts will be gracious to you and you won't perish" (Amos 5:14-15). The inhabitants of the world must learn righteousness. Though the wicked is shown favor, he does not learn righteousness (Is. 26:9-10). God wants us to repent and learn righteousness by serving others and living a life of doing good. He wants us to stop doing evil and only do good. He wants us to live according to His Ways, which are pure, good and unselfish. Yes, the message of the prophets of old was, "Repent, or you will perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). This was Jesus Christ's message, and it is the message for us today. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Meditate on God's Plan For You Learn more about God's good plan for you here PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Sickness, Pain and Godly Character Many people do not realize that God not only inflicted sickness on people who were sinners in the past, but He also uses sickness and pain to build righteous character in those He is calling and working with today. Consider Job, Daniel, Jonah, Elijah and others who suffered and endured in the past for our example (James 5:10-11). Paul and Timothy were sick to the point of death (2 Cor. 1:8-9). God was teaching them that they should not trust in themselves but in God, who raises the dead. Paul said God comforted them in their affliction to give them experience so they could comfort others who would be going through the same afflictions (1 Peter 4:12). Paul called it "the sufferings of Christ" and he had them in abundance (2 Cor. 1:5). The fiery ordeal that disciples of Jesus Christ go through at times can, and often does, include sickness (1 Peter 4:12). Notice, these are called the sufferings of Christ and we are to share in them (1 Peter 4:13). Did Jesus Christ suffer? You bet, He did! Jesus was a man of sorrows. He suffered. He had grief. Isaiah 53:2 and Luke 4:23 show that He was sickly and had a lot of pain. Anyone who does the Will of God will suffer, for through much suffering you must enter the kingdom (Acts 14:22). You are suffering according to the Will of God (1 Peter 4:19). There are many forms of suffering we may experience. We can suffer through pain, through sickness, through relationships with others and persecution. Anyone who lives as God lives will suffer persecution, as Christ did (2 Tim. 3:12). No matter what kind of suffering you endure, you are only going to have to suffer a little while, according to 1 Peter 5:10. Yes, our suffering has a purpose. We learn obedience to God through suffering and we will be made perfect, like Christ, when we suffer as Christ did (Heb. 5:8-9). We are perfected through suffering and we will be glorified with Christ if, indeed, we suffer with Him (Heb. 2:10; Rom. 8:17-18). We can have hope knowing God has a plan for these things and that they will be for our benefit and growth. He promises that all things work together for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

THE BODY Overview The resources below correspond, in order, with the video to give further Scriptures and encouragement: How to Be a Good Person How to do God’s Will With Your Body Deeds of the Flesh God’s Nature vs. Human Nature A New Creation Understanding the Will of God Podcast Who Do You Really Worship? Being Chosen By God Podcast Fruits of the Spirit Learning How to Forgive and Forget Living With a Heart of Love Be of One Mind in Christ Learning How to Be Single-Minded Peace Gratefulness Doing Good in Secret Purity How to Be Complete in Christ Promise of Faithfulness How to Be Good Do we Automatically do Good? A Loving Father The Resistance Factor How to Enter God’s Rest How to Live a Happy Life How to Receive the Abundant Life Caretakers for Christ The Importance of Loving Your Neighbor How to Be Successful in Life It Pays to Be Good For God God Wants to Bless You Podcast Staying Zealous in Your Walk With God The Truth That Changes Lives How to Glorify God Practice Makes Perfect Prayer of God’s Servant Spiritual Boost Camp Living Life to the Fullest Podcast Servant 10 Simple Ways to Start Living For God Today *This information is not meant to be medical advice but spiritual encouragement based on God ’ s word. PREV NEXT

I am suffering God PREV NEXT

I am full of anxiety God VO PREV NEXT

Live Only To Please God PREV NEXT

Are You a Hypocrite? PREV NEXT

Is Your Baptism Valid? PREV NEXT

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Faith That Works PREV Search NEXT

