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1Co 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Note: There are three most important things abide in this world. They are faith, hope, and love. To unbelievers, they are money, power, and sex. To Christians they are faith, hope, and love. Faith is the first and foremost; without faith, there cannot be hope and love. Faith and hope and love are necessary on earth, in Heaven it will be love, truth, holiness, and joy forever. Love is the greatest, for God is love.

1Ti 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Note: The goal of every true servant of Christ is that our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Sincere faith is honest, pure and true faith is without ulterior motive.

1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is the Manifesto of Christian Values. The Christian values consist in FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. Unlike the American values of money, power, and sex which are diametrically opposed to the Christian values. The world is possessed and driven by the secularism demonstrated in the values of money, power, and sex.

I. FAITH

A. FAITH IS NOT A DELUSION

1. The Christian Faith is not a delusion. The Christian Faith is NOT based on philosophical and theological grounds. Let us make it clear: The Christian Faith is NOT based on psychological, psychiatric or political grounds either. The Christian Faith is not based on human opinions or human wisdom at all. The Christian Faith is based on the Revelation of Jesus Christ by the power of His Resurrection from the dead. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is completed and written in the New Testament. The Revelation of Jesus Christ did not and does not promise a churchgoer “would not catch the virus because she was “covered in Jesus’ blood”. All the sins of the saved are covered by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and passed from condemnation. No pandemic or disease is promised to be covered by the blood of Jesus.

2. A false believer is any person who believes in his/her delusion or illusion, but not based on the Word of God. No religion conferred anyone immunity from COVID-19. Any one who believes so is not based on truth, but based on superstition. The Christian Faith is not superstition. For Jesus says,

Mar 2:17, “And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Any teacher or preacher who leads church members astray from the truth is a false teacher or preacher. In fact about 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ predicted things to come: Luk 21:10-11, “Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in many places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from Heaven.” And so COVID-19 is actually one of the plagues that fulfilled the prophesy of Jesus Christ. Plague in Greek is loimos which means pestilence; which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Plague, pestilence, and pandemic mean the same thing.

3. Christianity is not like all other religions. All other religions are man-made. Christianity is the Revealed religion. It does not depend on any man or organization. Christianity is the truth in Jesus Christ, absolute, complete, supreme, ultimate, infallible and eternal. Christianity is not based on scientific truths either, because science is the best human organized knowledge at a point in time and place; science is always progressive, tentative, and never absolute, or infallible. No true or great scientist believes they have absolute scientific truths. The Christian faith is reasonable, not dangerous at all. Belief in an afterlife is NOT a malignant delusion. For Jesus Christ says, Jhn 11:25, “Jesus said to her, “I AM the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”

For the Christian is the happiest because Jhn 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My Word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” The Christian is happiest because he has passed out of death (eternal death) into life (eternal life); his sins are forgiven he is a Pilgrim on his way to the Heavenly City. The richest and most powerful man in this world is without God and without hope. An unbeliever does not know when he is going to die, he is afraid of death because he is going to face the judgment of God. Christians have eternal security, nothing to fear, not even afraid of nuclear war.

4. You can equate any religion with delusion except Christianity, for Christians have living and blessed hope. Christians are citizens of Heaven, the eternal Kingdom of God. Your intellect cannot save you at the moment of death. There is no semantic quibble, nothing and no one can save you from death, and Hell. The biggest delusion are those who disbelieve after death is Hell. “When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called Religion”. The biggest insanity is to make the wrong bet, as the great scientist and philosopher Pascal has argued most rationally:

“If I believe in God and life after death and you do not, and if there is no God, we both lose when we die. However, if there is a God, you still lose and I gain everything.”

B. MANY ARE CONFUSED ABOUT FAITH

Many are confused about what “faith” is. Even many church members cannot differentiate what is “faith” and what is “the Faith”. This article is written so that you not only know what “faith” is, you have faith in God, and believe the Christian Faith with all your heart and mind.

People speak loosely about “faith” and “the faith” because many do not understand and confuse between “faith” and “the faith”. Even among church members, they do not have a clear conception of faith and the faith. Keep in mind we speak of the faith, not the faiths. In this article we are not interested in other faiths. There are other faiths than the Christian faith, other religions than the Christian religion. However, we focus here on “faith” and the “Christian faith” only. They have different meanings although they are very closely related. The first term “faith” refers to one’s belief and attitude toward God and the Savior. The second term “the Faith” refers to the whole body of the Christian belief, the dogmas and doctrines as taught by Jesus Christ and through His apostles. Henceforth, “faith” in small letter means your or my “personal faith” in God or Christ WHOM we trust. The “Faith” in capital letter means the “common faith” of all believers of all generations believe WHAT to be in the body of the Christian belief as it is written in the Holy Bible and handed down from Jesus Christ and the holy Apostles.

Mar 11:22:

“And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”

Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means assurance; belief; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction of God and divine things; trust; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; the Christian beliefs; faithfulness; persuasion; moral conviction of the truthfulness of God; reliance upon Christ for salvation; the system of the Gospel truth itself; belief and truth in God; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament.

Faith is synonymous with belief, the act of believing. Faith is not a proposition. Faith is not a theological system. Faith is personal and individual act from the heart. To have faith in someone is to believe in someone. Faith is to have faith means to believe, to believe means to put your trust in someone. Faith is in “Whom” you believe. Have faith in God means to put your trust in God. The Faith is ‘What’ you believe. The Faith is common and collective. The “Faith” is the Christian Faith what all Christians of all ages believe as it is written in the Holy Bible, and nothing else. To prevent confusion, in this article your “personal faith” in Christ or God, “faith” is used in small letter. The whole body of what all Christians believe collectively, the body of truth believed is called the Faith, the “common faith” of what we all believe is the “Faith” in capital letter.

C. FAITH IN CHRIST IS NOT SUPERSTITION.

Faith in Christ is not superstition, although all other religious faiths are superstitious. Christianity is not superstition. Faith is not religion, religion does not save anyone. Faith in Christ is a saving grace. If a rustic believes in Jesus Christ, he will be saved. If an intellectual believes in a false god, he will perish. So it is not faith that saves you, it is the faith in the Savior who saves you. Jesus rose from the death by the power of God is not superstition. When you believe in something which is historically true, it is not superstition. If you believe in something which is not true, your faith is worthless. Faith in all religions is worthless and useless because they cannot save.

Act 25:19, “But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”

Note: Superstition in Greek is deisidaimonia which means fear of the gods; false belief about gods; an irrational abject attitude of mind; irrational belief or practice; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. There are many superstitions in Chinese culture, one example is the welcome of the god of wealth during Chinese New Year; and the use of firecrackers to chase away evil spirits. Another is the upside down character of ‘blessing’ to bring blessing.

D. FAITH IS NOT TRADITION

Faith is not tradition. Roman Catholic Church is full of un-scriptural traditions. Mat 15:3, “And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” Pharisees and scribes of Judaism often violated the commandment of God for the sake of their tradition.

There is nothing parallel to Christianity. Christianity is the true religion that does not depend or require so-and-so to make declaration. Christianity does not need any country, government, institution, or individual to validate or recognize it. There is no such a thing called ‘Christian Protestantism’. Protestantism is simply an attempt to return to the original Christianity established by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. If there is such a thing called un-Christian Protestantism, it has nothing to do with the the great Reformation started by Martin Luther to expose the apostate Roman Catholic Church. There is no such a thing called ‘Reformed Christianity’, there is only one Biblical Christianity. The ecumenical movement attempted to join Protestantism with Roman Catholicism is a farce. The Protestantism is based on Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone), which holds that the Holy Bible is the sole infallible and inspirational source of authority for the Christian faith and practices. While the Roman Catholicism consists in many false teachings or doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. A false doctrine is an evil matter, Christians cannot join in an evil matter with anyone or any institution.

When we talk about faith and the Faith in Christ, it has nothing to do with the universality of religion among all races at all times. It is the fancy and baloney talk of unbelieving theologians that God is continuously wrestling with man. It is blasphemous to suggest that God is wrestling with Himself. Among Christians the Bible is the only and sole authority. There is no church or human or papal infallibility. Christians reject any ideology, scientific or philosophic, pretending to be authority. It is not narrow or arbitrary, the Word of God is the only and final and supreme and ultimate authority.

Act 11:1, “Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the Word of God.”

Note: Faith is not a venture of the soul, it is full acceptance of the Word of God. There is no such a thing called unconscious faith, faith is constantly conscious of humbly taking God at His Word.

The character of faith is not propaedeutic, it is receiving the Word like the simplicity of a child. Jhn 1:40-41, “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ).” Andrew heard John the Baptist speak about Jesus and followed Jesus. Andrew found first his own brother Peter and said to him, “We have found the Messiah.”

Faith is not speculative by tradition. When two blind men sitting by the road and heard that Jesus was passing by; they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And Jesus stopped and said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Mat 20:33, “They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” There is nothing speculative about what the two blind men want, they want their eyes to be opened.

Rom 14:22, “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Note: The faith which you have (personal faith) is your own conviction before God. If what you approve does not condemn you, happy are you.

E. FAITH IS CONVICTION IN GOD

Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”

Note: Faith is in accordance with grace, it has nothing to do with your efforts, works or merit, or character of virtue. The promise of faith is guaranteed to all the descendants of Abraham and to all who believe.

Act 3:16, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Note: Peter healed a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb on the basis of the lame’s faith in the name of Jesus Christ. This is an exact example of what faith is. The lame from his mother’s womb had faith in Jesus Christ and he was given the perfect health. The lame was healed on the basis of his faith in Jesus. Faith in Greek is pistis which means firm belief; fidelity; a conviction of the truth; trust in God or Christ; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; reliance upon Christ for salvation; – which occurs 234 times in the New Testament.

Sometimes in the Bible, even though it says the faith, it does no mean the body of Christian belief, in the context as your own conviction or trust in God. To prevent confusion, henceforth I use personal faith in God or Christ as faith in small letter, but referring the body of the Christian Faith in capital letter. For example, 2Co 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” Here it hits the nail in the head. Christians must not only believe in the dogmas and doctrines of Jesus Christ, you must test and examine yourself from time to time to see whether you have faith in Christ, whether Christ is in you. You can have all the theological knowledge of the Christian Faith, but Christ is not in your heart. That is the problem of unbelieving theologians who do not have Christ and the Holy Spirit in them.

F. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

1Ti 4:1, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the Faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.”

Note: The Spirit explicitly says that in later times (which is now) some will fall away from the Faith. You see not a few theologians and false preachers have fallen away from the Faith, although they may call themselves modernists or evangelicals. Anyone who pays attention to deceitful spirits and doctrine of demons has fallen away from the Faith. An antichrist is he who denies the divinity of Jesus Christ. He who rejects the infallibility and inspiration of the Holy Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ has fallen away from the Faith.

1Ti 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Note: If anyone claims to be a Christian but does not provide for his own household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. A person who has denied the Faith is worse than an unbeliever. This is a definitive statement, there is no doubt or confusion about it. So all men who desert their wives are worse than unbelievers. All fathers who abandon their children are worse than unbelievers. It is possible for a so-called believer to deny the Faith by his mouth. It is also possible for a so-called believer to deny the Faith by her disobedience to the Faith. Some Taiwanese politicians who claim to be Christians, and yet they publicly burn incense and worship idols. These Taiwanese so-called believers have denied the Faith. They are false brothers, not genuine Christians; and they are worse than unbelievers.

1Ti 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the Faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Note: This is most serious. Almost all know that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. The love of money can make you wander away from the Faith. Just as Jesus says, Mar 4:19, “but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” The deceitfulness of riches, the love of money and other things can choke the Word of God so that people hear the Gospel and become unfruitful.

2Ti 2:18, “men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the Faith of some.”

Note: There are unbelieving preachers and church members who go astray from the truth because they do not believe in the resurrection, and they upset the Faith of some. Christians should stick to the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

2Ti 3:8, “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the Faith.”

Note: Notice, the truth and the Faith are used synonymously. Just as in the ancient time Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, nowadays the liars and impostors also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the Faith. In fact, all the works of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and scholars are intended to oppose the Christian Faith. God says they are men of depraved mind. Depraved in Greek is kataphtheirō which means corrupt; to perish utterly; to spoil entirely; to destroy; to be perverted; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. A depraved mind is a corrupt and perverted mind. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and scholars may think they have brilliant mind; but God says they are men of depraved mind, corrupt and perverted because they oppose the truth.

It is wrong to say that Martin Luther agreed with the Catholic outlook far more than he differed from it. This is a revisionist view of the great Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church had strayed so far away from the Biblical Faith, that it must be considered as another religion, another Faith, strange from Christianity. It is not what Luther accepted or not accepted that matters, it is the Faith that all believers from the beginning had accepted and believed that matters. It is what the Word of God says that matters. Protestantism is nothing but a total return to the original Christianity, and the written Word of God (the Holy Bible) as the sole and final and ultimate authority of the Faith.

II. WHAT IS FAITH

The common and important question: What is faith? To give you a head start: you must know first that faith is personal. Whether you believe in God or not is a personal matter. It is not transferable. You and your household can have faith in God, but each of you must believe in God personally. Faith is individually accomplished. Believing in God is personal just like eating a meal is personal. No one can eat for you. Just as you cannot eat for someone, so you cannot believe for someone. You can only believe for yourself. No one can believe on your behalf. Faith is a trusting and personal relationship with God or Christ. If you want to be saved, you must have faith in Christ and have a personal relationship with Christ for your salvation, you as a sinner, and Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Mar 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”

Note: This is the command of Jesus Christ to all, “Have faith in God.” Have in Greek is echō which means to hold; to have possession of; to own; to possess; to keep; to lay hold of; – which occurs 651 times in the New Testament. Faith is receptive to God’s Word. Faith says yes to God. To have faith in God is to lay hold and trust in God. To have faith in God is to have possession of faith and reliance in God. To hold possession of faith is better than to have possession of the most expensive properties in the world or in Hong Kong. There were many well organized terrorists trained, funded and supported by Western powers (2019) in the name of democracy and freedom and independence trying to possess Hong Kong because they want to possess the most expensive properties in the world and use Hong Kong as a major money-making center and as a military base to destroy China. Have faith in God is not like to have faith in man, power, money, and nuclear weapons. Man, power, money, and nuclear umbrella will fail. God cannot and will not fail.

Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Note: Without faith it is impossible to please God. To have faith is to be obedient to the Faith.

Follow faith does not mean playing fast and loose with the requirements of rational thought, the canons of logic or the canons of reason. Follow faith is not being intellectually dishonest. The mind of the flesh is spiritually dead. Rom 8:7-8, “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” For example, what rational thought can explain miracles and wonders, the supernatural, and the power of God? What cannons of logic can explain the creation of the universe by God in six days? It is not possible for faith to adjust itself to human reasoning. Jesus says explicitly, Luk 18:27, “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Mar 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” God is almighty and the greatest mystery before time and space in the universe, for God is Spirit and cannot be explained by rational thought. To unbelievers, God is not plausible. Science and philosophy cannot know or understand Spirit, it is beyond their range and sphere of ability. Secular academics and unbelieving theologians try to diminish and disparage, vitiate and vilify God so that they can create god in their own image. Their god is not the God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient of the Bible. These unbelieving scientists and scholars prize themselves as the ‘intellectuals’ of the world, and they demand the thoughts and ways of God to be acceptable to them. In fact, the secular academics and unbelieving theologians do not want God, they make themselves gods. By their writings you can judge secularists, unbelieving scientists and theologians and philosophers are very hostile toward God, and they do not subject themselves to the sovereign rule of God. They want to overthrow God in order to set up their kingdom. The unbelieving philosophers treacherously have the delusion to erect a temple of reason on sacred ground, and welcome the Man of Lawlessness to take his seat in this temple as the object of worship. They may call it a new religion, the One World Religion.

1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

Note: There is nothing more clear than the Word of God. Faith is the act of believing, the Faith is the thing believed. Faith is personal, the Faith is common. Our faith in God does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. For that reason, faith cannot rest on science or philosophy, the wisdom of men. Those who do not know the power of God would not believe. Science and philosophy the so-called reason rest on the wisdom of men, not on the power of God. Therefore, the wisdom of men is constantly in conflict with the power of God. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

2Th 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

Note: Believers are saved through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. Other faiths believe in lie or falsehood. Christians have faith in the truth, the truth of Christ.

A. Meanings of faith in the Old Testament.

Hab 2:4, “Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith.”

Note: For the proud one, his soul is not right within him. Have you ever met secularists who are humble? The righteous will live by his faith. Faith is personal, the righteous will live by his faith in God. Faith in Hebrew is ’emuwnah which means moral fidelity; firmness; stability; verity; truthfulness; faithfulness; – which occurs 48 times in the Old Testament. The righteous will live by his faith in God.

Exo 4:5,“that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

Note: Believe in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to trust; to have assurance; to stand fast; to confirm; to stand firm; to be certain; to sustain; to support; to lean on; to confide in; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. To believe in the Lord is to trust the Lord, to lean on Him.

It is not the Jewish religion from which God has turned away His face. The Jewish religion was established by God through Moses. It was the rebellious and stubborn people that provoked the Lord to wrath. Deu 9:6-8, “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people. Remember, do not forget how you provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the LORD. Even at Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, and the LORD was so angry with you that He would have destroyed you.” “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord GOD. “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” Even when the Messiah appeared on earth, the Jews wanted to kill Him.

Jhn 5:18, “For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” The Jews claimed to be Abraham’s children. Jhn 8:39, “They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.” During the early Church, Act 14:2, “But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.”

Note: There was nothing wrong with the Jewish religion. What was wrong is the conduct of the sons of Israel, their transgressions, iniquity and evil deeds that provoked the Lord to wrath. The Lord wants the Jews to repent and live. For the Lord has no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. The Jews did not know their own religion and wanted to kill Jesus Christ who is their Messiah. The Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the Christians.

Psa 119:66, “Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.”

Note: The word “believe” in this verse is the same original word in Exo 4:5. To believe in God is to believe in His commandments.

Isa 43:10, “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
And there will be none after Me.”

Note: Believe in Hebrew in the verse cited above is the same believe in Psa 110:66. In things of the world including science, you know and believe. In things of God, you believe and know and understand. By human wisdom no one can know and understand God.

Psa 78:22, “Because they did not believe in God
And did not trust in His salvation.”

Note: Believe in Hebrew in this verse is the same in original word in Isa 43:10. Trust in Hebrew is batach which means to have confidence; to hope; to be sure; to confide; to persuade to trust; – which occurs 129 times in the Old Testament. To believe and to trust are synonymous. To believe in God is to trust in His salvation.

Isa 50:10, “Who is among you that fears the LORD,
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”

Note: Trust in the original word here in this verse is the same original word in Isa 43:10. Rely in Hebrew is sha`an which means to rest on; to lean on; to rely; to trust in; to trust in God; to repose confidence in; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament. He who trusts in the name of the Lord also relies on God.

Pro 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Note: If you trust in the Lord with all your heart, then you do not lean on your own understanding. That is the problem of secularists and unbelieving scientists and philosophers who lean on their own understanding so-called reason or cannons of logic. Acknowledge in Hebrew is yada` which means to know; to consider; to understand; to declare; to find out and discern; to recognize; to admit; to confess; to be aware; to comprehend; to regard; to have respect; to see about; – which occurs 1,008 times in the Old Testament. Acknowledge God means to give cognition and recognition to God. Acknowledge God in all our ways and God will make our paths straight. The paths of unbelievers are crooked.

Psa 7:1, “A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.
O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge;
Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me.”

Note: David expressed his faith in God by saying, “O Lord my God, in You I have taken refuge.” To take refuge in Hebrew is chacahwhich means to trust; to have hope; to make a refuge; to seek refuge; to flee for protection; to confide in; to put trust; – which occurs 74 times in the Old Testament. So to believe in God is to have taken refuge in God. And also to believe God will deliver you and save you from all those who pursue you. More important, to save you from your sins.

Psa 118:8-9, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in princes.”

Note: It is amusing that Korea and Japan complain that the American protection fees are too high for them, they ask for a discount. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man, than to to trust in princes, than to trust in the superpower, than to trust in nuclear umbrella. The Lord does not charge protection fees.

Psa 33:22, “Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.”

Note: To have hoped in God is to have faith in God, to trust God. There is no hope in this world, no matter who you are.

Psa 33:20, “Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.”

Note: To wait for the Lord is to have faith in Lord. Shield in Hebrew is magen which means buckler; protector; armed defense; – which occurs 63 times in the Old Testament. To wait for the Lord is to trust in the Lord. For God is our help and our shield. God is better than nuclear shield. There are foolish leaders of foolish nations who trust in nuclear shield. In a nuclear war they will perish with the their nuclear weapons and as well as their nuclear shield.

Deu 9:23, “When the LORD sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, ‘Go up and possess the land which I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God; you neither believed Him nor listened to His voice.”

Note: Believe in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to trust; to assure; to stand fast; to support; to confirm; to uphold; to be faithful; to make firm; to be certain; to turn to the right; to lean on; to confide in; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. Listen in Hebrew is shama` which means to obey; to understand; to hearken; to give heed; to give ear; to attend to; – which occurs 1,169 times in the Old Testament. To believe God is to listen to His voice. To listen to the voice of God is to obey Him.

Gen 15:6, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

Note: Abraham believed in the Lord means Abraham put his trust completely to the Lord. Abraham did not count himself anything or worth anything before God. So God reckoned or counted his faith as righteousness. When you come to God, you must come as nobody. The problems of secularists are they think they are somebodies. Whoever comes to God must come to believe God is. God not only exists, God is the Self-Existent Eternal Almighty God, and God may reward a believer by grace. There is nothing between God and man, only a sincere faith can link man to God. On the basis of faith man begs God for mercy. That is the meaning, the righteous shall live by faith. The meaning of faith in the Old Testament is made on promise. The meaning of faith in the New Testament is based on the manifestation of truth in the person of Jesus Christ.

B. Meanings of faith in the New Testament.

Heb 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means firm belief; assurance; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction that God exists; a conviction of divine things; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; trust; confidence; persuasion; credence; moral conviction; reliance upon; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Assurance in Greek is hypostasis which means confidence; substance; foundation; that which has actual existence; essence; firm trust; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Hope in Greek is elpizō which means to trust; to expect; to wait for; to want something to happen; – which occurs 36 times in the New Testament. Conviction in Greek is elegchos which means evidence; proof; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith involves at least 3 elements: firm trust or firm belief, things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. If you have faith in God, such faith involves at least 3 things: you believe in the actual existence of God, you hope God provides you salvation and eternal life; all these things are not seen yet, they are to happen in the future. Faith in not about the past, not even today, it focuses on tomorrow. No one hopes what he has seen. Here focuses on “personal faith” in God or Christ. The New Testament does not redefine faith, the New Testament clarifies faith in Christ.

Faith is the assurance that because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for sinners, our sin is not to be held against us, that the divine wrath has been appeased through faith in the righteousness of Christ, and that with the grace of Omnipotence on our side, we are now and forever safe. Without faith, there cannot be assurance. Without faith, there is no hope. Our assurance and hope come from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Deu 28:66, “So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life.”

Job 24:22, “But He drags off the valiant by His power;
He rises, but no one has assurance of life.”

Note: Death is certain, no one has assurance of his life. Your life shall hang in doubt before you. Man is in dread night and day. No one has assurance of life. The uncertainty of life and lacking assurance drive people to have faith in God. This is how a religion is born. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.

It is stupid and torpid to say because the moral degradation of all people becomes the occasion of God’s saving activity. It is like saying God is obligated to do saving activity because of man’s sin, it is like saying sinful men are doing God’s a favor, and prompted God to show His mercy. This mind set of the flesh puts God in a passive position and sinful man in the driving seat. It is like the Prodigal Son made the converse statement, “Father, although I have sinned, I am worthy to be called your son, worthy to have double honor.” God does not owe sinful men anything. No man is worthy of God’s mercy. Act 13:25, “And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, One is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.” John the Baptist said he is not worthy to untie the sandals of Jesus’ feet. Sinners are not worthy even to kiss the feet of the Lord. Rom 9:15-16, “For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

It is wrong and incorrect to say Paul in his letter to the church in Rome variously described this salvation using the analogies of justification, redemption, reconciliation, and freedom. The limitation of language employs speaking in human terms. However, things divine are never analogies, they are more real than E=mc2. The process of salvation involves repentance, faith, regeneration, justification, redemption, reconciliation, sanctification, and glorification. There is a tendency for academics to use terms that may reflect favorably their mental acuity and spiritual superficiality, but cast a shadow of doubt on the Word of God.

Jde 1:20-21, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”

Note: Christians build ourselves up on our most holy faith. The Christian Faith is the most holy Faith because it is faith in the love of God, and waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

C. THE PROCESS OF SALVATION

1. Repentance

Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: Repentance in Greek is metanoia which means a change of mind; compunction for guilt; reversal of one’s decision; shame for sin; – which occurs 22 times in the New Testament. Repentance is made toward God, turning from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God.

Luk 5:32, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Note: Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are self-righteous, and so they would not repent. Jesus Christ has come to call sinners to repentance.

Act 26:20, “but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”

Note: Repentance is not a slogan or talk. When a man repents and turns to God, he automatically performs deeds appropriate to repentance. Study the history of Zaccheus, Luk 19:1-10.

2Co 7:10, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Note: A man who truly repents of his sins will produce a sorrow leading to salvation. Without repentance there is no leading to salvation.

2Ti 2:25, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.”

Note: Repentance leads to the knowledge of the truth. Those who do not want to repent will not have the knowledge of the truth. This is exactly the problem of secularists and unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers. That is why they do not have the knowledge of the truth.

2Pe 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Note: The Lord is patient, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. John Calvin is wrong. God does not want you to perish but is waiting for you to repent.

2. Faith

Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means belief; assurance; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction that God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe; conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah; moral conviction; reliance on Christ for salvation; trust; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament. Faith in itself does not save. Faith cannot save anyone. Faith in science cannot save you. Faith in philosophy cannot save you. Faith in religion cannot save you. Faith in anything cannot save you. Religion cannot save you. The most ludicrous are the Western nations who have faith in nuclear umbrella. They may realize their mistake in ashes too late. Faith in any man cannot save you. Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who can save you.

Rom 1:5, “through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”

Note: Faith obeys God, it is called obedience of faith. Faith is impossible without action. Faith without action is dead. Obedience in Greek is hypakoē which means compliance; submission; observing the requirements of faith; attentive hearkening; conformity; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. Faith is perfected in obedience. Any true believer automatically obeys the Lord, obeys the truth, obeys the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Faith without obedience is rebellion. Believe and be saved.

Gal 5:22, “And the fruit of the Spirit is: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Note: It is important to know that faith is a fruit of the Spirit. He who is full of faith is full of the Spirit. Remember, Stephen was a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. (Act 6:5)

Mar 1:15, “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Note: Repentance alone cannot save you, repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ you will be saved.

Jhn 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Note: The good news is so simple that if you believe in the Son of God, you will not be judged. If you do not believe you have been judged already because you have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Rom 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Note: If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Those who have head knowledge of the Gospel are not saved. To be saved you need to believe the Lord Jesus in your heart.

3. Regeneration

Tit 3:5, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

Note: Regeneration in Greek is paliggenesia which means new birth; production of a new life; born again; spiritual renovation; internal change; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. By birth human nature is corrupt and depraved; by regeneration the Holy Spirit gives the believer a divine nature; or rather to participate in the divine nature. As Jesus says,

Jhn 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. A born again Christian has the Spirit of Christ dwelling in him. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers do not have the Holy Spirit, so they will never have the knowledge of God. Once you have a new birth instantaneously you have a new life. Birth is once and instantaneous, life is continuous. New life in Christ is eternal life.

1Pe 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Note: It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has caused believers to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Regeneration means to be born again, to have a new life in Christ.

2Co 3:6, “Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Note: The Spirit of the Lord gives life. Science cannot give life. Philosophy cannot give life. Religion cannot give life. If you have the Spirit of Christ, then you belong to Christ.

4. Justification

Rom 4:25, “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”

Note: Justification in Greek is dikaiōsis which means acquittal; the act of God declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to Him (Strong’s Concordance); adjudging to be righteous; counted as righteous; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to justify us before God. The righteousness of Christ is imputed or credited to believers as the righteousness of God.

Rom 5:16, “The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”

Note: Justification is the free gift of God arose from transgressions to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Rom 5:18, “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.”

Note: The act of righteousness done by Jesus Christ has resulted justification of life to all men and women who believe in Jesus Christ.

5. Redemption

Rom 3:24, “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”

Note: Redemption in Greek is apolytrōsis which means deliverance; a releasing effected by payment of ransom; ransom in full; riddance; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Where can you find redemption? The redemption is in Christ Jesus. Without Jesus Christ there is no redemption.

1Co 1:30, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.”

Note: Jesus Christ became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.

Col 1:14, “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Note: What is redemption? Redemption is the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus.

Eph 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

Note: How redemption is accomplished? We have redemption in Christ Jesus through His blood. To obtain redemption, the forgiveness of sins, Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross, the Just for the unjust. Jesus paid for our redemption with His own precious blood.

Heb 9:15, “For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

Note: What kind of redemption that Jesus accomplished? It is the redemption of the transgressions. Once the redemption of our transgressions is done, we have passed out of death into life and our soul is saved and may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Heb 9:12, “and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”

Note: How good is the redemption of Jesus Christ? It is eternal redemption, good for eternity. Once a believer is redeemed, she is redeemed for eternity.

Rom 8:23, “And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.”

Note: The redemption of our soul is done now while we are on earth. The redemption of our body will take place when Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and the dead and reign with the saints. Our natural body will be transformed into spiritual, glorious and immortal body. 1Co 15:42-44, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” The Christian body in the future is spiritual, glorious and eternal or immortal.

6. Reconciliation

Rom 5:11, “And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

Note: Why do we need reconciliation? Sinners are enemies of God. Reconciliation in Greek is katallagē which means atonement; restoration of the favor of God to sinners that repent and put their trust in the expiatory death of Christ (Strong’s Concordance); exchange; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for sinners we have now received the reconciliation. We have made peace with God by the blood of Jesus.

2Co 5:18-19, “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the Word of reconciliation.”

Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word of reconciliation. God reconciled us believers to Himself through Christ. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us.

7. Sanctification

Rom 6:22, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”

Note: Sanctification in Greek is hagiasmos which means holiness; purification; consecration; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ resulted in sanctification of believers. Believers have been freed from sin and enslaved to God. The outcome of sanctification is eternal life.

Rom 6:19, “I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.”

Note: Sanctification has two meanings: positional and conditional. Believers freed from sin is sanctified by the Holy Spirit in Christ which is positional sanctification once and for all. Conditional sanctification is the will of God that we abstain from sexual immorality, and live daily a life or purity in faith and in the truth. Our position in Christ in perfect, our condition in the world is not. We need to be sanctified daily and progressively.

1Th 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

Note: Sanctification is the will of God. Christians abstain from sexual immorality. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is sexual immorality. Fornication and adultery are also sexual immorality.

1Th 4:7, “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”

Note: Impurity is the opposite of sanctification.

2Th 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

Heb 12:14, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”

Note: Christians pursue peace and purity in hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ, for without sanctification no one will see the Lord.

8. Glorification

1Co 2:7, “But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God decreed before the ages for our glorification.”

Note: Glorification in Greek is doxa which means honor; praise; dignity; glory; splendor; brightness; magnificence; excellence; preeminence; dignity; grace; majesty; a most glorious and exalted state; the glorious condition of blessedness; exaltation; – which occurs 168 times in the New Testament.

The last stage of salvation is culminated in the glorification of believers when Jesus Christ returns to share glory with saints, and reign with saints in the Kingdom of Heaven, forever and ever.

Rom 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Note: Christians do not have glory in this world. The children of the ruler of this world have all the power, wealth, and glory. The sufferings which Christians share with Christ of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. The glory to be revealed at the second coming of Jesus Christ in great power and glory.

Rev 14:7, “and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”

Note: An angel said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory.” The hour is coming when the judgment of God has come. All the world must worship God who made the Heaven and the earth. Glory belongs to God.

The Word of God (the Old Testament and the New Testament) is not defined or influenced by the uniqueness of historical and cultural setting. The continuity of the Old Testament and the New Testament is summed up in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is the shadow of things to come, the New Testament is the substance that grace and truth have come. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament just as the Messiah has fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. The unity of the Holy Scriptures is the central revelation of Jesus Christ. The central message of the revelation is that Jesus Christ, the time is fulfilled in the Son of God, who is the Way to God, the Truth and the Life.

Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”

Note: A true knowledge of God’s mystery comes from the personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. All the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding springs from the Spirit of Christ so that our hearts may be encouraged and having been knit together in love. Unbelievers do not have a true knowledge of God’s mystery. They do not know God.

Heb 3:14, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”

Note: Born again believers have become partakers of Christ, by faith we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, until the Lord comes.

Heb 6:11, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.”

Note: Partakers of Christ need to apply all diligence, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord so as to realize the full assurance of the blessed hope until the Lord returns.

Heb 10:22, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Note: Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, cleansing our hearts by faith, and leading to the obedience of faith. Faith without obedience is like a tree without fruit.

D. Various nature, size and quality of faith

(A). Little faith.

Mat 6:30, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!”

Note: Little faith in Greek is oligopistos which means trusting too little; lacking confidence; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. Little faith is bad.

(B). Great faith.

Mat 8:10, “Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”

Note: Great in Greek is tosoutos which means so much; as large; so vast as this; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. Great faith is good.

Mat 15:28, “Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.”

