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Leaning on God's Wisdom Not Man's "This is pure and undefiled religion, to visit the widows and the orphans in their distress, and to keep oneself unspotted by the world." The people of this world are concerned about the things of this world. They are concerned about food, clothing and shelter. They are concerned about bigger homes, stock markets and the price of gold. They are concerned about what they read in the newspaper and what the weather is going to be from day to day. Most people worry about this and that, while the person who loves God has no such concerns. He knows that the Father will take care of all his needs because he has sought the kingdom first by subjecting himself to the righteousness of God, as Jesus Christ did. He knows the world is going the wrong way, but feels wonderful because he knows he is going the right way – God’s Way. He has been saved from this perverse generation. He is in God’s care now. He knows that if he lives to serve only God, as Jesus did, he will end up where Jesus is - with a new body that cannot die. He does not live for self any longer, but he lives totally for God by serving others. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance. 1 Peter 1:14 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. Romans 10:1-3 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Acts 2:40 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’" Matthew 4:10 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 PREV NEXT Click below for full Bible Study: What is Worldly is Not Godly

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wholewheatonline.com Search The Pearl of Great Price Matthew 13:45-46 The pearl of great price is the knowledge of God’s Will. God’s Will is a mystery and the Lord reveals that mystery to His disciples only and not to the world (Eph. 1:9). God’s Will is the integral part of the message of the kingdom of God, which the Lord is only revealing to a few, those who have been given ears to hear and spiritual eyes to see in God’s word (Matt. 13:11, 16-17). The very proof that God’s Will is a mystery is very simple to demonstrate. How many of those who profess to be disciples of Jesus Christ do God’s Will on this earth daily, just as it is being done by God in heaven (Matt. 6:10)? How would you even know what that Will is, unless it has been revealed to you by God. The Will of God is not only typified as a pearl but also as the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19). For unless you know the Will, you do not know the Way—if you do not know the Way, you are still religiously deceived, because you have received an incomplete gospel and incomplete message of salvation. This is why an angel of the Lord told the apostles to speak the whole message of this life (Acts 5:20). There were many gospel messages being preached in Jesus Christ's time, just as there are today, but the messages remain incomplete because they are only partial messages. It is because of this missing truth, the pearl of great price, that a person's life cannot change so he or she can become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). Then what is this pearl of great price? What is this hidden knowledge that will allow a person to repent and enter the kingdom of heaven within (Luke 13:3, 5; 17:21)? It is the message of righteousness—it is the Way of righteousness (Matt. 21:32; 2 Peter 2:21). It was simply called “The Way” by the followers of Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago (Acts 18:25; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14). It was a righteous Way of life, doing as much good for others as they possibly could daily. Jesus being their example, they were doing deeds of kindness and charity continually in their daily walk with God (Acts 9:36). Some of them were actually doing greater works of righteousness than Jesus did while He was here on this earth (John 14:12). Jesus had to return to the Father so He could send His Spirit, which would allow His followers to put on new natures and become new creatures in Christ Jesus (John 14:17-18). This powerful Spirit of truth would allow a disciple of Jesus to crush his evil nature with its evil passions and desires and become a new creation (Gal. 5:24; 6:15). The disciples were told that if they continually practiced righteous deeds towards one another, God would build in them a new nature. He would form Jesus' new nature in them (Gal. 4:19). They were not only told to engage in good works daily for repentance, but they were also warned not to get weary in well doing, for in due time they would reap the new natures as well as blessings from the Lord (Titus 3:8; 2 Thess. 3:13; Gal. 6:8-9). This is how we overcome our evil natures (by continually doing good) like Jesus overcame and gave us example of how it’s done (Rom. 12:21; 1 Peter 3:10-11; Eph. 2:10; Rev. 5:5). We are to overcome our evil natures by keeping the deeds that Jesus gave us example to keep, if we are not to be hurt in the second death (Rev. 2:26; 2:11). So the pearl of great price is God’s Will and God’s Will is righteousness—and that righteousness that we are to practice, daily on this earth, is the words that Jesus received from the Father (John 5:19; 8:51). For this is how we enter the kingdom of heaven, when the righteousness comes from our hearts and is no longer hypocritical (Matt. 5:20; 6:1; Eph. 6:6-8). Jesus said His Ways were very easy and pleasant to do (Matt. 11:30). Of course, we will never know unless we put our hands to the plow (which represents doing good works for God for repentance) and force our way into the kingdom within. We cannot look back (Luke 16:16). Hundreds, if not thousands, are now engaged in righteousness daily for God's glory. It is beyond human words to explain this glorious new Way of life. The Way of righteousness is God’s Way of purifying us for Himself, by being zealous for good deeds for the Lord (Titus 2:7, 14; Col. 3:17). Don't be a goat any longer but a sheep. Be a doer not a hearer. We are all saved by grace, so we should no longer live a disgraceful life before our Maker, but imitate His Way of life daily (Eph. 5:1). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search The Kingdom Gospel “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come” (Matt. 24:14). What is the gospel of the kingdom that is to be preached—the message that will determine when the end of this age will come and culminate with the return of Jesus Christ? The people of Jesus Christ’s day knew that there was a kingdom coming with signs to be observed. Jesus told them the signs of the end of the age. He said the sun would not give its light, the moon would look like blood and there would be signs in the heavens (Matt. 24:3, 29-30). When the Pharisees asked Jesus when that kingdom (with signs) was coming, He replied that He was not talking about a kingdom with signs to be observed, but one that was within them (Luke 17:20-21). The Pharisees were not entering that kingdom within (Matt. 23:13). Neither were they teaching people about the kingdom within, just like people today are not being told how to enter that kingdom. They had taken away the keys of knowledge from the people, so Jesus Christ gave those keys to Peter (Luke 11:52; Matt. 16:18-19). Those keys are the directions and the understanding of how to enter the kingdom within and become a new creature. In order to enter that kingdom, you have to study the Bible for yourself (Matt. 13:52). You must repent to enter that kingdom of God (Matt. 4:17). That kingdom is entered by performing daily acts of righteousness (Matt. 5:20). That kingdom is entered by doing God’s Will daily on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10; 7:21; 1 John 2:17). God’s Will is righteousness. Disciples of Jesus Christ are expected to imitate God on a daily basis by visiting the sick, caring for the poor, the elderly, the lame, the blind, the widows and the orphans, as Christ explained (Eph. 5:1; Matt. 25:33-46; 1 John 3:17-19). That’s what the true sheep—true believers—are doing. They are overcoming evil by just doing good daily (Rom. 12:21; 1 Peter 3:11; 2 Thess. 3:13). They are glorifying God daily with good works so their lights can shine bright (Matt. 5:16). Living a life of doing good for God daily is true repentance from a life of doing evil. Jesus said that His Way is easy and very pleasant (Matt. 11:30). God wants you to do good daily so He can bless you daily (Eph. 6:8). When you put your hand to the plow (the plow represents good works), you are to continue to do good until the God of peace crushes Satan under your feet and forms Christ’s new nature in you (Luke 9:62; Rom. 16:20; Gal. 4:19). Then you become complete, a new person, a new creation (Gal. 6:15). When you put to death the deeds of the body by living to the Spirit daily, you will eventually rest from all your works of the flesh and enter Christ’s rest (Rom. 8:13; Heb. 4:10). Jesus Christ is making a peculiar people who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). That is why His apostles told the people to engage in good deeds and not to get weary of doing them (Titus 3:8; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). This is how you force your way into the kingdom of heaven within (Luke 16:16). It is how you strive to enter the narrow door that few people find (Matt. 7:14; Luke 13:23-24). When you overcome evil by doing good daily, you resist Satan and enter the abundant life, which is filled with a peace that transcends all human understanding (Phil. 4:7, 9). “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand [right now, as soon as you hear this message,” John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles proclaimed (Matt. 4:17). That kingdom is entered by keeping Jesus Christ’s works and overcoming a life of evil by engaging in a life of good works (John 14:12). Do you know of any other way to be good, than to do good (Rev. 2:26)? PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search We are the Church Today, religions by the thousands claim they are imitating the New Testament church of the Bible. But are they? How could they be? They are all different, aren’t they? Where is the church that Jesus Christ said the gates of hell would not prevail against? Where is the church to which the Apostle Peter was given the keys, and that Jesus Himself heads (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18)? Jesus told the Samaritan woman we were not going to be required to worship God in a certain location and that temple-type worship or building-type worship was coming to an end (John 4:21). Jesus said His true disciples would, instead, worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). What does this mean? If we all knew, we would be of one mind, one faith and one baptism. In Philippians 3:3 it says, “We are the true circumcision (true disciples of Jesus Christ) who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Still confused? Turn to Romans 12:1 where it says our bodies are our spiritual service of worship. We are to transform and renew our minds by performing God’s Will on earth daily as it is done in heaven (Rom. 12:2). We are to worship God by doing good and sharing (Heb. 13:16, 21). We are to persevere in doing good, using our bodies as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 2:7; 6:13, 18-19). If we, by the Spirit, are putting to death the evil deeds of the flesh, overcoming our evil natures by doing good, and resisting evil by not getting weary in doing good for others, we are allowing God to crush Satan under our heel (Rom. 16:20; 8:13; 12:21; 1 Peter 3:11, 13; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). We must be careful to engage in good works, glorifying God in Christ’s name (Titus 3:8; Matt. 5:16; Col. 3:17). We must overcome our evil nature by keeping Jesus Christ’s works. When we do these things we are worshiping God in spirit and in truth, the Way He now requires us to worship Him. We are the church. We can worship Him anywhere we find ourselves. However, if we are worthless for good works, we are worshiping God in vain and by our deeds we deny Him (Titus 1:16; Mark 7:7). Let’s do more than profess we know Him – let’s show Him! PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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Give Your Anxieties to God Christ commands us to cast our anxieties on Him. He says we are to practice thinking only what is beautiful and peaceful. We are to seek peace and pursue it earnestly and turn away from evil by doing good for Him daily. This is the Will of God. We are to clean up our speech, clean up our thoughts and clean up our actions by practicing righteousness daily to glorify God. We are to pray to God for all our needs and wants, as well as for the needs and wants of others. Then, we are to have confidence that we will receive what we have asked of God in our prayers because we are living to please Him daily. Jesus Christ wants us to enter the good life that He has waiting for us. We enter this good life when we start doing good for others for the glory of God. This is how Christ is formed in us and we become new creations. Our anxieties begin to disappear when we enter this good life and rest from all our works of the flesh. Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you. Galations 4:19 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Hebrews 4:10 PREV NEXT Click below for full Bible Study: How to Overcome Anxiety

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Learn how to study the Bible, the best Bible translation, what tools are best for studying and how it is your most important resource for life and fulfilling your purpose here on earth. STUDYING THE BIBLE What is the Bible? What is the Purpose of the Bible? The Best Bible Translation The Best Way to Study Your Bible Study to Show Yourself Approved The Bible Is... Learn more about using the concordance to study Are You Convicted? Are You an Obedient Disciple of Jesus Christ? Seek the Kingdom First Know The Lord The Simple Gospel Podcast How to Draw Close to God Podcast All About Studying the Bible Newsletter You will find other Bible studies, podcasts, video sermons and more that talk about studying the Bible also. This is just to get you started.