Promise of Strength Learn more about the strength that God supplies here PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search The 23rd Psalm Explained Verse 1: “The Lord is my Shepherd”—He is the one I love and obey. I keep His Ways and do His Will daily upon this earth. I live only to do good each day for Him and do things that are pleasing in His sight. “I shall not want”—Everyone who seeks God’s kingdom by practicing righteousness for Him will have all needs and wants taken care of by the Lord. This is a God’s guarantee (Matt. 6:33). Verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures”—The Lord satisfies my every need and gives me peace (green pastures). “He leads me beside quiet waters”—He keeps my life peaceful. My soul is at rest (Matt. 11:28-30). Verse 3: “He restores my soul”—God continually keeps my soul in the state of rest. “He guides me in the paths of righteousness”—He is continually teaching me about His word and His Way, which I do live. “For His name’s sake”—Yes, I do all that I do in good works or good words in the name of Jesus Christ to glorify Him—for His name’s sake (Col. 3:17). Verse 4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”—Even though there may be times when there are great calamities that happen in my life, I fear no evil because I know my God is with me and not against me, so I know He protects me from all evil (Job 5:19-27). “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me”—God’s word is a rod of correction; also, the Lord is a staff and His word is a staff, as it guides me in God’s Ways so that I might do God’s Will daily (Heb. 12:6). Verse 5: “Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”—God is continually blessing me in the presence of my enemies. “Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows”—The Lord has blessed my whole life with rich blessings to a point that there are so many, there is no room to receive all of them (Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; Prov. 3:9-10). Verse 6: “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life”—I know that God will continue to bless me for the rest of my life because I know His truth and I practice His truth every day that I live (John 3:21). I continually live to be a servant of others for Jesus Christ, as He gave us example to do (Matt. 23:11; 20:16, 26-28; Mark 9:35; 10:43-45; Rom. 15:2-3; 1 Cor. 10:24; 11:1). “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”—I know I will live forever in the house of the Lord, in the Lord’s temple, because I am overcoming Satan’s influence in my life (his pulls on my flesh) by keeping the works of the Lord by doing good continually, as Jesus said we should, and enduring to the end (Rev. 3:12; John 8:51; 11:26; Rev. 2:26; Rom. 2:7; 12:21). I will live forever, because I have overcome Satan’s influence in my life by keeping Jesus Christ’s works as He commanded us to do, and I have overcome evil by doing good, as Jesus said we should (Rev. 2:26; Rom. 2:7; 12:21). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Obedience VO Learn more about obedience PREV NEXT

For the Love of God PREV NEXT

Reverence VO Learn more about reverence PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Christ's Simple Message Christ's simple message was, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand," (Matt. 4:17). God wants to build a new heart in you, but you must be willing to repent or change (Ezek. 18:31; 36:26; Zech. 7:9, 12). You must be willing to turn around and go another way (Matt. 13:15). You must live God's Way - the Way of peace. God's Way is not the way of evil, but the way of good. Wouldn't it be something if God said He was good but He never did any good? He wouldn't really be good then; nor would He be God, would He (Psalm 145:17)? Wouldn't it be something if someone claimed to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and didn't continually live a life of doing good as Jesus did? He really wouldn't be a disciple then, would He? God is good because He does good continually, just as a true disciple of Christ does (Acts 9:36). Yes, a true disciple of Jesus Christ is one who does deeds of kindness and charity continually, day by day. He is a "do-gooder" for God, rather than a "good-for-nothing" for Satan (3 John 11; 1 John 3:10). God wants you to imitate Him so He can form Jesus Christ's nature in you and, at the same time, crush Satan's nature in you and bring it under control (Eph. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:1; Gal. 4:19; Rom. 16:20). It's an easy and pleasant process, but it does require obedience on your part (Matt. 11:30; Acts 5:32). After all, a faith with no obedience is no faith at all (James 2:20, 22, 24, 26). The world is full of people who have no light in them because they are into so much sin. They are full of darkness. God is making people who never had light into 1,000 watt light bulbs. God wants them to practice righteousness daily for Him. He wants people to glorify Him by doing good works so their lights will begin to shine for others to see (Matt. 5:16). Granted, when you start a life of overcoming evil by continually doing good works, your light may only be 25 watts, but eventually it will increase and increase as your old nature fades. God's new nature will then begin to be formed in you, with your cooperation, of course! Be careful not to do your good works for reasons of being noticed by men. Instead, do your good works so people notice God in you (Matt. 6:1; Eph. 6:6). Do all that you do in the name of Jesus Christ, as we have been commanded (Col. 3:17). God bless you as you begin to live a life that is a blessing to others-your new life in Christ! PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Building Your Faith in God Jesus Christ had faith in His Father because He respected His Father’s Will. He used His Father as an example. Whatever He saw His Father do, He did likewise. His Father loved Him and showed Him all things. Christ did nothing of His own initiative but He only did what He was taught by His Father to do. He always did things that were pleasing to His Father. Disciples of Jesus Christ must also learn to love and imitate the Father by doing the same deeds that Christ did—helping the poor, lame and blind; in general, living a life of doing good. We overcome our sinful natures by doing so. When we become zealous for good deeds and endure to the end, the Father is glorified. This is the way the Father wishes to be worshiped. We must be careful to do these things in the name of Jesus Christ, for the glory of the Father in heaven. Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. John 5:19-20 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” John 8:28, 29 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. Revelations 2:26 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him. 1 John 3:18-19 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 PREV NEXT Click below for full Bible Study: How To Build More Faith