Note: Great here in Greek is megas which means huge; loud; great mass and weight; abundant; mighty; strong; powerful; eminent; excellent; splendid; grand; preeminent; stately; distinguished; something higher, more exalted, more majestic; notable; – which occurs 256 times in the New Testament. In the sight of Christ, megas faith is greater than tosoutos faith.

(C). Size of a mustard seed.

Mat 17:20, “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Note: Mustard in Greek is sinapi which means “the name of a plant which in oriental countries grows from a very small seed and attains to the height of a tree, 10 feet (3 m) and more; hence a very small quantity of a thing is likened to a mustard seed, and also a thing which grows to a remarkable size” (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Apparently and sadly, almost all believers (including me) do not even have faith the size of a mustard seed!

(D). Faith can be seen.

Mar 2:5, “And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Note: Jesus Christ can see the faith of the four men who carried the paralytic, they removed the roof above Christ, and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. I do not have the gift of seeing the faith of others. I do not know anyone who has the gift to see the faith of others. Jesus Christ sees your faith.

(E). No faith.

Mar 4:40, “And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Note: It is clear those who still have no faith will be afraid. No faith can never be introduced into grace. No faith is unbelief. Unbelief is evil.

(F). Great confidence in the Faith.

1Ti 3:13, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the Faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Note: Faith varies in quality and quantity. Those who have served well in Christ obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the Faith that is in Christ Jesus. For example, 2Ti 4:8, “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Apostle Paul has great confidence that in the future there is laid up for him the crown of righteousness. Not all believers have such great confidence. I never consider myself having a high standing in the Kingdom of God. I am most thankful just being a member of God’s household, a lowly servant. Jas 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” I met a man of God in China just one year before his death, Wang Ming Tao, who suffered for the sake of Gospel in prison for many years. I believe he will also receive the crown of life.

(4). Blessings of true faith in Christ.

Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”

Note: A personal faith in Christ attains the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.

Heb 3:14, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”

Note: True faith in Christ makes one a partaker of Christ. Believers must hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the coming again of Jesus Christ.

Heb 6:11, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.”

Note: Believers must show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end. True faith does not give up in the middle. True faith does not go half way, but to the end.

Heb 10:22, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Note: You can have full assurance of faith only with a sincere heart. With a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, children of God may draw near to God, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and out bodies washed with pure water.

Phl 1:25, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.”

Note: Do not get it wrong. Salvation is not a long process to be saved. When a baby is born, it is born instantaneously. What a person is born again, it is born again instantaneously. However, birth requires growth, and that is a long process. Repentance, faith, regeneration, justification, reconciliation, redemption can be done once and for all instantaneously. However, sanctification is achieved instantaneously as our position in Christ. But as a condition on earth, sanctification requires a life long process, that we would be holy and blameless and beyond reproach before God. Glorification will be consummated only when Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign with the saints for eternity.

It is normal for a Christian to have progress and joy in the faith, in the Christian life by faith.

III. FAITH IS PERSONAL

Faith is personal or individual means each man has to have faith in God personally like the same you eat food or drink personally. Faith is the act of believing. Just as no one can eat food or drink for you, so no one can believe on your behalf. Your parents cannot believe on your behalf. You spouse can not have faith on your behalf. Your sibling cannot believe on your behalf. No one can believe for you, you have to believe yourself and for yourself. The Bible is full of heroes of faith, here we selectively pick some giants of faith in the Hall of Fame of Faith described in Hebrews Chapter 11.

Mat 9:22, “But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.”

Note: There is no doubt what God can do. But the power of God applies only to those who believe. Only by faith can a believer appropriates the power of God. Jesus heals the woman because she has faith in Him. So Jesus said to her, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” Faith is personal or individual and the outcome of faith is also personal.

Mat 21:21, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.”

Note: To have faith is not to doubt. When you doubt, you do not have faith. Faith and doubt cannot and do not coexist.

Mat 14:25-32, “And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.”

A real story cited above can be used to illustrate what faith is. Jesus was walking on the sea. Peter asked the Lord to grant him walking on the sea to Him. Peter was afraid seeing the wind and wave, as he began sinking he cried out, “Lord, save me!” The Lord stretched out His hand to Peter. Faith is a spiritual act, and indeed the most important of all such acts, for our fate depends on it. Faith is personal, like the sinking Peter letting Jesus stretched out Hand to take hold of him. (Mat 14:31) 1Ti 6:19, “storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” Faith is taking hold of that which is life indeed.

Mar 4:40, “And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Note: If you are afraid, you do not have faith. If you have faith, you are not afraid.

Jhn 9:38, “ And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.

Note: The correct attitude is like the man blind from birth who says, “Lord, I believe.” Lord, I believe and I worship Jesus Christ.

You maybe a pure Barthian and a Buddhist and not a Christian. By the same token you can also be a Calvinist or a Lutheran and still not a Christian. A Christian does not need to be a Lutheran or Calvinist or anything else. Once I met a young student nurse at a Lutheran hospital, she said she was a Lutheran, but not a Christian. If Luther were alive, hearing this statement would certainly infuriate him. A Christian is not anything else but a believer, disciple, and follower of Jesus Christ. It is not of pagan origin. Act 11:26, “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the Church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” It is strange and the noun ‘Christian’ is misused particularly by the white race. Those who are born in Europe or America automatically think or consider themselves Christians. There are quite a few Chinese in Shanghai who wear the cross necklace as a fashion but they are not Christians.

Luk 22:32, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Note: The Lord prayed for Peter that his faith may not fail. Although Peter denied the Lord three times, he turned again and served the Lord to his death. Judas the betrayer is different, for Judas from the beginning did not believe. God help us so that our faith may not fail.

1Th 1:3, “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”

Note: Bear in mind, whatever Christians work is the work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.

Heroes of faith are examples of faith; examples of faith are those who are worthy of our imitation and admiration listed as follows:

(1). Abel

Gen 4:1-17, “Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is too great to bear! Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” So the LORD said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him. Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.”

Note: Cain in Hebrew is Qayin which means possession; – which occurs 19 times in the Old Testament. Abel in Hebrew is Hebel which means breath; something vain and empty; exhalation; vapor; mist; darkness; shortness of life; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve. Why did Adam and Eve give Abel a good man with a bad name? Some grandparents or parents who give a bad nickname to their descendant may have a negative impact on her life. Just see how wrong were Adam and Eve. They thought they got a possession in Cain which turned out to be a murderer, the first fratricide in the history of mankind. They called Abel the first righteous man breath, short life like a vapor. A good man may have a bad name, a bad man may have a good name. You cannot know a man just by his name. But from the beginning, God separates two groups of people: The unrighteous like Cain on the left, the righteous like Abel on the right. Which side are you?

The Scriptures cited above provide the background history of Abel and his brother Cain. Cain is the archetype of the wicked. Cain is the first (human) murderer, the first fratricide, the first (human) liar, the first hypocrite or pretender, the first angry man, the first vagrant and wanderer on the earth. The way of Cain is the way of murder and lie. Western colonialists, imperialists, militarists, capitalists, warmongers, terrorists, Western media and Islamic terrorists are the descendants of Cain. Cain was the first murderer who complained death penalty was too great to bear. Cain never repented of his sin, never expressed regret or remorse for killing his own brother. Cain was a professional liar who denied what he had done and pretended ignorance. Cain covered himself with hypocrisy and jealousy. Cain did nothing to seek the righteousness of God. Western leaders and Western media are descendants of Cain, they lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob even to these days. Abel was the first victim of murder, the first righteous man who suffers. It is false to say when Cain suddenly struck Abel down, dying Abel took all the blame on himself. Unbelieving secularists have the habit of adding to the Word of God and also subtracting. From the beginning, the history of mankind is the history of the righteous suffering under the hands of the wicked to this day.

Heb 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”

Note: What does it mean that “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain”? Although the Bible does not explain its meaning. In all probability, Abel by faith offered to God a better sacrifice because a lamb was slain signifying shedding of blood to atone for his sin, and Abel had a better attitude and manner toward God. While Cain offered the fruit of the ground which had been cursed, and probably Cain had an arrogant attitude displaying his work, not by faith. Why did Cain kill Abel? I believe it is more than just jealousy. Cain is evil, evil is a mystery. 1Sa 24:13, “As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness;’ but my hand shall not be against you.” The heart of Cain inclined toward wickedness, with the leaven of malice and wickedness Cain killed his brother, and apparently took pleasure in wickedness. Cain asked God for more lenient punishment, but he did not express his regret and remorse, and much less repentance. Wickedness is as mysterious as the devil. In comparison, Abel was the first man to worship God in a way that pleased God by faith. Sadly, Abel was also the first man to be murdered, the first victim of fratricide. This depicts the depravity of humanity. Even today Western leaders and warmongers still lie, kill, and rob other human beings for the last 500 years. Though Abel is dead, he still speaks means the righteousness of the righteous will live on and speak. The wickedness of the wicked will stink for a thousand years and rot in Hell.

Clearly the occupation of Cain as a a tiller of the ground (farmer) has nothing to do with his wickedness. The view of the superiority of the pastoral over the agricultural occupation is unfounded. In fact, when I was a child the best human being I had ever met was a farmer who was a total stranger. We happened to wander to his farm house, and he treated us with boiling fresh peanuts which I have never tasted more delicious ever since. However, some occupations do influence and incline to do evil such as executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex, and Islamic terrorists. You will not find a righteous prostitute except Rahab.

Heb 11:31, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” By experience I have found additionally those who are in finance, treasury, banking, medicine, hospital, drug, insurance, funds management, stocks and bonds, government, charity, foundation; etc. are more greedy than ordinary people. Any honest job is more honorable than the richest and most powerful crooks in the world. When I was working in hospital, janitors were friendly to me because I told them their jobs are so important. You know how terrible it could be if the floor is slippery and patients fall and injure themselves. The following Scripture gives a summary comment on Cain. 1Jo 3:12, “not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” The Scripture says Cain was of the evil one, it means Cain was of the devil. Cain’s deeds were evil. It looks like the conflict of good and evil will continue until the end of the world. Are you on the wrong side, on the side with the devil? The most shocking happening in the last days is American and Western leaders and Western media that call good evil, and evil good, killing and destroying and robbing under false pretenses, constantly and continuously making fake news, fake reports, and spread lies, disinformation and wrong views in the world without shame. They have gone the way of Cain. I reject the idea that Cain is a type of the Jew. Just as Abel is the type of the righteous, Cain is the type of the wicked. Cain and Abel were not twins.

Heb 12:24, “and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”

Note: Jesus the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Mediator of a new covenant, whose blood speaks better than the blood of Abel. The blood of Abel was innocent, but the blood of Jesus is precious. The precious blood of Christ not only can cleanse the sins of believers, also make propitiation for the sins of the people, bring us near to God, release us from our sins, and cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Abel was was a keeper of flocks or a shepherd. It is wrong to believe being a shepherd would automatically make a man righteous. Although a shepherd reflects nicely Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd. Even a king is viewed as a shepherd of a nation. Significantly, Jesus calls Abel the righteous. Mat 23:35, “so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” The blood of Abel was shed by his own brother. What a sad tragedy. The amazing thing about the blood of Abel is the fact the voice of Abel’s blood was crying to God from the ground. Millions of innocent blood around the world killed by American presidents and congressional leaders since the end of World War II to the present must be crying out aloud to God. Thirty five millions of the innocent blood of Chinese killed by Japanese militarists in 14 years of the war of Japanese aggression must be crying out aloud from the ground to God. How many thousands of the innocent blood killed by Islamic terrorists to this day must be crying out aloud to God. Abel was the first martyr. Second most amazing thing is the fact, through faith, though Abel is dead, he still speaks. The Bible does not explain what Abel still speaks about. I believe Abel speaks by his act of faith. If you want to please God, you must offer to God a better sacrifice by faith. Your attitude toward God is important. God will judge the wicked. Vengeance belongs to God. No one can escape the wrath of God.

Academics are guilty of pride in pretending what they really do not know. It is pseudo scholarship to say that Abel was killed about the year of the world, 130. It was equally the folly of another scholar who counted the world was created 6,000 years ago. A little knowledge spoils and soils the truth.

(2). Enoch

The Bible speaks very little about Enoch. However, the following is a list of facts about Enoch:

(A). Oldest son of Cain (Gen 4:17, “Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.”

(B). A city built in his name by Cain (Gen 4:17)

(C). Father of Methuselah (Gen 5:21, “Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah.”

(D). Walked with God 300 years (Gen 5:22, “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.”

Note: Enoch in Hebrew is Chanowk which means dedicated; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. On the authority of the New Testament, Jde 1:14-15, “It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” Enoch was a prophet who prophesied the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge the world and ungodly sinners.

(E). Lived 365 years (Gen 5:23, “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.”

(F). God took Enoch (Gen 5:24, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”

(G). Pleasing to God (Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”

Note: Enoch is known as the man who walked with God. What does it mean to walk with God? Could it be a literal walk? If it is a literal walk, how could it be done, how can Enoch walk in steps with God? How can Enoch walk with God 300 years, what did he do for a living, did he not have to eat, drink and sleep? I believe it was not literally walking with God. I believe it means Enoch had perfect fellowship with God and obedience to God, the daily actions of Enoch were upright, conducting himself in a manner worthy of God, conducting himself with wisdom, conducting himself honorably in all things, conducting himself in the fear of God, to be in holy conduct and godliness, pleasing God by doing His will. How interesting and fascinating that Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death. Enoch was not a legend of any kind, he was a Biblical history. I dislike some academics who habitually exaggerate human tradition and making parallel with other nations and civilizations. The so-called Book of Enoch is not a part of the Holy Bible, and there is no need to quote it or use it as a reference. It is fatally wrong to assert that certain legends, civilizations, customs, traditions, histories, ideologies, myths, mythologies, religions, etc. have exerted influence on the doctrines of the Bible. The Holy Bible is the Word of God, not influenced by anything or anyone any place any time. Any scholar who holds the Holy Bible (The Old Testament and the New Testament) is the influence or parallel or result of other outside sources is a false teacher, an antichrist, an agent of the devil. These false and facetious, incorrect and invalid assertions appear a great deal in the works of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers. The Apocalyptic literature is not the Word of God. The books of other religions are not sacred to us.

(3). Noah

Heb 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Note: Noah in Greek is Nōe which means rest; the second father of the human race; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Warn in Greek is chrēmatizō which means to be warned of God; to be admonished of God; to be warned from God; to be divinely instructed; to be divinely commanded; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. When God spoke to Noah about things not yet seen, by faith Noah received the command of God to prepare an ark for the salvation of his household.

The following is a list of facts about Noah:

(A). Lamech is the father of Noah (Gen 5:28-30, “Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and became the father of a son.Now he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the LORD has cursed.” Then Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years after he became the father of Noah, and he had other sons and daughters.”

(B). Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth

Gen 5:32, “Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

(C). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Gen 6:8-9, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” The reasons Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord are clear: Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. Enoch was the first man mentioned in the Scripture who walked with God, Noah was the second man mentioned in the Bible that he walked with God.

(D). Noah was the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth

(Gen 6:10, “Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

(E). The days of Noah (Gen 6:5-7, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” To say that God was sorry and He was grieved in His heart is completely anthropomorphic expression. God is not man that He feels sorry or grieves in His heart. God knows everything. God knows the end from the beginning. God knows and controls whatever comes to pass. Nothing surprises or upsets God.

(F). Gen 6:11-12, “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.”

Note: Corrupt in Hebrew is shachath which means to be destroyed; to be marred; to be spoiled; to be battered; to go to ruin; to be rotted; to be decayed; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. Violence in Hebrew is chamac which means cruelty; wrong; injustice; damage; oppression; unrighteousness; – which occurs 60 times. The whole world today is also corrupt in the sight of God and filled with violence, especially the United States of America where guns are easily available. How insane is any government that makes guns available to crooks and criminals and terrorists! That is called freedom?!

(G). God told Noah to build an ark (Gen 6:13-22, “Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of the birds after their kind, and of the animals after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. As for you, take for yourself some of all food which is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be for food for you and for them.” Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.”

Note: Noah was not only a righteous man, Noah was a great achiever who did all that God had commanded him.

(H). Noah was 600 years old when the flood of water came upon the earth (Gen 7:6, “Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth.”

Note: The Bible does not say when Noah began the task of building the Ark, it says clearly when Noah was 600 years old the Flood came.

(I). The Deluge lasted 150 days.

Gen 7:1-24, “Then the LORD said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time. You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female; and of the animals that are not clean two, a male and his female; also of the birds of the sky, by sevens, male and female, to keep offspring alive on the face of all the earth. “For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; and I will blot out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made.” Noah did according to all that the LORD had commanded him. Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth. Then Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him entered the ark because of the water of the flood. Of clean animals and animals that are not clean and birds and everything that creeps on the ground, there went into the ark to Noah by twos, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. It came about after the seven days, that the water of the flood came upon the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark, they and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, all sorts of birds. So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was the breath of life. Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him. Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days.”

(J). Eight persons entered the Ark.

Gen 7:13, “On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark.”

Note: The persons entered the Ark: Noah, Noah’s wife (name unknown); Noah’s three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and the three wives of Noah’s sons (names unknown).

Ark in Hebrew is tebah which means a chest, coffer; the ship which Noah made like a chest or coffer; – it occurs 28 times in the Old Testament.

Something is most interesting and amazing about the Chinese character for “ship”. Chinese characters are square. The etymology of the Chinese word ” ship ” 船 , 舟 (big boat) 八 (eight) , 口 (mouth). One mouth means one person. So the Chinese character 船 means in a big boat, there were 8 mouths or 8 persons. Thus ship is written with “boat” on the left, “eight mouths” on the right. In the big ship there were 8 persons, one mouth stands for one person. For the Chinese in counting population, you count how many mouths. It is historically significant because Noah, his wife, their three sons and three daughters-in-law made up a family of 8 persons who entered the Ark and were saved from the Flood or the Deluge. And so the Chinese character “ship ” is written that there are 8 mouths in the Ark.

1 Pe 3:20, “Who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.”
Note: Ark in Greek is kibōtos which means a wooden chest or box, Noah’s vessel built in the form of an ark; – it occurs 6 times in the New Testament.

2 Pe 2:5 , “And did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.”

Note: Was the Flood only a story or a myth? Jesus Christ confirmed it as a historical event. Jesus Christ confirms both the creation and the Ark as true historical facts.

Luk 17:27, “They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”

Note: I would rather believe my Lord and my God, Jesus Christ, than all the scientists and philosophers and theologians of all generations put together. Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose from the dead and lives forever; all scientists and philosophers and theologians not only will die, they do not even know the day of their death.

(K). God remembered Noah.

Gen 8:1-22, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided. Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained; and the water receded steadily from the earth, and at the end of one hundred and fifty days the water decreased. In the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. The water decreased steadily until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible. Then it came about at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him into the ark, for the water was on the surface of all the earth. Then he put out his hand and took her, and brought her into the ark to himself. So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark. The dove came to him toward evening, and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth. Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again. Now it came about in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first of the month, the water was dried up from the earth. Then Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the surface of the ground was dried up. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by their families from the ark.”

Apparently, the Deluge was geographically universal, only 8 persons were saved. The Ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. Mount Ararat is in Turkey. All Biblical places are real geographical places. All Biblical characters are real historical persons.

(L). Noah built an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings.

Gen 8:20-22, “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. “While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease.”

(M). God blessed Noah and his sons.

Gen 9:1-19, “And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.“ The fear of you and the terror of you will be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given. “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.“ Surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood,
By man his blood shall be shed,
For in the image of God
He made man. As for you, be fruitful and multiply;
Populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it.” Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying, “Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that comes out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.”

(N). Noah lived to be 950 years old and died.

Gen 9:28-29, “Noah lived three hundred and fifty years after the flood. So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died.”

(O). The second coming of Jesus will be just like the days of Noah.

Mat 24:37-42,“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

Note: Christians must be on the alert, for we do not know which day the Lord is coming again.

(P). Fire will destroy the present heavens and earth.

2Pe 2:5, “and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.”

2Pe 3:6-7, “through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His Word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

Note: As water destroyed the ancient world, so fire will destroy the present world. The day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men is near. The days of warmongers, imperialists, militarists, monopolists, capitalists, supremacists, and terrorists are numbered.

I reject totally the practice of some academics or pseudo scholars who quote the Midrash or any outside sources or influences to so-called fill in gaps in Biblical texts. The Biblical account is not derived from the Babylonian or any primitive civilizations. The correct attitude toward the Word of God is absolute and complete and independent. It is clearly blasphemous to think that God has to borrow from human sources or resources. We stress what the Bibles stresses. We discuss what is written in the Bible. We do not indulge in any subject which the Word of God is silent. We do not speculate. Some people like to pretend the breadth of their knowledge by quoting legends, myths, mythologies, fables, secular unverifiable histories, traditions, etc. as if they were facts. I practice using the Word of God to explain the Word of God. Let the Word of God explain the Scripture.

I reject also the history of the world covering 6,000 years. I reject any hypothesis or theory which is not validated by the Word of God. I do not care what self-appointed scholars think or say because they do not matter. There are so many types proposed by some self-claimed theologians, but they are like cattle heads connected to horse mouths. I believe nothing is impossible with God. The authority of Jesus Christ is absolute, perfect, supreme, and ultimate. Col 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” I have discovered that it is a waste of time and effort to study the works of philosophy of empty deception, traditions of men and the elementary principles of the world.

It has been said, the brevity of the Biblical history satisfies not human curiosity. However, the Bible is not a book to satisfy human curiosity, depravity, and vanity. The central message of the Bible is Jesus Christ, not anything or anybody else. The purpose of revelation is Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.” The mystery of Christ is the mystery of God. Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” The purpose of revelation is that you may have the knowledge of Christ. Col 1:9, “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Christians want to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Science and philosophy do not and cannot offer you real knowledge, spiritual wisdom and understanding.
(4). Abraham

Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Note: The faith of Abraham was great, in obedience to God he went out not knowing where he was going. There are people who do not know where they are going because they are lost in the world. Abraham followed God and did not question God.

Here is a list of facts about Abraham:

(A). Originally called ABRAM.

Gen 11:26, “Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.”

(B). God appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old.

Gen 17:1-4, “ Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you,
And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you,
And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.”

Note: It is no small thing that Abraham is called the friend of God. Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”

(C). Terah was the father of Abram.

Gen 11:26, “Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.”

(D). Sarai was Abram’s wife.

Gen 11:29, “ Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah.”

(E). Abram Left Ur and Moved to Haran.

Gen 11:31, “Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there.”

Act 7:2-3, “And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.”

Act 7:4, “Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.”

(F). The Lord told Abram to go to the land which God will show him.

Gen 12:1, “Now the LORD said to Abram,
“Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you.”

Jos 24:3, “Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him through all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac.”

Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

(G). Abram departed from Haran to the land of Canaan.

Gen 12:4-5, “So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan.”

(H). God gave the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants.

Gen 12:7-8, “The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.”

Note: The land of Canaan was given by God to the descendants of Abraham, not Palestinians, not Arabs or any other races, and cannot be determined by the United Nations. Abraham never lived in a house, but his descendants have the right to build houses in the Promised Land.

(I). Due to famine, Abram went down to sojourn in Egypt.

Gen 12:10, “Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.”

(J). Lot separated from Abram.

Gen 13:8-9, “So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”

Note: The possessions of Abram and Lot were so great that they were not able to remain together. Abram appeared most noble, he acceded the right to Lot to choose to go to the right or to the left. Hebron was where Abram had sojourned.

(K). Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and saved his relative Lot.

Gen 14:14-17, “When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people. Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).”

(L). Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of all.

Gen 14:18-20, “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of Heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
He gave him a tenth of all.”

Heb 7:1-2, “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.”

(M). God made covenant with Abram.

Gen 15:1, “After these things the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying,
“Do not fear, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.”

Gen 17:1-4, “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Walk before Me, and be blameless.“ I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations.”

Rom 4:13, “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

(N). Hagar bore Abram a son called Ishmael.

Gen 16:3-5, “After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight. And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.”

Note: Hagar represents a slave that despised her mistress. When a little man is elevated, he becomes abusive and oppressive.

Gen 16:15-16, “So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.”

(O). God changed the name of Abram into Abraham.

Gen 17:5, “No longer shall your name be called Abram,
But your name shall be Abraham;
For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.”

Neh 9:7, “You are the LORD God,
Who chose Abram
And brought him out from Ur of the Chaldees,
And gave him the name Abraham.”

1Ch 1:27, “Abram, that is Abraham.”

Note: Abram in Hebrew is ‘Abram which means exalted father; the original name of Abraham, the father and founder of the Jewish nation; – which occurs 60 times in the Old Testament. Abraham in Hebrew is ‘Abraham which means “father of a multitude” or “chief of multitude”; friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God’s elective covenant; which occurs 174 times in the Old Testament.

(P). Circumcision the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.

Gen 17:10-11, “This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.”

Gen 17:24, “Now Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”

(Q). The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre.

Gen 18:1-5, “Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.”

Note: I believe “three men” were the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit appeared in human forms.

(R). Abraham pleaded for Sodom.

Gen 18:32-33, “Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place.”

Note: God eventually destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. There could not be found 10 righteous men in Sodom. Probably, there could not be found 10 righteous men in Washington, D.C. or London or Paris today.

(S). Abraham sojourned in Gerar.

Gen 20:1, “Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar.”

Gen 20:2-3, “ Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.”

Note: God prevented Abimelech king of Gerar from violating Sarah.

(T). Sarah bore a son to Abraham called Isaac.

Gen 21:1-3, “Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.”

Gal 4:22-23, “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.”

Note: The Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. The Lord always performs what He promised.

(U). God tested Abraham.

Gen 22:1-14, “Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”

Heb 11:17, “ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son.”

Note: This is an interesting account of Abraham’s complete obedience of faith in willing to sacrifice even his only son. There have been much fusses and noises in reaction to this passage of the Scripture. Who am I to question what the Lord God Almighty is doing? God does whatever He pleases. Whatever God does is right. There are some damned souls who think that God has to please them.

(V). Sarah died and Abraham bought a field to bury Sarah.

Gen 23:1-16, “Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan; and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. Then Abraham rose from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, “I am a stranger and a sojourner among you; give me a burial site among you that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” The sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, “Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead.” So Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site.” Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth; even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, “No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead.” And Abraham bowed before the people of the land. He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there.” Then Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, “My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.” Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard.”

Note: This incident is another one to reflect the magnificent character of Abraham. He did not want to get something for free, he paid the full price for a piece of land. America is doomed to bankruptcy because so many in America want something for nothing. All interest groups want a piece of America. Only the military-industrial-security complex alone like black hole will swallow up America. They all want free entitlements. They want welfare without work. In business today you cannot find another Abraham. There are evildoers today who rejoiced without shame in being able to defraud billions of dollars as a badge of honor. The Chinese TV reports all kinds of frauds everyday.

(W). Abraham died of old age and buried with Sarah his wife.

Gen 25:7-10, “These are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth; there Abraham was buried with Sarah his wife.”

Isa 41:8, “But you, Israel, My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham My friend.”

Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”

Note: Historically there is no one like Abraham who by faith pleased God so much that he earned the title the friend of God.

(X). Abraham is the father of all who believe in God.

Heb 11:8-12, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.”

Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”

Note: Abraham is the father of all of us who have faith in God. Abraham has the most magnificent, noble, and remarkable character as the patriarch of the Jewish race, the chosen people. In my opinion, Abraham is the greatest man ever lived in the history of mankind. Martin Luther is the greatest man in history outside of the Holy Bible. I also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, desire a better country, that is, a Heavenly one. I am looking for the Holy City, the New Jerusalem; waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ in great power and glory.

(5). Joseph

Heb 11:22, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”

Note: Joseph in Greek is Iōsēph which means let him add; the patriarch, the eleventh son of Jacob; which occurs 35 times in the New Testament. Do not confuse the Joseph of the Old Testament, favorite son of Jacob and the Joseph of the New Testament who is the husband of Mary. The story of Joseph is among the most favorite Bible stories of all Sunday School children, and most beneficial for young minds.

The following is a list of facts about Joseph:

(A). Rachel bore Jacob no children.

Gen 30:1-2, “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die.” Then Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

Note: In any culture, East or West, it is of prime importance that a woman bears children. Barrenness is considered a shame even to this day.To be jealous in Hebrew is qana’ which means to envy; to be jealous of; to be envious of; to excite to jealous anger; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. Job 5:2, “For anger slays the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.” Jealousy kills. Do you know jealousy has geopolitical significance? America and European nations are jealous of the spectacular successes of China, for that reason they want to have war with China to eliminate a competitor. America and Europe want to maintain status quo of world domination and dictatorship. Jacob was right being angry because he is not in the place of God. No one is in the place of God. Warmongers, imperialists, militarists, supremacists, capitalists, monopolists, and terrorists want to be in the place of God to rule the world. For better or worse, today science has enabled test tube fertilization so that the barren couple may have children.

(B). God remembered Rachel and she bore a son named Joseph.

Gen 30:22-25, “Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb. So she conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” She named him Joseph, saying, “May the LORD give me another son.” Now it came about when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my own country.”

Note: Remember in Hebrew is zakar which means to think; to be mindful of; to call to mind; to keep in remembrance; to recollect; to bring to mind; to bear in mind; to bring to remembrance; – which occurs 240 times in the Old Testament. It is wonderful to be remembered by God. May God remember me. Reproach in Hebrew is cherpah which means shame; rebuke; scorn; disgrace; contempt; a thing or person which is despised; – which occurs 73 times in the Old Testament. In any culture, barrenness is more or less still a shame.

(C). Jacob loved Joseph more and his brothers hated him.

Gen 37:1-4, “Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.”

Note: General speaking, parental favoritism may cause sibling conflict. Different character, personality, temperament, value, behavior, interest, disorder, tone of voice, etc. may also contribute to the conflict. Is it right for Jacob to love Joseph more than all his sons? As a rule, parental favoritism is not good. If you look to the end of the story, Joseph was the savior of the whole family. Doesn’t Joseph deserve more love? Who am I to criticize Jacob. Do you know Exo 3:6, “He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” God said to Moses, God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. How to handle sibling fighting? Just stop it. Tons of psychological counseling is not worth as much as Biblical teaching. Darwin’s notion of survival of the fittest is detrimental to Christian family of love.

Pro 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

A simple suggestion on how to train up children:

(1). Set good parental example.

Example: Quarreling parents produce quarreling children. Shouting and yelling parents produce shouting and yelling children.

(2). Establish principles of conduct.

Examples: No cheating, no lying, no shouting, no physical fighting, no cursing, no dirty name calling, no malice, no stealing, no physical abuse, no verbal abuse, etc. Love each other. Pray for each other. Help each other.

(3). Enforce harmony by punishment.

Punishment is necessary to correct and discipline children and maintain order.

(D). Joseph had a dream.

Gen 37:5-8, “Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Please listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.” Then his brothers said to him, “Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.”

(E). Joseph had still another dream.

Gen 37:9-11, “Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.”

Pro 6:34, “For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”

Note: Jealousy is a dangerous passion which enrages a man and is rotten to the bones. Maybe it is a good idea not to tell your dream to anyone.

(F). The dreamer was sold to Egypt.

Gen 37:12-36, “ Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “I will go.” Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, “What are you looking for?” He said, “I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock.” Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death. They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer!” Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, ‘A wild beast devoured him.’ Then let us see what will become of his dreams!” But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, “Let us not take his life.” Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father. So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him; and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?” So they took Joseph’s tunic, and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the tunic in the blood; and they sent the varicolored tunic and brought it to their father and said, “We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son’s tunic or not.” Then he examined it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, “Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer, the captain of the bodyguard.”

Note: How cruel were Jacob’s 10 sons to deceive their father with fake news that Joseph was killed by the beasts so that Jacob mourned and wept for Joseph many days. How cruel is Western media that daily and continuously make fake news, fake reports, and spread lies and false views to damage and destroy other nations not bowing to America and Europe. The sin of withholding true information is great. False report or fake news can do great damage and harm to the people. How Jacob suffered because of false report made by his ten sons. Western media daily make false reports, fake news, false representations, false views in the world and spread lies and falsehoods without shame to support warmongers, militarists, imperialist, supremacists, capitalists, monopolists, crooks and criminals, and terrorists.

(G). Joseph was sold to Potiphar and became a successful man.

Gen 39:1-5, “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD’S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field.”

Note: Destiny is an interesting and profound subject. Do you think it was an accident that Joseph was sold to Potiphar an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh? Apparently it was appointed by God. The secret of success is alluded in this passage. The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. So is the secret. Joseph became a successful man because the Lord was with him. Do not think a person is successful must be due to the fact that the Lord is with him. The most successful people in the world today are executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex and Western media, who own most of the power and wealth in the world, yet they are children of the devil who lie, kill, and rob. The richest man in the world is a monopolist and a predator.

(H). Joseph was handsome and his master’s wife seduced him.

Gen 39:6-23, “So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed.“ When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside.” So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with these words, “The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.” Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” his anger burned.So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.”

Note: Being handsome for a man and beautiful for a woman have advantages and dangers. Adulterous women lust after handsome young men. Wicked men want to rape beautiful women. When a criminal failed to achieve her goal, she is likely to resort to false accusations and other crooked means. Do you know that the righteous might suffer and be falsely accused? More and more the world witnesses the sufferings of the righteous in this evil and corrupt world.

(I). Joseph interpreted the dreams of cupbearer and baker.