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wholewheatonline.com Search How to Serve God If you live your personal life to please God in all aspects, you are worshiping the Lord and serving Him only (Matt. 4:10). If you are no longer living to please self but to serve others, you have become like Christ (Rom. 15:2-3). If you are putting other people’s interests and needs before your own, if you are more concerned about others than yourself, if you are the last to be served, you have Christ’s nature formed in you (Gal. 4:19). Living to please self is selfish. Living to please others is selfless or unselfish. Jesus came to show us how to overcome evil by doing good for the glory of the Father (Rom. 12:21; Col. 3:17). He came to show us how to be servants of others and how to practice selflessness instead of selfishness. He said the greatest among us will be those who serve the most (Matt. 23:11). This theme is prominent throughout the New Testament (Matt. 20:26-28; 25:40; Mark 9:35; 10:43-45; Luke 8:21; 1 Cor. 10:24). Loving God is serving God. Serving God is worshiping God. Praising God is thanking God, being specific about the things for which we are praising Him. Webster’s Dictionary defines praise to God as the act of glorifying God with song or other acts of service. We can sing praises to God by singing songs that tell what great things God does for us (Eph. 5:19). We can praise Him with our mouths by being ready always to give a good answer to others as to why we live the way we do for God (1 Peter 3:15). We can praise Him with our mouths by not gossiping or speaking evil of others, and by not swearing or using vulgar language (1 Peter 4:11). Yet few people know refraining from swearing is worshiping and praising God. We are to worship God by pleasing Him in all respects. That is how we praise His name. Confessing our faults to one another is worshiping God. We can worship or glorify God by the way we dress, or we can serve the devil by the way we dress. We can worship, glorify or praise God by the way we think or we can worship Satan by the way we think. Can we please God by being happy? We can please God just by having a good day for His glory (Matt. 5:16). Can we have a good day if it isn’t a day lived to please God? Of course not. It is God’s word that shows us the Way to have a good day. Are you really concerned about what God thinks in every area of your life? How many of your old ways are you holding on to? Are you coming short of entering the kingdom (Rom. 3:23)? Are you pressing on and continuing to force your way into the kingdom of God (Luke 16:16)? The Israelites were not able to enter because of disobedience (Heb. 3:19; 4:1-3, 6, 11). Are you seeking God by doing good to please Him? Serving God and seeking God, praising and worshiping God, pleasing God, living for God, walking like God, talking like God and imitating God—by imitating Jesus Christ’s Way of life (Eph. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:1)—is the answer to the eternal riddle of the mystery of God. It is how to be a doer of the word of God (James 1:22; Luke 8:21; 6:46). Closely observe how Abraham and his nephew, Lot lived (Gen. 17:1-2; 18:19; 19:1-3). Study the eternal message given by the prophets of old from God. All God ever wanted from His creation was for everyone to keep His Ways by practicing acts of righteousness one to another. He only wants people to serve Him by practicing acts of kindness, charity, mercy, compassion, honesty and justice (Micah 6:8; Deut. 10:12-13, 17-20). He wants us to live at peace with all men as much as is possible, and in so doing, serve Him (Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11-12). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Works of Faith A faith that works is a faith with works. Wouldn’t we be in a pickle if Jesus Christ’s faith had no works? There would be no forgiveness of sins, and He would not be our perfect example. How could Jesus Christ be obedient to the Father if He had no works? Could Jesus Christ glorify the Father with bad works or without works? "Don’t be silly," you might say. Well, don’t you think it would be silly to tell disciples of Jesus Christ that they do not need good works? How can they repent if they do not have good works (Acts 26:20)? Do you show God that you are repentant by performing bad works daily instead of good works? Of course not! You cannot be hired to do a job for an employer unless you promise to do good works for him. Then, if you continue to do good works, he will bless you by giving you a promotion or salary increase. After you have been trained by your employer and have proven yourself, you can be promoted because of your good works. Why, you might even receive a bonus, a turkey or some other special gift. But if you perform bad works for your employer, you will get fired. Our heavenly Father is our employer when we decide to live for Him. If we perform good works for His glory, God will bless us (Matt. 5:16; John 10:10). How about if you perform bad works for God? Won’t you get fired? God gives eternal life as a free bonus for continual good works, but those who are unrepentant - continue to do what is bad, or worse yet, do nothing at all - will not receive the bonus. Eternal life is not given to those who continue to do bad works daily (1 John 3:10; John 5:29). Rather, it is given to those who live repentant lives by doing good works daily to please the Father (Matt. 5:16). The Lord accepts us as we are, but then we must be fully trained by Him and strive to please Him in all our ways and works of faith (2 Peter 1:5-11; Luke 6:40, 46). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Doing God's Will With Your Mouth You may recall seeing the three monkeys that depict hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. It is true that what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears affects how we think, and has a direct bearing on what we say. If we train our ears and eyes not to listen to or look upon violence, we will have a better attitude mentally. Watching television shows or movies that depict violence, sexual promiscuity or perversion does have a lasting harmful effect on the human brain. God hates those who love violence (Psalm 11:5). He also hates the perverted mouth (Prov. 8:13). God hates evil. He hates people who are arrogant and full of pride, He loves righteousness (Psalm 11:7). God wants us to keep our tongues from speaking evil, lying and from using naughty talk which includes telling dirty jokes (Psalm 34:11-13). He wants us to depart from the evil way by doing good (Psalm 34:14-15; 37:27). When all our words are good, God will satisfy us with good. Just as the deeds of a man’s hands return to him, so also do the words of his mouth. God watches everything we do (Prov. 12:14; 15:3). Fools mock when they are told to stop sinning so God can bless them (Prov. 14:9). God says we are fools if our mouths are perverted (Prov. 19:1). Christ, our example, did not swear and neither should we (1 Peter 2:22; 4:11). We should not quarrel with our mouths (Prov. 20:1-3). It is by our deeds of mouth, as well as body, that we distinguish ourselves as righteous or wicked (Prov. 20:11). We are to put our lives in order, in a right and pleasing way, before God. This is how we show God we are thankful to know Him and have His protection and blessings (Psalm 18:47). Sure, it is a sacrifice, a sacrifice of righteousness and thanksgiving (Psalm 50:22-23; Heb. 13:16). Let's live our lives so we will see good days (1 Peter 3:10-13). Let us not be numbered with those who turned against righteousness (2 Peter 2:21; 1 John 1: 6). How can we, who told God we would die to sin, keep on sinning (Rom. 6:2, 23)? Let us abhor what is evil and not disqualify ourselves from eternal life (Rom. 12:9; 1 Cor. 9:27). Let us seek our neighbor’s good, and not our own first, when we talk (1 Cor. 10:24). Let all that we say be said in love because this pleases God in heaven (1 Cor. 16:14; 2 Cor 5:9). Let us not continue to be "sons of disobedience," getting drunk and using our mouths for evil, but please Him in all respects (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:18; Col. 1:10, 12). Consider the members of your body as dead to sin (Col. 3:5-17). Clean up your mouth, put on the new self and do all that you do for God (Col. 3:23-25; Mark 7:20, 23). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search Baby Baptism Jesus told His apostles to teach people to observe all that He commanded them. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” (Matt. 28:19-20). How can you teach a baby? How can you make a disciple out of a newborn baby? Can you instruct a newborn how to walk in Christ (Col. 2:6)? Can you instruct a newborn in the doctrine that conforms one to godliness? Jesus was about 30 years old when He was baptized. Children are blameless in God’s eyes (Matt. 18:10). It is not the will of the Father that one little child should perish (Matt. 18:14). When Jesus was a child, He didn’t know enough to refuse evil and choose good (Is. 7:14-16). Did that make Jesus evil and sinful in His youth? Of course not. How can you be a sinner when you don’t even know any better? It is only when you’ve heard and fully understood the true message of overcoming and how easy it is to do that you are no longer in ignorance. From that point on you have no excuse for your sin (John 15:22). You have counted the cost, which a baby or a child cannot do. There is no example of baby, or child, baptism in the Bible. There is no command to baptize babies. This tradition started with men and it means less than nothing to God (Mark 7:8; Col. 2:8). Please, don’t remain foolish, but understand what the perfect will of God really is (Eph. 5:17). Study your Bible—don’t just read it. People will give you pamphlets, articles and books written by men telling you what they want you to believe the Bible says. Don’t believe them. Let only God’s word teach you as you live to please Him daily (2 Tim. 2:7; 1 John 2:27). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search God’s Best Example As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be representatives of God’s kingdom on this earth. We are to let happiness, love, joy and a unique stability of mind permeate our presence. We have eternal life and we know it because we live by God’s Ways. Jesus Christ says He is eternal life and everyone who lives as He lived—glorifying the Father with good works, enduring to the end and continuing to keep his old nature under control—will receive eternal life (Rom. 16:19-20). God crushes our old nature as we continue overcoming our evil nature by doing good (Rom. 12:21). That is what it means to repent. We should strive to control our thinking so that we think only what is pure and lovely. We should seek peace and pursue it earnestly (Psalm 34:14). We must practice making the words that come out of our mouths as if they were the words of God (1 Peter 4:11). We should pursue, hunger, and thirst for righteousness so that Christ’s nature can be formed in us (Matt. 5:6; Gal. 4:19). We mustn’t let anything stop us from receiving that new nature and pressing on to perfection. Jesus emphasized the fact that nothing should stop us in the process of receiving our new nature (Phil. 3:14; Luke 21:19). Jesus used a severe parable saying, “If your eye offends thee, pluck it out” (Matt. 18:9). In other words, we are not to let anything stop us from achieving our goal, which is godliness. We must strive to be godly examples to others in thought, word and deed, like Christ (Col. 3:17). We must not do anything to make a brother stumble who has found the Way—the holy Way that the unclean are not permitted to travel (Rev. 21:8). So keep your conduct holy, pure and blameless in all things. Always remember Paul’s words, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Are you ready to have others follow you, yet (1 Cor. 11:1)? PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Are We Truly Civilized? The world is full of great learning institutions. Colleges and institutions of higher learning are big business. Tuition is constantly on the rise and, in many cases, the cost is astronomical. Yet, even with all this so-called "higher learning," we can’t get along, like decent human beings. The divorce rate is higher than ever before. Crime is at an all-time high. Prisons are overflowing, with a pressing need for more to be built. As a result, hardened criminals are being released from the prisons back on to our streets. Insanity is on the rise. Moral standards have never been lower. Behavior that was considered immoral 40, or even 20 years ago, is now socially acceptable. Our politicians and leaders lie to us, without a second thought. How can we have all these serious problems if our institutions of higher learning are so great? They have failed us and for good reason. Godlessness is taught in our colleges. Eastern religious customs, like yoga, meditation and mindfulness, are taught in our nursery schools, preschools, grade schools, high schools and colleges, among other things that do not agree with the word of God. What does God in heaven say about higher learning or the so-called “wisdom” of this world? The wisdom and the knowledge of this world is foolishness before God (1 Cor. 3:19). God’s word says that the knowledge of this world is demonic (James 3:15). No wonder Jesus had no formal education (John 7:15)! All He needed was God’s word. Jeremiah understood that man was never created by God to direct his own steps or think his own thoughts, which are not good (Jer. 10:23; 16:12; Is. 45:19; 48:17; 65:2; Prov. 3:5-6; 14:12; 16:25; 20:24; Psalm 25:12-13; Deut. 12:8). We are missing the most important information we need for living a successful life, the greatest knowledge of all – from the greatest teacher of all time, Jesus Christ. God created us all to keep His Ways and do His Will on this earth daily, as it is being done daily by God in heaven (Gen. 18:19; Deut. 10:12; Matt. 6:10). This is how we are to serve only Him (Matt. 4:10). This is what Christ came to show us. If we keep His Ways, then we will abound in prosperity (Prov. 28:9-11). True knowledge makes a people of honor, with wisdom, integrity and dignity. True knowledge comes only from God and makes a people who are civilized. People could not be further away from their Maker than they are today. How many people do you know today who are living for God as Abraham, Joseph, King David, the Apostle Paul or Dorcas (Acts 9:36)? The Lord is coming very soon to forcefully civilize this world so full of sin. He will do this by eliminating the wicked from the earth, who are those who won’t obey His word (1 Peter 4:18). If we are going to be judged by God’s word, as the Bible says we will be, don’t you think we should begin now to obey His word daily, so we will be spared when He comes with His wrath (John 12:47-50; Rev. 3:10; Luke 21:34-36)? Let’s begin to study our Bibles daily, to find out what God’s Ways (Will) are, so that we no longer remain foolish (Eph. 5:17; Rom. 12:1-2; 6:13-19; 8:13; Gal. 5:16; Is. 2:3; Micah 4:2). Let’s stop following the crowd and accepting what man says as truth, when it doesn’t agree with what God says. God tells us to separate ourselves from the world. If we are a friend of the world we are an enemy of God (James 4:4). Find out what God expects of you and what He requires of you, so that you will no longer be one of the “crowd” but someone following after God’s own heart. Isn’t it time to be truly civilized, by keeping God’s Ways and turning from our wicked ways? Then God can bless us, as well as protect us, from what will shortly come to pass (Acts 3:26; Is. 3:10). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