How Do We Seek Peace and Pursue it? PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Do All That You Do in Love God is love. When we do everything in love, we are doing the Will of God from the heart (Eph. 6:6). We silence the ignorance of foolish men by continually doing what is right in God’s sight (1 Peter 2:15). A true disciple of Jesus Christ does not live for self any longer, but lives only to do the Will of God daily, as Jesus did (Rom. 15:2-3; 1 Peter 4:2; John 5:30). He lives to the Spirit by constantly doing the Will of God and by persevering in acts of love toward others (1 Peter 4:6; Rom. 2:6-8, 10). He keeps Christ’s deeds and overcomes the pulls of the flesh by doing so (Rev. 2:26). He does not carry out the evil desires of the flesh, because now he walks by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). People are either practicing the evil deeds of the flesh or they are practicing good deeds of righteousness to please God and overcome their evil deeds of the flesh by doing so (Gal. 5:19-24; 1 John 3:10). We are, by nature, children of wrath who are being held captive by Satan to do his will, which is evil (Eph. 2:3; 2 Tim. 2:26). Jesus Christ wants us to obey Him so we can come out from under the wrath of God (John 3:36). He wants us to be saved from this perverse generation (Acts 2:40). Jesus Christ gave His very life for our sins to deliver us out of this present evil age and show us the Will of our Father so He could bless us (Matt. 20:26-28; Gal. 1:4; Acts 3:26). We are told not to be foolish, but to understand what the Will of the Lord is so we can always be pleasing in His sight (Eph. 5:17; Rom. 12:2). Jesus is our brother when we do the Will of the Father, and we are to follow His example (Matt. 12:50; Luke 8:21). We cannot receive answered prayer or even get into the kingdom of God unless we keep the sayings of Jesus Christ, which He received from the Father (Matt. 7:14; John 8:51; 9:31; 12:47, 49-50). If we want to call Jesus Christ our Lord, we must be daily doers of His word and not remain deluded hearers who think they are saved when they are not (Luke 6:46; James 1:22). If we do these things, we will not be utterly destroyed but saved, as these are the keys to the kingdom. This is how to repent so we need not perish (Luke 13:3, 5). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

CHAPTER 5 PREV NEXT We recommend you follow along in your Bible being there is a lot of information to take in, and additional Scripture references given throughout, that you will want to make note of. In addition, to really immerse yourself, we suggest using headphones to listen to the narrarted version, to fully expereinece the cinematic style bringing the chapters to life.