Gen 40:1-23, “Then it came about after these things, the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was furious with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time. Then the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt, who were confined in jail, both had a dream the same night, each man with his own dream and each dream with its own interpretation. When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected. He asked Pharaoh’s officials who were with him in confinement in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” Then they said to him, “We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please.” So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, there was a vine in front of me; and on the vine were three branches. And as it was budding, its blossoms came out, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. Now Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; so I took the grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.” Then Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office; and you will put Pharaoh’s cup into his hand according to your former custom when you were his cupbearer. Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon.”When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head; and in the top basket there were some of all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” Then Joseph answered and said, “This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and will hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat your flesh off you.” Thus it came about on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”

Note: This is a penetrating lesson about ingratitude of man. When Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his office; the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. I have found 90 percent of people whom you have helped will not remember but forget you. The trial is harder and heavier when you face with outright ingratitude. When you help anyone, do not expect any good return or you will be disappointed.

(J). Delayed deliverance is hard to bear, but God controls event and timing.

Gen 41:1-13, “Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream, and behold, he was standing by the Nile. And lo, from the Nile there came up seven cows, sleek and fat; and they grazed in the marsh grass. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them from the Nile, ugly and gaunt, and they stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. The ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke. He fell asleep and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven ears of grain came up on a single stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven ears, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them. The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Then Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Now in the morning his spirit was troubled, so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would make mention today of my own offenses. “Pharaoh was furious with his servants, and he put me in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, both me and the chief baker. We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream. And just as he interpreted for us, so it happened; he restored me in my office, but he hanged him.”

Pro 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Note: You can imagine how heart sick was Joseph for waiting extra two full years for deliverance. I do not know whether Joseph knew when he was falsely imprisoned, that God controls events and timing. No one is wise enough or powerful enough to control any event or timing. If God is with you, don’t worry, your time will come sooner or later.

(K). Pharaoh called for Joseph, Joseph interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh made him the second ruler in Egypt.

Gen 41:14-46, “Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” So Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I was standing on the bank of the Nile; and behold, seven cows, fat and sleek came up out of the Nile, and they grazed in the marsh grass. Lo, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such as I had never seen for ugliness in all the land of Egypt; and the lean and ugly cows ate up the first seven fat cows. Yet when they had devoured them, it could not be detected that they had devoured them, for they were just as ugly as before. Then I awoke. I saw also in my dream, and behold, seven ears, full and good, came up on a single stalk; and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them; and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. Then I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.” Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven thin ears scorched by the east wind will be seven years of famine. It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming in all the land of Egypt; and after them seven years of famine will come, and all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt, and the famine will ravage the land. So the abundance will be unknown in the land because of that subsequent famine; for it will be very severe. Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about. Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.” Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, “Bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.”

Note: The life of Joseph is a testimony to the wonderful providence of God. It was memorable and remarkable how God raised him from prison to palace. Joseph had the correct attitude and gave God all the honor. He said to Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” A good servant never exalts himself; a good servant of God gives God all the glory. Joseph did not marry a Jewish girl. Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name Zaphenath-paneah and new wife Asenath he could not refuse. Zaphenath-paneah in Egyptian is Tsophnath Pa`neach which means “treasury of the glorious rest”; salvation or savior of the age; revealer of a secret; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. Asenath in Egyptian is ‘Acĕnath which means “belonging to the goddess Neith”; she who is of Neith; – which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. The Bible gives no clue on the married life of Joseph. Probably Joseph had only one wife. It does not seem God objected to the marriage of Joseph and Asenath arranged by Pharaoh.

Act 7:9-10, “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.”

Note: Become jealous in Greek is zēloō which means to burn with zeal; to boil with envy; to covet earnestly; to feel resentful toward; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. Envy or jealousy can produce evil deeds. American president and congressional leaders are doing everything without cause or reason to curb the peaceful rise of China, because they want to maintain status quo to dictate and dominate the world, and also because they are jealous of the great successes achieved by China in many fronts. The secret of security and success in life is to have God be with you. God grants favor and wisdom. You will do well or succeed in this life if God grants you His favor and wisdom. Joseph became more than the governor of Egypt. In modern language, Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

(L). Joseph was wise to prepare for the inevitable and God blessed him to forget all his trouble and be comforted with two sons.

Gen 41:47-57, “During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” He named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do.” When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.”

Note: Years of plenty will always come to an end. All good things come to an end. Famine comes after abundance. Joseph was a great nation manager and administrator, he knew how to store the surplus grain in time of plenty for the time of famine. A nation that squanders its resources is going to bankrupt and suffer poverty. A nation that borrows and spends beyond its means is going to ruin. It was wonderful that Joseph said that God has made him forget all his trouble. It is a shout of triumph. It is even better when God made Joseph fruitful in the land of his affliction. It is better than winning great wealth. The nation that has bread or food is stronger than nuclear weapons.

(M). Jacob sent his 10 sons down to Egypt to buy grain.

Gen 42:1-38, “Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down there and buy some for us from that place, so that we may live and not die.” Then ten brothers of Joseph went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm may befall him.” So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who were coming, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also. Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly. And he said to them, “Where have you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.” But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.” Then they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies.” Yet he said to them, “No, but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land!” But they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer alive.” Joseph said to them, “It is as I said to you, you are spies; by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here! Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.” So he put them all together in prison for three days. Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as for the rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households, and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified, and you will not die.” And they did so. Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.” They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. He turned away from them and wept. But when he returned to them and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to restore every man’s money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. And thus it was done for them. So they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed from there. As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money; and behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. Then he said to his brothers, “My money has been returned, and behold, it is even in my sack.” And their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying,“ The man, the lord of the land, spoke harshly with us, and took us for spies of the country. But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no longer alive, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of Canaan.’ The man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me and take grain for the famine of your households, and go. But bring your youngest brother to me that I may know that you are not spies, but honest men. I will give your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ Now it came about as they were emptying their sacks, that behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed. Their father Jacob said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me.” Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.” But Jacob said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”

Note: Jacob saw means Jacob learned about or Jacob had heard. In a famine what is more important than grain? This is the most moving part of the story when the ten brothers encountered Joseph in buying grain from the ruler of the land not recognizing Joseph although Joseph recognized them. Especially when they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground and Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them. The ten brothers were conscious of their sins that they were truly guilty. Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.” Reckoning means making inquisition. European nations have done so much evil in this world in the last 500 years, the reckoning will come. American presidents and congressional leaders have killed millions and millions of innocent people around the world since the end of World War II, the reckoning for their blood by God will come upon America soon. Japanese military killed 35 million Chinese in 14 years of war of aggression, yet Japanese leaders denied them all and refused to pay compensations. The reckoning for their blood by God will soon come upon Japan. There is a reckoning for every evil deed committed. 2Th 1:8, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Retribution in Greek is ekdikēsis which means vengeance; revenge; punishment; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. God’s retribution or punishment upon warmongers, dictators, predators, deceivers, oppressors, aggressors, imperialists, militarists, capitalists, monopolists, and terrorists is sure and certain. Their days are numbered. Hell is opening up to swallow them.

Jacob said to his sons, “You will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” This verse is often misunderstood. Through much of the Old Testament period, Sheol was believed to be the place where all the dead went. It was not Hell.

(N). Jacob sent his 11 sons down to Egypt the second time to buy food.

Gen 43:1-34, “Now the famine was severe in the land. So it came about when they had finished eating the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” Judah spoke to him, however, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.“ But if you do not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, ‘You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?” But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the lad with me and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, we as well as you and our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever. For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man; and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin; then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, “Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon.” So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” So they came near to Joseph’s house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house, and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks.” He said, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder. So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there. When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him. Then he asked them about their welfare, and said, “Is your old father well, of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” They bowed down in homage. As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.” So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians. Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. He took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely with him.”

Note: This is the most emotionally charged meeting when Joseph saw his younger brother Benjamin after that many years, he was so deeply stirred over his brother that he sought a place to weep; and Joseph entered his chamber and wept there. The story of Joseph is a classic masterpiece. But it is a real history, not fiction, unlike other masterpieces. God has done in a mysterious way as exemplified in the life of Joseph, His wonders to perform.

(O). Joseph gave his 10 brothers a reality test of good and evil, true and false.

Gen 44:1-34, “Then he commanded his house steward, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. Put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph had told him. As soon as it was light, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys. They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’ So he overtook them and spoke these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.“ Behold, the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks we have brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.” So he said, “Now let it also be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” Then they hurried, each man lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. He searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and when each man loaded his donkey, they returned to the city. When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him. Joseph said to them, “What is this deed that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can indeed practice divination?” So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Then Judah approached him, and said, “Oh my lord, may your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are equal to Pharaoh.“ My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother? We said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him. Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me that I may set my eyes on him. But we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die. You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ Thus it came about when we went up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. Our father said, ‘Go back, buy us a little food.’ But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces,” and I have not seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm befalls him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ Now, therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then let me bear the blame before my father forever.’ Now, therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. “For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me—for fear that I see the evil that would overtake my father?”

Note: It is such dramatic attempt to save Benjamin that Judah is willing to face all the consequences for the sake of Benjamin and his old father. When a man begins to decide to bear his responsibility, his conduct becomes good and correct and decent.

(P). Joseph made himself known and declared God did a great deliverance.

Gen 45:1-28, “Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. “You shall live in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children and your flocks and your herds and all that you have. There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.” Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you. Now you must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and all that you have seen; and you must hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him. Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.’ Now you are ordered, ‘Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father and come. Do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them wagons according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. To each of them he gave changes of garments, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and sustenance for his father on the journey. So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.” Then they went up from Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them. When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Note: Joseph was convinced it was God who controlled everything, and his destiny. A spiritual man should be able to see beyond the surface. God controls whatever comes to pass, God controls events and timing. Joseph was so successful and so confident that he declared that God has made him a father to Pharaoh, not only the ruler of Egypt. When news is too good to be true, the recipient is stunned. Why Jacob did not believe his sons? Because they had lied and deceived him before. A man’s credibility is determined by his previous history. You cannot trust any man who had lied and deceived you before. Pharaoh was so generous that he said the best of all the land of Egypt belongs to Jacob’s family. When Jacob saw the wagons, he realized it was true. Is there anything more happier than his spirit revived? What you must do you must do it in a hurry before you die.

(Q). Joseph presented his father to Pharaoh, and he managed and ruled Egypt to make Pharaoh very wealthy.

Gen 47:7-31, “Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” So Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my sojourning are one hundred and thirty; few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.” And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from his presence. So Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had ordered. Joseph provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to their little ones. Now there was no food in all the land, because the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. Joseph gathered all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan for the grain which they bought, and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food, for why should we die in your presence? For our money is gone.” Then Joseph said, “Give up your livestock, and I will give you food for your livestock, since your money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses and the flocks and the herds and the donkeys; and he fed them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year. When that year was ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent, and the cattle are my lord’s. There is nothing left for my lord except our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we and our land will be slaves to Pharaoh. So give us seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.” So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every Egyptian sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. Thus the land became Pharaoh’s.As for the people, he removed them to the cities from one end of Egypt’s border to the other. Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have today bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. At the harvest you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four-fifths shall be your own for seed of the field and for your food and for those of your households and as food for your little ones.” So they said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s slaves.” Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt valid to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; only the land of the priests did not become Pharaoh’s. Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; so the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. When the time for Israel to die drew near, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Please, if I have found favor in your sight, place now your hand under my thigh and deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but when I lie down with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I will do as you have said.” He said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed in worship at the head of the bed.”

Note: Joseph made it a statute that Pharaoh should have the fifth as tax. America has higher taxes. Once I was in charge of an important corporate project, when it was accomplished the executive vice president awarded me $2,000 as a bonus. I was shocked and stunned because the U.S. government took $1,000 which was one half of what I earned. It is even more atrocious when the American richest billionaires pay a lower tax rate than their secretaries. In Scandinavia, peoples pay high rate of taxes but they get the best social benefits in the world, totally free from the high cost of medical care like that in America which bankrupted millions of families. There are no poor or destitute or homeless people in Scandinavia.

(R). Joseph buried his father Jacob in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, and his brothers begged for forgiveness; Joseph gave orders concerning his bones.

Gen 50:15-26, “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.”

Note: In the history of mankind, you can hardly find anyone comparable to the life of Joseph, true but not idealized. The story of Joseph was my favorite Bible story as a child, and perhaps the story of Daniel was the second best in the Bible. Joseph was a dreamer and whose dreams came true. I was a dreamer too, and my small dream also came true. Although I did not come to be a ruler. I never dreamed of becoming a ruler. I worked my way the hard way through university to achieve the advanced degree in higher education. Joseph rose from slavery to the highest office in Egypt, from pit to prison and to palace all because God was with him. For the suffering life of Joseph, a great truth emerges before us is the fact that God controls events and timing, and God rules over the destiny of men. The ten brothers of Joseph meant evil against him, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this great result, to preserve many people alive. No matter what men do, however evil, God is able to turn evil into good, to control the results. Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The great power and glory of God is manifested in the fact we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. If you study a little about cause and effect you know how complicated to identify cause and effect. God causes all things to work together is beyond human understanding or scientific inquiry or cannons of logic. The wonder of wonders God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. Joseph by faith made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. Faith is seeing the invisible. Faith is looking into the future.

(6). Moses

Heb 11:23-29, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”

Note: Moses in Greek is Mōÿsēs which means “drawing out”; the Hebrew lawgiver; – which occurs 80 times in the New Testament. The most important historical fact is summed up by Jesus, Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Here is a list of facts about Moses:

(A). Moses war born a beautiful son, adopted by the daughter of Pharaoh.

Exo 2:1-10, “Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages.” So the woman totook the child and nursed him. The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Note: Moses was a Levite, a son of Amram. Moses was lovely in the sight of God. Imagine it is enough to be beautiful in the sight of man. How much more to be lovely in the sight of God.

Exo 6:20, “Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and the length of Amram’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years.”

Act 7:20, “It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.”

Here again is an illustrious example of how God controls events and timing. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to the Nile to bathe when the wicker basket of Moses was floating. When the daughter of Pharaoh opened the basket, and behold, the boy was crying. The daughter of Pharaoh had pity on him. Moses’ sister was the smartest girl and knew what to say to the princess. “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” She received the go ahead that paid Moses true mother wages for nursing her own son. Is there anything better than that providential arrangement?

(B). Moses grew up, identified with the people of God, and fled from Pharaoh.

Exo 2:11-25, “Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, “Why are you striking your companion?” But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.” When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come back so soon today?” So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Where is he then? Why is it that you have left the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.” Moses was willing to dwell with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.”

Note: How most people seek and want to be a part of royalty. Yet Moses grown up refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. What a choice Moses made. Moses chose rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin in Egyptian palace. Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Moses did what most people of the world would not. Yet there are so many ministers who would consider it glory to be invited to the White House whose boss is a liar and killer and robber!

(C). God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and called him to lead the children of Israel exodus Egypt to the Promised Land.

Exo 3:1-12, “Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”

Act 7:31-34, “When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.’ Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look.“ BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM, ‘TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. ‘I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM; COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.”

Note: The bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. The burning bush is a big problem for unbelieving scientists and theologians because no rational thought or cannons of logic can explain it. Why the bush is not consumed? What God does is beyond natural, beyond human reason can figure out. There is nothing impossible with God. For that reason, Revelation is a trillion times superior to reason. The existence and presence of God is the holy ground where no scientists, scholars, philosophers and theologians may tread or stand.

(D). God revealed His name to Moses and commissioned him.

Exo 3:13-22, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. So I said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.They will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt and you will say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go. I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.”

Note: It is wrong to ask what God is, because God is not a thing. It is also wrong to ask who God is for God is not a man. God is Spirit, neither man nor thing. But the Lord God Almighty declares Himself to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ Jehovah who is the ‘I AM WHO I AM’ of the Old Testament is the ‘I AM’ of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This knowledge is beyond comprehension of unbelieving scientists and philosophers.

(E). Moses’ life is divided into three forty years period.

The life of Moses is divided into three periods, each of forty years. The first 40 years extend from his infancy to his life in the palace as son of the daughter of Pharaoh.

Act 7:22-23, “Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.” In the first period of his life, Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. For whatever its worth, the pyramids reflect the high level of Egyptian civilization, probably the profoundest at that period of time. I believe during these years Moses also mastered the Hebrew language, prepared and equipped him to write the Pentateuch. Anyway you look at the Pentateuch (the First Five Books of the Bible) literally, they are world masterpieces.

The second period of forty years, Moses fled and became an alien in the land of Midian where he was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. Act 7:29, “At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons.” The first period Moses learned all the learning of the world. The second period of forty years he was in the school of hard knocks, the University of God where God taught Moses how to shepherd flocks to prepare him to lead the Israelites exodus from Egypt. Act 7:30, “After forty years had passed, AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH.” Exo 5:1, “And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”

The third period of forty years Moses led the Jewish people marching toward the Promised Land through the wilderness. Deu 29:5-6, “I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the LORD your God.” For forty years the Lord kept the Jewish people alive with a multitude of miracles, and yet they often complained and rebelled against God. During the third period of his life, which extends from the exodus out of Egypt to his death on mount Nebo. In this interval how much did Moses accomplish under many circumstances, as the servant and immediate agent of the Most High.

I hold the position and dislike the Bible scholars who make too much of typing Bible characters with Jesus Christ with seeming parallels. We should not use too much typing carelessly and unnecessarily. For I believe Jesus Christ is singularly incomparable. It is unproductive and futile to compare anyone with Jesus Christ. Rom 5:14, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Type in Greek is typos which means ensample; a figure or image; example; pattern; fashion; manner; form; a type i.e. a person or thing prefiguring a future (Messianic) person or thing (Strong’s Concordance); style or resemblance; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. It is proper to use Christ as the model for all believers to imitate. It falls short for any man to be a model. 1Co 10:4-6, “and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.” There are many things in history written in the Bible for our instruction.

Rom 15:4-5, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.” Our mind should focus on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Any attempt to shift the focus from Jesus Christ to any man is not sound doctrine, not sound theology.

(F). Moses and Aaron said to Pharaoh what God said, Let My people go!

Exo 5:1-9, “And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please, let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, otherwise He will fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.” But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!” Again Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now many, and you would have them cease from their labors!” So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying, “You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words.”

Note: Pharaoh insulted God and said he did not know the Lord, and would not let Israel go. In the next stage of drama how God would compel Pharaoh, and the children of Israel would go free and not empty-handed.

Exo 7:7, “Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.”

(G). How the Lord put Pharaoh under compulsion to let the Jews go.

Exo 6:1, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land.”

Note: Under compulsion in Hebrew means under strong hand. Under the strong hand of God even Pharaoh gave in and caved under. No one can withstand the strong Hand of God. You will see what the Lord will do to Pharaoh, and how God puts Pharaoh under compulsion so he will let the children of Israel leave Egypt.

Ten Plagues described in Exodus Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are awesome miracles and power of God.

First plague: The water of Nile was turned to blood.

Exo 7:20-21, “ So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood.The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. And the blood was through all the land of Egypt.”

Note: Water is essential to life. Man cannot exist without water. When water turns to blood, that is the worst. You cannot drink blood, take a bath in blood, or clean and wash in blood, or cook food in blood.

Second plague: Frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.

Exo 8:5-6, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the streams and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.’ So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.”

Note: Frogs are carnivores, leaping or jumping is used as a means for evading predators, and imagine millions of frogs making unique calls to disturb you. Imagine frogs cover up the whole land, including your homes and beds and kitchens.

Third plague: God sent gnats on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.

Exo 8:16-17, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.’” They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt.”

Note: Gnats are flying insects that can be biting in the house and through out the land. Imagine gnats on man and beast.

Fourth plague: The Lord sent swarms of flies on people and on ground.

Exo 8:21-22, “For if you do not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land.”

Note: What is the experience when flies compete with what you are going to eat, like falling into your soup?

Fifth plagues: God sent a very severe pestilence to kill Egyptian livestock.

Exo 9:3-4, “behold, the hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks. But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.”

Exo 9:6, “So the LORD did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died.”

Note: Pestilence is a fatal epidemic disease which God sent to kill Egyptian livestock. Imagine mountains of dead livestock everywhere and the stinking smell of them.

Sixth plague: Boils breaking out with sores on man and beast.

Exo 9:8-10, “Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh.“ It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and will become boils breaking out with sores on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.” So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast.”

Note: Boils are the painful sores turning white as pus collects under the skin and appear on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. Now Egyptians feel the pain of boils.

Seventh plague: A very heavy hail and thunder came down to kill livestock and men.

Exo 9:18-19, “Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”

Note: It must be a very heavy hail and thunder that kills livestock and men. My first experience of hail was during the funeral of President Nixon at Yorba Linda, in Orange County, hail and rain with thousands and thousands of people lining up to pay tribute to the great president. The hail was small and did not kill anyone.

Exo 9:23-24, “Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.”

Eighth plague: Locusts came and covered the surface of Egypt and ate every green in the field.

Exo 10:4-5, “For if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory.‘ They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped—what is left to you from the hail—and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field.”

Note: Locusts are large grasshoppers with strong powers of flight, and they migrate in vast swarms that can eat up crops and green plants. The swarms of locusts were so large that no one will be able to see the land.

Ninth plague: Thick darkness which can be felt covered Egypt.

Exo 10:21-23, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even a darkness which may be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings.”

Note: Most people are afraid of darkness, it is a proof when massive power is out at night. Very few people have ever experienced thick darkness which can be felt. In my life time I have never heard of such thick darkness which can be felt happening anywhere.

Tenth plague: God killed the firstborn of the Pharaoh and all the firstborn even the cattle.

Exo 11:4-5, “Moses said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well.”

Moses instituted the Passover. Exo 12:7-8, “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”

Exo 12:11-13, “And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

Note: Passover is derived from the fact that when God sees the blood on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the Jewish houses, God will pass over them, and the plague shall not be upon them to destroy them. The Passover lamb symbolizes the Lamb of God who was sacrificed on our behalf. 1Co 5:7, “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.” Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for our sins.

(H). Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, and God led them on the way.

Exo 13:19, “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

Note: So in the journey of the Christian to the celestial city, we need the Lord going before us, a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide us in the figure of speech. For Christians today, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit guide and lead us.

(I). God destroyed Pharaoh’s entire army, the people feared the Lord.

Exo 14:5-31, “When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; and he took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.” The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. At the morning watch, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”

Note: Moses led the sons of Israel to go through the midst of the Red Sea on dry land is one of the greatest historical miracles, besides God destroyed or drowned Pharaoh’s entire army. Consequently, the Jewish people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord.

(J). Jethro brought Moses’ wife and her two sons to meet Moses at the mount of God.

Exo 18:1-12, “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away, and her two sons, of whom one was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” The other was named Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mount of God. He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them. Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. So Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”

Note: Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a great man in his own right. He made a declaration: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods.”

(K). Moses listened to his father-in-law and appointed heads and leaders in the legal system of court and government.

Exo 18:24-27, “So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. They judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge. Then Moses bade his father-in-law farewell, and he went his way into his own land.”

Note: Jethro, Moses father-in-law, was a wise man. He could be properly called the forefather of modern management. Jethro understood management principles, especially the principle of delegation of authority and management effectiveness. Num 11:16-17, “The LORD therefore said to Moses, “Gather for Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone.”

(L). Moses came up to receive the Ten Commandments (Decalogue).

Exo 24:12-18, “Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.” Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”

Note: The law of Moses are contained in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Exo 34:28-35, “So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers in the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the sons of Israel came near, and he commanded them to do everything that the LORD had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.”

Note: The life of Moses was sustained by the grace and power of God although he was with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. Moses the man of God, talking with God about the law, the face of Moses shone. How much more the Son of God who brought grace and truth, Mat 17:2, “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” Heb 3:1-3, “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house.”

Heb 3:5-6, “Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as the Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”

Deu 33:1-2, “Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death. He said,
“The LORD came from Sinai,
And dawned on them from Seir;
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones;
At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.”

Gal 3:23-26, “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

2Co 3:13-18, “and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Note: The old covenant (the law) was fading away, the veil is removed in Christ. Christians are under grace, not under law. Whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away, Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

(M). Moses prayed to the glory of God, God showed him only His back.

Exo 33:17-23, “The LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.” Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”

Note: No man has ever seen God, not even Moses.

(N). God showed the pattern and told Moses to build the tabernacle.

Exo 40:33-38, “He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. Thus Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.”

Note: Throughout all the journeys of the sons of Israel, they followed the directions of the Lord. Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. The tabernacle was replaced by Solomon’s temple.

Heb 8:5, “who serve a copy and shadow of the Heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

Heb 9:11-14, “But when Christ appeared as the High Priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Note: Some scholars are so stupid to say that God is clean. God is far beyond clean, God is holy. Christ entered though the greater and more perfect tabernacle than that made by Moses. The Holy Place is not where clean people can enter. Through His own blood, Christ entered into the way of the Holiest of all, the Holy of Holies, having obtained eternal redemption for all believers in Christ, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Rev 21:1-5, “Then I saw a new Heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

(O). God told Moses to lay his hand on Joshua and commission him as his successor.

Num 27:18-23, “So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight.“ You shall put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him. Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” Moses did just as the LORD commanded him; and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.”

Note: Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses because he was a man in whom is the Spirit. At the command of Joshua the congregation of the sons of Israel shall go out or come in and obey him.

(P). The Lord on the top of Pisgah showed Moses the Promised Land but Moses would not go over there.

Deu 34:1-8, “Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the Word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day. Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated. So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.”

Note: Moses had remarkable health, when he died at 120 years old, his eye was not dim (he did not have cataract), nor his vigor abated. But Moses came to an end. No matter who you are, everybody sooner or later comes to an end. This serves as a warning to all dictators, warmongers, oppressors, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, monopolists, militarists, supremacists, and terrorists. They all will soon come to an end.

Jde 1:9, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Note: Why did the devil want the body of Moses? The devil does not have good intention. I cannot tell why the devil want the body of Moses. I think the devil can do many evil deeds with the body of Moses. For one, the devil may make the dead body of Moses as an object of worship, to seduce people to commit the sin of idolatry.

(Q). During the transfiguration of Jesus, Moses and Elijah, appearing in glory, were speaking about the departure or death of Jesus Christ.

Luk 9:28-36, “Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.”

Note: The crucifixion must be so important because that is subject Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sin of mankind is one of the greatest events in the universe. When Peter was talking about making three tabernacles: one for Jesus, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah; God seemed to be displeased and corrected him by saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” God does not want disciples to listen to Moses or Elijah. God wants the whole world to listen to His Son, His Chose One, Jesus Christ. They saw no one but Jesus. Moses and Elijah are servants of God, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believers must fix our eyes on no one but Jesus Christ.

(R). The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

In studying the Scriptures, I hold the position there is absolutely no need to quote Josephus, Apocrypha and other secular sources as if they are important to validate the Word of God. I think secular academics do so to display how much is their learning or knowledge. I think it is facetious and malicious to cite the pilgrim fathers of New England that the institutions that they founded to be ascribed to the influence of the Hebrew legislator Moses. Moses was the Hebrew lawgiver, not legislator. Don’t you know the historical fact that the White Europeans so-called pilgrim fathers not only they robbed the land of the original natives of America, they almost terminated the Red Indian race from the surface of the earth. Indeed in the last 500 years Europeans, and later Americans, have lied, killed, and robbed the whole world in the name of democracy, freedom, independence, human right, justice falsely so called. It is blasphemous to associate Christianity with Western nations or its corrupt civilization. Do you know American presidents and congressional leaders have killed millions and millions of innocent peoples around the world since the end of World War II and to this day?

It is wrong to say Moses had absolute rule over Israel. It is God who had and who has absolute rule over the universe.
(7). Stephen

Act 6:5-15, “The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. The Word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miracles among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.”

Note: The management of a church is based on to be found approval with the whole congregation. The greater in the faith lay hands on the lesser. The greater blesses the lesser, not the other way around. Stephen in Greek is Stephanos which means “crowned”; one of the seven deacons of the church in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. No one is able to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit of God. Stephen performed great wonders and miracles among the people. Wonders and miracles do not affect people who do not want to believe and who practice lawlessness and injustice.

These so-called freedmen, secretly induced men by collusion or bribery to bear false testimony against Stephen. The elders and the scribes were the establishment of the Jewish religion and yet they were corrupt and lawless. Often the religious or political establishment is the most corrupt and lawless one. America and Western nations that dominate and dictate the world are the most corrupt and lawless people in the world. In fact, the hypocrites always act in most hypocritical way. They dragged and brought Stephen to the Council or Sanhedrin, the high court of justice and supreme council in Jerusalem. The same today America and its allies employ illegal legislation, false witnesses, fake news, fake reports, false views, false legislation, fake laws, sanctions, etc. to interfere, target, oppress, violate, attack nations that do not follow their dictatorship or leadership. No matter how the wicked want to smear and soil the righteousness, Stephen had a face shining like that of an angel.

Act 7:2-60, “And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.’ Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living. But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, even when he had no child, He promised that HE WOULD GIVE IT TO HIM AS A POSSESSION, AND TO HIS DESCENDANTS AFTER HIM. But God spoke to this effect, that his DESCENDANTS WOULD BE ALIENS IN A FOREIGN LAND, AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ENSLAVED AND MISTREATED FOR FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. AND WHATEVER NATION TO WHICH THEY WILL BE IN BONDAGE I MYSELF WILL JUDGE,’ said God, ‘AND AFTER THAT THEY WILL COME OUT AND SERVE ME IN THIS PLACE.’ And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the patriarchs. The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household. Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was disclosed to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all. And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until THERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH. It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home. And after he had been set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and nurtured him as her own son. Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand. On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?’ But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US? ‘YOU DO NOT MEAN TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN YESTERDAY, DO YOU?’ At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons. After forty years had passed, AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH. When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.’ Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look. BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM,‘TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM; COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.’ This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel. This man led them out, performing wonders and miracles in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN.’ This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. . Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but repudiated him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, SAYING TO AARON, ‘MAKE FOR US GODS WHO WILL GO BEFORE US; FOR THIS MOSES WHO LED US OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT—WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM.’ At that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. But God turned away and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘IT WAS NOT TO ME THAT YOU OFFERED VICTIMS AND SACRIFICES FORTY YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS, WAS IT, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL? YOU ALSO TOOK ALONG THE TABERNACLE OF MOLOCH AND THE STAR OF THE GOD ROMPHA, THE IMAGES WHICH YOU MADE TO WORSHIP. I ALSO WILL REMOVE YOU BEYOND BABYLON.’ Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.“ And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations whom God drove out before our fathers, until the time of David. David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: ‘HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?’ says the Lord, ‘OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS? You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the Heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.”

Note: In the beginning Stephen gave a most brilliant summary of the Jewish history from Abraham, to Joseph, to Moses, to Solomon, to the prophets. But when Stephen preached the sins of the Jews who have become betrayers and murderers, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. Outbreak of sudden fit of rage with one impulse rushed at Stephen. When a preacher preaches against sins, he cannot expect a favorable response from the audience. That is why so many false preachers will speak what the audience like to hear, such as ‘something good is going to happen to you’. God will bless you with prosperity and you will do well in this world…’ That is why in the American history, no preacher ever dares to preach against the sins of American presidents and congressional leaders. Where are the American preachers who preach against the evil of imperialism, capitalism, interventionism, and militarism? Those who preach the truth hope to see the glory of God. Stephen was being full of the Holy Spirit, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The false preachers preach peace and prosperity when there is no peace and prosperity. False preachers preach “I have a dream! I have a dream!” When there is nightmare, injustice, lawlessness, and unrighteousness, violence and blood covers the hands of the national leaders. The false preachers enjoy national popularity and prosperity on TV and at megachurches and they are invited to the White House. The preachers of truth and righteousness suffer national obscurity and poverty. The capitalism version of Christianity is deceiving and deluding America, Europe, and minuscule Taiwan and Hong Kong. It is most revealing that those who murdered Stephen cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears. The Western leaders who practice lies, killings, and robberies habitually and facetiously cry out in the global propaganda of democracy, freedom, independence, and other phony slogans, but they cover their ears to the truth and justice. We know nothing about the marriage status of Stephen or his children. Stephen is the protomartyr of the Christian Church. Apparently, Stephen was not married and did not have children. The martyrdom already sacrificed the life of Stephen, and it would be more devastating if he had wife and children. Paul is also believed to be single and having no children. Those who bear the brunt of the cross and sacrifice their lives for the Gospel would be better off not having family. Stephen courageously set as an example for countless Christians later on killed by the Roman Catholic Church, Islam, and other heresies and forces of darkness and evil.

IV. THE COMMON FAITH

As faith is individual or personal, so the common Faith refers to the Faith that all Christians of all generations have in common, accepting and believing in the body of Christian dogmas and doctrines deemed essential and fundamental to the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints by Jesus Christ and the Apostles from the beginning as it is written in the New Testament.

Act 3:16,“And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the Faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Note: The Faith which we believe comes through Jesus Christ, not from Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Erasmus, Barth or Kierkegaard, etc. The body of beliefs which all Christians believe from the beginning is the Faith, not Roman Catholic theology, black theology, natural theology, Eastern Orthodox theology, liberal theology, Calvinism, moral theology, polemic theology, liberation theology, feminist theology, not even Protestant theology. There is no Protestant theology, or Lutheran theology; Protestantism is only an attempt to return to the Bible and original Christianity. So the Christian Faith is based absolutely on the Biblical theology, that is as it is written in the New Testament.

All Christians of all generations accept and believe the body of Faith common to all as a whole, usually it summarized in a creed. When church leaders and believes accept some and reject other doctrines, they turn at best into denominations, and at worst they turn into cults and heresies. Some denominations practice over emphasizing some aspects of doctrines, while some de-emphasizing other doctrines. All persons mentioned in the Bible were historical figures, and all places mentioned in the Bible were real geographical places, and all events took place written in the Bible were real historical events. The Word of God is true, and worthy of all acceptance. Let God be true, and man a liar — particularly unbelieving scientists and theologians and philosophers.