What is the Reward of the Righteous PREV NEXT

Enduring the Narrow Way PREV NEXT

A Stand Alone Faith PREV NEXT

Keeping the Faith PREV Search NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Baptism is… Baptism is for your benefit, for your full assurance, for your gifts of the Spirit, for your forgiveness of sins. Baptism is an outward sign of inner repentance. You are showing by your actions that you mean business, that you are sincere. You are showing God in heaven that you are willing to lay down your old life of sin and pick up your new life of righteousness. You are saying you intend to live a new life of doing right things. You are going to live by God’s Ways and forsake your ways of the flesh which are not good. The Apostle Paul told how to do this. He said, “Repent, turn to God, and perform works for repentance” (Acts 26:20). You see, doing good works in Jesus Christ’s name for the glory of the Father is how you overcome (Col. 3:17; Rev. 2:26). Jesus says, the Father in heaven is glorified by good works and this is how a true disciple lets his light shine before men (Matt. 5:16). When John the Baptist was asked by the people what they should do in regard to repentance, he did not hesitate to give them a sound example of good works (Luke 3:10-11). “Bring forth fruit meant for repentance,” he said. That fruit is good works done for God’s glory (Col. 1:10). Good works are not necessary for salvation because salvation is a free gift that could never be earned (Eph. 2:8-9). But the rest of the message, left out by so many, is that good works are necessary for repentance, for overcoming, for glorifying God daily, for edification, purification, for instruction in godliness, and we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). Jesus is purifying a peculiar people for Himself who are zealous and on fire or hot for good works (Titus 2:14). Jesus is making disciples who will do greater works than He did (John 14:12). God can’t stand those who are lukewarm for good deeds (Rev. 3:15-16; 2:2-5; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). Since Jesus is going to repay us according to our deeds, don’t you think we had better start doing some good deeds (Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12; Matt. 16:27)? After all, if the righteous, who practice righteousness daily for God’s glory, are saved with difficulty, what is going to happen to those who deny Christ because they live disobedient and detestable lives and remain worthless for good works (1 Peter 4:18; 1 John 2:29; 3:7, 10, 18; Titus 1:16; 2:7; 3:8; Eph. 2:10)? God wants more examples like Dorcas, who was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did (Acts 9:36; 10:2, 38). He wants us to become obedient to the faith once delivered (Acts 6:7). He wants us to obey what he commands and receive His Spirit (Acts 5:32). Have you heard this before? If you have, are you zealous for good works? Isn’t it time to repent and believe the gospel and not man and be baptized (Acts 3:26, James 2:22; Matt 28:19-20)? PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Judgement Day PREV NEXT

God's Nature vs. Human Nature PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search Try it…You’ll Like it!: A Woman to Woman Article Have you ever heard the comment: Try it—you’ll like it? When we make new recipes, we try them to see if we will like them. When we plan a vacation, we might select a new location to visit. We try it to see if we’ll like it. How about trying to live for the Lord each day? You can be sure you’ll be happy and satisfied. Serving others continually to please God is the best! Why? Because we reap what we sow. When we are continually thinking, “What can I do for God next?” then we are busy doing God’s Will. We also know that what we think is what we’ll do. So, we might as well do good for God—being He repays good for good and evil for evil (Psalm 125:4; Prov. 24:29; Eph. 6:8). God is the One who makes these everlasting laws and He will make sure they are fulfilled (Jer. 17:10; 32:19). When we continually do good for God, and are making all our ways pleasing to Him, our life becomes blessed. Many people walk around uptight, thinking and speaking negative. They are full of anxiety, being inward and selfish. Nothing pleases these people, because they do not know God’s beautiful Way of righteousness that brings about peace (Rom 2:10; Rom 14:17). God has called us to His Ways of love to make a difference in this world. He has called us to be an example of godliness; yes, a light in a dark, evil world (Phil. 2:15). What a privilege. What an honor to be called to serve our Lord. Matthew 5:16 tells us to be a bright light by doing good to others continually. In closing, I ask, Is God calling you today? Are you interested in changing the way you think, speak and live? Would you like to be filled with contentment, peace, love and happiness? Would you like to make a difference in this world to glorify God by doing good for others in need? Try it—you’ll like it. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