Be Fully Committed PREV Search NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Are You Doing Enough? It is common for people who have just started doing the Will of God to say, “I don’t feel like I’m doing enough!” These people are actually fulfilling the Scripture that commands us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). They are very concerned that they are pleasing God in all they are doing, yet they know they have not attained their goal. In reality, it would be sick if they said, “I think I’m doing too much for God!” The first attitude is beautiful, because it gives the incentive to want to do more. In order to do more, we must not remain foolish. We must find out completely what the Will of God is, so we can grow in respect to godliness (Eph. 5:17). We are no longer to live the way the world lives, conforming to this world; but we are to renew our minds by finding out and proving what the Will of God is. Then, we must perform God’s Will in our daily lives (1 Peter 4:2; 2:12, 15). Doing God’s Will is what transforms us into godly people, which we are practicing to be and we desire to be. This is how we become godly people who imitate God in our daily behavior (Eph. 5:1). If we are going to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect, then we are going to have to practice God’s Ways (Matt. 5:48; John 3:21). We know practice makes perfect, especially when God is causing the growth and doing the perfecting (1 Cor. 3:7; Col. 2:19; Heb. 5:8-9). We are to be pleasing to God from now on, walking in newness of life (2 Cor. 5:9; Rom. 6:4; Col. 1:10). We must consider our old way of life as dead and be alive to God in Christ Jesus by being happy slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:11, 18). All things will become new as we become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). We cannot become weary in doing good for God if we want to have Christ’s nature formed in us (Gal. 6:9; 4:19; 2 Thess. 3:13). We will suffer a little until God perfects us (1 Peter 5:10). Think only good thoughts, say only good things and be filled with the knowledge of God’s Will (Phil. 4:8; 1 Peter 4:11; Col. 1:9-10). In due time, if we are rich in good works daily and study to show ourselves approved to God daily, the Lord will give us understanding in everything (1 Tim. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:7, 15; 1 John 2:27). Then we will be assured that we are indeed doing enough. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

The Greatest Race PREV NEXT

Those Who Do Good PREV NEXT

I am angry God VO PREV NEXT

Being Chosen By God PREV Search NEXT

I feel bad God VO PREV NEXT

I am full of anxiety God PREV NEXT

What Happens if I Sin? PREV NEXT

All About Godly Discipline PREV NEXT

Flying Free VO PREV NEXT

Understanding Baptism PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Caretakers for Christ Jesus came not only to die for the sins of mankind should they live for Him, but also to show us how to be caretakers of others for Him (1 John 1:6-7). Jesus came to show us how to be servants of others. He even told those who would be followers of His that the greatest among His followers would be those who served the most (Matt. 23:11). One of the most emphasized subjects in the New Testament is that of serving and helping others. Is this, then, how to be a doer of God’s word? It is much more than just this. You see, to be holy, we must live holy, and to live holy we must do acts of righteousness for God. We must perfect holiness in our lives by disciplining ourselves for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). You see, God is righteous in all His Ways and kind in all His deeds (Psalm 145:17). He wants us to be like Him. We do this by imitating Him in word, as well as in deed (Eph. 5:1; 1 Peter 4:11). This is an explanation of the simple A-B-Cs of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. What is so amazing is that these truths are not taught today by many. When you make all your ways righteous, then your life turns into blessing after blessing. When you practice righteousness for God, you are considered righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). If you refuse, you remain a son or daughter of the devil (1 John 3:10). It’s as simple as that! God’s word means what it says and says what it means. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