It is wrong to say that Martin Luther agreed with the Catholic outlook far more than he differed from it. This is a revisionist view of the great Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church had strayed so far away from the Biblical Faith, that it can be considered as another religion, strange from Christianity. It is not what Luther accepted or not accepted that matters, it is the Faith that all believers from the beginning had believed that matters. It is what the Word of God says that matters. Protestantism is nothing but a total return to the original Christianity.

The secularists and unbelieving theologians without basis hypothesized that Paul got the Gospel from what was floating in the Jewish thought of his time; he adopted it because it balanced so naturally his theory of redemption. This is a lie comes right up from Hell to say the Gospel is so vague and universal sin is somewhat arbitrary. Gal 1:11-12, “For I would have you know, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” 2Co 4:3-4, “And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” The Gospel is neither vague nor veiled, only the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelieving, including secular academics, unbelieving scientists, theologians and philosophers. Act 15:7, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe” 1Pe 1:9, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” Peter testified to the same Gospel as Paul did. 1Jo 5:4-6, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.” Paul, Peter, John and all the apostles of Jesus Christ testified to the same definite Gospel truth in Christ without compromise or retreat.

Mar 12:24, “Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?

Note: Regarding the Christian Faith, so many secular academics, theologians and philosophers are mistaken, because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. Because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God, so they distort, misrepresent, misinterpret, and mislead people to their destruction. Believing the Scriptures is not deliberate ignorance or intellectual dishonesty.

Heb 3:12-14, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Secularists and unbelieving theologians are departing from the living God because of their evil heart of unbelief, hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. They have been deceived by the sin of vain glory, guilty at times of undue pride, and belief in themselves. Only Christians are partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. The devil’s scheme is to disrupt and destroy that confidence in the Scripture. Secularists and unbelieving philosophers and theologians have been catastrophically wrong in advocating their so-called science and reason that are retarding for centuries the advance of truth and integrity in the West. In the last 500 years or more the West, and later America, have done so much evil in the world under imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, militarism, white supremacism, and terrorism. The West and America worship money, power, and sex; not the God of Christianity.

Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers demonstrate the indulgence of human pride and vanity of self-glorification. Reason is incompetent and incapable in the sphere of divine truth, and the knowledge of God. What is worst, they deliberately distort, misrepresent, and misinterpret the Word of God with their unbelief and bias, riddles and metaphors. Little they know that evil heart of unbelief will lead them to destruction and eternal death.

Tit 1:4, “To Titus, my true child in a common Faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

Note: If you have grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, you are a child in the common Faith.

Jde 1:3, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”

Note: The Faith refers to the doctrines and dogmas given that which all saints must believe; it is what we believe, it is Christianity itself. Our common salvation is the result of our common Faith in Christ which was once for all handed down to the saints. The Common Faith is that we sinners are all saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God. Salvation is the gift of God, not because of our efforts or work or merit.

The authority of the Bible is final and infallible and incorruptible. This is the Scripture. Jhn 10:35, “If he called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken).” To be broken in Greek is lyō which means to break up; to break down; to destroy; to dissolve; to put off; to dismiss; to annul; to subvert; to do away with; to deprive of authority; to overthrow; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. The Scripture cannot be dismissed or subverted or overthrown.

The Word of God does not depend on the interpretation of so-called reputable authorities. No man or institution can claim to be the reputable authority of the Bible. There are no reputable interpreters of the Bible. The Bible interprets and explains itself in the light of the Holy Spirit. Luk 11:34-36, “The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.” Eph 1:17-19, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.” This is the truth of Christ. What Christians need is not any so-called reputable theologian or so-called authority to interpret the Bible. To have the knowledge of God, we need the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation, and the eyes of our heart may be enlightened, so that we will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

1Ti 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Note: If anyone claims to be a Christian and does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Here the Faith refers to Christianity, the Christian Faith. To believe in the Faith, you must act according to the Faith. Faith must express itself obedient to the Faith.

Rev 13:10, “If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the Faith of the saints.”

Note: To be destined is to be appointed by God. What God has destined, no one can escape. Destiny is an interesting concept. Let secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers ponder whether there is such a thing called destiny. In reality can anyone escape from his destiny? Has anyone ever avoided his destiny? There is a conceptual problem, if God destines or appoints, who can oppose the power of God? If God destines, where there is the free will? Can anyone decide or determine his own destiny? According to the Scripture, how a man dies is destined. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the Faith of the saints. To the unbelievers they have no hope. For the saints require perseverance and the Faith. We put our faith and our destiny in the Lord’s hand, whatever God destines for His children will be good.

The Apostles’ Creed is a little misleading because it was not written by the apostles. Probably it was written soon after all the apostles had passed away. It is believed to be the oldest creed of the Christian church and is the basis that most Christians of all generations believe and follow. The Apostles’ Creed is not the Scripture, but it is a summary of the Christian Faith.

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.”

The word “catholic” is also misleading because it does not mean the Roman Catholic Church; it relates to the universal invisible Church of Christ, which is the Body of Christ. The phrase, “He descended into hell,” was not part of the original creed form.

My modernized version of the Apostles’ Creed would be as follows:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heavens and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy universal Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body, and the Life everlasting. Amen.

V. IF YOU HAVE FAITH

Faith is of utmost importance that it can determine your destiny.

(1). Faith can move mountain.

Mat 17:20, “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Faith is power, for faith appropriates the power of God. The power of God can move mountain, remove all obstacles or hindrances. Nothing is impossible with faith, for nothing is impossible with God. Faith is not magic, faith is not superstition. God is pleased when anyone has faith in Him. The power of faith is the power of God.

(2). Faith can cast mountain into the sea.

Mat 21:21, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.”

Note: By faith you can cast your doubt into the sea.

(3). Perfect health on the basis of faith.

Act 3:16,“And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the Faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Note: Pentecostal churches have a wrong emphasis on heath and on faith healing. The primary purpose of Jesus Christ coming into the world is to save souls, to heal the sick is secondary. No matter how healthy you are, you are going to die anyway. It is important for Christians to be concerned about health matters. Do not drink or smoke or use drugs, and do not eat unhealthy food. Do not practice sexual immorality. So that we can live long to serve the Lord. Christians get sick anyway. God can heal the sick. But it is not always God’s will to heal the sick. Christians can use doctors and medicine, but must acknowledge God in everything. Physicians also get sick and die. I do not have the gift of speaking in tongues, although I understand a few languages. I do not have the gift of healing, but God healed me many times and saved my life many times. I am upset by so many fake healings and fake healers practiced today. If God heals your blindness or paralysis, it should be good for life until you die. It is not possible for God to heal paralysis only temporarily.

(4). The righteousness of God comes on the basis of faith.

Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Note: The righteousness of God can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, and there is no other way.

(5). Our hearts are cleansed by faith through the precious blood of Jesus.

Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”

Note: The cleansing of our hearts is done by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit. There is no holy water able to cleanse your heart.

(6). Believers are sanctified by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Note: No ritual, no abstinence, no food, no celibacy, no meditation, no hermitage, no acetic practices, and nothing can sanctify you. Believers can be sanctified by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

(7). The righteous shall live by faith.

Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Heb 10:38, “BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.”

Note: The righteous are those who are counted righteous by God. The righteous shall live by faith, not by sight, not by science, not by sex, not by sports, not by subsidy, etc. From faith to faith means completely by faith and nothing else.

(8). Man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Rom 3:28, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”

Rom 9:32, “Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.”

Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” Gal 3:11, “Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Gal 3:24, “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”

Note: Man is justified (counted as righteous) by faith in Christ apart from works of the Law. No one can fulfil the requirements of the Law to earn the righteousness of God.

(9). God will justify the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith.

Rom 3:30, “since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”

Rom 9:30, “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith.”

Gal 3:8, “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”

Note: The circumcised are the Jews, and the uncircumcised are the Gentiles. God will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles by faith. There is no other way to God. Unrighteous men cannot approach God.

(10). You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”

Note: Salvation is a gift of God, according to His grace. To accept the gift of God you must have faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is the only way you are saved by grace and through faith in Christ, there is no other way.

(11). Having justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we are reconciled to God, and thus we have peace with God. For sinners are enemies of God.

(12). Through Christ by faith we obtained introduction to God.

Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Note: By faith in Jesus Christ, we are introduced to God by grace in which we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

(13). Believers walk by faith, not by sight.

2Co 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight—”

Note: Christians cannot walk by science, by philosophy, by sight, or by human wisdom. We walk by faith following the steps in Jesus Christ.

(14). Christians live by faith in the Son of God.

Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Note: A Christian life is the life to live by faith in the Son of God. Self-seeking is not the Christian life.

(15). The promise by faith in Jesus is given to those who believe.

Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

Note: The promise by faith in Jesus Christ is eternal life and eternal inheritance in Heaven.

(16). Through the Spirit, by faith, Christians are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

Gal 5:5, “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”

Note: The hope of righteousness is the hope of the redemption of our body, the hope in Christ to the praise of His Glory, the hope of His calling what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints laid up for us in Heaven, the hope of glory and the hope of eternal life.

(17). Preach the Gospel is to further the administration of God by faith.

1Ti 1:4, “nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.”

Note: By preaching the Gospel, Christians everywhere can further the administration of God which is by faith.

(18). Hearing the good news must be united by faith.

Heb 4:2, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.”

Note: To profit those who hear the good news preached to them, the word must be united by faith in those who heard.

(19). By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God.

Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

Note: By faith we understand the worlds were created by the Word of God, seeing things which are not visible.

(20). By faith Abel, though dead, he still speaks.

Heb 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”

Note: By faith though the righteous is dead, yet his work speaks.

(21). By faith Enoch was taken up because he was pleasing to God.

Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”

Note: Only by faith can a man be pleasing to God.

(22). By faith Noah, became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Heb 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Note: By faith Noah was being warned by God about things not yet seen. Noah became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

(23). By faith Abraham obeyed, and he went out not knowing where he was going.

Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Note: Abraham in obedience of faith went out, not knowing where he was going.

(24). By faith Abraham lived in tents, waiting for the mansions above.

Heb 11:9, “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise.”

Note: By faith Abraham lived as an alien in tents because he was looking for a better country in Heaven.

(25). By faith Sarah beyond the proper time of life, received ability to conceive.

Heb 11:11, “By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.”

Note: By faith Sarah an old lady beyond the proper time of life, received ability to conceive and bore a son of promise.

Gen 17:17, “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” By faith, Sarah did.

(26). By faith Abraham when he was tested offered up Isaac.

Heb 11:17, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son.”

Note: By faith Abraham was willing to offer up Isaac. Abraham did not keep anything left for himself. He obeyed God 100%.

(27). By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.

Heb 11:20, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.”

Note: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau regarding things to come.

(28). By faith Jacob when dying blessed his 12 sons.

Heb 11:21, “By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”

Note: By faith Jacob when dying blessed his 12 sons and grandsons.

(29). By faith Joseph when dying, mentioned the exodus and gave orders concerning his bones.

Heb 11:22, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”

Note: By faith Joseph gave order concerning his bones.

(30). By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for 3 months by his parents, not afraid of the king’s edict.

Heb 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Note: By faith parents of Moses were not afraid of the king’s edict.

(31). By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

Heb 11:24, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”

Note: Most people would seek somehow to connect or relate to the king or the rich and powerful, but by faith Moses refused to be called the son of the princess of Pharaoh. Pharaoh was an absolute monarch with wealth and power no current kings and queens could match.

(32). By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king.

Heb 11:27, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.”

Note: By faith Moses feared God, left Egypt and not fearing the wrath of the king.

(33). By faith Moses kept the Passover to save the firstborn of the Jews.

Heb 11:28, “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.”

Note: By faith Moses kept the Passover so that he who destroyed the firstborn of Egyptians would not touch the sons of Israel.

(34). By faith the sons of Israel passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land.

Heb 11:29, “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”

Note: By faith the sons of Israel passed through the Red Sea, this is one of historical greatest miracles of God.

(35). By faith the walls of Jericho fell down as God said.

Heb 11:30, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

Note: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down. By faith the walls of obstruction in our lives may fall down too.

(36). By faith Rahab and her family were saved.

Heb 11:31, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”

Note: Although prostitutes are the lowest of females, yet by faith Rahab the harlot and her family were saved. So prostitutes can be saved if they give up greed for money, repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

(37). Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.

Heb 11:33, “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.”

Note: There is no tension between the power of God and anyone or anything. No one and nothing can stand in the way of God. Faith is not what you wish it considered just as astronomy or chemistry is. There are two kinds of knowledge, human and divine, which in themselves clear enough. Human knowledge is a result of reason and research. For example, astronomy or chemistry. However, human knowledge cannot go beyond the visible and natural and temporal. Divine knowledge is the knowledge of God, spiritual, supernatural, infinite and eternal unaided by the light of reason and nature. It is impossible by human means to discover God and to have knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can only be achieved by revelation through faith. Some objected a revealed knowledge of God as arbitrary. Yes, God is absolute, supreme, and ultimate, Self-Existent and Eternal. God is not negotiable. Truth is not negotiable. What is misleading can never be truth. The longer I live, the more I know, the more I hear and see, the less I have confidence in humanity and human institutions, or products of human efforts, science and philosophy. Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar. It does not matter what Hume, Kant, Aristotle, Karl Barth, Plato, Einstein, Darwin, Confucius, Mozi, Laozi, etc. all dead persons had said. I know my Redeemer lives forever. So I have unequivocally complete faith in the absolute, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Creator and Ruler of the universe, the eternal Almighty God. That is one of the reasons I write this article so that you may believe in God and Jesus Christ our Lord.

VI. WHAT OR WHO TO BELIEVE

(A). God

Jhn 14:1, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”

Heb 6:1, “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”

Note: God is Who He Is, the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. No man, no one can question the ultimate authority of God. Man’s duty is to believe, bow, listen and worship God. Whatever God does is right because He does it, and hence it is right whatever it is. To believe in God is to have faith toward God. This is the first principle. To have faith toward God, you cannot have faith toward anyone, any religion, any institution, any tradition, any custom, any system, any ideology, anything. God is supreme. If you put anything or anyone in the place of God, it becomes your idol or false god. In America, only primitive immigrants worship idols, but most Americans worship money, power, and sex. Whatever you put in the place of God, it becomes an idol or false god. The Bible does not say believe in theology, for theology is made by men. There are different types of theology which is flawed and misleading. The only correct is Biblical Theology. Only the Word of God is absolute and infallible.

Psa 78:22, “Because they did not believe in God
And did not trust in His salvation.”

Note: To believe in God is of paramount importance because those who disbelieve God trying to call God a liar. Unbelief insults God. Faith in God is not the acceptance of a proposition, faith in God is the full acceptance of His Word. Faith is the act of believing, trusting in God. God is the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. Before time and space God is. God is Who He Is. God declares, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ It is fundamental to have faith in God, it is impossible to come to God without believing He is. To believe in God means to trust in His salvation.

God is faithful and worthy of worship, it presents no difficulty whether majority of scientists, scholastics, theologians and philosophers believe or not. There is no such a thing called the natural knowledge of God. Rom 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” No one can discover the knowledge of God except by revelation. Mar 12:27, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” It is pathetic to find scholars and scientists who are greatly mistaken and they do not even know it. God does not need anyone to demonstrate His existence more than the Sun needs the blind to prove its existence. God is not a first cause. Rev 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” After all scholars, scientists, theologians and philosophers are dead and buried a priori or a posteriori, God is and God will be forever and ever.

Rev 4:8-11, “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Note: Sinful men have no idea what it means “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” The will of God is supreme, even nuclear weapons cannot destroy it.

Psa 78:32, “In spite of all this they still sinned
And did not believe in His wonderful works.

Note: To believe in God also believe in His wonderful works. The wonderful works of God are written in the Holy Bible.

It is absurd and abhorrent for a sinful and immoral man to question God is good in what sense. It is worse than an elementary student asking how good is Einstein in mathematics. Mat 19:17, “And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Good in Greek is agathos which means that which is good; the thing which is good; excellent; distinguished; upright; honorable; benevolent; kind; generous; beneficent; free of evil; – which occurs 128 times in the New Testament. The goodness of God is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say God is the only One who is good. Mar 10:17-18, “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” What is good or not is in the sight of God. If it is in the sight of God it is good, it is good. If in the sight of God it is evil, it is evil. Jesus definitely says, “No one is good except God alone.”

Rom 3:12, “ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

Note: This is the verdict of God, There is none who does good, there is not even one. The problem of secularists, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers is the fact they think they are good for something. In the sight of God, all are good for nothing.

Rom 7:18, “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.”

Note: Even the great Apostle Paul admits that he knows that nothing good dwells in him, that is, in his flesh. This is the correct view, this is the truth about man, all men and women and children.

3Jo 1:11, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”

Note: The one who does good is of God. On the contrary, secularists want to philosophize that there is good in themselves. For Christians who imitate what is good, and if there is any good it is not of themselves, it is of God. God is the fountain of all goodness.

Psa 106:24, “Then they despised the pleasant land;
They did not believe in His Word.”

Note: To believe in God is to believe in His Word. The Holy Bible is the Word of God (written), and Jesus Christ is the Word of God (living).

Psa 119:66, “Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.”

Note: To believe in God is to believe in His commandments.

2Co 1:20, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

Note: To believe in God is to believe in the promises of God. The promises of God are yes and true.

Eph 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Note: To believe in God is to believe salvation by grace through faith is the gift of God; not as a result of works or merits. No one is deserved to be saved, it is by grace you have been saved through faith in Christ.

Deu 32:51, “because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel.”

Num 27:14, “for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to treat Me as holy before their eyes at the water.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

Num 20:1-13, “Then the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people stayed at Kadesh. Now Miriam died there and was buried there. There was no water for the congregation, and they assembled themselves against Moses and Aaron. The people thus contended with Moses and spoke, saying, “If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! Why then have you brought the LORD’S assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here? Why have you made us come up from Egypt, to bring us in to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink.” Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them; and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and let the congregation and their beasts drink.” So Moses took the rod from before the LORD, just as He had commanded him; and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Those were the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel contended with the LORD, and He proved Himself holy among them.”

Note: This is no small matter. To obey the command of the Lord and to treat the Lord as holy is never a small matter. Let us tremble before the Lord. Let me always treat the Lord as holy in my sight. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock before the eyes of the Lord’s assembly, that it may yield its water. What a terrible thing that Moses struck the rock twice with his rod. Thus Moses had not believed the Lord, to treat the Lord as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel. For this reason, the Lord did not allow him to enter the Promised Land.

Deu 32:51-52, “because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. For you shall see the land at a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.”

Note: May God help us under no circumstances to break faith with the Lord, or not to treat Him as holy.

(B). Christ

Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Note: It is not enough to believe in God, to believe in God you must also believe in Christ as God commanded. To believe in Christ is to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you have life in His name. To have life in the name of Jesus Christ is to have eternal life.

Rom 3:9, “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin.”

Note: In the sight of God, there is no one group of heathen better than another group of heathen. There is no one group of sinners better than another group of sinners. The heathen can never in their own way rely upon divine grace, it means the unsaved no matter who they are in no way less heathen, poor and utterly lost. There is absolutely nothing in a lost sinner that deserves any grace from God. There is no any other way, indigenous or meritorious, than the way of Christ to God. Both Jews and Gentiles, including Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, etc. are all under sin.

Jhn 1:18, “No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side —He has revealed Him.”

Note: Do not let anyone fool you. No one has ever seen God, not even Moses. Jesus Christ the only begotten of God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has revealed and explained Him. To know Jesus Christ is to know God. To see Jesus Christ is to see God.

Only one thing is really decisive for the distinction of truth and falsehood, it is not providential disposition. That one thing is the truth in Christ. Rom 9:1, “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit.” The truth in Christ is testified by the Holy Spirit. A whole range of other religions do not have the truth in Christ nor the testimony of the Holy Spirit. It is a false teacher who places Christianity on a par with all pagan religions devoid of divine revelation. Without doubt, the revelation of God’s righteousness in Christ is the Truth, the only Truth, without whom no man comes to the Father.

Act 8:37, “[And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]

Note: To believe in Christ is to believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”

Note: A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ. No flesh will be justified by the works of the Law.

Rom 3:22, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction.”

Note: To believe in Christ is to believe the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is a gift of God for all those who believe; for there is no distinction whether you are a Jew or Gentile, male or female.

Rom 6:8, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.”

Note: To believe in Christ is to believe we have died with Christ to sin and the world, we believe that we shall also live with Him for eternity.

Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

Note: To believe in Christ is to believe that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. These are the promises of God to Abraham, and believers are heirs according to promise.

1Ti 1:16, “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

Note: To believe in Christ is to find mercy, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

1Jo 3:23, “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.”

Note: This is the commandment of God that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. There is a religion that claims to believe in God but does not believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, that religion disobeys the commandment of God, and so it is a false religion. To believe in Christ is to obey the commandment of God, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. It is impossible for anyone who claims to a Christian and yet he lies, kills and robs. It is impossible for Christians to be warmongers, oppressors, aggressors and terrorists. Christians love one another as Christ has commanded.

Heb 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Note: To believe in Christ is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. The Christian faith does not fix our eyes on anyone else or anything else.

Phm 1:5, “because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.”

Note: If you have faith toward the Lord Jesus, you will also love Him and love toward all the saints.

(C). The Gospel

The Gospel is the message of good news from God to mankind. This is what you must do with the Gospel of God.

(1). Repent and believe in the Gospel.

Mar 1:15, “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Note: To believe in God and to believe in Christ is to repent and believe in the Gospel. Only Christianity has the Gospel (good news), and no other religion has gospel. When Christians gather we always sing praises to the Lord, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with our hearts to the Lord; singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God. When I was a boy, I did not like Buddhist temples because people inside moaned and groaned. Surprisingly, today Buddhist temples have people singing imitating Christian churches.

(2). Believe the Gospel so that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Act 15:7-11, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

Note: To believe in the Gospel is to believe the Word of the Gospel, receiving the Holy Spirit for cleansing our hearts by faith, and to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Rom 10:8, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the Word of faith which we are preaching.”

Note: The Gospel is the Word of faith. If you have faith in Jesus Christ, the Gospel becomes the power of God for your salvation.

(3). The essence of the Gospel ministry of Jesus.

Mat 11:5, “the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.”

Note: The poor have the Gospel preached to them. When Christ preached the Gospel on earth, the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up.

Luk 4:18, “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED.”

Note: This is the prophesy fulfilled in Jesus Christ anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor and to save the souls of sinners.

Luk 7:22, “And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.”

Note: This statement cited above is a concise summary of the ministry of Jesus on earth.

(4). The Gospel must be preached in the whole world before the end will come.

Mat 24:14, “This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end of the world will come. My websites through the Internet are intended to preach the Gospel in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations absolutely free.

(5). The Gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

Mar 13:10, “The Gospel must first be preached to all the nations.”

Note: To preach the Gospel to all the nations is the first task for the Church to do. It is not social work. It is the duty of Christians to preach the Gospel to all nations.

(6). Jesus Christ commanded disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.

Mar 16:15, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”

Note: During the Ascension, the Lord Jesus commanded and commissioned all disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. The primary task of the Church is to preach the Gospel to all creation, not social work, not charity work, not any other work.

(7). To believe in the Gospel is to turn from idols to the living God.

Act 14:15, “and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the Gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”

Note: To preach the Gospel is to call people turn from idolatry (idols are vain things) to the living God who made the universe. There are many kinds of idols, not only those made of stones, wood, and metal. Some Taiwanese politicians claim to be Christians and yet they publicly burn incense and worship idols broadcast on TV. They are fake and false believers. No one who worships the vain things can be called a Christian. In America only primitive immigrants worship idols made of hands. But most Americans worship money, power, and sex as their idols.

(8). To testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God is more important than our lives.

Act 20:24, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.”

Note: True servants of Christ like Apostle Paul do not consider their lives of any accounts as dear to themselves, so that they may finish their course and the ministry which they receive from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God. The Gospel is about the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ that men may be saved.

(9). To believe in the Gospel is to believe in the Gospel of His Son.

Rom 1:9, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the Gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you.”

Note: Why the present-day unbelieving theologians regard the Gospel of John as the least reliable of the gospels facetiously, because its clear central message is Jesus Christ the Son of God. It is in this Gospel Jesus Christ declares to the world, Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” It is also in this Gospel the purpose is clear, Jhn 20:30-31, “Therefore many other miracles Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” When I was a lad, an American professor advised me to read the Gospel of John 100 times, and study the Book of Romans 100 times. My understanding of the Faith is invariably endowed and enhanced by my study especially of the Gospel of John and and the Book of Romans. Let me tell you the enemies of the cross especially hate these two books of the Bible.

(10). The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Rom 1:16, “ For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.”

Note: A secular academics incredibly and incoherently said, “it is one thing to call him a sinner when he has actually sinned, and another thing to call him a sinner because he is capable of sinning. For man is capable also of noble deeds, of self-sacrifice and heroism; yet one would not call him a saint or a hero until his deeds have actually merited such an appellation. There is no reason why this moral plasticity of man… should be equated with sin rather than with virtue.” This worldly scholar seems to say he is not a sinner, and he has not sinned. Rather he can be equated with virtue. How do I debate with a man so blind that he cannot see the fact of sins, crimes and evil committed by men everyday. He is even oblivious to the historical facts of how European nations and America have done so much evil in the world, lying, killing, and robbing to this day. He seems to be oblivious to the atrocities and wickedness of World War I and World War II, not to say the coming nuclear war that will destroy the world. If man is so virtuous and noble by nature, which world is he living in, why do we face with so many problems and so much evil and wickedness in this world anyway? I have no problems with people doing good and doing right. The problem is the evil man who does evil daily and continuously and deliberately. Just take a look of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex and Islamic terrorists what they are doing. Jesus Christ says, Mat 12:33-37, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

No man will die because of Adam’s sin or the original sin. No one will die or be judged for involuntary sin. Jesus says emphatically, Jhn 8:24, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Don’t worry about Adam’s sin, worry about your own sins. You will not die because of Adam’s sin or the original sin. Jesus says you will die in your sins. Unless you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of Mankind, you will die in your sins. Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The funny part is that secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers think they are the exception, they have not sinned. Since they have not sinned, let us watch and see if they will die. You will have the answer.

(11). According to the Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Rom 2:16, “on the day when, according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”

Note: This is very significant, God also knows the secrets of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers which no one knows; God will judge them through Jesus Christ. I am not interested in the secrets of any man.

(12). The Gospel is the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.

Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.”

Note: The Gospel is not made by man, it is the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.

(13). To preach the Gospel not in cleverness of speech.

1Co 1:17, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.”

Note: To preach the Gospel is to preach Jesus Christ who died for our sins on the cross, not in cleverness of speech. I recall a prosperity gospel preacher who invented a series of cleverness of speech, such as ‘something good is going to happen to you.’

(14). Preachers endure all things so that they cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.

1Co 9:12, “If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.”

Note: Anyone is accursed if she causes hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. Instead Christians must endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. In the last 500 years Western nations (later America) have lied, killed, robbed, and attacked nations in Asia, Latin America and Africa and pretend to be Christians, indeed they cause hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. The history of Western (Europe and America) powers is the history of aggression, atrocities, cruelties, brutalities, exploitation, oppression, suppression, subjugation, injustice, and destruction.

(15). Offer the Gospel without charge.

1Co 9:18, “What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Gospel, I may offer the Gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel.”

Note: On the Internet I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation, we only want you to know the truth.

(16). Do all things for the sake of the Gospel.

Co 9:23, “I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”

Note: True servants of Christ do all things for the sake the Gospel. Many preachers today do all things for the sake of money.

(17). Unbelievers are blinded and they might see the light of the Gospel.

2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Note: The god of this world is the devil. The devil blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. Christ is the image of God. That is the reason secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers do not believe because their minds have been blinded by the god of this world. Not only they do not know the god of this world has blinded their minds, on the contrary they think they have brilliant minds.

(18). Any man is preaching another gospel is to be accursed.

Gal 1:7-9, “which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”

Note: There are deceivers who distort the Gospel of Christ, including secular academics and unbelieving theologians. There is one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. If any man or even an angel who is preaching a different gospel, contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he is to be accursed, he is to be damned.

(19). The Gospel of your salvation is the message of truth.

Eph 1:13-14, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

Note: The Gospel of our salvation is the message of truth, sealed in God with the Holy Spirit of promise, given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. Poor thing, secularists, philosophers, scientists and unbelieving theologians could not recognize the message of truth.

(20). The Gospel is revealed as the mystery of Christ.

Eph 3:3-6, “that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”

Note: The Gospel is the revealed mystery of Christ, to be specific, that the Gentile believers are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body of Christ, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. The mystery of Christ is beyond comprehension of secularists, scientists, philosophers, and unbelieving theologians who consider it contrary to the rational thought.

(21). Christ is the mystery of the Gospel.

Eph 6:19, “and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel.”

Note: Christ is the mystery of the Gospel, which was not made known to the sons of men in ages past, now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; that whoever believes in the Son of God may receive the eternal life.

(22). Christians must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

Phl 1:27, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel.”

Note: Believers only conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel.

(23). True believers share the struggle in the cause of the Gospel.

Phl 4:3, “Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the Gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”

Note: True believers share the struggle in the cause of the Gospel, their names are in the Book of Life. Since my websites have become globally known, it is funny there are many men suddenly appear on the Internet with their pictures as Willie Wong. Once I found a Chinese woman who even called herself Willie Wong with her picture on her website quoting my writings verbatim. Because I never put my picture on the Internet, she might not know that Willie Wong is a man. Could there be any problem since there are so many Willie Wongs, which one whose name is written in the Book of Life? No problem at all. My Heavenly Father has known and called me before the foundation of the world, so God only knows which one is the Willie Wong, whose name is in the Book of Life. Just like there are millions of Paul in the history of the world, there is only one Apostle Paul whose name is on the wall of the Holy City twelve foundation stones, Paul is one of the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

(24). The Gospel is the Word of truth.

Col 1:5, “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.”

Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Christian Gospel is the Word of truth. It is worthy for all to accept and believe.

(25). The Gospel comes in power and in the Holy Spirit.

1Th 1:5, “for our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

Note: The Gospel is not in word only, it is also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction to those who believe. The power of God and the Holy Spirit changes liars, thieves, robbers, murderers, prostitutes, crooks and criminals, the worst of sinners.

(26). Those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.

2Th 1:8-10, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.”

Note: I do not know why secularists, scientists, philosophers, and unbelieving theologians are so stubborn in refusing and disobeying the Gospel, don’t they know the penalty is eternal destruction?

(27). True ministers of Christ are not ashamed to join in suffering for the Gospel.

2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God.”

Note: True servants of Christ are not ashamed to join in suffering for the Gospel. Funny it is that prosperity gospel preachers and followers not only they do not suffer for the Gospel, they want to get rich and become popular in this world.

(28). Our Savior Christ Jesus appeared to bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

2Ti 1:10, “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”

Note: To believe in the Gospel is to believe in the Savior Jesus Christ who gives you life and immortality.

(29). The Gospel is the fact Jesus Christ dies and rose from the dead.

2Ti 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel.”

Note: The complete Gospel is that Jesus Christ our Savior came down from Heaven to die on the cross for sinners, the Righteous for the unrighteous; and the third day Jesus Christ rose from the dead to justify all who believe in Him, to receive the forgiveness of sins, and by grace to be counted as righteousness in the sight of God. We are saved by grace though faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is the gift of God, not our work.

(30). The Gospel preached by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven.

1Pe 1:12, “ It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven—things into which angels long to look.”

Note: Jesus proclaimed the Gospel while He was on earth. Jesus returned to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel through the apostles and disciples. Gospel is the most interesting things into which angels long to look.

(31). Hear the Word of the Gospel and believe.

Act 15:7, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the Word of the Gospel and believe.”

Note: Those who the Word of the Gospel must believe.

(32). Judgment is for those who do not obey the Gospel of God.

1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”

Note: The judgment to come will begin with the household of God. The outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God will be more devastating. But there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Gospel is preached all over the world, but people must believe and obey the Gospel.
(D). The Prophets

Act 26:27, “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.”

Note: Christians believe the Prophets of the Lord as it is written in the Bible.

2Ch 20:20, “They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

Note: In old times, the children of Israel were admonished to put their trust in God’s prophets and succeed.

Jer 29:19, “because they have not listened to My words,’ declares the LORD, ‘which I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets; but you did not listen,’ declares the LORD.”

Note: God called His prophets His servants. To listen the prophets of the Lord is to listen to God’s words.

Jer 35:15, “Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.”

Note: God had sent all His servants the prophets again and again, saying: Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. The sons of Israel had not inclined their ears or listened to God.

Dan 9:10, “nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets.”

Note: The teachings of God were set before the Jews through His servants the prophets, yet they had not obeyed the voice of the Lord.

Amo 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets.”

Note: Why do we believe the prophets? Because in old time the Lord God did nothing unless He revealed His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.

Mat 2:23, “and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Note: What were spoken through the prophets about Jesus were fulfilled.

Mat 5:12,“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Note: Jesus says that Christians will be persecuted in the same way the prophets were persecuted.

Mat 5:17,“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Note: This is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament: Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, He came to fulfill them. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Judaism is fulfilled in Christianity.