How to Endure in Your Walk We know those who do wrong suffer. But is there suffering for those who are doing what is right? First Peter 3:17 says, "It is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." Yes, God allows us to go through suffering for a very distinct purpose. God has opened our eyes to repentance by good works. He has shown us how to live each day, letting our lights shine for Him. We're going through the growth process. We are learning every day how to be more like our Father who created us to do good works. As we learn, we go through tests and trials. Through these tests and trials, we learn all of God's Ways. The nature that we were all born with needs to die. Our hearts are desperately sick, beyond all understanding. We see that clearly as we go through tests, just as the Apostle Paul did. This is why true disciples of Jesus Christ persevered in doing good works for God. They were seeking for glory and honor and immortality. How many who profess Jesus as their Savior are doing that today? Suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you. 2 Peter 2:13 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. Acts 26:20 (NIV) Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. Romans 7:18 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. Romans 2:7 PREV NEXT Click below for full Bible Study: Enduring With Patience

What is Wordly is Not Godly PREV NEXT

Being Tested in Your Faith 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. 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 are sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Keep on rejoicing so at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with great enthusiasm. 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." You are being made complete in Christ. You are being made into a new creation. For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13 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 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Galations 6:15 PREV NEXT Click below for full Bible Study: Suffering

Who Are the Stumbling Blocks? PREV NEXT

Promise of Healing Learn more about the purpose of suffering and God’s healing here PREV NEXT

Responsibility Learn more about responsibility PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search The Parable of the Tree Jesus taught His disciples to either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree rotten, and its fruit rotten; for the tree is known by its fruit (Matt. 12:33). To better understand this parable, let's compare it with other sayings of Christ. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot" (Rev. 3:15). "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and let the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and let the one who is holy, still keep himself holy" (Rev. 22:11). "Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7). "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). Today we would use the expression, "Get off the fence." Either start to live like Jesus Christ or continue to stay as you are! But why? What is God going to distinguish by this? He will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who will not serve Him (Mal. 3:18). How can you tell? Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God (1 John 3:10; 3 John 11). Then, those who practice righteousness must be the good trees with the good fruit, and the rotten trees are those who choose to remain hearers of the word (James 1:22). Those who continually practice righteousness are truly born of God (1 John 2:29). They are the wheat, the sheep, the good trees and the righteous because they practice righteousness and are rich in good works done for God's glory (1 John 3:7). The rotten trees, the goats, the tares, the chaff and the wicked are those who claim they are followers of Jesus Christ, but don't and won't live their lives to please the Lord (Titus 1:16). They are the religious people who will put to death the righteous and think they are doing God a service (John 16:2). They will have the attitude Cain had toward Abel. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain asked (Gen. 4:9). Yes, you are your brother's keeper if you are like Abel, whose deeds were righteous (Matt. 25:33-46; 1 John 3:12). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Be of One Mind in Christ God in heaven is making new creatures in Christ (Gal. 6:15). He is doing this by creating Jesus Christ’s nature in us (Gal. 4:19). In order to do this, we must undergo testing (1 Peter 5:10; 4:1, 12, 16, 19; 2 Cor. 4:10). Some tests will be more severe than others, but the Lord assures us we can handle these tests (1 Cor. 10:13). We will be tested in our morals. We will be tested in our loyalty and faithfulness. Above all, God wants us to be of one mind in Christ. In order to cause us to be of one mind, God allows Satan to stir up strife, opposition, dissension, factions, controversies, enmities, jealousy, anger and disputes among those who will give in to such things. When practiced, these evil things will keep you from inheriting the kingdom of God and eternal life (Gal. 5:19-21). God must find out who will participate in these things so He can root them up from among those He is testing (1 John 2:19; 1 Cor. 11:18-19; Jude 1:16). This is how we are perfected by God into being one-minded in Christ Jesus (Phil 1:27; 2:2). We are to separate ourselves from the world and all that entangles it (2 Cor. 6:16-18; Heb. 12:1; Rev. 18:4). God warns us not to be filled with dissipation, which is the wasteful expenditure of time, or the day of the Lord will come upon us as a trap (Luke 21:34)! We are to draw near to God and His Ways and away from the things of the world (James 4:8; John 15:19). Anything in this world that stirs up strife, confusion, factions, anger and disputes we are not to participate in as these are the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). We are to pursue holiness, according to God because without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). We are to seek peace and pursue it earnestly (1 Pet. 3:11). We are to be wholly devoted, allowing God’s Ways to direct our lives (1 Kings 8:61; Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:9). We are to speak as though they were the utterances of God, as we go about imitating Him (1 Pet. 4:11; Eph. 5:1). His opinion becomes our opinion, because in the end, His opinion is the only one that matters. After all, He is our Creator and knows all. We will stand before Him, and only Him, on judgement day to give an account for our lives (Rev. 20:12; Rom. 14:12). Certainly, it is possible that those who participated in dissension, factions, controversies and disputes, might later on repent. But God is not going to give eternal life to those who cause divisions and dissensions, like Satan did so many years ago (Jude 1:19). God must root them out. It is God’s way of finding out who will remain loyal to God’s Word (Prov. 21:21). Satan was not loyal to God. He thought he could do God’s job better. He found fault with the way God was doing things. He thought he knew more than His Maker and Teacher. God teaches His ministers and then sends them out saying, “The person who accepts you accepts Me” (Matt. 10:40). Jesus was accepted by few and rejected by many. The same was true of His ministers. This is a test of whether or not you will be true to God Almighty. If you reject the one God sent to tell you the truth, you have rejected Jesus Christ (Luke 10:16). This is what God’s word, which cannot lie, says! The only exception to this is if that person stops living for God and falls away from the faith (1 Cor. 11:1). People who fall away from God’s one true faith and give in to Satan, flunk the test. It’s as simple and plain as that. That’s why God’s word warns us to take notice of (mark) those who are causing divisions and avoid them (Rom. 16:17). These people deceive other people by their smooth speech and the unsuspecting, dumb or foolish ones go after them (Rom. 16:18). That’s why God’s word commands that there be no division—none, not one. God wants those who are His perfectly joined together with the very same mind—that mind which was in Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 1:10). Jesus Christ says, “Every minister which My Father did not plant or appoint will be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13-14). They will bring upon themselves swift destruction from the Lord if they don’t or won’t repent (2 Peter 2:1). Be very careful who you are listening to, be careful with what you are watching and what you devote your time to (Matt. 6:22-23; Psalm 101:3). Ask yourself, is this in agreement with God and His Ways? Does this promote holiness in my life? Be loyal, be faithful and endure to the end, loving others with one mind, one goal and one aim—to please the Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of our lives and daily walk with Him (Phil. 1:27; Eph. 4:4-6). God is not fooling around and we shouldn’t be either. Justifying one’s actions might work now, but it won’t work on judgment day. Loyalty to God’s Word and the one who preaches His truth is loyalty to God Himself (Matt. 24:45-51). Make your mind up to be of one mind with God. Imitate Him in all your ways to be pleasing to Him in all respects (2 Cor. 5:9; 3 John 1:11; John 8:29) . There is no time to lose! PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