What is the Reward of the Righteous PREV NEXT

Friend of God PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search All About Works Satan is the enemy of all righteousness and that includes good works! He confuses the works of the law with the works of faith. Thus, we have many faiths with no works at all. Did Jesus’ faith have works? It is said there are many other good works Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, it is possible even the world itself would not contain the books written (John 21:25; 20:30). Did Jesus say His followers would have works? He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he shall do also; and greater works than these shall he do because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). Jesus did good works in the Father’s name and for the Father’s glory (John 8:54; 10:25; 10:32; Matt. 5:16). He did the works He saw the Father doing (John 4:34; 5:19). He told all His followers to do these same works on earth as they are done in heaven because doing God’s works is doing God’s Will (Matt. 6:10; 7:21). These works are misunderstood by a deceived, misled world. That’s why Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Jesus continually admonished His followers to be doers of good works. Jesus did not live to please self, but others (Rom. 15:3; Matt. 20:28). He was pleasing His neighbor for His neighbor’s good and edification (Rom. 15:2). He was not seeking His own good, but was denying Himself daily by doing good works toward His neighbor (Luke 9:23; Matt. 25:33-46; 1 Cor. 10:24). He took on the form of a bond-servant, showing us how to do good works (Phil. 2:7; Matt. 23:11). He didn’t live for self by looking out for His own interests, but He looked out for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). Having a faith with works means serving others in need for the glory of God (Matt. 5:16; James 2:14-18). Jesus’ faith is one of good deeds and not only words (1 John 3:18-19). It is a faith that is perfected by works (James 2:22). A faith that has works is a faith that is not foolish (James 2:20). A faith that has works is not dead, but is alive because of righteous good works (James 2:26; Rom. 8:10). A faith that serves others is the kind of faith God rewards because it pleases Him (Luke 14:13-14). Jesus did His works in the Father’s name and we are to do these same deeds in Christ’s name (John 10:25; 1 Cor. 3:13-14; Rev. 2:26; Col. 3:17). We are to overcome evil by doing good and allow God to crush Satan under our feet (Rom. 12:21; 16:20; 2 Tim. 2:26). Doing good works is how you glorify God daily and how you perform God’s Will on this earth (Matt. 5:16). When you do good works for God, He can bless you daily (Eph. 6:8). You build godly character and discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness when you do good works for God (1 Tim. 4:7). Good works is the good fruit on your spiritual tree (John 15:16; Col. 1:10; Matt. 3:10). Now you have the truth from God’s word about good works. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Doing Good in Secret Doing good in secret is simply doing acts of kindness and charity for God, and keeping it between you and the Lord, not calling attention to yourself or making a big deal of what you do. In doing this, you wouldn’t go about telling people of the good works you did, but would do it so it can be a secret between you and the Lord, and you can therefore be rewarded as such. These acts of charity are done for God’s glory (Matt. 6:1-4). It’s so easy and truly the most rewarding, and fulfilling, when done in secret. This doesn’t mean you are lurking about in dark corners, in some sort of disguise so no one will see you, but is more of an overall attitude and intent, doing the best you can to remain anonymous, as often as you can. On occasion, depending on the act of charity, it may not be as easy as it sounds but just do your best, keeping the right attitude, and intent, and you will be blessed. There are so many easy and simple ways you can do this. You can show love to others in words and deeds by being kind to everyone you meet, as an example of godliness in the world (Prov. 12:14). You can be a friend to the lowly, cheer up those who need it and show compassion to those who are suffering (Rom.12:16, Zech. 7:9). You can show kindness to your co-workers, family and neighbors, or anyone really, by doing something nice for them anonymously and not revealing that you are doing it for the Lord in secret. You can randomly buy someone a cup of coffee, (maybe someone in line behind you that looks like they could use some cheering up) and tell the cashier not to mention it was you. Send flowers to someone going through a difficult time with an encouraging note attached that is not signed. Give money in secret to someone who is struggling and is really down and out. Drop off chicken soup at the door of someone who is sick with an anonymous little get well note. These are just a few examples, there are so many simple things you can do to show kindness and love, without calling attention to yourself or telling others of the good you are doing all day long for God, as deeds of repentance (Matt. 5:16; Acts 26:20). This is truly a beautiful and godly way to live, that will bring blessings in to your life (Ps. 112:1-10). If you did these acts of kindness for God on a daily basis, in secret, and continued to overcome your old nature by doing so, you would be building Christ’s righteous character in yourself (Rev. 2:26; Gal 4:19). Each night you would come before God the Father and confess that everything you said and did was done in the name of Jesus Christ for the glory of God, as you were commanded to in Colossians 3:17. Now, occasionally you might tell others about something you did in secret, in order to give them a godly example of how to do the same (Titus 2:7-8). If your motive for telling what you did was to teach them by your example, you would not lose your reward (1 Cor. 11:1). Even the occasional act of teaching by your example would be a righteous act, if it was not done for self-righteous reasons or to be noticed by men (Matt. 23:1-5). However, by keeping your righteousness between you and the Lord, and doing it in secret, you will reap tremendous rewards being you are doing it not to be seen by men or be glorified by them (where you would have your reward in full) but to please your Lord, building up rewards in heaven instead (Matt. 6:19-21). Remember, it’s all about the intent of your heart and the attitude behind it all. God judges us by our hearts (1 Chron. 28:9). Doing good in secret is a fantastic, fulfilling and simple way to please the Lord (1 John 3:22). Once you begin to serve the Lord in this way you will see how exciting it really is. If all you sow is righteousness, then all you’ll reap is blessings. This is how you enter the good life that God has waiting for you (Acts 3:26). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Scriptures of Hope PREV NEXT