Luk 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Note: This is one of the most famous and precious teachings of Jesus Christ, later known as the Golden Rule.

Mat 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Note: Jesus Christ sums up the Law and the Prophets: In everything treat people the same way you want them to treat you. Do to others as you would have them do to you. This simple but profound doctrine remembers and resonates through the ages. The truth of Christ is not an abstracted conception of logic, it is the moral precept of everyday Christian practice. Warmongers, aggressors, dictators, oppressors, troublemakers, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, monopolists, supremacists, militarists, and terrorist practice exactly the opposite of Christ’s teachings.

Mat 7:15, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Note: Western aggressors and warmongers are just like false prophets, who come to the international forum in sheep’s clothing, and pretending to advocate democracy, freedom, independence, equality, justice, etc. but inwardly and outwardly they are worse than ravenous wolves, because they lie, kill, and rob without shame.

Mat 24:11, “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”

Note: Jesus predicts that in the last days many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Just in the United States alone how many false prophets there are. The work of false prophets is to mislead many. False prophets mislead many to depart from the faith. False Western political leaders use democracy, freedom, independence, justice, etc. to deceive and violate and attack other nations. Western media daily and habitually mislead the world with fake news, fake reports, fake views, falsehoods, and spread lies without shame.

Mat 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great miracles and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”

Note: What is worse is the fact that false Christs and false prophets will show great miracles and wonders to mislead many. There are fake miracles and fake wonders to mislead believers. There are innumerable fake things in the world today, who ever thought of fake miracles and fake wonders!

Luk 1:70, “ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—”

Note: Rarely God spoke to individual like Abraham. God spoke to Moses face to face. Usually God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old. For this reason, what holy prophets spoke in the name of God are the Word of God. Therefore, Christians believe in the books of prophets in the Old Testament. Prophets are spokesmen of God. However, there are no longer prophets of old like those in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is completed. There are also no prophets of the New Testament, for the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament is also completed. Since the deaths of the apostles and elders, there has not been a new prophet. For it is not possible for a new prophet to add anything to the completed revelation of the New Testament. Since then New Testament prophets are not the servants of Christ who predict things to come. The New Testaments prophets now are those who are filled of the Holy Spirit and who are equipped to explain, expound, and preach the Word of God and the truth of the Gospel in power with great results. In my lifetime I have not known any servant of Christ who can be qualified to be called a New Testament prophet. There are some evangelists and preachers and Bible scholars known in these last days. We need to pray for servants of Christ who are able to preach the Word in great power and with great results. You will not find them in American mega-churches or on TV. Sadly although I have known a great number of preachers worldwide, I cannot name one who was or who is filled with the Holy Spirit with great power. What you can find are so many false prophets and false preachers today.

Luk 18:31, “Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.”

Note: Everything written through the prophets in the Old Testament about the Son of God had been accomplished. The only thing that has not been fulfilled is the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead, to reign with the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luk 24:27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”

Note: The most revealing and enlightening was the fact that Jesus Christ beginning with Moses and with all the prophets explained to disciples the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures (the Old Testament).

Jhn 1:45, “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Note: Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. The central message of the Holy Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Act 3:18, “But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.”

Note: The things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets concerning the sufferings of Christ had been fulfilled. Remember, prophecy is always announced beforehand, before things happen. When things happened according to prophecy they become history. In America there have been many false prophets who made big money prophesying the date of the second coming of Christ. False prophecy never comes true, and these false prophets have no shame to again and again make false prophecy for money. So many gullible and ignorant Americans believed and gave false prophets large sums of money and their properties.

Act 10:43, “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Note: This prophecy is still true, of Jesus Christ all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins. Although I am no prophet, I also bear witness through my websites that all who believe in Christ will be saved by grace. For that reason we preach the Gospel absolutely free. We do not want donation, we only want you to know the truth.

Act 15:15-18, “With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return,
AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN,
AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL RESTORE IT, SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.”

Note: The words of all the Prophets agree, the Gospel of God has been revealed in Jesus Christ, whosoever believes in Him receive eternal life.

Act 24:14, “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.”

Note: The Way, the Christian Way, Jesus Christ the Way to God is everything in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets. There is no other way.

Rom 1:1-5, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”

Note: The Gospel of God was promised beforehand through the prophets of God in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Those who received grace also brought about the obedience of faith. Faith always leads to obedience of faith. If you have faith in Christ, you obey Christ and follow Him.

Rom 16:26, “but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.”

Note: The commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations by the Scriptures of the prophets, leading all believers to obedience of faith to Jesus Christ. Faith is obedience to Jesus Christ.

Heb 1:1-2, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

Note: God spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways (the Old Testament). In these last days God has spoken to the world in His Son Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ speaks God speaks. So the Word of Christ is far more important than the prophets because it is the last, absolute, and ultimate.

2Pe 3:2, “that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.”

Note: The Word of God was spoken beforehand by the holy prophets, in these last days concluded by Jesus Christ, and what the Lord and Savior spoken by His apostles. So the Old Testament is the Word of God. Not only the Gospels, the whole New Testament is the Word of God. That is the meaning we believe in the holy prophets and apostles. Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” 2Ti 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Sacred Writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

In summary, we believe in God, we believe in Christ, we believe in the Gospel, and we believe the holy prophets in the Holy Scriptures (the Sacred Writings) which give wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

VII. THROUGH FAITH

Through faith in Jesus Christ, not only we receive salvation, we also receive many rights and blessings, duties and responsibilities.

(1). Receive forgiveness of sins.

Act 10:43, “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Note: This is the good news that sinners and everyone who believers in Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins. You cannot pay money to get forgiveness of your sins. You cannot do the work of the Law to receive forgiveness of your sins. You cannot earn merit to receive forgiveness of your sins. You can do nothing to receive forgiveness of your sins. You receive forgiveness of your sins freely and simply by believing in the name of Jesus Christ because it is the grace of God on account of the righteousness of Christ who died for sinners.

(2). The righteousness of God.

Rom 3:22, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction.”

Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Note: You are counted or credited righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

(3). A propitiation in His blood.

Rom 3:25, “ whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed.”

Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means relating to an appeasing or expiating, having placating or expiating force, expiatory; a means of appeasing or expiating (Strong’s Concordance); a means of appeasing or expiating; an expiatory sacrifice; appeasement; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus died on the cross in His blood as an appeasement to God so that God passed over our sins through faith.

(4). Justification in Christ.

Rom 3:30, “since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”

Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”

Note: Justify in Greek is dikaioō which means to be freed; to render righteous; to declare one to be just; to regard as innocent; to declare not guilty; to be acquitted of a charge; to be absolved; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. God justifies sinners not by works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus.

(5). Receive the promise of the Spirit.

Gal 3:14, “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

Note: To receive the promise of the Spirit is to receive the promise in Jesus Christ by faith.

(6). Become children of God.

Jhn 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

Gal 3:26, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Note: As many as received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, to them God gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. What an honor and privilege for unworthy sinners.

(7). Have been saved.

Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Mar 16:16, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”

Note: He who has believed and repented and baptized shall be saved through faith.

(8). Into this grace in which we stand.

Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Note: No one can stand before the Holy God. Believers have obtained introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.

(9). To please God.

Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Note: Faith pleases God. God is pleased with him who comes to God and believes that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

(10). Have boldness and confident access.

Eph 3:12, “in Whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”

Note: Sinners are afraid of the Holy God, having no access to God, much less boldness and confidence. Through faith in Jesus Christ who opened the way to the God by His blood, we have boldness and confident access to God for mercy.

(11). Christ dwells in our hearts.

Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love.”

Note: The wonder of all wonders is the fact that Christ dwells in the heart of a believer, being rooted and grounded in love. A Christian can know for sure that Christ lives in his heart through faith by the Holy Spirit.

(12). Raised up with Christ from the dead.

Col 2:12, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

Note: Believers are raised up with Jesus Christ through faith to receive the new life and participate in the nature of God.

(13). Salvation which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Sacred Writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Note: The Sacred Writings (the Holy Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(14). Cleansing our hearts.

Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”

Note: Our hearts are cleansed by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

(15). To be Sanctified.

Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Note: God opens the eyes of believers so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ.

(16). Inherit the promises.

Heb 6:12, “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Note: Christians should not be sluggish or lazy, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(17). The Word of God performs its work in you.

1Th 2:13, “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the Word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

Note: Wonderful is the Word of God which also performs its work in those who believe.

(18). Become sons of Light.

Jhn 12:36, “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.”

Jhn 12:46, “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

Note: Jesus Christ is the Light of Life, the Light of the World. Believe in the Light so that you may become sons of Light. Sons of Light will not remain in darkness. Western leaders and politicians who lie, kill, and rob other nations without shame are sons of darkness and children of the devil. Western media that lie, lie, and lie without shame; make fake news, fake reports, fake views and spreads lies and falsehoods to deceive the world are sons of darkness and children of the devil. They may feel triumphant and arrogant now, but the Day of Judgment is near. Clearly, those who believe in Jesus Christ will not remain in darkness. You remain in darkness because you are sons of darkness.

(19). Live by faith in the Son of God.

Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Note: Christians do not live for themselves, do not live for money, power, and sex; they live by faith in the Son of God.

(20). Have eternal life.

Jhn 3:15, “so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”

1Jo 5:1, “ Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.”

Note: Whoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God have eternal life.

(21). Enter the rest of God.

Heb 4:3, “For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
“AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH,
THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,”
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

Note: We who have believed enter the rest of God. The rest and joy in Heaven is eternal.

(22). Building ourselves up.

Jde 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”

Note: The most holy faith can build up believers in Christ, praying in the Holy Spirit.

(23). Fight the good fight.

1Ti 1:18-19, “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”

Note: To keep faith and a good conscience is to fight the good fight.

(24). Working through love.

Gal 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”

Note: Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. Many falsely believe ritual means anything. The important thing is faith working through love. It is not possible to have faith without love. It is not possible for warmongers, oppressors, liars, killers, robbers, and terrorists to claim they have faith.

(25). Fill with all joy and peace.

Rom 15:13, “ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Note: This is the joy and peace unbelievers do not know. The God of hope can fill believers with all joy and peace in believing, so that we will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(26). Overcome the world.

1Jo 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

Note: American and European leaders want to conquer the world by superior military power and nuclear weapons, and they will meet mutual destruction. Christians overcome the world by faith.

(27). Extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Eph 6:16, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Note: Taking up the shield of faith with which we Christians will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

(28). Protected by the power of God.

1Pe 1:4-5, “to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Note: Little Flock, do not be afraid, for you are protected by the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time when Jesus Christ is coming again soon to redeem our body.

VIII. WHAT TO DO WITH FAITH

Faith is active, by faith doing the will of God. Believers by faith perform.

(1). Have faith in God.

Mar 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”

Heb 6:1, “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”

Rom 14:22, “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Note: Man cannot have faith in science, philosophy, religion, man, or anything. Man can have faith only in God. Faith in God brings grace. Faith is toward God, not man, not thing, not science, not philosophy, not religion, not anyone or anything. The faith which you have personally is your conviction before God. People in the West have faith toward money, power and sex and their nuclear weapons.

(2). Have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: Have faith in God is not enough, Judaism cannot save the Jews. For Christ is the way to God. To be saved, you need to repent toward God and have faith in Christ who is the Son of God and died for our sins. Sinners cannot come to God without going through Jesus Christ.

(3). To cleanse the heart by faith.

Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”

Note: God made no distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles, cleansing our hearts by faith in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

(4). To have a propitiation in His blood through faith.

Rom 3:25-26, “whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means a means of appeasing or expiating; the blood of Jesus for the atonement of our sins; appeasement; sacrifice to appease God; an atoning sacrifice; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus died on the cross for our sins as a propitiation in His blood to appease to God who passed over our sins previously committed. To demonstrate the righteousness of God at the present time, so that God would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

(5). To be justified by faith.

Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Note: The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith means a sinner begins to come to God from faith by grace and saved through faith in Jesus Christ to receiving the eternal life. The whole process of salvation is from faith to faith, a sinner is saved by faith in Christ alone and nothing else.

Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”

Note: Justify in Greek is dikaioō which means to render righteous; to be freed; to declare righteous; to be counted righteous; to regard as just or innocent; to be considered righteous; to declare guiltless; to be acquitted of a charge; to deem right; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. No flesh will be justified by the works of the Law. No one can be justified before God by his own good deeds or merit. We all have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law. To be justified by faith in Christ means to be counted or credited as righteous before God because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Rom 3:28, “ For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”

Rom 4:5, “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Note: Man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Faith is credited as righteousness.

(6). To be sanctified by faith in Christ.

Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Note: The precious blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins, and by this faith we are sanctified in Christ.

(7). To receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Gal 3:14, “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Note: Just as believers are saved through faith, we would also receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

(8). To have eternal life.

1Jo 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Note: This is for sure, everyone who believes in the name of the Son of God, may know that you have eternal life.

(9). Saved through faith.

Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Note: By grace of God we believers have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, because it is the gift of God. Salvation is the gift of God. The gift of God is free.

(10). To have obedience of faith.

Rom 1:5, “through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”

Rom 16:26, “but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.”

Note: Believers have faith in Christ, through Whom we have received grace to bring about obedience of faith for His name’s sake. Faith obeys Jesus Christ. The commandment of the eternal God has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith in Christ.

(11). Increase our faith.

Luk 17:5, “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

2Co 10:15, “not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”

2Th 1:3, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.”

Note: Faith can grow and faith grows. Faith can increase. We need to pray to the Lord to increase our faith. Your faith can be greatly enlarged.

(12). Grow strong in faith.

Rom 4:20, “yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God.”

Note: Believers must grow strong in faith, giving glory to God. To be strong in faith is not self-glory.

Col 2:7, “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Note: The secret to grow strong in faith is to go strong in the truth.

(13). Faith may not fail.

Luk 22:32, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Note: We need to pray that our faith may not fail. God is faithful. God will not fail us.

(14). Faith is the basis.

Act 3:16, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Rom 10:6, “But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down).”

Note: Basis is foundation or the ground in matters relating to God. On the basis means according to or by virtue of. Christianity is based on faith in the truth of Jesus Christ. Without faith is like a building without foundation. Faith opens the way to God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We come to God on the basis of faith in the name of Jesus Christ. No one can come to God on any other basis or on any other name. The righteousness in Christ is obtained based on faith.

(15). To be full of faith.

Act 6:5, “The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”

Act 11:24, “for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”

Note: Stephen is a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas is a man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. We do not know whether a man is full of faith because he is full of the Holy Spirit, or a man is full of the Holy Spirit because he is full of faith. It does not matter, God knows which is which and what is what. So we pray to the Lord for believers to be full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

(16). To be revealed from faith to faith.

Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Note: The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith means the righteousness of God can be obtained through faith alone in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is distinction. It begins with faith and completes by faith. From start to finish, it is on the basis of faith, from faith to faith.

(17). Follow in the steps of the faith of Abraham.

Rom 4:12, “and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.”

Note: All believers follow in the steps of the faith of Abraham.

(18). Introduction by faith into grace.

Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Note: Sinful men through faith in Jesus Christ can obtain introduction by faith into the grace of God in which we stand. Believers can stand on nothing else but the grace of God.

(19). Faith rests on the power of God.

1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

Note: Faith rests on the power of God means faith exists on the power of God, faith is subject to the power of God. That is the problem of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers who exist on the wisdom of men. Wisdom of men is contrary to the power of God. The wisdom of men do not co-exist with the power of God.

(20). Walk by faith.

2Co 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight—”

Note: Walk in Greek is peripateō which means to conduct oneself; to regulate one’s life; to live; to make one’s way; to pass one’s life; to deport oneself; – which occurs 105 times. To walk by faith does not mean to move along on foot. Christians not only live by faith, we walk by faith. Walking by faith covers the the totality of one’s way of life, how one lives, and how one conducts oneself. Faith is seeing the invisible. God is invisible for God is Spirit. Christians do not walk according to the tradition of men, do not walk in the darkness, do not walk according to the customs of nations, do not walk according to the flesh, do not walk according to the elementary principles of the world. To walk by faith means to walk according to the Spirit, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, to walk as children of Light walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

(21). See if you are in the Faith.

2Co 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the Faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?”

Note: If you in Jesus Christ, you are in the Faith. From time to time, we must examine and test ourselves to see if we are in the Faith.

(22). Live by faith.

Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Note: The meaning of this verse “live by faith” is different from and the verse Rom 1:17, “THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Gal 2:20 is talking about to live your life by faith for Christ, exemplified by the ministry of Apostle Paul.

Rom 1:17 refers to how a man receives the new life by faith in Jesus Christ.

(23). Preach the Word of faith.

Rom 10:8, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the Word of faith which we are preaching.”

Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word of faith. From Jesus Christ to Apostles to disciples today, Christians are preaching the Word of faith.

(24). In God we have boldness and confident access through faith in Christ.

Eph 3:12, “in Whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”

Note: In Christ we have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Jesus. No one has access to God through anyone or anything else.

(25). Have stability of your faith in Christ.

Col 2:5, “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.”

Note: Discipline in Greek is taxis which means right order; orderly condition; character; style; quality; fashion; official dignity; orderly conduct or pattern of behavior; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. Christians discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness. Stability in Greek is stereōma which means steadfastness; firmness; solid front; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. True faith in Christ has stability.

(26). Take up the shield of faith.

Eph 6:16, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Note: Shield in Greek is thyreos which means a large door-shaped shield; a protective structure; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The shield of faith is used to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The flaming arrows of the evil one are many, including false gospel, false doctrine, heresy, unbelief like higher criticism, deceptive teaching; etc.

(27). Do the work of faith.

1Th 1:3, “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”

Note: Faith is not lazy or inactive. Faith works. Faith performs. True believers have work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. For believers everything is in the presence of our God and Father.

(28). Love from a sincere faith.

1Ti 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

2Ti 1:5, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”

Note: Sincere in Greek is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without hypocrisy; without dissimulation; undisguised; undissembled; pure; honest; true; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Faith is internal. All true believers have a sincere faith within them. Love is from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

(29). Keeping faith.

1Ti 1:19, “keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”

Note: Faith needs to be kept. All good things need to be kept. Without keeping faith and a good conscience, people have suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

(30). Continue in faith.

1Ti 2:15, “But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.”

Note: Not only child-bearing women need to continue in faith, all believers need to continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

(31). Pursue faith …

1Ti 6:11, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

Note: Pursue in Greek is diōkō which means to follow after; to run after; to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire (Strong’s Concordance); to press forward; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Christians must pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. In the world people pursue money, power, and sex; especially in Europe and America.

(32). Fight the good fight of faith.

1Ti 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Note: Faith not only needs to be kept and it must be fought. To fight the good fight of faith you need to take hold of the eternal life and make good confession of the Faith.

(33). To be sound in faith.

Tit 2:2, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”

Note: Sound in Greek is hygiainō which means to be whole and complete; to be wholesome; of the Christian faith which is free from any mixture of error; to be uncorrupt; to be true in doctrine; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament.To be sound in faith you need to be rooted in the Word of God.

(34). Show good faith to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Tit 2:10, “not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.”

Note: Those who profess to be Christians yet they are liars, thieves and robbers and pilfering and killers do not show all good faith, and do not adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Believers strive to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

(35). To be united by faith.

Heb 4:2, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.”

Note: Hearing the Word of God must be united by faith to make profitable.

(36). Testing of faith produces endurance.

Jas 1:3, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

Heb 6:12, “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Note: It is the will of God for Christians to be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Those who have faith must also have patience. Patience is never easy. In the Chinese character of ‘patience’, there is a knife in your heart. The testing of your faith produces endurance, endurance strengthens patience. Through faith and patience we will inherit the promises.

(37). Have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Heb 10:39, “ But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”

Note: Those who backslide or shrink back meet destruction, but true believers are those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

(38). By faith we understand.

Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

Note: In the matters of the world we understand and then believe. In the things of God by faith we understand, we believe in order to understand. If you believe and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth, you will understand the Word of God.

(39). Fix our eyes of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith.

Heb 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Note: You are blessed to have learned so much about faith in Christ. Fix your eyes on Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of faith. If I have to live my life over again, I will still be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. There is no such a thing called reincarnation. To believe in Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in anybody’s life.

(40). Ask in faith without any doubting.

Jas 1:6, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”

Note: Prayer is asking God. To pray we must ask God in faith without any doubting. I can testify God answers my prayers without number, therefore I continue to pray all the time.

(41). To be rich in faith.

Jas 2:5, “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

Note: Many want to get rich in this world. Everybody is getting mad to make money by all means. There are so many crooks, liars and frauds in this evil generation and they terrify me. Even if you are rich it can last only a short time. I would rather be rich in faith than to be the richest crooked man on earth who is without God and without hope.

(42). Faith pleases God.

Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Note: Faith pleases God. For that reason, unbelievers are doomed. You do not need to kill or rape or rob to go to Hell. Unbelief will send anyone straight to Hell.

(43). Faith without works is useless.

Jas 2:20, “But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?”

Jas 2:26, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”

Note: It does not mean you are saved by works. No matter how good your works are, they cannot save you or earn you the righteousness of God. If one says he believes but does not repent, he deceives himself. Faith is not inactive or passive. Faith rises up in action. Faith obeys God, that is called obedience of faith. Faith without works is useless. The righteous lives by faith. For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Faith without obedience is dead.

(44). Prayer offered in faith.

Jas 5:15, “and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.”

Note: The importance of prayer is not how long you pray, but how the prayer is offered earnestly in faith to God.

(45). Proof of your faith.

1Pe 1:7-9, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

Note: Mark you, faith has proof. The proof of a believer’s faith is more precious than gold, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the coming of Jesus Christ. Christianity is based on faith. Though Christians have not seen Christ, we love Him, and though we do not see Him now, but we believe in Him, obtaining the outcome of our faith the salvation of our souls.

(46). Faith and hope are in God.

1Pe 1:21, “who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

Note: Faith is linked to hope. It is impossible to have hope without faith. Our faith and hope are in God.

(47). Faith overcomes the world.

1Jo 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

Note: Overcome in Greek is nikaō which means to conquer; to prevail; to get the victory; to win the case; to subdue; to surmount; to defeat; – which occurs 28 times in the New Testament. Heb 11:33-34, “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” By faith Christians have overcome the world.

(48). Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.

Jde 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”

Note: By studying and obeying the Word of God and praying in the Holy Spirit, you can build up yourself on your most holy faith. The faith in God and Christ is most holy.

Rev 14:12, “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

Note: Faith in God is not like faith in man. Faith in Jesus is the most holy faith that builds up believers, praying in the Holy Spirit.

(49). Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love.”

Note: It is also through faith so that Christ may dwell in our hearts, and that we are being rooted and grounded in love. Through faith means by means of faith, or through the use of faith.

(50). Offer the sacrifice and service of your faith.

Phl 2:17, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

Note: The service you do for yourself may last a lifetime. The service you offer to mankind may last several generations. True faith will produce sacrifice and service to the Lord. The sacrifice and service of your faith will last for eternity.

(51). Not all have faith.

2Th 3:2, “and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.”

Note: Do not be surprised. Not all people have faith. Judging from the Word of Jesus, Mat 7:14,“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” There seems to be more unbelievers than believers. But don’t you get the wrong idea that Heaven will be a lonely place, sparsely populated. Jde 1:14, “Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones.” Rev 5:11, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.”

Heb 12:22, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels.” I have met millions of people around the world, but one good man is worth a billion wicked men. Besides one thing you may not know, all those aborted and killed infants by the grace of God go to Heaven.

Perverse and evil men do not have faith. May God rescue us from perverse and evil men. Those who preach good news and those who heard must be united by faith. Christians everywhere are united by faith. It is hoped you have faith in Christ Jesus so that you may be saved from your sins and judgment to come and have the eternal life.

(52). I do believe; help my unbelief.

Mar 9:24, “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

Note: We should pray like the father whose son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foam it at the mouth; the boy had the condition from childhood. But the father prayed, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief.

Scholars and theologians are usually turgid and pompous in expressing their so-called knowledge and views as fact. Do not waste your time and efforts to study secular academics who put Christianity on a par with Islam, Buddhism, Shintoism, animism, totemism and many more, who do not consider the distinction between Christian and non-Christian religion, and who use so-called higher criticism to discredit the Holy Bible. They attempt to know God from their own standpoint. They bolt and bar themselves against revelation of Jesus Christ by providing a substitute of their own views. Unbelief is always man’s belief in himself. Self, Sin, and Satan prevent oneself from believing and knowing the truth in Christ.

You have learned a lot what faith is. Faith is the act of believing, full of conviction. Faith in God and Christ is personal and individual matter. No one can believe on your behalf just as no one can eat for you. Jesus offers you the bread of life and the eternal life. Come and get it. It is for you to decide whether you want to believe in the Son of God, the Savior of mankind or not. No one can force you. Not even God will force you, for God has given you free will, free to choose life or death. The Faith is the thing we believe. The Christian Faith is the Faith all Christians believe in all generations collectively, the truth in Christ, so that we may receive the eternal salvation and inheritance in Heaven. The Faith is the Holy Faith because none in other religions, it was bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The Faith is the Way, Christianity.

The Christian Faith is holy because it was backed and guaranteed and substantiated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jhn 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.” The Apostles and early disciples made a decision, Jhn 6:68-69, “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have Words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” Our faith is holy because we believe in the Holy One of God.

Rom 10:12-13, “ For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

1Jo 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

Note: It is hoped you have the understanding so that you may know the Son of God who is true, His Son Jesus Christ. To believe and know the true God is eternal life.

Jhn 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”

Note: Jesus says, Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes God who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

It was reported that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was killed by a brain hemorrhage after his last words, “I have a terrific headache.” Truly, no matter who you are, powerful, wealthy, and famous, you have no control how you are going to die. Even secular academics and scientists do not know when they are going to die, not to say how they are going to die. A French atheist philosopher was dying, his followers gathered to watch his last moment; and he was struggling desperately to grab for something. They asked him what he was grabbing at. The atheist said, “I have nothing to hold to.” Watch how a Christian martyr died, Steven was stoned to death.

Act 7:59-60, “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.” To die in Christ is like falling asleep. It will be the day of resurrection when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to judge the living and the dead and to reign forever with the saints.

Everyone dies not knowing when and how. But you can be sure like Paul who said, 2Ti 1:12, “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” If you know Whom you have believed is the Lord of life, you do not worry.

Once upon a time there was an old lady who lived in a remote village. One day severe earthquake struck the small village, people were frightened running to and fro. A little girl asked her grandma, “Are you not afraid?” The grandma said, “No, I rejoice to know that my God can shake the world.”

David says, Psa 23:4-6, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Note: Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow Christians all the days of their lives, and we will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Now you know what “faith” is, and what is the “Faith”. It is up to you to act.

IX. HOPE

Before you have hope and love, you must first have faith. When Jesus was born, hope was born. The hope that sinners may be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To live in this world without God is without hope. “And the hope of the godless will perish.” Christians have a future, and have a hope. Act 2:26, “THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE.” So, Christians live on earth in hope. Have faith in God, and believe in Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. After you are saved, passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, then you may have the living and blessed hope. The blessed hope is to wait for, look for, expect, and desire the second coming of Jesus Christ. We hope for the resurrection of the dead. Act 24:15, “having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” The hope of the glory of God will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ appears and comes from Heaven with holy angels and saints to establish the Kingdom of God.



How do Christians hope? Rom 8:25, “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”

Rom 12:12-13, “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

Rom 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Note: The Scriptures were written for our instruction, if we study the Scriptures, through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

2Co 1:10, “who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us.”

Note: Jesus Christ has delivered us from so great a peril of death in sin, and He will deliver us from all the perils in this world, on whom we have set our hope.

Eph 1:18, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

Note: If the eyes of our heart are enlightened, so that we will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Our inheritance is the new Heaven and new earth, the Holy City, the New Jerusalem.

Tit 2:13. “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”

Note: On earth believers are looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. The second coming of Jesus Christ to judge and rule the world is the blessed hope of the saints. The hope of glory is when Jesus Christ returns, Christians shall share the glory with the Lord.

Tit 1:2, “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.”

Tit 3:7, “so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Note: On earth believers although have passed from spiritual death to life, but we have not inherited the eternal life yet. The hope of eternal life will be realized at the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior. The hope is set before us.

1Co 15:51-54, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.”

Note: This is the mystery that not all Christians will die. Those who are still alive when Jesus returns will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Our bodies will be transformed into a spiritual, immortal, and glorious body. The perishable bodies (that we have at the present) cannot go into the space; therefore they must be transformed (changed) into a spiritual, immortal and glorious body. In the Kingdom of Heaven, death is swallowed up in victory.

1Pe 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Note: All believers are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1Th 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the space, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

Note: The living hope is that the dead in Christ will rise first just as Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Those believers who are alive when Jesus comes will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the space. After that, all Christians of all generations will always be with the Lord for ever and ever.

Now before that living hope and blessed hope takes place, what shall Christians do in the meantime?

1Co 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Note: Christians not only hope and wait for the coming of the Lord, we must also be always abounding in the work of the Lord. What is the work of the Lord for all believers?

Phl 2:21-22, “For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the Gospel like a child serving his father.”

2Pe 3:11-12, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!”

Note: Since the world and all things are to be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat, Christians ought to be in holy conduct and godliness. American women are increasingly eager to dress in a way to expose their breasts. That is certainly not in holy conduct and godliness. Greed has overwhelmed the whole world. For money and power, people lie, kill and rob. The holy conduct and godliness include bearing fruit for God and preaching the Gospel as a witness. In doing so we look for and hastening the coming of the day of God.

2Pe 3:13, “But according to His promise we are looking for new Heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

Note: When the day of God arrives, according to His promise Christians will have new Heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells, and will dwell with the Lord for eternity.

Rom 5:5, “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Note: There are so many disappointments in this world.

The Christian hope is guaranteed by God, sure and blessed; believers will not be disappointed.

X. LOVE

You may be looking East or West, you cannot find better description and definition of love than what is written in the Holy Bible. The Excellence of Love is the Manifesto of Love:

1Co 13:1-13, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part;

but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Love is the greatest because love is the most wonderful. God is LOVE, but love is not God.

This wonderful one and only God can be revealed only by Jesus Christ the Son of God. “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.” Jesus Christ declares and reveals God to the world,

Jhn 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This truth is fundamental, God is Spirit, therefore all other religions worship the false god. Those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit cannot worship God in truth.

The All-Powerful, All-Wise, All-Good, All-True, All-Holy, All-Righteous God can be precisely described as:

1. God is Love.

1Jo 4:8, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is Love.”

1Jo 4:16, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is Love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

God does not merely love, God is LOVE. No other religion teaches God is love. Those who do not know God is love have not come to God.

2. God is Light.

1Jo 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Light is the symbol of truth, God is Truth.

3. God is True and eternal Life.

1Jo 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

How can one worship this true and eternal God? Jesus sums it up in one word, Love.

Mat 22:36-40, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

How to love the Lord your God? Love Him with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. The Bible declares, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us” (1 Jhn 3:16 ) Christianity requires Christians to love God and mankind. How to love your fellow man? Love your neighbor as yourself. Treat others as you want to be treated. Therefore, warmongers, dictators, aggressors, oppressors, supremacists, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, militarists, monopolists, and terrorists do not love God and mankind, therefore they can not be Christians. Those who love have fulfilled the law.

Love is a great motivator. Jacob loved Rachel so much and Laban cheated Jacob to serve him for 14 years. Gen 29:20, “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.” Love is patient and able to endure seven years as a few days. The Bible says,

Gal 5:14, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

Above all, the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of the Spirit matters most in a Christian life. As to brotherly love and the love of mankind, believers must conduct themselves according to 2Co 6:6-7, ”in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left.”

In Greek genuine is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without simulation; without hypocrisy; undisguised; sincere; undissembled; actual; true; real; authentic; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. I have been young, and now I am old; based on what I have experienced, seen and observed, genuine love is very rare that makes it even more precious.

Jesus says to His disciples, Luk 6:27, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

Jesus has the highest standard of love, He commands His followers to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” There is no religion that teaches to love your enemies.

CONCLUSION

By now the Christian values have been explained and made clear to you. The Christian values guide believers to live a holy and godly life in expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge and rule the world. Christians live in obedience to the will of God. Unlike those who hold the secular values of money, power, and sex who live in this world without God and without hope.

Years ago when I was working my ways in America, I used to live at a boarding house on Hope Street, I walked to work every day on Hope Street, and I worked at a hospital located on Hope Street. So I made a joke to my friends: I live in Hope, I walk on Hope, and I work at Hope.

For unbelievers, the value of life is an economic value. Jesus says, Mat 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Peace of mind does not produce the right values. The right values produce by right actions, the actions of repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. The faith that leads you to salvation in Christ is the right faith. Once you have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, you have hope in Christ. As your faith grows, you have work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. For it is for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that Christians labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. All believers who are strangers and pilgrims on the earth are daily looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” The problems of American society is the custom and culture that defines a man by his monetary and material success. In America, to be successful is to have money, power, and sex; the more you have, the more successful you are. The whole world is infected by these secular values. The real values of life for every Christian on earth is FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. These are good spiritual values that every believer cherishes. If you do not have these, you do not have anything. Someone said, “Values are like fingerprints. Nobodies are the same.” Wrong. Christians all over the world of all generations and of all races and of all backgrounds have the same values of Faith, Hope, and Love. Good values do not necessarily attract people. There are more people in this world who hold and practice the values of money, power, and sex. They are the broad way that leads many to destruction.