CHAPTER 19 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.

God's Nature vs. Human Nature PREV NEXT

wholewheatonline.com Search What is the Best Way to Study Your Bible? If you’re going to be a competent barber, carpenter or electrician you’re going to need the proper tools. It’s the same if you want to learn and understand the biggest mystery book on earth. The Bible is the most quoted, least read and least understood book of any on the face of the earth; and the book that people have the most opinions about, but do not know what they are talking about. It is not head knowledge alone that makes a good carpenter but actual experience in performing the trade, coupled with head knowledge that makes a competent carpenter. The very same thing is true for a person who seeks to know God’s word. God in heaven is a just, charitable, loving, giving, forgiving God who is constantly serving His creation (Deut. 10:18). He helps widows and orphans and others who have no helper (Deut. 27:19). He even does good unto His enemies and associates with the lowly. You could rightly call Him the servant of the most. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to be servants of the most. We seek Him when we begin to imitate Him and His Son (Matt. 23:11; Eph. 5:1). Now, to do this, you must know how to study your Bible in order to draw out the truth of God from it. I have been studying the Bible for over 41 years now and by trial and error, have learned what I feel is the simplest, and best way, to study the Bible. I have found that the 1977 New American Standard Bible is the most accurate and reliable to the Greek, and suggest getting the kind with margin notes and references on the sides or down the middle of each page. The concordances found in the back of many Bibles are not complete enough and therefore, are totally inadequate for good Bible research study, so I suggest a New American Standard Bible Concordance also. You can purchase these many times in a used book store. It is wise to have a King James version of these also, to refer to and compare. I have found that the newer the translation, the more it is watered down from the original Greek and Hebrew, which is why I suggest the above. Of course, if you have a Bible you already use and love, by all means, use it. I am simply trying to help you get started with what I know, and have proven to be the most accurate, giving the fullest meaning of God's Word, so you can increase your biblical knowledge in the fastest way possible. In addition, it is helpful to have a good dictionary. The most reliable dictionary I have found is Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. This dictionary actually has more in-depth meanings to words, than some of the watered down dictionaries today. It also includes Biblical references. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionaries can be found at old used book stores, some Bible stores have the reprinted version, or it is available online now and in app form. Looking up the definition of a word can be very helpful in understanding Scripture better. Sometimes we have only a limited understanding of a word and looking up the meaning will broaden our ability to better discern Scripture. You will also need a study notebook. When you purchase a notebook for this purpose, try to get the five subject notebook that contains the most paper and is the best buy. You will also need something to mark the Scriptures in your Bible as well as your concordance. There are a variety of highIighters out there and I find the gel or dry highlighters are best and will not bleed through the pages, but you can also use ordinary crayons. You will also want to have a fine-point pen for writing notes in the margins of your Bible. Many people find using a color-coded system is helpful in coloring their Bible. If you decide to do that, you can make an index card of which colors you are using, what they reference, and keep it in your Bible to help you remember. You will be blessed by God for acquiring the things necessary to make your study time more productive and valuable. You will also be showing love and respect to God. If you cannot afford to buy these items, pray to God and ask Him to make it come about. Note: You should go no further with this information until you have all the things you need for proper Bible study right in front of you. Before you begin studying your Bible, you should pray. Ask God to help you understand His word, and show you the things He would have you learn from your time studying the Bible. Ask His Spirit to guide you and reveal the truth of His Word to your heart and mind, so that you may put it into action in your life (Luke 24:45; Matt. 4:4). You are allowing God to speak to you when you study your Bible and teach you directly (Ps. 25:4-5; Ps. 86:11; Ps. 119:66; Ps. 143:10; Deut. 4:29). One of the biggest secrets to successful studying is to begin by subject. As an example, begin by writing the subject “What is God’s Will?” at the top of the first page of your notebook. Remember chapter 51, verse 23 will look like this in the concordance: 51:23. The chapter is followed by a colon, which is followed by the verse. So keep your eye on the colon. If you are studying a more general subject like, hope, love, faith, then this would be a good time to look up the word in your dictionary and write down the meaning under your subject title. This way you will be reminded of its meaning while you are studying the Scriptures on that subject. Upon opening your large concordance, you will find that there are twelve pages of references for the word “will.” Now you must ask a series of questions that will give you a logical direction of where to look or how to start. Question number 1 is: What does the New Testament have to say on the Will of God? Maybe you would like to find out what the Old Testament has to say on the Will of God, but this could be a vast subject so it would be better to start from the New Testament. Then if you should need or want more references, you can always go into the Old Testament. Another example is this; if you can answer your question fully with what information is found in the New Testament, then there is no need to go further. There will be times, in order to understand a subject, it will be necessary to go to the Old Testament for more clarity on the subject. Now, let’s proceed by going to the last page and to the end of the last column and find where “Will” is mentioned in Revelation. After quickly glancing through Revelation, Jude and 3 John, stop at 1 John 5:14. Color this reference in your concordance yellow by using a highlighter or coloring crayon. Then color 1 John 2:17; then 1 Peter 4:19; then 1 Peter 4:2; 1 Peter 2:15; James 4:15; Heb. 13:21; 10:36; 10:10, 9, 7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Thess. 