Psalm 23-25 PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search What Happens if I Sin? Many people suffer needlessly because they do not have a complete understanding of the conversion process. God is calling the unrighteous and the sinners to repentance. When we first begin to walk with God by living as He lives, we are not expected to be perfect. It takes time to repent and be converted. It even took Jesus time to overcome His flesh and learn obedience to the Father through suffering. Yes, Jesus was made perfect by the Father through suffering (Heb. 5:8-9). Jesus tells us to be perfect (Matt. 5:48). It is the Father who perfects us (1 Peter 5:10). We just do the practicing by serving others, which allows God to do the perfecting (1 John 3:7). The Father knows that when we first begin to overcome, we may slip and fall many times. But if we walk in the light, continually practicing righteousness, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice covers our sins (1 John 2:1-2; 1:7). All we need to do is confess our sins and forsake them (1 John 1:8-9). Whatever we do, we do not want to continue practicing sin - the deeds of the flesh - or we will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Rom. 8:12-13). We are to practice righteousness every day instead of practicing sin (1 John 3:7). We must overcome sin by doing good works for God’s glory, as Jesus Christ, our example, told us to do (Matt. 5:16; Rom. 12:21; 1 Peter 3:11, 13). It would be a tragedy if we sinned, became discouraged, quit practicing righteousness daily to please God, and went back to a life of ignoring God daily. We are called for the purpose of having Christ formed in us, to become partakers of His divine nature, to become new creatures in Christ, and to become complete (Gal. 4:19; 6:15; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Cor. 13:9, 11). All we need to do is just keep pleasing God each day in all we think, do and say. Remember that practice makes perfect. We do the practicing and God does the perfecting. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search The First Church Every religion calling itself Christian tries to imitate the doctrines of the New Testament church. Let us review what happened after that first day at Pentecost. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with fire on the day of Pentecost, the apostles, full of the Holy Spirit, began to preach Christ’s message of salvation. The apostles were preaching the message taught them personally by Jesus Christ during His ministry. The message of God reached more people every day (Acts 13:48; 2:47; 18:10). Believers met in homes. Some groups were large and some small, depending on how many people God was calling from a certain area. Sometimes, the apostles would want to go one way, but the Holy Spirit, being the Spirit of Christ, would stop them (Acts 16:6-7). Paul rented a building in one location and preached in houses at other times (Acts 20:7, 20; 28:30-31). Paul taught the people to engage in good deeds and told them that this is something they would have to learn to do (Titus 3:8, 14). The apostles taught the people to keep Jesus Christ’s sayings and works in their daily lives (John 12:47; 14:12; Rev. 2:26; Luke 9:23). In some locations, because of the number of people, it became necessary to have some form of organization. This was to prevent confusion and to get the task at hand done. People were becoming completed disciples in those days (2 Cor. 13:9, 11; Col. 1:28). They were new creations with Christ formed in them (Gal. 6:15; 4:19). Sometimes they became weary in doing good deeds for the needy in their community (Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13; Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 20:35). They were doers of the word (James 1:22). They bore fruit in their spiritual lives (John 15:8). The wealthy were rich in good works (1 Tim. 6:18). The thieves were told to get jobs so they would have money to give to people in need (Eph. 4:28; 2:10). God was working mightily through all kinds of people in the early church. God taught people directly as they lived for Him (John 6:45; 1 John 2:27). Much good was done by each individual in the early church (Acts 10:4)! People did good on a person-to-person basis (Acts 9:36). Everyone was striving to be the servant of the most and doing many mighty works to glorify God in heaven (Matt. 5:16; 23:11; 1 Peter 2:12, 15-16; 3:11). They understood that good works are necessary for spiritual growth, building godly character and overcoming and they were not lacking in those areas (Acts 26:20; Col. 1:10; Titus 3:14; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 2:26). More churches today should imitate these doctrines! Don’t you agree? PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Meditate on Imitating God Learn more about imitating God here PREV NEXT

The Parable of the Tree PREV NEXT