The Christians values of Faith, Hope, and Love guide the pilgrim on his journey to the Heavenly City. The Christian lives by faith in obedience to the Lord, lives by the Word of God; lives in hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ; and loves the Lord and the brotherhood in sincerity, and without hypocrisy.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” Therefore, it is impossible for Christians to become corrupt and greedy doctors and hospital owners who defraud and overcharge patients. It is impossible for Christians to attack, lie, kill, and rob people like American leaders and politicians. Christians can never be imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, evolutionists, monopolists, supremacists, racists, terrorists, warmongers, dictators, oppressors, troublemakers, drug and sex traffickers, etc.

To live in this world, Christians need the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2Co 13:14) to keep and practice the Christian values of Faith, Hope, and Love; so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; and we, Christians, are being rooted and grounded in love. ( Eph 3:17)

Mat 6:10:

‘Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.”

Rev 22:20:

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”’

Willie Wong Thought
Willie Wong
August 10, 2025
https://williewong.cw.center/wp-admin
Copyright © 2018 – 2025 by Willie Wong

*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth. 

This article is written to let you know Science is nothing but human knowledge, and Scripture is divine knowledge — the Word of God which lasts forever.

Why we start with science? Not because science is preeminent. Not because science is chronologically first. Not because science is precedent. It is because most people blindly follow the crowd to believe in a lie.

I do not mean science is a lie, although many scientific theories have been proven false in history. If you live in Belitung a hundred years, you will never see snow. If you want to see snow, come to Harbin in winter. You will not only see snow, you will see Ice Palace. The days are coming when Belitung and Harbin will disappear, but the Word of God will never disappear.

An American president who advertises himself as a born-again Christian is also a believer in evolution. According to the Word of God, no evolutionists can go to Heaven. Why? Jesus Himself confirmed, 

Mar 10:5-6,”But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this 

commandment. But from the beginning of creation, 

God CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE.”

Clearly Jesus teaches creation and rejects evolution.

Jhn 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one 

will snatch them out of My hand.”

The sheep of Jesus listen to the voice of Jesus and they follow Jesus. Evolutionists are not the sheep of Jesus because they do not follow Jesus.

Even if all scientists of all generations combined to hold that man was created by evolution, (may I remind you not a few scientists who do not believe in evolution), I would still listen to the Voice of my God and Savior that in the beginning God created male and female. Why? All scientists dead or alive do not know when they are going to die. In comparison, Lord Jesus Christ knew exactly He was going to be crucified by the wicked hands, rose again from the dead on the third day, ascended to the highest Heaven, coming to be the King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the world, and reign with the saints forever and ever. Although I am an American on earth, in eternity I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdoms of the world are passing away.

According to https://jasperandsardine.wordpress.com/2019/03/11/scientific-dissent-from-darwinism-over-1000-scientists-openly-sign-document-disagreeing-with-evolutionary-theory/

“Scientific Dissent From Darwinism: Over 1,000 Scientists Openly Sign Document Disagreeing With Evolutionary Theory

dericiousknittyMarch 11, 2019Eyes to See, History Rewritten

“Over 1,000 doctoral scientists from around the world have signed a “Dissent” statement expressing skepticism about Darwin’s evolution theory, sparking fresh controversy over an idea that is at the core of many people’s worldview. The significant announcement, made last month, has been all but ignored by the establishment media. But it is making waves nevertheless.

The dissenting scientists all united around one simple statement. “We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life,” the Ph.D.s said. “Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged. There is scientific dissent from Darwinism. It deserves to be heard.”

What is science? According to my definition, Science is the best human knowledge at a time and place. Science has no knowledge of God. Science cannot and does not study the spiritual, supernatural, invisible and eternal. God is beyond the realm of science. 

A question which Jesus often asked the Jews, “Did you never read in the Scriptures?” People read the so-called great books written by men, but many peoples have not read the Holy Scriptures! 

When Jesus was on earth, He often said to Pharisees and Sadducees  (the intelligentsia of His time) that they were mistaken, since they did not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God. Today also Scientists do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God

I.  WHAT IS SCIENCE

This is my definition of science. Science is the best of human knowledge at a time and place. It is important to recognize that science is a part of human knowledge. 

The nature of human knowledge:

A). Human knowledge is fallible, so is science.

B). Human knowledge is never absolute, so is science.

C). Human knowledge is never complete or perfect, so  science is tentative.

D). Human knowledge does not study spiritual, supernatural, invisible, and eternal; so science is the same.

E). Human knowledge cannot inquire about God, so God is beyond the realm of science.

F). Human knowledge is always progressive and never ultimate, and so science moves forward not knowing its destination.

I believe Isaac Newton is the greatest scientist, here are what he has to say. In science no one is comparable to Isaac Newton and I am overwhelmed by his knowledge and hereby educated:

“Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion.

What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean.

Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.

Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance.

All knowledge and understanding of the Universe was no more than playing with stones and shells on the seashore of the vast imponderable ocean of truth.

I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.

I know not how I seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with while the vast ocean of undiscovered truth lay before me.

All my discoveries have been made in answer to prayer.

In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God’s existence.

To arrive at the simplest truth requires years of contemplation.

A man may imagine things that are false, but he can only understand things that are true, for if the things be false, the apprehension of them is not understanding.

A Heavenly Master governs all the world as Sovereign of the universe. We are astonished at Him by reason of His perfection, we honor Him and fall down before Him because of His unlimited power. From blind physical necessity, which is always and everywhere the same, no variety adhering to time and place could evolve, and all variety of created objects which represent order and life in the universe could happen only by the willful reasoning of its original Creator, Whom I call the Lord God.

He who thinks half-heartedly will not believe in God; but he who really thinks has to believe in God.

To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man or even for any one age.

Truth is the offspring of silence and meditation.

If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been due more to patient attention, than to any other talent.

As a blind man has no idea of colors, so we have no idea of the manner by which the all-wise God perceives and understands all things.

If two angels were sent down from heaven -one to conduct an empire and the other to sweep the streets -they would feel no inclination to change employment because an angel would know that no matter what we are doing, it’s an opportunity to bring joy, deepen our understanding and expand our life.

No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible.

And from true lordship it follows that the true God is living, intelligent, and powerful; from the other perfections, that he is supreme, or supremely perfect. He is eternal and infinite, omnipotent and omniscient; that is, he endures from eternity to eternity; and he is present from infinity to infinity; he rules all things, and he knows all things that happen or can happen.

I can measure the motion of bodies but I cannot measure human folly.

Where both are friends, it is right to prefer truth.

I do not think that this [the universe] can be explained only by natural causes, and are forced to impute to the wisdom and ingenuity of an intelligent.

Plato is my friend, Aristotle is my friend, but my greatest friend is truth.

I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.

The wonderful arrangement and harmony of the cosmos would only originate in the plan of an almighty omniscient being. This is and remains my greatest comprehension.

I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by men who were inspired. I study the Bible daily. Opposition to godliness is atheism in profession and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors.

God created everything by number, weight and measure.

A body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by an outside force.

The other part of the true religion is our duty to man. We must love our neighbour as our selves, we must be charitable to all men for charity is the greatest of graces, greater then even faith or hope & covers a multitude of sins. We must be righteous & do to all men as we would they should do to us.

Godliness consists in the knowledge love & worship of God, Humanity in love, righteousness & good offices towards man.

We account the Scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy.

If others would think as hard as I did, then they would get similar
results.

No being exists or can exist which is not related to space in some way. God is everywhere, created minds are somewhere, and body is in the space that it occupies; and whatever is neither everywhere nor anywhere does not exist. And hence it follows that space is an effect arising from the first existence of being, because when any being is postulated, space is postulated.

There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history.

Yet one thing secures us what ever betide, the scriptures assures us that the Lord will provide.

It is the perfection of God’s works that they are all done with the greatest simplicity. He is the God of order and not of confusion. And therefore as they would understand the frame of the world must endeavor to reduce their knowledge to all possible simplicity, so must it be in seeking to understand these visions.

Sir Isaac Newton was asked how he discovered the law of gravity. He replied, “By thinking about it all the time.

I shall not mingle conjectures with certainties.

I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me, and wait till the first dawning opens gradually, by little and little, into a full and clear light.

Every particle of matter is attracted by or gravitates to every other particle of matter with a force inversely proportional to the squares of their distances.

He rules all things, not as the world soul but as the lord of all. And because of his dominion he is called Lord God Pantokrator”. For “god” is a relative word and has reference to servants, and godhood is the lordship of God, not over his own body “as is supposed by those for whom God is the world soul’, but over servants.

God is able to create particles of matter of several sizes and figures and perhaps of different densities and forces, and thereby to vary the laws of nature, and make worlds of several sorts in several parts of the Universe.

The instinct of brutes and insects can be the effect of nothing else than the wisdom and skill of a powerful ever-living agent.

The folly of Interpreters has been, to foretell times and things by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt.
The design of God was much otherwise. He gave this and the Prophecies of the Old Testament, not to gratify mens curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event, and his own Providence, not the Interpreters, be then manifested thereby to the world.

Did blind chance know that there was light and what was its refraction, and fit the eyes of all creatures after the most curious manner to make use of it? These and other suchlike considerations, always have, and always will prevail with mankind, to believe that there is a Being who made all things, who has all things in his power, and who is therefore to be feared.

An object that is at rest will tend to stay at rest. An object that is in motion will tend to stay in motion.

As Attraction is stronger in small Magnets than in great ones in proportion to their Bulk, and Gravity is greater in the Surfaces of small Planets than in those of great ones in proportion to their bulk, and small Bodies are agitated much more by electric attraction than great ones; so the smallness of the Rays of Light may contribute very much to the power of the Agent by which they are refracted.

Daniel was in the greatest credit amongst the Jews, till the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. And to reject his prophecies, is to reject the Christian religion. For this religion is founded upon his prophecy concerning the Messiah.

What Descartes did was a good step. You have added much several ways, and especially in taking the colours of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.

We are not to consider the world as the body of God: he is an uniform being, void of organs, members, or parts; and they are his creatures, subordinate to him, and subservient to his will.

It seems probable to me that God, in the beginning, formed matter in solid, massy, hard, impenetrable, moveable particles, of such sizes and figures, and with such other properties, and in such proportions to space, as most conduced to the end for which He formed them; and that these primitive particles, being solids, are incomparably harder than any porous bodies compounded of them, even so very hard as never to wear or break in pieces; no ordinary power being able to divide what God had made one in the first creation.

This thing is but a puny imitation of a much grander system whose laws you know, and I am not able to convince you that this mere toy is without a designer or maker; yet you profess to believe that the great original from which the design is taken has come into being without either designer or maker! Now tell me by what sort of reasoning do you reach such an incongruous conclusion?

Atheism is so senseless & odious to mankind that it never had many professors. Can it be by accident that all birds beasts & men have their right side & left side alike shaped (except in their bowels) & just two eyes & no more on either side the face & just two ears on either side the head & a nose with two holes & no more between the eyes & one mouth under the nose & either two fore legs or two wings or two arms on the shoulders & two legs on the hips one on either side & no more?

What the Latins have done in this text (1 John v, 7) the Greeks have done to Paul (1 Tim. iii, 16). They now read, “Great is the mystery of godliness; God manifest in the flesh”; whereas all the churches for the first four or five hundred years, and the authors of all the ancient versions, Jerome as well as the rest, read, “Great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifest in the flesh.” Our English version makes it yet a little stronger. It reads, “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.”

Philosophy is such an impertinently litigious lady that a man had as good be engaged in lawsuits as have to do with her.

Blind metaphysical necessity, which is certainly the same always and every where, could produce no variety of things. All that diversity of natural things which we find suited to different times and places could arise from nothing but the ideas and will of a Being, necessarily existing.

God in the beginning formed matter in solid, massy, hard, impenetrable, movable particles, of such sizes and figures, and with such other properties, and in such proportion to space, as most conduced to the end for which he formed them.

What is there in places empty of matter? and Whence is it that the sun and planets gravitate toward one another without dense matter between them? Whence is it that Nature doth nothing in vain? and Whence arises all that order and beauty which we see in the world? To what end are comets? and Whence is it that planets move all one and the same way in orbs concentrick, while comets move all manner of ways in orbs very excentrick? and What hinders the fixed stars from falling upon one another?

... Newton was an unquestioning believer in an all-wise creator of the universe, and in his own inability – like the boy on the seashore – to fathom the entire ocean in all its depths. He therefore believed that there were not only many things in heaven beyond his philosophy, but plenty on earth as well, and he made it his business to understand for himself what the majority of intelligent men of his time accepted without dispute (to them it was as natural as common sense) – the traditional account of the creation.

The monarchy of the Greeks for want of an heir was broken into several kingdoms; four of which, seated to the four winds of heaven, were very eminent. For Ptolemy reigned over Egypt, Lybia and Ethiopia ; Antigonus over Syria and the lesser Asia; Lysimachus over Thrace ; and Cassander over Macedon, Greece and Epirus .

The Synthesis consists in assuming the Causes discovered and established as Principles, and by them explaining the Phænomena proceeding from them, and proving the Explanations.

The best and safest way of philosophising seems to be, first to enquire diligently into the properties of things, and to establish those properties by experiences [experiments] and then to proceed slowly to hypotheses for the explanation of them. For hypotheses should be employed only in explaining the properties of things, but not assumed in determining them; unless so far as they may furnish experiments.

Centripetal force is the force by which bodies are drawn from all sides, are impelled, or in any way tend, toward some point as to a center.

A good watch may serve to keep a recconing at Sea for some days and to know the time of a Celestial Observ[at]ion: and for this end a good Jewel watch may suffice till a better sort of Watch can be found out. But when the Longitude at sea is once lost, it cannot be found again by any watch.

It is indeed a matter of great difficulty to discover, and effectually to distinguish, the true motions of particular bodies from the apparent; because the parts of that immovable space, in which those motions are performed, do by no means come under the observation of our senses. Yet the thing is not altogether desperate; for we have some arguments to guide us, partly from the apparent motions, which are the differences of the true motions; partly from the forces, which are the causes and effects of the true motions.

Henceforward the Christian Churches having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, came into the hands of the Encratites: and the Heathens, who in the fourth century came over in great numbers to the Christians, embraced more readily this sort of Christianity, as having a greater affinity with their old superstitions, than that of the sincere Christians; who by the lamps of the seven Churches of Asia, and not by the lamps of the Monasteries, had illuminated the Church Catholic during the three first centuries.

In experimental philosophy, propositions gathered from phenomena by induction should be considered either exactly or very nearly true notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses, until yet other phenomena make such propositions either more exact or liable to exceptions.

The main Business of Natural Philosophy is to argue from Phænomena without feigning Hypotheses, and to deduce Causes from Effects till we come to the very first Cause, which certainly is not mechanical; and not only to unfold the Mechanism of the World, but chiefly to resolve these, and to such like Questions.

You sometimes speak of gravity as essential and inherent to matter. Pray do not ascribe that notion to me, for the cause of gravity is what I do not pretend to know, and therefore would take more time to consider of it.

Thus far I have explained the phenomena of the heavens and of our sea by the force of gravity, but I have not yet assigned a cause to gravity. Indeed, this force arises from some cause that penetrates as far as the centers of the sun and planets without any diminution of its power to act, and that acts not in proportion to the quantity of the surfaces of the particles on which it acts (as mechanical causes are wont to do) but in proportion to the quantity of solid matter, and whose action is extended everywhere to immense distances, always decreasing as the squares of the distances.

In the reign of the Greek Emperor Justinian , and again in the reign of Phocas , the Bishop of Rome obtained some dominion over the Greek Churches, but of no long continuance. His standing dominion was only over the nations of the Western Empire, represented by Daniel’s fourth Beast.

As in Mathematicks, so in Natural Philosophy, the Investigation of difficult Things by the Method of Analysis, ought ever to precede the Method of Composition. This Analysis consists in making Experiments and Observations, and in drawing general Conclusions from them by Induction, and admitting of no Objections against the Conclusions, but such as are taken from Experiments, or other certain Truths. For Hypotheses are not to be regarded in experimental Philosophy.

I have not been able to discover the cause of those properties of gravity from phenomena, and I frame no hypotheses; for whatever is not deduced from the phenomena is to be called a hypothesis, and hypotheses, whether metaphysical or physical, whether of occult qualities or mechanical, have no place in experimental philosophy.

Through algebra you easily arrive at equations, but always to pass therefrom to the elegant constructions and demonstrations which usually result by means of the method of porisms is not so easy, nor is one’s ingenuity and power of invention so greatly exercised and refined in this analysis.”

Some statements of well-known scientists may also surprise you:

Isaac Newton said, “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

Max Planck said, “As a man who has devoted his whole life to the most clear headed science, to the study of matter, I can tell you as a result of my research about atoms this much: There is no matter as such. All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration and holds this most minute solar system of the atom together. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This mind is the matrix of all matter.”

Jules Verne said, “Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.”

Carl Sagan said, “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

Max Planck said, “Whence come I and whither go I? That is the great unfathomable question, the same for every one of us. Science has no answer to it.”

Albert Einstein said, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

Louis Pasteur said, “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.”

Max Planck said, “All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force… We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter.”

Thomas Huxley said, “Science is simply common sense at its best.”

Alan Perlis said, “A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.”

Isaac Newton said, “The great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

Max Planck said, “There can never be any real opposition between religion and science; for the one is the complement of the other.”

Roger Bacon said, “The strongest arguments prove nothing so long as the conclusions are not verified by experience. Experimental science is the queen of sciences and the goal of all speculation.”

Max Planck said, “Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: ‘Ye must have faith.’”

Karl Popper said, “Science may be described as the art of systematic over-simplification.”

Richard P. Feynman said, “If you thought that science was certain – well, that is just an error on your part.”

Albert Einstein said, “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”

Stephen Hawking said, “Science predicts that many different kinds of universe will be spontaneously created out of nothing. It is a matter of chance which we are in.”

Max Planck said, “Modern physics has taught us that the nature of any system cannot be discovered by dividing it into its component parts and studying each part by itself… We must keep our attention fixed on the whole and on the interconnection between the parts. The same is true of our intellectual life. It is impossible to make a clear cut between science, religion, and art. The whole is never equal simply to the sum of its various parts.”

Albert Einstein said, “Science can only ascertain what is, but not what should be, and outside of its domain value judgements of all kinds remain necessary.”

Enrico Fermi said, “There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you’ve made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you’ve made a discovery.”

Jacques Yves Cousteau said, “What is a scientist after all? It is a curious man looking through a keyhole, the keyhole of nature, trying to know what’s going on.”

Max Planck said, “It was not by accident that the greatest thinkers of all ages were deeply religious souls.”

Richard P. Feynman said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.”

Werner Heisenberg said, “What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.”

Carl Sagan said, “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.”

Max Planck said, “Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.”

Galileo Galilei said, “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”

Karl Popper said, “Our knowledge can only be finite, while our ignorance must necessarily be infinite.”

Max Planck said, “In all my research I have never come across matter. To me the term matter implies a bundle of energy which is given form by an intelligent spirit.”

Max Planck said, “Science progresses not by convincing the adherents of old theories that they are wrong, but by allowing enough time to pass so that a new generation can arise unencumbered by the old errors.”

Max Planck said, “We are in a position similar to that of a mountaineer who is wandering over uncharted spaces, and never knows whether behind the peak which he sees in front of him and which he tries to scale there may not be another peak still beyond and higher up.”

Max Planck said, “Farsighted theologians are now working to mine the eternal metal from the teachings of Jesus and to forge it for all time.”

Max Planck said, “Religion belongs to the realm that is inviolable before the law of causation and therefore closed to science.”

Max Planck said, “Hitherto the principle of causality was universally accepted as an indispensable postulate of scientific research, but now we are told by some physicists that it must be thrown overboard. The fact that such an extraordinary opinion should be expressed in responsible scientific quarters is widely taken to be significant of the all-round unreliability of human knowledge. This indeed is a very serious situation.”

Isaac Asimov said, “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’

Albert Einstein said, “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”

Thomas Huxley said, “Irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.”

Richard P. Feynman said, “What I am going to tell you about is what we teach our physics students in the third or fourth year of graduate school… It is my task to convince you not to turn away because you don’t understand it. You see my physics students don’t understand it… That is because I don’t understand it. Nobody does.”

Wernher von Braun said, “Basic research is what I am doing when I don’t know what I am doing.”

Edwin Powell Hubble said, “Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.”

Horace Mann said, “Scientific truth is marvelous, but moral truth is divine and whoever breathes its air and walks by its light has found the lost paradise.”

According to https://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/scientific-theories-proven-wrong

According to Peter Vickers of Durham University, there are 4 convincing scientific theories that were wrong for decades. 1.  The ‘fish stage’ of human development by Johann Friedrich Meckel.  “Meckel’s idea of a linear series of biological perfection was completely untenable.” 2. A planet built for humans by James Hutton. “Hutton’s theory was wrong in all sorts of ways compared to contemporary thinking. Most obviously, the Earth is not designed for human beings. And, of course, Hutton had no concept of plate tectonics.” 3. The theory that fooled Einstein.

“…we now know to be a deeply flawed model of the atom, in which electrons literally orbit the atomic nucleus in circles. 4. Electrons as tiny balls. “Today we know that electrons don’t really orbit the nucleus at all. But scientists working in the early 20th century thought of electrons as very tiny balls, and assumed their motion would be comparable with the motion of actual balls.”
The above are actual scientific theories which later proved wrong, explained by an expert.

Karl Popper said, “In point of fact, no conclusive disproof of a theory can ever be produced; for it is always possible to say that the experimental results are not reliable, or that the discrepancies which are asserted to exist between the experimental results and the theory are only apparent and that they will disappear with the advances of our understanding.”

II.  Two Kinds of Knowledge

Of all knowledge in the world, they can be divided into:

A).  HUMAN KNOWLEDG

B).  DIVINE KNOWLEDGE

A). Human knowledge

Science is a part of human knowledge.

Human knowledge can be acquired by senses, experimentation and study.

My definition of science: Science is the best organized human knowledge at a place in time. Science is progressive, tentative, never absolute or ultimate.

1). Science does not know what is absolute.

2). “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” as cited by Louis Pasteur.

3). Science is not infallible.

“Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.” – as Jules Verne said.

4). Science cannot study spirit, supernatural, divine, invisible, eternal. God is beyond the realm of science.

5). Science can never acquire the knowledge of God.

B).  Divine Knowledge

1). Divine knowledge cannot be acquired by scientific method or human efforts.

2). Divine or spiritual knowledge can be obtained only by Revelation.

Pro 2:5-22, “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

According to the Holy Scriptures, to discover the knowledge of God, you will first understand the fear of the Lord. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. This is how to obtain the knowledge of God.

No scientists, no anybody, can discover the knowledge of God by themselves.

“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Guarding the paths of justice, and He watches over the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness, justice, and integrity, 

and every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart,
And knowledge will be delightful to your soul; Discretion will watch over you, Understanding will guard you, To rescue you from the way of evil,
From a person who speaks perverse things; From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;

Who delight in doing evil And rejoice in the perversity of evil;

Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways;

To rescue you from the strange woman, From the foreign woman who flatters with her words, Who leaves the companion of her youth
And forgets the covenant of her God; For her house sinks down to death,
And her tracks lead to the dead; None who go to her return,
Nor do they reach the paths of life.

So you will walk in the way of good people
And keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will live in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;

But the wicked will be eliminated from the land,
And the treacherous will be torn away from it.”

I often think won’t it be wonderful if the West Is rescued from the way of evil and from perverse things; leaving the ways of darkness, the perversity of evil, and crooked paths and devious ways!

Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, you sons of Israel, because the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, for there 

is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.”

The world today is just like the Lord had a case against the inhabitants of the land: there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Rom 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Since Jesus came to the world, Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

1Co 15:34, “Sober up morally and stop sinning, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”

To their shame, Western leaders and politicians claim to be Christians, yet they are not sober up morally and keep on sinning, so they have no knowledge of God.

2Co 10:5, “We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

On the contrary, Christians are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Every ideology today is false and arrogant. We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Christians obey Christ.

Col 1:10, “so that you will walk in a manner 

worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Because Christians obey Christ, so we must walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. The knowledge 

of God can be increased. The more knowledge of God we have, the more we please the Lord in all respects.

2Pe 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

As the knowledge of God increases, grace and peace may be multiplied to Christians in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Num 24:16, “The declaration of him who hears 

the Words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes Uncovered.”

Only those who hear the Words of God can know the knowledge of the Most High.

1Sa 2:3, “Do not go on boasting so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him 

actions are weighed.”

The Lord is a God of knowledge, with Him actions of men are weighed. So do not go on boasting so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth. Do you know any Western leaders and politicians who are not boasting and arrogant? The people who have the knowledge of God will not boast or become arrogant.

Isa 45:20

“… They have no knowledge, who carry around 

their wooden idol and pray to a god who cannot save.”

People who carry around their idol and pray to a god who cannot save have no knowledge. 

Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, you sons of Israel, because the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, for there is no 

faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.”

It can be said that the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the world, for there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the world.

Hos 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Since you 

have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

People are destroyed for lack of knowledge. American people are lack of knowledge. They have rejected the knowledge of God by trusting in hegemony, imperialism, capitalism, phony democracy, injustice, and nuclear weapons. The Democrats are leading America to suicide, the Republicans have a crook and criminal and liar for a leader. Americans have forgotten the Word of God, America may choose the path of destruction. Honestly, America is facing too many problems.

2Co 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.”

Christians are God’s chosen people, we have many things to thank God. God always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through the children of God reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of God in every place. Even America will be defeated, Christians have triumph in Christ.

2Co 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” 

is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Christians are peculiar people, for God who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the

Father of glory, may give you a Spirit of wisdom and 

of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

God the Father of glory has given believers the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. Revelation in Greek is apokalypsis which means enlightenment; manifestation; laying bare; making naked; a disclosure of truth; making known things before unknown; an uncovering; — which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. I have said it before and I say it again, the most beautiful word in the world is apokalysis in Greek and revelation in English. We cannot have the knowledge of God without revelation. As an illustration, the people of the world grope in darkness, but a Light for Revelation came with Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, and the Light of life.

https://studybible.info/vines

Revelation – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words Revelation

[ 1,,G602, apokalupsis ]
an uncovering” (akin to apokalupto; See above), “is used in the NT of
(a) the drawing away by Christ of the veil of darkness covering the Gentiles, Luke 2:32; cp. Isaiah 25:7;
(b) ‘the mystery,’ the purpose of God in this age, Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3;
(c) the communication of the knowledge of God to the soul, Ephesians 1:17;
(d) an expression of the mind of God for the instruction of the church, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:26, for the instruction of the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 1:12, and for his guidance, Galatians 2:2;
(e) the Lord Jesus Christ, to the saints at His Parousia, 1 Corinthians 1:7, RV (AV, ‘coming’); 1 Peter 1:7, RV (AV, ‘appearing’), 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:13;
(f) the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes to dispense the judgments of God, 2 Thessalonians 1:7; cp. Romans 2:5;
(g) the saints, to the creation, in association with Christ in His glorious reign, Romans 8:19, RV, ‘revealing’ (AV, ‘manifestation’);
(h) the symbolic forecast of the final judgments of God, Revelation 1:1 (hence the Greek title of the book, transliterated ‘Apocalypse’ and translated ‘Revelation’).” * [* From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 228, 229.] See APPEARING, COMING, LIGHTEN, B, Note, MANIFESTATION.

According to https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/divine-revelation/

“Divine Revelation

First published Fri Jul 17, 2020

“Revelation” (lat. revelatio) is a translation of the Greek word apokalypsis, which means the removal of a veil so that something can be seen. Many religions appeal to purported divine revelations in order to explain and justify their characteristic beliefs about God, and revelation has usually been understood as an epistemic notion.[1] Paradigmatically, it refers to alleged instances of divine speaking or special divine acts in history, although in a more general sense “revelation” can denote any means of divine self-disclosure, for example through nature. The topic of divine revelation has been a long-standing and central focus in theology, and philosophical discussions have often taken their cues from Christian theological debates.[2] This entry will treat theological perspectives only in so far as they are relevant for philosophical questions about the purported nature and means of divine revelation and the justification of revelatory claims.”

1. Conceptions of Divine Revelation

Revelation, as commonly understood, has to do with the dispelling of ignorance. The counterpart of “the revealed”, therefore, is “the hidden” (Wolterstorff 1995: 23). However, the term has many meanings or uses—religious as well as non-religious—which are related to each other analogically. A distinction should be made, first, between the process and product meaning of the word. “Revelation” can either refer to the act/process of revealing something, or to the content that is revealed. Second, while in ordinary discourse one can “have a revelation” without there being a revealer (an agent that reveals), in religious contexts revelation is usually understood as a “person-to-person affair” (Helm 1982: 14; Mavrodes 1988: 96).

The following scheme (S) identifies the elements that are necessary for a revelatory claim (a claim that a revelation has occurred) to be true:

(S)

m reveals a to n by means of (through, etc.) k (Mavrodes 1988: 88).

In addition to a revealer (m) and an audience (n), an act of revelation must have a content (a) that is made known or available to the audience through some means (k). Given this scheme, several areas of controversy can be pin-pointed. Since the topic is divine revelation, m is of course identified with God. However, in contemporary Christian thought, there is a debate about the nature of a. Is the content of divine revelation propositions about or related to God, or is it God himself, or both (O‘Collins 2016a: Ch. 1)? Many theologians emphasize that God reveals himself rather than propositions or “information”. This debate (to which we will return) must be understood against the background of the Christian doctrine of the incarnation, which claims that God “became flesh and lived among us” (John 1: 14).”

2Ti 2:24-25, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.”

If you repent of your sins, God may grant you mercy leading to the knowledge of the truth.

III. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

According to 

12 Best Books Of Bible Chart Printable – printablee.com

printablee.com|796 × 1080 jpeg|

Image may be subject to copyright.

This chart is most useful to have an overview of the Holy Bible. There are 39 books in the Old Testament;

3 x 9 = 27. There are 27 books in the New Testament; 39 + 27 = 66. The Holy Bible is made of 66 books.

The Word of God, the Holy Scripture, the Holy Bible is made known by revelation, and it is written in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

This is an easy way of remembering the Holy Bible, 39 books in the Old Testament: 3 x 9 = 27 books in the New Testament.  The Holy Bible is made of 39+27=66 books.

Scripture” occurs 30 times in 30 verses in the NASB20.

ACCORDING TO https://www.britannica.com/topic/scripture/Scriptures-in-Western-religions

“scripture

“Most sacred scriptures were originally oral and were passed down through memorization from generation to generation until they were finally committed to writing.”

This is not true with the Holy Scriptures of the Christian faith. I neither have interest nor intention to make comparative studies of religions. I do not have desire to make comparative study of the Holy Scriptures with other scriptures of other religions. It is a futility to compare the false with the true, and it is in vain to compare the words of men with the Words of God. In passing I want you to know, no true Christian believes in book of Mormon, not a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Holy Bible.

I also want to call your attention, because John Calvin taught falsely the doctrine of predestination, that God predestines certain peoples to go to Hell, the Atonement of Christ is limited no matter how you repent and believe — I consider the works of John Calvin toxic, and I do not wish to waste my life to study which of his teachings are true and which are false. So is with Karl Barth who falsely teaches the Bible is not the word of God but contains the Word of God. It is in vain to waste your time on the poisonous works of a false prophet and false teacher. Redeem the time to study only the Word of God which is eternal.

Scripture – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Scripture

[ 1,,G1124, graphe ]
akin to grapho, to write” (Eng., “graph,” “graphic,” etc.), primarily denotes “a drawing, painting;” then “a writing,”
(a) of the OT Scriptures,
(1) in the plural, the whole, e.g., Matthew 21:42; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Acts 18:24; Romans 1:2, where “the prophets” comprises the OT writers in general; Romans 15:4; Romans 16:26, lit., “prophetic writings,” expressing the character of all the Scriptures;
(2) in the singular in reference to a particular passage, e.g., Mark 12:10; Luke 4:21; John 2:22; John 10:35 (though applicable to all); John 19:24, John 19:28, John 19:36–John 19:37; John 20:9; Acts 1:16; Acts 8:32, Acts 8:35; Romans 4:3; Romans 9:17; Romans 10:11; Romans 11:2; Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:22; Galatians 4:30; 1 Timothy 5:18, where the 2nd quotation is from Luke 10:7, from which it may be inferred that the Apostle included Luke’s Gospel as “Scripture” alike with Deuteronomy, from which the first quotation is taken; in reference to the whole, e.g., James 4:5 (See RV, a separate rhetorical question from the one which follows); in 2 Peter 1:20, “no prophecy of Scripture,” a description of all, with special application to the OT in the next verse;
(b) of the OT Scriptures (those accepted by the Jews as canonical) and all those of the NT which were to be accepted by Christians as authoritative, 2 Timothy 3:16; these latter were to be discriminated from the many forged epistles and other religious “writings” already produced and circulated in Timothy’s time. Such discrimination would be directed by the fact that “every Scripture,” characterized by inspiration of God, would be profitable for the purposes mentioned; so the RV. The AV states truth concerning the completed Canon of Scripture, but that was not complete when the Apostle wrote to Timothy.
The Scriptures are frequently personified by the NT writers (as by the Jews, John 7:42),
(a) as speaking with Divine authority, e.g., John 19:37; Romans 4:3; Romans 9:17, where the Scripture is said to speak to Pharaoh, giving the message actually sent previously by God to him through Moses; James 4:5 (See above);
(b) as possessed of the sentient quality of foresight, and the active power of preaching. Galatians 3:8, where the Scripture mentioned was written more than four centuries after the words were spoken. The Scripture, in such a case, stands for its Divine Author with an intimation that it remains perpetually characterized as the living voice of God. This Divine agency is again illustrated in Galatians 3:22 (cp. Galatians 3:10; Matthew 11:13).”