5:18; 4:3; Col. 4:12; 1:9; Eph. 6:6; 5:17; 1:5, 9, 11; 1 Cor. 4:19; Rom. 12:2; Acts 22:14; 13:22; John 9:31; 7:17; 6:38; 5:30; 4:34; Luke 22:42; Mark 3:35; Matt. 21:31; 12:50; 7:21; 6:10. Now you have extracted from the concordance enough Scriptures on the Will of God to give you an excellent start on the subject. That’s good enough for a day’s Bible study, unless you are extremely curious as to what you will find. The next step is to look up each Scripture and write out the entire verse in your Bible research study notebook. As you begin to write and compile Scriptures on various subjects, you will begin to make sound biblical deductions based on the Scriptures you are reading and what understanding is to be had on that subject. Remember, one does not interpret the Bible, as the Bible interprets itself. At this point, write a small essay or article on the subject in 300 words or less. Attempt to explain the subject in terms that small children would have no trouble understanding. Then you know you will understand it too. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it’s more than simple. I have found that it’s fun, rewarding, informative, instructive, Spirit-filled and I love it. Not only that, but I am fulfilling God’s Will by doing so. I am studying God's word to show myself approved to Him. I have learned that God’s Will is Jesus Christ’s words as well as other sayings in the word of God (John 8:51; 12:48). I am fulfilling the Scriptures, “Study to show yourself approved” and “The mouth of the righteous studies to give a good answer” (Prov. 15:28). I am ready always ready to give a good answer to those who ask a question about God’s word. Let’s try another subject. What does the Bible have to say on the subject of good works? There are approximately two columns on “works” in the New American Standard Concordance. It begins with Exodus in the Old Testament and ends with Revelation in the New Testament. Remember, we want to find out what the New Testament says about the subject of works first—good works, bad works, deeds, etc.—so let’s start with Revelation and work back to Matthew. Begin by coloring the following Scriptures in your concordance with YELLOW: Rev. 20:12-13; 14:13; 3:15; 2:26, 23, 19, 5, 2; James 2:1-26; Heb. 10:24; 6:1; Titus 3:8, 14; 2:7,14; 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:18; 5:10; 2:10; Eph. 2:9-10; 2 Cor. 11:15; Acts 26:20; 9:36; John 14:12; 8:39; 5:29; Matt. 16:27; 5:16,. You soon will be an expert on what the Bible has to say on the subject of “works.” Here is another system you might try. Color all the potential Scriptures you wish to look up with a yellow marker in your concordance. Then go back with a different color, maybe green and make a mark on the ones you feel would be the stronger verses. Then go back once again, maybe with a red marker and mark all those Scriptures you consider a must to put in your research article on the subject of works. Now use the process of elimination. Look up and write down all the “must” Scriptures first—those you have colored red. After you are done reviewing those Scriptures ask yourself, “Do I know what the Bible says about this subject at this point, or do I need more clarification from the word of God?” If so, look up the Scriptures that you colored green in your concordance the second time through. Now you are looking up the “stronger ones” category. After this is done, if you feel you still need more information on the subject to nail it down, look up the ones you first colored yellow. There will be times when you might want to extend that list into the Old Testament. Simply take your yellow marker and concordance and begin to scan through the Old Testament Scriptures in the concordance that would give information to your subject. Hint: I will sometimes jump to the book of Proverbs or Psalms. Next, look at what the minor prophets had to say from Daniel to Malachi. Then, try Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. From there you can go where you want to go. The Old Testament is pretty massive in its context. You do not want to overcome yourself with study, but do it in such a way, that you draw out from God’s word those areas you want to study. Make it fun! Study with a purpose. Do not be like so many who let the Bible fall open to a certain page and then begin reading—that is witchcraft. Remember, you, like many others, do not know the word of God and you are going to have to study with a purpose in order to reach your goal of knowing God’s word. Remember, God’s opinion is the only one that counts. Don’t worry about, or seek, what other books say the Bible says, that are written by man (Eccl. 12:12). If they are wrong in what they say—and a great percentage of them are—you will most likely end up tragically confused and deluded by their confusion. There are rarely two books that agree on the rapture, healing, divorce and remarriage, the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Do your own research, in the Bible, and you will obtain your own confidence from it, and what God says, not someone else’s persuasion or confusion. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). This world is in a state of religious confusion but this does not have to be true for you. If you will go only to God for the answers and ask Him to show you His Ways and His Will so you can begin to live to please Him daily more perfectly, He will not let you down, but man will (Is. 2:22). The world is spiritually blinded because it follows man instead of God. People who go to church faithfully for years and years continue to remain ignorant about what the Bible says because they feel they are listening to someone they can trust, their preacher. They look up to him as being righteous and holy. Many do this to such an extent that they no longer bring their Bibles to church. They just put their trust in a man to tell them what the Bible says (Isa. 9:16-17). As you do your own personal Bible study, by studying in depth what the Bible has to say on these and other subjects, you may be shocked to find that the Bible says quite the opposite of what is being taught by many today. God the Father and Jesus Christ have only wanted simple, daily obedience to God’s beautiful Ways of peace and righteousness. He wants new creatures who are completely changed people, who have Christ formed in them as a result of living for Him and the Father daily (Gal. 4:19; 6:9-15). Overcome evil by doing good for God daily by doing His Will on earth daily as it is being done in heaven if you want to live forever (Psalm 37:27; 1 Peter 3:10-11; Rom. 12:21). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME All About the Bible PDF © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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