Exo 24:12, “Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the Law and the commandments which I have written for their instruction.”

Exo 31:18, “When He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God.”

Exo 32:15, “Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets which were written on both sides; they were written on one side and the other.”

Deu 9:9-12, “When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I remained on the mountain for forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water. The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the Words which the LORD had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.

It came about at the end of forty days and nights that the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Arise, go down from here quickly, because your people, whom you brought out of Egypt, have behaved corruptly. They have quickly turned aside from the way that I commanded them; they have made a cast metal image for themselves.”

Deu 28:58-62, “If you are not careful to follow all the Words of this Law that are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary 

plagues on you and your descendants, severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses. And He will bring back on you every 

disease of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which are not written in the book of this Law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed.

Then you will be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of Heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God.”

1Ki 2:3, “Do your duty to the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.”

Mat 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”

Mat 4:7, “Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” 

Mat 4:10, “Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”

Mat 26:24, “The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Luk 18:31, “Now He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.” 

Luk 22:37,“For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘AND HE WAS COUNTED WITH WRONGDOERS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”

Many do not know, the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.

Luk 24:27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures.”

May God open our eyes so that we see the things written about Jesus Christ in all the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets.

Luk 24:44, “Now He said to them, “These are My Words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all the things that are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

All the things that are written about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament must be fulfilled in the New Testament.

Luk 24:46, “and He said to them, “So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.”

Jhn 12:16, “These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things for Him.”

Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.”

Rom 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

The Word of God was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement   of the Scripture we might have hope.

1Co 2:9, but just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

I believe Rev. Chapter 21, the New Heaven and the New Earth is the place Jesus Christ has prepared for His followers.

1Co 15:54, “But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory.”

1Jo 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Rev 21:27, “and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

It used to bother me because there are so many Willie Wong(s). If you VISIT WILLIE WONG IMAGES,

https://cn.bing.com/images/search?q=Willie+Wong&form=HDRSC2&first=1

Bing.com to make money, indiscriminately or deliberately puts every race and gender who claims to be Willie Wong without shame. God can not be confused, He knows which Willie Wong whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. For Jesus Himself says, Jhn 10:27-30, “My sheep 

listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are ONE.”

Every time I went to Hong Kong, the immigrant official took quite a bit of time to check my passport for there must be many Willie Wong(s) in Hong Kong.

The Word of God has full authority, for it is written, 

Jhn 17:1-4, “Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to Heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth by accomplishing the work which You have given Me to do.” And with authority Jesus says, Mat 24:35

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

The words of the greatest theologians, historians, scientists and philosophers will pass away!!!

There is no revelation without inspiration.

IV.  THE SCRIPTURE SAYS

2Ti 3:16-17,“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”

Scripture in Greek is graphē which means  to denote either the book itself, or its contents of Scripture; a certain portion or section OR passage of the Holy Scripture (Strong’s Concordance); the holy Writ; a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative (Merriam Webster); — which occurs 51 times in the New Testament. Inspired in Greek is theopneustos which means given by inspiration of God (Strong’s Concordance); divinely breathed in; — which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.

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Inspiration of God, Inspired of God – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Inspiration of God, Inspired of God

[ 1,,G2315, theopneustos ]
inspired by God” (Theos, “God,” pneo, “to breathe”), is used in 2 Timothy 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings. Wycliffe, Tyndale, Coverdale and the Great Bible have the rendering “inspired of God.”

Mar 12:10, “Have you not even read this Scripture:
‘A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.”

Luk 4:21, “Now He began to say to them, 

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jhn 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.”

Jhn 7:38, “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 

Jhn 7:42, “Has the Scripture not said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”

Jhn 10:35, “If he called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be nullified).”

Jhn 13:18, “I am not speaking about all of you. I know the ones whom I have chosen; but this is happening so that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL

AGAINST ME.”

Jhn 17:12, “While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, 

which You have given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”

Jhn 19:24, “So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “THEY DIVIDED MY GARMENTS AMONG THEMSELVES, AND 

THEY CAST LOTS FOR MY CLOTHING.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.”

Jhn 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been 

accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”

Jhn 19:36, “For these things took place so that the 

Scripture would be fulfilled: “NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.”

Jhn 19:37, “And again another Scripture says, “THEY WILL LOOK AT HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.”

Jhn 20:9, “For they did not yet understand the Scripture, that He 

must rise from the dead.”

Act 1:16, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”

Act 8:32, “Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
“HE WAS LED LIKE A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER; AND LIKE A LAMB THAT IS SILENT BEFORE ITS SHEARER, SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.”

Act 8:35, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.”

Rom 4:3, “For what does the Scripture say? 

“ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Rom 9:17, “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY REASON 

I RAISED YOU UP, IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE EARTH.”

Rom 10:11, “For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER 

BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.”

Rom 11:2, “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. 

Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?”

Gal 3:8, “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”

Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that 

the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

Gal 4:30, “But what does the Scripture say?
“DRIVE OUT THE SLAVE WOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE SLAVE WOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.”

1Ti 5:18, “For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

2Ti 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

Jas 2:8, “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the 

Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well.”

Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called a friend of God.”

Jas 4:5, “Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, 

“He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”?

1Pe 2:6, “For this is contained in Scripture:
“BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, 

A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO 

BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.”

2Pe 1:20, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy 

of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own 

Interpretation.”

This is the foremost knowledge. No prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of John Calvin, Karl Barth, or Augustine’s own interpretation.

According to https://www.cui.edu/aboutcui/reformation500/articles/post/luther-and-biblical-interpretation

“Luther identified that the Scriptures had one sense, the literal or natural sense. This did not mean that he was a complete literalist. For example, he stated that figures of speech are meant to be taken figuratively. However, when the Scriptures speak plainly, they should be taken literally according to the normal use of language. The implication of this approach is that the Bible is clear in its meaning and can be understood by ordinary people.

It is the historical sense alone which supplies the true and sound doctrine.

The most important principle of interpretation that Martin Luther used was “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The tools for properly interpreting the Bible are contained in the Bible itself. Thus, he delved into the New Testament to see how Jesus and the apostles had interpreted Scripture. There he found a valuable tool. He discovered that many Old Testament people and institutions were to be understood as types or patterns that foreshadowed and proclaimed the Christ, who would surpass them and fulfill them. Thus, in his Preface to the Psalter, Luther wrote, “The true, the only sense of the Psalms is the Christ-sense.”

For Luther, every part of the Bible proclaimed Christ, not apart from the literal sense but in a way that was communicated by the literal sense. Luther “desired to know nothing but Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2), and we continue in that legacy when we speak the Christ-filled message of Scripture.”

V.  SURPASSING VALUE

Phl 3:8, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ.”

Surpassing value in Greek is hyperechō which means supreme; higher; better; excellent; over-topping; prominent; superior; to be above; — which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. The value of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord is far above and better than all things. In comparison to Christ, they are mere rubbish. Power, money, property, fame, worldly pleasure, etc. are merely rubbish. Rubbish in Greek is skybalon which means dung; excrement of animals; dregs; things worthless and detestable; refuse; manure; feces; — which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.

2Co 9:14, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”

Christians not only have the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ, they also have the surpassing grace of God in them. There are three graces: saving grace, living grace and serving grace. For that reason, 1Ti 6:20, “Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 

“science”—”

The so-called “science” is not true knowledge.

Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full 

assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”

The world is full of rubbish, tangible and intangible. But Christians have a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.

Col 3:10, “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it—”

ONLY those who have been born again (new self) will have a true knowledge of the Image of God.

2Pe 1:3, “for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

The divine power has granted to the children of God through the true knowledge of God who called us by His own glory and excellence.

2Pe 1:8, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

All unbelievers are useless and productive, but the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ makes believers useful and productive in good deeds.

Rom 12:2, “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.”

PEOPLE who have the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ are not conformed to this world, for they prove what the will of God is. The goal of a Christian life is not to win gold medal and approval of men. I have come to do God’s will.

Dwight L. Moody said, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau said, “The majesty of the Scriptures strikes me with admiration, as the purity of the gospel has its influence on my heart.”

Charles Spurgeon said, “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

Alexander MacLaren said, “He who has the Holy Spirit in His heart and the Scripture in his hands has all he needs.”

Francis Schaeffer said, “We must stress that the basis for our faith is neither experience nor emotion but the truth as God has given it in verbalized, prepositional form in the Scripture and which we first of all apprehend with our minds.”

Soren Kierkegaard said, “…it is not the obscure passages in Scripture that bind you but the ones you understand. With these you are to comply at once. If you understood only one passage in all of Scripture, well, then you must do that first of all. It will be this passage God asks you about. Do not first sit down and ponder the obscure passages. God’s Word is given in order that you shall act according to it, not that you gain expertise in interpreting it.”

Bernard of Clairvaux said, “He rightly reads scripture who turns words into deeds.”

Aiden Wilson Tozer said, “What does this word holiness really mean? Is it a negative kind of piety from which so many people have shied away? No, of course not! Holiness in the Bible means moral wholeness– a positive quality which actually includes kindness, mercy, purity, moral blamelessness and godliness. It is always to be thought of in a positive, white intensity of degree.”

Noah Webster said, “Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America’s basic text book in all fields. God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct.”

Martin Luther said, “Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scriptures.”

VI.  THE WORD OF GOD

1Ch 17:3, “But it happened that same night, that the Word of God came to Nathan, saying.”

A prophet of old was a man the Word of God came to him, and he was a spokesman of God.

Mat 15:6, “he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.”

Even today some churches (organized religions) invalidate the Word of God for the sake of tradition.

I think the Catholic Church yearly reenactment of the Crucifixion in the Philippines is a blasphemy for the sake of their tradition.

Mar 7:13, “thereby invalidating the Word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

Invalidating in Greek is akyroō which means making of none effect; disannulling; rendering void; — which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. I think the doctrine of Roman Catholic Church that water baptism can save and therefore they practice infant baptism is invalidating the Word of God, Act 2:38,

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” How can an infant repent?

Luk 5:1, “Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the Word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.”

When Jesus spoke, God spoke. The Word of Jesus is the Word of God.

IN CONCLUSION

To compare science with the Holy Scripture is like to compare man with God. Man is mortal, God is immortal. Man is weak, and there is nothing impossible with God. Man is fallible, God is infallible. Man is temporal, 

God is eternal. In this world we need all kinds of science, from Anthropology to Zoology. In the Kingdom of Heaven, medical science, pharmacy, political science, finance, economy, etc. are useless. Science is settled on earth, the Word of God is settled forever in Heaven. Science becomes obsolete and is passing away. After all, science is but human knowledge. Nothing human is eternal.

Mat 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away.”

Anything lasts longer than Heaven and earth? Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Words of Jesus, namely, the Word of God, will never pass away! Even knowledge will pass away.

1Ti 2:3-4,  “This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Ignore John Calvin and all false teachers, God our Savior wants you to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

What is the truth?

Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.

Jhn 17:1-3, “Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to Heaven, 

He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ 

whom You have sent.”

Will you come to Jesus now who can give you eternal life. To know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom God has sent to the world, is the eternal life.

To receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is to receive the eternal life.  

Willie Wong Thought

Willie Wong

August 10, 2025

https://williewong.cw.center/wp-admin
Copyright © 2018 – 2025 by Willie Wong

*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth. 

I never dreamed of becoming a U.S. president. When I was a boy, I dreamed of becoming a Professor and a Writer. My dreams have become true. I have lectured at major universities in China, I was hired by the Ministry of Education as a professor, and my students adored me. In spite of the enemies of truth who are attacking me, my website has reached more than 182 nations in the world, and there are more than 3 million users visit my website every month. I have achieved fame without fortune (because my website is absolutely free) that so many leeches and termites claim and call themselves Willie Wong of various races and genders, and they use Bing to link and associate with Willie Wong Thought. They are all false persons and false images without shame. Bing wants to make money and does not care about integrity.

Be that as it may, if I WERE THE U.S. PRESIDENT, although it is impossible for a naturalized U.S. citizen to become a U.S. president; I say hypothetically if I were the U.S. president, I would do as explained in this article which none of American presidents have ever done before.

This article is written to let you know, If I were the U.S. President, what I would do at once:

IF I WERE THE U.S. PRESIDENT

If is used when expressing an opinion as to how I should act or behave if I were the U.S. President. I am not the U.S. president.

“If” means on the assumption that I become the American President. The assumption is false because a naturalized citizen according to the current United States Constitution is not possible to become the U.S. President. So it is impossible for me a naturalized American citizen to become the American president. However, this article is written if and only if I were the American President, it is an impossible hypothesis. As it were or as if such were so, and I want to make it crystal clear, it is not so. This article is used when expression an opinion in case I am the U.S. President how should I act or behave without delay.

These are things I would do:

1. THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

The President shall work with the Congress and the leaders of the States to revise the American Constitution.

A. Whereas the Unites States Constitution shall be stipulated to vest the ultimate sovereignty on the American people (citizens), the American people will have the final authority, or the final say, on any issues or matters of great importance. The sovereignty of American people shall be expressed in a national referendum. Only American citizen can have the right to participate in a national referendum. An illegal alien who presumes and practices the privilege shall be deported immediately, he and his household no matter how they got into America, and no matter how long they have stayed in America. 

B. A national referendum is used to resolve any American national issue of importance or grave matters.

C. Impeachment of any national high ranking official is abolished and replaced by a national referendum. For example, a simple majority or 51% of Americans have the right to remove instantly the American President, Vice President, Senator, Supreme Court Justice, Judge, etc. A national referendum cannot be used to remove a State high ranking official such as Governor, etc. A state referendum can be used to remove any State official without impeachment. A majority vote of no confidence is sufficient legal ground to remove any national or state official. The ballot is to be cast in the form of YES or NO. YES means to remove, NO means not to remove.

D. A national referendum can be implemented if the majority of the Congress decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of American citizens nationwide agree to make the initiative. A state referendum can be implemented only if the majority of the state assembly decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of state legal residents agree to make the initiative.

E. If the President, or the Commander in Chief, wants to declare war to a peaceful nation, a national referendum is required to authorize the president. However, if America is being attacked, the president has the power to declare war against the aggressor.

F. Any other fundamental issues, such as to admit or delete a State from the Union would require a national referendum.

G. The U.S. Constitution declares the American English is the official language of the United States of America to be used in all government services, courts, schools, businesses, industries, air ports, transportation, shops and stores, and in all public places. Other languages or dialects are not prohibited in home or private uses.

H. The Holy Bible is allowed to be used in the government facilities, schools, and all public places. Prayers are also permitted in public.

I. The children of illegal aliens born in the United States are not counted as American citizens.

J. All illegal aliens no matter how many generations shall be deported without delay.

K. All death penalty cases shall be executed without delay. Any appeal the cost must be borne by the criminals.

L. Children born of both parents who are American citizens are also American citizens.

M. The Constitution recognizes only monogamy (marriage of one male and one female). All other forms marriage are NOT valid or lawful. Polygamy is illegal. Although Christian principles are good, America is not a Christian nation, and cannot impose the Christian faith and practice on unbelieving citizens. Divorce is allowed according to the federal law.

N. The American legal citizens shall determine the salary of the U.S. President, the Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Judges and Senators. A national referendum is required to increase the salary of any official listed.

O. The U. S. Government shall not spend more than 75% of its revenue or GDP, the only exception is in time of war. National debt requires approval of American citizens.

P. The Affirmative Action and all discrimination practices shall be abolished so that no favors or special treatment are awarded to any racial group or individual.

Q. The qualifications of the U.S. President and Vice President must be legal citizens (not barring naturalization), without criminal record, with good moral character, and at least the age of 30, no gender excluded.

R. The qualifications of a U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen of moral character, without criminal record, at least 24 years old.

S. No secret protection services shall be given to former U.S. Presidents and their families, high ranking retired government officials; no subsidies for former presidential libraries, offices, mail privileges, offices, etc. including former Congressional leaders.

T. The U.S. Supreme Court shall interpret the U.S. Constitution and act as the arbiter of justice in the land, and resolve conflict between state and federal government, and among states. The U.S. Supreme Court shall not make laws.

U. The Supreme Court Justices shall be appointed by the President without approval of the U.S. Congress for a 9-year term and afterwards to be approved by the American people in a national referendum.

V. The Supreme Court may independently evaluate and censor the immoral, irresponsible, selfish, and untruthful word or deed of any official or political party without hearings or trial and without force of the law. The fame or prestige of the Supreme Court may exercise moral influence on the governance and political party from seeking and serving the private and special interest. It acts like the Nobel peace price in reverse and chastises bad behavior verbally. 

W. National referendum cannot be abused or to be used for minor issues or triviality.

2. THE U.S. CONGRESS

For the sake of efficiency and economy, henceforth the U.S. CONGRESS shall become a unicameral body. All house of representatives are abolished. Each State must have at least one U.S. Senator, additional population of 5 million will have another Senator. If a State has a population of 20 million legal residents, it automatically entitled to have 4 U.S. Senators. A legal resident is defined as a legal American citizen resides in a State. American citizens are free to move in and out any state without reporting to any agency.

A. The U.S. CONGRESS is composed of the Majority Leader and Minority Leader, the U.S. Vice President serves as the Senate President, and the rest are Senators of equal rights and privileges. All other Senate positions are hereby abolished.

B. The U.S. Senators shall seek only the national interest, not special interest or private interest, or foreign interest.

C. No U.S. Senators may lobby for the interest of foreign countries, corporations, organization, or individuals. No U.S. Senators may lobby for any entity after 20 years of retirement.

D. Pork-barrel legislation appropriations made by a U.S. Senator for projects that are not essential but are sought because they pump money and resources into the State and local districts of the Senator is prohibited.

E. The American President cannot openly or covertly engage in war or military operations without approval of the Congress, unless the United States is being attacked by a foreign power.

F. The President has full authority and power to respond and retaliate against any foreign attack without approval of the Congress or American people.

3. The White House and the Federal Government

A. Downsize all federal departments and agencies across the board to be reduced by 2/3, including the Defense Department; and reduce all the wages, benefits, and pensions of federal employees by 1/3. There will be a curb or elimination of building weapons of death and mass destruction, and oversee the military-industrial-security complex.

B. The President shall lead the federal government to reduce the national debt and budget deficits. All unnecessary activities and functions shall be abolished or eliminated.

C. The federal government shall restructure and reorganize its departments and agencies to become cost effective, lean, and really provide services to the people. All government departments and agencies must have email addresses so that citizens can conveniently complain to them.

D. All generals and high ranking Defense officials shall retire no latter than the age of 60 years old. 

E. The U.S. shall abide by the international laws, all international agreements, the United Nations, WTO, WHO, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICC), etc. The U.S. shall disband NATO and annul all political and military alliances, and close all overseas military bases, and withdraw all American troops to return home. America shall cease to spy on other nations and cease and desist from interfering in the internal affairs of any nation.

F. The U.S. shall pursue a just and lasting peace for the world. The U.S. is no more an empire and return to a respectable Republic, seeking to co-exist in peace and prosperity with all nations big and small. In particular, the U.S. shall respect Russia and China as a good neighbor.

G. The military chaplain shall be appointed only according to the majority religion without observing the beliefs or practices of minority religions of the world. Because majority of Americans are Christians, therefore Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Good Friday, and New Year are observed as national legal holidays.

H. The American English is the only official language of the United States of America, so all government documents shall be printed in American English only, and the federal, state, and local governments will not provide the services of interpreters and translators.

I. Burning incense, public barbecue, burning of agricultural byproducts, trash, etc. are prohibited because of causing air pollution. Fireworks and firecrackers may be allowed only on certain dates such as Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, on granted licensed designated certain locations.

J. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in America, not even in the White House or Pentagon. Violation of smoking is a federal crime. The penalty imposed according to which violation takes place in federal buildings or land, state buildings or land, municipal buildings or business or industry under its jurisdiction. For example, if you violate smoking law in Los Angeles, the City government will collect the penalty fine and administer the City ordinance. Those who deliberately smoke in airplane, train, subway, bus, elevator, restroom, classroom, shop and store, school, hospital, public facility, etc. shall suffer more severe penalty as the jurisdiction requires. 

K. Welfare is abolished and turned into workfare. Any person who receives welfare benefits must work for them. An unmarried single woman who has sex with the man who does not want to support her and his offspring shall not receive public assistance in any form. If she wants to receive public assistance, she shall be sterilized. The man who commit fornication and who is unwilling to take responsibility of his sexual behavior shall be sterilized too. Any person who receives public assistance does not qualify to vote. America is adopting the Protestant ethic of hard work, thrift, and responsibility as national policy to rebuild America.

L. The U.S. shall limit and restrict immigration to those who are blood relatives of immediate family and those who have good qualifications in education, moral character, skills and productivity to become good citizens. Political and economic refugees are to be discouraged. Fortune seekers from a poor country are not welcome at all. All children dropped over the fence shall be dropped back to where they are from.

M. The Affirmative Action and related laws and practices that favor any racial group or individual shall be abolished so that all races are treated equally under the law and fairly whether in employment, housing, promotion, retirement; and pension benefits. All universities shall admit students on account of good grades, good charter, without regarding of sex, color, religion or race. The universities are required to provide full scholarship or fellowship to poor but worthy and brilliant students.

N. The tax laws are being revised and simplified to reflect equity, fairness, and reduce income inequality. All citizens, residents, foreigners (whose income from abroad are tax free), corporations, institutions, religions and churches shall pay taxes according to the following Tax Table. There shall be no allowances, exemptions, deductions, non-profit organizations, or charities.

O. All criminals should be treated like criminals under the law. Citizen, civil and human rights do not apply to them. They have to work for their room and board. Library and gym are not appropriate facilities.

P. Terrorists shall be shot dead at the scene without trial or due process of the law.

Overhaul and simplify taxation to reduce the gap of the rich and the poor. A new Taxation Table is set up to determine fair and just tax rate. For example, whether corporation, institution, or individual will follow the Tax Table without deduction, exemption, subsidy, allowance, or considering the size of the family:

Income of $50,000 or under is tax free.

Income of $100,000 – $9 million – 10%

Income of $10 million – $49 million – 20%

Income of $50 million – $299 million – 30 %

Income of $300 million – $699 million – 40%

Income of $700 million – $1 billion – 50%

Income of $10 billion & above- 90%

Inheritance under $10 million is tax free.

Abolish all tax free institutions, foundations, organizations, churches, and religions.

Q. Simplify the legal system, law codes, legal processes in simple English so that it does not require legal opinion or assistance of lawyers. The legal system is restructured and revised to promote equity, equality, and justice for all. Jury trial is abolished and replaced by three independent judges. The verdict of the majority stands. Facetious and fake lawsuits shall incur hefty financial penalty and imprisonment may be imposed. Class action suit is abolished. Fake evidence and false and facetious litigation will incur hefty financial penalty or prison depending on the severity of the case. Class action lawsuits and jury trials are abolished. Abolish Affirmative Action so that there is no racial discrimination; no special treatment or privilege to any group. 

R. Establish a national, state, and city Ombudsman Office to execute and promote justice all over the country. Civil cases can have two routes, go to court and pay court fee. Go to Ombudsman Office which is free. Civil cases include bribery, corruption, abuse of power, unfair treatment, brutality, sexual harassment, grievances, breach of contract, false advertising, broken promise, discrimination, injury, fraud, false accusation, immoral behavior of official, etc. that does not involve death. The Chief Ombudsman is appointed by the president without hearing for the Nation Ombudsman Office in the federal government. Each governor shall appoint a State Ombudsman without hearing and City Ombudsman with the consent of the mayor. State Ombudsmen and City Ombudsmen report directly to the Chief Ombudsman in Washington, DC. Chief Ombudsman and State Ombudsman may request assistance from the FBI for investigative purposes. Chief Ombudsman, State Ombudsman and City Ombudsman are supported by investigators to handle all cases. All false and facetious complaint cases will be penalized. All false testimony and fake evidence will be financially penalized or imprisonment. For example, a local newspaper falsely accused me of not paying subscription fee and used a collection agency to threaten to ruin my credit although I never subscribed or read the paper. I do not need to hire a lawyer. I can go to the local Ombudsman office to settle the case, and the Ombudsman is a federal administrative judge who is empowered to execute justice and punish and penalize the criminal with financial penalty and/or imprisonment. The penalty fees collected are used to support the Ombudsman Office.

S. Establish or overhaul the healthcare system so that it becomes affordable, fair, and responsible and genuinely serves the American citizens. All public and private hospitals must follow the new rules and regulations. 

The current American healthcare system works because it is the most costly and most expensive and oppressive health and medical and hospital system in the world that most Americans cannot afford and the major cause of bankruptcy in America. The doctors, dentists, hospital owners, labs and medical supplies, drug and insurance companies may freely and overly defraud, overcharge, and fleece the poor and helpless patients as they please with immunity. The American healthcare terrorism is worse and more dangerous than the Islamic terrorism.

Overhaul and regulate healthcare system so that all citizens are covered at reasonable and affordable cost. Office of Management and Budget shall establish, determine, and publish a national health care pricing schedule to specify the price of each treatment, procedure, test, supply, and medication, etc. For example, the lump sum of having a baby is $200, all inclusive. The price of pulling a tooth is $50, all inclusive. Appendectomy is $150 all inclusive. One tablet of antibiotic is $0.10 per capsule, etc. Doctors, hospital owners, labs, medical supplies, drug and insurance companies that defraud or overcharge patient or Medicare or Medicaid accumulatively over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Corruption of any kind over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized. Remind doctors, dentists, hospital owners, etc. that they work for the federal government if they receive reimbursement for Medicare or Medicaid.

T. Large scale air pollution, environmental pollution, soil or land pollution, fake drugs, fake food, fake drinks, fake products, fake services, etc. shall be paid with death penalty and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury.

U. The U.S. considers all types of terrorists as national public enemies number one, they maybe shot OR killed on sight at the scene, there shall be no due process for the public enemies number one. All family members of terrorists shall be deported and all their assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Any religion or institution that supports terrorism and terrorists shall be banned. The U.S. government uses its military might and other means to eliminate and destroy the Islamic State.

V. The U.S. national policy is to support the State of Israel and its sovereignty and integrity. About four thousand years ago when God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants, there was Israel, and there was no Palestinian. Palestinians were the evil geopolitical legacy of the British Empire. The Promised Land belongs to the Jews only. Jerusalem was the capital of King David. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem will be the eternal capital of the King of kings and the Lord of lords in the Kingdom of God. There will always be Israel without Palestinians, for the Promised Land belongs only to the Jews. Palestinians are Arabs and not Jewish. Palestinians are advised to seek residency and citizenship of the surrounding Arab nations.

W. The federal government by all means to discourage and control immorality, violence, corruption, greed, monopoly, irresponsibility, incivility, vulgarity, organized crime, anti-social behavior, idleness and laziness in general. 

X. The U.S. government promotes free trade, free competition, medical and scientific cooperation, research and development of the world community for public good. The U.S. foreign policy is to seek peace and harmony and cooperation with all nations big and small; discourage all unjust wars and civil wars; encourage civility, industry, productivity, and law abiding; and target government corruption of any kind or any country. The U.S. shall not participate in arms race. In view of large scale famine and prevalent poverty, population or birth control is encouraged. The United States shall not aid those nations which do not help themselves. When the U.S. gives aid, there will be no strings attached.

Y. The U.S. government shall establish new rules and regulations to oversee and control the financial and banking systems to prevent monopoly, unfair, fraudulent and predatory practices. The new rules and regulations will make the financial or economic crisis like 2008 created by Wall Street executives impossible. Any fraud or predatory practices exceeding $1 million or more will be executed and all assets seized by the Treasury.

Z. The federal government shall focus intensely on rebuilding America in the areas of education, health care, homelessness,  infrastructure, public health, social justice, disease control, diplomacy, trade, research and development, science and technology, making no discrimination between domestic and foreign enterprises; protect the environment; take effective measures to counter climate change and global warming; control contamination and pollution of soil, food, drug, water and air; hold American leaders and politicians and officials and corporate executives for their integrity and truth; and make mass media liable and accountable for truth in news and reporting. Charity is commended for its good deeds, not for profit and free tax. Democracy means doing the greatest good of the greatest number of American citizens. Righteousness has replaced might as the mode of government operations.

NB.

Right the wrong committed against the natives of America (the Red Indians) in the past with financial reparations and civil assistance. Black Americans cannot claim indemnity for slavery of their ancestors; they may seek damages from the descendants of the wealthy southern plantation, knowing it was African blacks who sold black slaves to white plantation owners. In addition since the Great Society of Johnson, the federal, state, and local governments had already spent more than US$6 trillion dollars to aid black Americans. The U.S. government shall by all means return the Chinese national treasures looted and robbed or stolen since the infamous Opium Wars to present day now displayed in national, public, state, county, city and private museums and collections. The U.S. shall return Taiwan to China with sincere apology.     

 4. AMERICA IN CRISIS

It was Thomas Paine who said strongly, “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.”

A former American leader said, “My administration has a job to do and we’re going to do it. We will rid the world of the evil-doers.”

The problem was, his administration and associates are the evil-doers of the world.

Robert Barr said, “Of all evil-doers, the American is most to be feared. He uses more ingenuity in the planning of his projects and will take greater risks in carrying them out than any other malefactor on earth.”

Much more than that, just watch the operations of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security-complex.

I wholeheartedly agree with Albert Einstein who said, “This crippling of individuals I consider the worst evil of capitalism. Our whole educational system suffers from this evil. An exaggerated competitive attitude is inculcated into the student, who is trained to worship acquisitive success as a preparation for his future.”

But most Americans still do not know the evil which is done and promoted by American leaders and politicians in the glorification of so-called democracy, freedom, and human rights to justify their aggression, oppression, suppression, and sanctions of many countries and peoples. My fellow Americans, don’t you know American leaders and politicians have made America the most hated nation on earth?

I agree with James Madison who was an insider said, “Wherever the real power in a Government lies, there is the danger of oppression.”

The government is the greatest monopoly of power, so abuses of power by the government is the greatest.

I do not know who William Rees-Mogg was, but I agree half with what he said, “Governments lie; bankers lie; even auditors sometimes lie: gold tells the truth.”

I do not know that gold tells the truth. The price of gold is also manipulated. But I know God is true and the Word of God tells the truth.

I agree with Thomas Jefferson, he is the kind of leader America needs today, but America does not have leader like Jefferson, 

“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.”

Thanks to American leaders and politicians, America has the largest national debt exceeds $30 trillions, and budget deficits in trillions. The average American can do nothing about it. Those trillions make executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex filthy rich.

Thomas Jefferson also said, “I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale.”

Citibank fails to comply with the federal laws of record keeping and accounting reporting. Citibank fails to send consecutive monthly statement to its bank account customer. As of 4/12/22 Citibank failed to send me consecutive monthly statements of 14 months, 5 months in 2020, 5 months in 2021, and 4 months in 2022. Citibank defrauds so far my two pensions of $36.84 and failed to post credits on my account. Upon repeated the requests, Citibank fails to resend me 14 months of hard copy statements. Citibank forged electronic version of monthly statements which cannot be verified and validated by hard copies of statement. Without the hard copies of consecutive monthly statements, there is no way to audit and balance my bank account.

I disagree with Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and Government officials but the voters of this country.”

If Franklin D. Roosevelt were alive today, he would be shocked to find out the Government is paralyzed and held captive by special interests. Once a person is elected, he can become a demagogue or dictator, the impeachment process is an exercise of futility. The U.S. Constitution does not vest the sovereignty on American citizens. American citizens do not have the sovereign right to remove any president and senator and congressman and government official through a national referendum.

There are many things that bad government can cause citizens to fear and worry. A bad government is like a bad tree that bears many bad fruits. The bad fruits of a bad government include economic crisis, great national debt, high budget deficits, high inflation, high crime, high unemployment, injustice, and lack of truth. Lawlessness abounds, corruption and immorality run amok, riots in the streets, irresponsibility is rampant in business and government. Banks do not send consecutive monthly report to customers, banks defraud customers by failing to report credits; regulators protect the regulated industries; bureaucracies are self-serving; insider trading ruins stock markets; manufacturing companies do not honor service warranty, etc. To test and measure a government, law codes are an indicator.

AMERICAN LAW CODES

The US Constitution requires to simplify the legal system, law codes, legal processes and by using simple English so that it does not require legal opinion or assistance of lawyers. The legal system is restructured and revised to promote equity, equality, and justice for all. Jury trial is abolished and replaced by three independent judges. The verdict of the majority stands. Facetious and fake lawsuits shall incur hefty financial penalty and imprisonment may be imposed and disbarment of lawyers for life. Class action lawsuit is abolished. Fake evidence and false and facetious litigation will incur hefty financial penalty or prison depending on the severity of the case. Class action lawsuits and jury trials are abolished. Abolish also Affirmative Action so that there is no racial discrimination; no special treatment or privilege to any group. 

All death penalty cases shall be executed without delay. One final appeal may be granted but the appeal cost must be borne by the criminals themselves.

AMERICAN TAXATION

To achieve equality and justice, taxation is changed by adopting the new Taxation Table for individuals (citizens and residents) and corporations, all organizations, religions and churches which is explained in the Federal Government. If a resident earns income outside of the United States, he/she does not have to pay income tax.

The tax laws are being revised and simplified to reflect equity, fairness, and reduce income inequality. All citizens, residents, foreigners (whose income from abroad are tax free), corporations, institutions, religions and churches shall pay taxes according to the following Tax Table. There shall be no allowances, exemptions, deductions, non-profit organizations, or charities.

Overhaul and simplify taxation to reduce the gap of the rich and the poor. A new Taxation Table is set up to determine fair and just tax rate. For example, whether corporation, institution, or individual will follow the Tax Table without deduction, exemption, subsidy, allowance, or considering the size of the family:

Income of $50,000 or under is tax free.

Income of $100,000 – $9 million – 10%

Income of $10 million – $49 million – 20%

Income of $50 million – $299 million – 30 %

Income of $300 million – $699 million – 40%

Income of $700 million – $1 billion – 50%

Income of $10 billion & above- 90%

Inheritance under $10 million is tax free.

The US Constitution abolishes all tax free institutions, foundations, organizations, churches, and religions. All business corporations and individuals to file income tax based on the Tax Table without allowances, deductions, exemptions.

AMERICAN DEFENCE

The Defense Department must not be a war department, therefore the Pentagon must be reduced by 2/3, and its huge facilities may accommodate other federal departments to save rents.

Since America no longer is an empire, therefore it does not threaten or sanction any nation under phony national security pretext. The United States closes all its overseas military bases, withdraws all its troops, aircraft careers, fleets, warships, spy planes, bombers, weapons, etc.

America seeks peace and justice, and copied President Richard Nixon to seek a just and lasting peace for the world. Therefore America no longer considers Russia and China as threats, and is willing to work with Russia and China for peace, progress, and prosperity. America is concerned not only the security of America, but also world security.

STATE DEPARTMENT

The State Department carries out and practices diplomacy of good neighbors, friendliness, harmony and respect. America abandons regime change of any country. America respects all nations, big and small, to choose its own system of government, form of economy, and independent foreign policy. If America assists a nation it is because of goodness and with no strings attached. America actually abandons sanction, tariff as a political and economic threat, boycott, military intervention, and all hostile gestures.

The consulates of the State Department shall not engage in subversive, intelligence gathering, and spy activities; but earnestly promote trade, cultural exchange, technological cooperation, etc. to benefit mankind.

NATIONAL EDUCATION

Department of Education is to launch a program from kindergarten to university on moral and civic education; in addition to regular academic programs.

America does not want the indulgence such as Denmark debuts new children’s TV show about a man with a huge and uncontrollable penis or Capitol riots, etc. Hollywood produces too many violent and sexual implicit movies which offend national values. America wants to express the old values of morality, honesty, frugality, productivity, responsibility, and civility.

If a magazine or Internet company involves in pornography and dissemination of nude pictures of women and children deemed harmful and detrimental to moral values by the Supreme Court, the magazine or Internet company may be penalized $10 million dollars per occurrence. If the same magazine or Internet company commits the same crime three times, in addition to financial penalty, its executive may be sent to jail. 

Enough is Hollywood that produces pornography, sexual implicit movies and too many violent movies which are diametrically opposed to the national values. Although America practices free enterprise, but all harmful and undesirable enterprises shall be penalized financially and its executives may be sent to jail. If Hollywood or any enterprise produces a film or movie deemed harmful morally and culturally by the US Supreme Court, that company that produces such film or movie may be penalized for $10 million dollars. If the same company continuously produces harmful and detrimental movies 3 times, the executive may be sent to jail in addition to financial penalty. 

America does not censor any ideology or religion except when it threatens national security, downgrades national morality, misleads the young, violates human decency.

THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

Although the US Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President, they are not appointed for live. After 6 years they must be approved by the American citizens through NATIONAL REFERENDUM before they can stay for life.

The Chief Justice with consent of three associate justices may arrest a president who exhibits irresponsible, incoherent, immoral, irrational, or dangerous behavior. After that, a NATIONAL REFERENDUM shall determine the fate of the president without the long process of impeachment.

The U.S. Supreme Court shall interpret the U.S. Constitution and act as the arbiter of justice in the land, and resolve conflict between state and federal government, and among states, and conflicts between the Unite States and foreign countries. The U.S. Supreme Court shall not make laws.

The Chief Justice and associate justices may independently as a group evaluate and criticize publicly any questionable, immoral, irresponsible, selfish, and untruthful word or deed of any official or political party without hearing or trial and without force of the law; but having the prestige of moral authority and influence. Any national official who has been criticized or censored by the US Supreme Court is a prime candidate to be removed by a National Referendum.

THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS

For the sake of efficiency and economy, simplicity and effectiveness, the US Congress is changed and reformed to become a unicameral body of legislation with representation from each state shall be called Senators. All house representatives are abolished along with all its positions, and the title Congressman is used no more. Each state of the Union no matter how small is the population is entitled to have one Senator, one more Senator for each additional 5 million citizens. If a state has registered 20 million citizens, it will have 4 Senators. The Vice President is automatically the Senate President (without voting right, except in a national referendum), and also there are only Majority Leader and Minority Leader. There are no more committee positions. Every Senator has equal right and duty. For any national legislation, it requires 51% of the votes to pass. Pork-barrel proposals or legislation are prohibitive. The Congress represented by Senators must focus on only the national interest which benefits the greatest number of American citizens. Any lobby on behalf of any foreign country, domestic or foreign business or industry, organization, institution is prohibitive.

An American Senator must be at least 24 years old, whether born or naturalized citizen, male for female, must have moral character, and without a criminal record. The salaries of Senators, and its increase or decrease must also be approved by National Referendum. All Senators are required to retire at 60, for the next 20 years they are not allowed to lobby for any foreign country, domestic and foreign enterprise, institutions or individuals. The U.S. Senators shall seek only the national interest, not special interest or private interest, or foreign interest.

The Congress has no legal right to make legislation involving other countries, such as the U.S.-Taiwan Relations Act is void and illegal. Any member of the Congress must not slander and smear any foreign country which is none of his/her business. The Congress shall focus only on national interest and make laws which benefit the greatest number of American citizens. The U.S. shall return Taiwan to China with sincere apology. 

America is the most mismanaged country in the world. It would be voluminous to record all the cases of mismanagement 

historically, politically, diplomatically, strategically, financially, economically, educationally, medically, departmentally, militarily, and trade.

Wars of aggression can have beautiful names such as Operation Restoring Hope, Operation Just Cause, Operation Enduring Freedom, etc. to fool the uninformed. God cannot be fooled. God is calling the United States to listen: cease to be the evil empire, cease and desist to be the warmonger, cease to do evil in the world, cease to cause destruction. I am afraid American leaders will not listen because they are arrogant supremacists, imperialists, hegemonists, monopolists, militarists and capitalists. Let American leaders know what God has said, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it, declares the Lord.”

The US Constitution needs to be revised. The change is to stipulate that the national sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens. American citizens have the final say on every vital issue and important matters of the nation. National referendum is the real democracy in action. Unlike the democracy and national referendum in Taiwan which is phony and not worth mentioning. American leaders and politicians are afraid of changing the U.S. Constitution to stipulate that sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens because in that way American leaders and politicians will lose their monopoly of power. When and where 51% of Americans cast their votes of no confidence in the president or any high ranking official, they can be removed automatically without going through the useless process of impeachment. The majority of American citizens are empowered to make decision of national importance. For example, if 51% of American voters decide to abandon empire, the American foreign policy can be changed overnight, all American troops stationed overseas, aircraft carriers, warships, destroyers, bombers, spy plans, etc. can be withdrawn at once. 

The American leaders and politicians have no intention to change the US Constitution because they want to hang on all the political and financial powers in their hands. To run America a real democracy would require the US Constitution to vest national sovereignty in the hands of American citizens.

I have identified the most dangerous American time bombs as follows: The purpose of listing the most dangerous American time bombs. I define a time bomb as a national pressing problem or serious situation if not resolved properly that threatens to have disastrous consequences at some near future time or unexpectedly. Had American citizens possess the right of national sovereignty, many vital issues could have been resolved by national referendums. There are quite a few American ticking time bombs. Here just to mention a few as follows:

 (1) . Blacks

 (2) . Latinos

(3) . Debt

 (4) . Deficits

 (5) . Illegal aliens (already in America)

 (6) . Welfare

(7) . Most costly and fraudulent healthcare, drug and hospital

 (8) . Economy

(9) . Trade 

(10). Special interests

(11). Partisan divisiveness

(12). Racial discrimination

(13). Police brutality

(14). Illegal migrants (want to come in)

(15). Injustice

(16). Organized crime

 (17). Terrorism (Islamic and domestic)

 (18). Inequality

 (19). Corruption

 (20). Deviant Culture

 (21). Military-Industrial-Security complex

 (22). Pentagon

 (23). Iran

(24). Hamas-Palestinians

(25). Fake news

EVERY CRISIS IS A TIME BOMB. A time bomb is a potentially dangerous or detrimental factor which may increase its destructiveness with the passage of time.

American leaders and politicians are elected, or appointed, and all paid very well to solve the American problems. I am not elected, not appointed, not paid to do anything.

The American economy, military and political structures are already in decay and decline for those who have eyes to see.

5.   Is America mentioned in the Bible?

Of course the Bible does not mention OR imply the United States of America. The Biblical prophesy was completed about 2,000 years ago. How long America has existed?
WRONG INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE.

1. It is wrong to treat America as a Christian nation, there is no Christian nation in the world; America is definitely not a Christian nation. It is wrong to make America standing for Christianity, and it is wrong to make Christians stand for America.

2. It is wrong to claim America has Christian heritage. From the beginning America killed the Red Indians and robbed their land. America has been wrong from its inception to the present.

3. The Bible does not mention or imply the United States of America, for possible one of the two reasons:

A. In the end time, America probably becomes an insignificant nation, not worthy to be mentioned.

B. In the end time, America probably no longer exists, therefore it is not mentioned at all.

You ask how could the strongest nation in the world become insignificant in the end time or it no longer exists in the end time? This you have to ask American leaders and politicians who lead America astray and to the path of suicide and destruction.

According to: https://christinprophecy.org/sermons/robert-jeffress-on-the-implosion-of-america/

Robert Jeffress: ”I believe America’s collapse is inevitable.

Ladies and gentlemen over the last 50 years our Supreme Court has made three explosive decisions that have so weakened the moral and spiritual structure and foundation of our country that our inevitable collapse is certain. Right now we’re simply living between that time of the explosions that have weakened our basic foundation, and the coming implosion. What are those three decisions? These three decisions have changed the direction of our country more than any congressional mandate, more than any executive order from the chief executive officer of the President of the United States. Here are these three decisions. Decision number one I call it explosion number one was the Supreme Court case in 1962 of Engle vs. Vitale. This is the case that removed the saying of a voluntary 22 word prayer in the public schools. A simple 22 word voluntary prayer was deemed unconstitutional. And of course it is from that decision Engle vs. Vitale that all of the other court decision cascaded showing government’s not neutrality toward religion, but government’s hostility toward religion and specifically it’s hostility toward the Christian religion.

From that decision eventually came the decision of course in 1980 the Stone vs. Graham decision that removed the posting of the Ten Commandments from public schools. Specifically that case had to do with the posting of the Ten Commandments in Kentucky schools. And what was the court’s reasoning from removing the reading of the Ten Commandments the posting of them in the public schools? If I were to paraphrase this for you, you would think I was making it up. So I want to read to you the Supreme Court’s decision and their reasoning for removing the posting of the Ten Commandments. The court said, “If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all it will induce the school children to read, meditate upon, perhaps venerate and obey the commandments. This is not a permissible state objective under the establishment clause of the First Amendment.” If we post the Ten Commandments children may actually read, venerate, and heaven forbid obey them. That is not constitutional.

Explosive decision number three was Lawrence and Garner vs. the State of Texas in 2003. This is the law, this is the Supreme Court decision that struck down our states anti-sodomy laws. But it was the beginning domino that we are seeing continued even as late as this Wednesday. What is interesting is in that decision in 2003 Justice Scalia at that time said, “This ruling leaves on pretty shaky ground state laws limiting marriage to opposite sex couples.” Justice Scalia was being prophetic. In fact it was the reasoning of that court in 2003 that led to this Wednesday DOMA decision that struck down a part of the Defense of Marriage Act. What you need to understand is ladies and gentlemen for 226 years our judiciary has understood that the relationship between a man and woman is what constitutes marriage and it is the bedrock of social order. James Kent who served as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court wrote in his commentary on American Law, “The primary and most important of the domestic relations is that of husband and wife. It has as it foundation in nature and is the only relation by which providence has permitted the continuance of the human race.” If you heard me Wednesday night on O’Reilly I was debating a former Clinton advisor who is a homosexual who along with his partner has adopted a child. And I reminded him that in 1885 the Supreme Court in Murphy vs. Ramsey said, “Marriage is a holy union consisting of a man and a women.” And it went on to say, “And it is from that relationship that everything good in nature perceives.”

I do not know him personally but I agree with Dr. Robert Jeffress cited above; and do not approve his support of former President Donald Trump.  I think it is a poor and miserable thing that many so-called evangelical preachers trying hard and making too much to fit America in Biblical prophesy. I also do not know him but I agree, Dr. Tim LaHaye writes, “One of the hardest things for American prophecy students to accept is that the United States is not clearly mentioned in Bible prophecy, yet our nation is the only superpower in the world today.”

The following are completely false statements about America:

“No other nation on earth can claim the rich Christian heritage that we can, and I believe that America was divinely birthed and purposed to nurture and spread the gospel message until the time of the end. And our Christian or spiritual heritage can be found in the Bible, for we are connected as Americans in a unique way to our spiritual forefathers, the Jews.”

I want to say it again that America is not a Christian nation, and nothing in America represents Christianity.  There is no Christian nation on earth since the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Because American leaders and politicians have been practicing “lying” and “killing” and “robbing” since the end of World War II, America may be the most secular empire in the world history trying very hard at the same time to have Christianity as its cover or pretext. Europe and America in history have shamefully discredited Christianity and dishonored the Lord Jesus Christ to this day. 

American leaders are most cunning and crafty people who do not have Christian conscience. They couch the Japanese war criminals behind the scenes to defend Taiwan. When evil Japan engages in war with China, they conveniently say they have treaty obligations to aid Japan and to attack China. One atomic bomb for Tokyo, one for Kyoto, and one for Osaka will sink the evil empire to the bottom of Pacific Ocean. They always pretend to be good guys in fact they are agents of the devil. The do not condemn Japan for dumping toxic nuclear radioactive waste water to the Pacific Ocean.

AMERICA NEEDS TO REPENT, 

REFORM, AND RECOMPENSE. 

IN CONCLUSION

No matter how good the Constitution or system of government it may be, it still needs good leaders and good people to carry out the mission so that the mission can be accomplished. If China had one leader in the person of Deng Xiaoping to turn a backward and poor country to advance to the World’s Number Two economy, why can’t the United States being the Number One World Economy to save itself and rebuild the nation in the shortest time possible? As an American, I have done what I have done. I am not paid for like American leaders and politicians are paid very well to destroy America.

I am not going to tell you whether I am optimistic or pessimistic about the future of America. Let us watch the history is unfolding. The sun does not stand still and the moon does not stop, what must be done for America must be done quickly. Will any one speak for the welfare of the whole nation? I hope our nation will have respect for the old, and show favor to the young.

Isa 1:4, “Alas, sinful nation,
People weighed down with iniquity,
Offspring of evildoers,
Sons who act corruptly!
They have abandoned the LORD,
They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him.”

Jer 7:28, “You shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God or accept correction; truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.”

Jer 12:17, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it,” declares the LORD.

Jer 18:8-9, “if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;”

Pro 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Psa 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”

Isa 51:4, “Pay attention to Me, O My people,
And give ear to Me, O My nation;
For a law will go forth from Me,
And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples.”

Isa 2:4, “And He will judge between the nations,
And will render decisions for many peoples;
And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.”

Mic 4:3, “And He will judge between many peoples
And render decisions for mighty, distant nations.
Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation will not lift up sword against nation,
And never again will they train for war.”

Mar 13:8, “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in many places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”

Jhn 11:51-52, “Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”

Act 10:35, “but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

1Pe 2:9, “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLYNATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

Rev 5:9, “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the Book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

Rev 7:9, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;”
Rev 14:6, “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;”

As an American, what are you going to do about rebuilding America? The silly idea prevalent in America is the idea: if you spend money, the problem will be solved. Consequently, the more money spent, the more American problems pop up. The richer the special interests become.

Willie Wong Thought

Willie Wong

August 10, 2025

https://williewong.cw.center/wp-admin
Copyright © 2018 – 2025 by Willie Wong

*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth. 

You need to know. I need to know. Everybody needs to know because we are unlike animals or plants. There are many things you can or may know but you do not need to know. If you live in Hawaii, you have no need to know the hurricane or tornado in Mississippi. If you are poor teacher, you have no need to know the ups and downs of Wall Street Stocks because you do not own any stock anyway. I do not need to know about Australia because its nation and people are irrelevant to me. However, there are things, no matter who you are, that you must know and know them well. There are fatal consequences if you do not have Bible knowledge. 

Luk 1:77,

“To give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” If you do not have the knowledge of salvation, how can you know how to receive the forgiveness of your sins? For a human being, there is nothing more important than to have the knowledge of truth.

I have been led by the Holy Spirit to do a huge project, unprecedented and monumental which I could never 

finish it in my lifetime. No one can finish it in his lifetime. 

Under the heading Bible Knowledge, there will be 

infinite number of topics. The first topic is GOD, the 

second is JESUS Christ, the third is the HOLY SPIRIT, 

the fourth probably is MAN, and then …. The project is 

ongoing, growing with the passage of time, building and expanding indefinitely. This article is not like glossary, nor terms, not even a dictionary nor an encyclopedia. The knowledge content is not exhaustive, but it is comprehensive and representative. Different colors are used to facilitate your study. Words of original languages are helpful for understanding. What this article does to you, only after when you have carefully, prayerfully and sincerely studied the Scriptures to realize the benefit and effect. In order to save unnecessary words or notes of explanation, it it vital to read all the Scriptures and pay attention to what is highlighted in Red. They should be self-evident and self-explanatory. But what you need to know may change your life and enrich your life tremendously. 

If you do and obey the Word of God, it can be only for 

the better and blessings without measure.

1. GOD:

The word GOD occurs 4,375 times in the NASB (New 

American Standard Bible). God in Hebrew is ‘elohiym 

which means the true God; the supreme God; Jehovah 

alone; – which occurs 2,606 times in the Old Testament. 

God in Greek is theos which means the Godhead; the 

only and true God; the supreme Divinity; any Person of 

the Trinity; – which occurs 1,314 times in the New 

Testament. Greek has influenced the English language. 

Many English words are derived from Greek. For example, the English word “theology” is derived from the Greek word “theos”. According to one estimate, more than 150,000 words of English are derived from Greek words. 

I personally think the Greek word “apokalypsis” which means “revelation” is the most beautiful word in the 

world. As far as humanity is concerned, without 

revelation would be like a world without sunshine.

God is not a theory, not any theory, 

not even the theory. 

Exo 3:14: “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God did not explain to Moses. Before time and space, before everything else; I AM WHO I AM. 

Moses did not ask for an explanation, he knew it was of no use for him to understand I AM. When God declares, 

“I AM God Almighty.” The most brilliant and bright of 

humans tremble and become dizzy. Throughout the 

eternity the children of God will be with the Father, yet 

they will never fully understand I AM WHO I AM.

God is the Creator of universe and man and everything 

that is created. Gen 2:4, “This is the account of the 

Heavens and the earth when they were created, in the 

day that the LORD God made earth and Heaven.”

God is Self-Existent and Eternal. God is Omnipotent, 

Omnipresent, and Omniscient. 

God is, God was, God is to come for eternity. It is tough to ask what God is, for God is not a thing. It is also wrong who God is, for God is not a man. It is 

understandable when God called Moses, Moses said to 

God, the sons of Israel may say to him, What is His 

name? What shall he say to them?

Exo 3:13-15, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am 

going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The 

God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may 

say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” 

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.”

God is ONE, God the Father, God the Son, and God the 

Holy Spirit. The word trinity does not exist in the Bible, 

but the concept of God Being three in ONE does explain in the Bible.  Mat 28:19, Jesus commands all disciples before He ascends to the highest Heaven:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son 

and the Holy Spirit.” Notice the Name is singular, God is One. The God has the Name of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of God.

A. NAMES OF GOD:

1.  Lord God Almighty

Rev 4:8 , “And the four beasts had each of them six 

wings about him; and they were full of eyes within and 

they do not rest day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

2.  JEHOVAH

Exd 6:3 , “And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to 

Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name 

JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”

Note: JEHOVAH in Hebrew means “the Self-Existing One.” 

It is interesting in the Hebrew Old Testament, you can 

find several of God’s names with JEHOVAH as prefixes:

a. Jehovah Nissi   (The Lord My Banner)  –  Exd 17:15 , 

“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it 

Jehovahnissi.”

b. Jehovah-Raah   (The Lord My Shepherd) –   Psa 23:1 ,

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

c. Jehovah Rapha   (The Lord Who Heals)  – Exd 15:26 , 

“And He said: If you will give earnest heed to the voice 

of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, 

and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His 

statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I 

have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your 

Healer.”

d. Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There ) –  Eze 48:35 , 

“The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the 

name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.”

e. JehovahTsidkenu   (The Lord Our Righteousness ) 

Jer 23:6 , “In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel 

shall dwell safely; and this is His name by which He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

f. Jehovah Mekoddishkem   (The Lord Who Sanctifies 

You) –   Exd 31:13 , “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying: You shall surely observe My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.”

g. Jehovah Jireh    (The Lord Will Provide) –   Gen 22:14 , 

“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh; as it is said to this day: In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

h. Jehovah Shalom    (The Lord Is Peace)  –  Jdg 6:24 , 

“Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”

i. Jehovah Sabaoth   (The Lord of Hosts)  –  1 Sa 1:3 , 

“This man went up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord there.”

3.  The Lord God

Gen 2:4 , “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the Heavens.”

Note: The Lord God made the earth and the universe 

(Heavens).

4.  The Lord God of host

1 Ki 19:10 , “And he said: I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and slain Your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life to take it away.”

5.  The Lord God of Israel

Luk 1:68 , “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.”

Note: When Jesus Christ came, the Lord God of Israel can also become the God of Gentiles (Non-Jews) by grace through faith in the Son of God. Beware those who want to take the land that God had given to Abraham and his descendants, the Lord God of Israel will fight for Zion.

6.   The Lord God Omnipotent

Rev 19: 6 , “And I heard as it were the voice of a great 

multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the 

voice of mighty thunderings, saying: Alleluia, for the 

Lord God Omnipotent reigns.”

Note: Omnipotent in Greek is pantokratō which means 

Amighty; the All-Ruling; the Ruler of all; He who holds 

sway over all things; having unlimited authority and 

power; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. 

There is nothing is impossible with the Almighty God.

7.   The Lord God of the holy prophets

Rev 22:6 , “And he said to me: These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must soon take place.”

8.   The Lord of Heaven

Dan 5:23 , “But you have exalted yourself against the 

Lord of Heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and your ways, you have not glorified.”

Note: Our life-breath and our existence are in the hand 

of God.

9.   The Lord of Sabaoth

Rom 9:29 , “And just as Isaiah foretold: Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, we would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.”

Note: The Lord of Sabaoth means the Lord of the armies 

of Israel. Let the enemies of Israel who want to take 

Jerusalem beware, the Lord of Sabaoth will fight for the capital of the great King.

10.  The Lord Strong and Mighty

Psa 24:8 , “Who is this King of glory? The Lord Strong 

and Mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

11.  Lord of Heaven and Earth

Mat 11:25 , “At that time Jesus answered and said: I 

praise You, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because 

You have hidden these things from the educated and 

learned, and have revealed them to the untaught.”

Note: Heaven and earth means the universe. God is Lord of the universe.

12.  Lord Holy and True

Rev 6:10 , “And they cried out with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord, Holy and True, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

13.  The Living Father

Jhn 6:57 , “As the Living Father has sent Me, and I 

(Christ) live by the Father; so he who eats Me will also 

live by Me.”

Note: He who eats Me means he who accepts Jesus 

Christ who sacrificed His body on the cross for him will 

have eternal life. God is the Living Father in comparison to human fathers who are mortal.

14.  Holy Father

Jhn 17:11 , “And now I am no more in the world, but 

these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, 

keep through Your own name those whom You have 

given Me, that they may be one, as We are.”

Note: The Catholic Church has blasphemed God by calling pope Holy Father.

15.  Heavenly Father

Mat 6:14 ,  “For if you forgive men their misdeeds, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Note: Our earthly father is nothing in comparison to our Heavenly Father.  If we have to respect our earthly father as we should, how much we have to fear our Heavenly Father.

16.  Righteous Father

Jhn 17:25 , “O righteous Father, the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent Me.”

Note: Liars and killers are unrighteous, Jesus Christ 

defines them as children of the devil. Children of 

righteous Father cannot lie and kill.

17.  Abba, Father

Rom 8:15 , “For you have not received the spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry out, Abba! Father!”

Note: Abba is abba in Aramaic which means father; 

customary title of God used in prayer; a most sacred 

proper name of God; – which occurs 3 times in the New 

Testament. Let feminists beware; God is presented as 

Father, never as mother.

18.  The Father of Glory

Eph 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 

Father of Glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

No human father, be it king or president, has glory 

comparable to the Father of Glory.

19.  The Father of Spirits

Hbr 12:9, “Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh to discipline us, and we gave them respect; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of Spirits, and live?”

20.  The Father of Lights

Jam 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

21.  The Almighty God

Gen 17:1, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old; the 

Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am the 

Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

Note: No matter who you are, be it king or president, 

dictator or tycoon, scientist or scholar — no one is mighty.

22.  Merciful God

Deu 4:31, “For the Lord your God is a Merciful God; He 

will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”

Note: Because God is merciful, He is not willing any 

should perish; so He sent His Only Son Jesus Christ to the world to save sinners.

23.  The Faithful God

Deu 7:9, “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is 

God, the Faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

Note: When everything fails, remember God is faithful and true.

25.  The Righteous God

Psa 7:9, “O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the Righteous God tries the hearts and minds.”

Note: The hearts and minds of the wicked are wickedness. 

It is the nature of the wicked to do evil. No man can byhis own good deeds to earn the righteousness of God. 

Jesus Christ is the Righteousness of God, and He makes its possible to justify sinners before God.

26.  The Living God

Psa 84:2, “My soul longs and even yearns for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God.”

Note: Primitive people worship idols and all all idols are dead gods who are not God.

27.  The Mighty God

Isa 10:21, “A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God.”

Note: The Mighty God is the Almighty God. There is 

nothing impossible with the Almighty God.

28.  The Everlasting God

Isa 40:28, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not faint or become weary. His understanding is inscrutable.

Rom 16:26, “But now is made manifest, and by the 

Scriptures of the prophets, according to the 

commandment of the Everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

Note: The word “everlasting” is interchangeable with 

“eternal.” God by nature is eternal. God is Self-Existent, from eternity to eternity, without time and without end. 

29.  The Most High God

Dan 5:21, “He (Nebuchadnezzar) was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild asses. He was given grass to eat like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind, and that He appoints over it whomever He wishes.”

Note: Let white supremacists beware, they cannot 

conquer the world. For God rules over the kingdoms of 

mankind. All evil empires have vanished. The evil 

American empire and the evil Japanese empire will soon vanish from the face of the earth. Let warmongers and dictators and oppressors know this: The Most High God is the Ruler over the realm of mankind.

30.  The Only True God

Jhn 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, 

the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Note: All other gods are false gods. The only true God 

cannot tolerate other gods or idols. The most miserable are the Japanese leaders and people who worship their convicted and executed war criminals as true gods. There is no other god, Jesus Christ is our God and Savior.

31.  The Immortal God

Rom 1:23, “And exchanged the glory of the Immortal 

God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of 

birds and four-footed beasts and crawling creatures.”

Note: The Scripture declares the folly of idolatry. The 

Immortal God is eternal.

32.  The Invisible God

Col 1:15 , “He (Christ) is the image of the Invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

Note: God is invisible because He is the Spirit. Spirit does not have flesh and bone.

33.  The Living and True God

1 Th 1:9, “For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the Living and True God.”

34.  The Blessed God

1 Ti 1:11, “According to the glorious Gospel of the 

Blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”

Note: The Blessed God deserves all our praises and 

thankfulness.

35.  The Only Wise God

1 Ti 1:17, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the Only Wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Let the evil trinity of Washington, Wall Street and 

Hollywood beware. They think, speak and act as arrogant rulers of the world. They do not realized they are foolish like worms and will die suddenly. Let arrogant scientists and scholars be warned,  what are you so proud about, you don’t even know when you are going to die?

36.  The Great God

Tts 2:13, “Looking for the blessed hope and the 

appearing of the glory of the Great God and our Savior 

Jesus Christ.”

Note: The Jewish nation is surrounded by enemies. Oh, 

children of Abraham, do not fear. Accept Jesus Christ as your Messiah. The God of Abraham is the Great God, more powerful than the sole superpower, more mighty than all the nuclear weapons of the world.

37.  The Only Lord God

Jud 1:4 , “For there are certain men crept in unawares, 

who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, 

ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into 

lasciviousness, and denying the Only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: God has many other names. Please read my article:

https://williewongthought.hpage.com/the-names-of-god.html

The movement which vainly called God Mother is damned and cursed. The Lord Jesus wants His disciples to address God as our Heavenly Father: Mat 5:48: “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

B. GOD IS:

Deu 4:24, “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

Note: God is a consuming fire, but fire is not God. Those who believe fire is god is pantheist. Christian is not a pantheist.

Deu 4:31, “For the LORD your God is a compassionate 

God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the 

covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”

Note: Compassionate in Hebrew is rachuwm which means merciful; showing compassion; sympathetic; kindly; having pity; benevolent; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. 

Deu 7:21, “You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”

Note: Awesome in Hebrew is yare’ which means terrible; fearful; dreadful; reverent; to be held in awe; to inspire godly fear and awe; frightening; – which occurs 402 times. 

If you do not fear God, you are finished.

Deu 10:17, “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.”

Note: God is above all gods and He is the Lord of lords. 

God is impartial and He does not take a bribe.

2Sa 22:33,“God is my strong fortress;
And He sets the blameless in His way.”

Note: Fortress in Hebrew is ma`owz which means fort; 

rock; strength; refuge; stronghold; place or means of 

safety; protection; citadel; security; – which occurs 37 

times in the Old Testament. God is the strong fortress or security of believers, not unbelievers or the wicked.

2Ch 30:9,“For if you return to the LORD, your brothers 

and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

Note: Gracious in Hebrew is channuwn which means 

merciful; benevolent; kind; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. If you repent and believe in Jesus Christ, God is gracious and compassionate to you.

Ezr 8:22, “For I was ashamed to request from the king 

troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.”

Note: Disposed in Hebrew is towb which means good; 

well; fine; favorable; pleasant; agreeable; benign; right; upright; – which occurs 597 times in the Old Testament. 

God is especially kind to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.

Job 33:12,“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in 

this, For God is greater than man.”

Note: Of course God is greater than man. There are some mad men who behaves like a god.

Job 36:22, “Behold, God is exalted in His power;
Who is a teacher like Him?”

Job 37:22, “Out of the north comes golden splendor;
Around God is awesome majesty.”

Note: You may have seen the Northen Lights which show golden splendor, but God awesome majesty no man has seen.

Psa 47:7, “For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.”

Psa 54:4, “Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

Psa 59:17, “O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me 

lovingkindness.”

Note: Stronghold in Hebrew is misgab which means a 

fortified place; refuge; high tower; fortress; defence; 

protection; secure height; lofty place; rock; sanctuary; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. God is the stronghold of His children, the God who shows His 

children lovingkindness.

Psa 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion 

forever.”

Note: Portion in Hebrew is cheleq which means 

inheritance; partner; partaker; lot; share; possession; 

allotment; – which occurs 68 times. God is the strength 

of the hearts of His children and their portion or 

possession forever. The wicked have no part with God.

Psa 75:7, “But God is the Judge;
He puts down one and exalts another.”

Note: God is the Judge, He will put down the nations that oppress and suppress other nations.

Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk 

uprightly.”

Note: God is a Sun which means God enlightens me. God 

is my shield means God is my protector.

Psa 115:3, “But our God is in the Heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.”

Note: Unbelievers and the wicked overlook God does 

whatever He pleases because God rules the universe.

Isa 12:2,“Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For the LORD GOD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.”

Note: God is my salvation means God saves me from sin and death. So God is also my strength and song.

Jer 3:23, “Surely, the hills are a deception,
A tumult on the mountains.
Surely in the LORD our God
Is the salvation of Israel.”

Note: Israel is surrounded by hostile enemies, but do not fear, for God is the salvation of Israel.

Dan 5:21,“He was also driven away from mankind, and 

his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is 

Ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it 

whomever He wishes.”

Note: The mad king finally realized and recognized that God is the Most High and the Ruler over the realm of mankind.

Dan 9:14,“Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in 

store and brought it on us; for the LORD our God is 

righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.”

Note: Righteous in Hebrew is tsaddiyq which means just; lawful; impartial; correct; unbiased; fair; true; – which occurs 235 times in the Old Testament. Everything that God does is right and just and fair.

Jhn 3:33, “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.”

Note: God is true, every man is a liar; and the devil was the first liar and murderer. The children of the devil lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob.

Jhn 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must 

worship in spirit and truth.”

Note: Spirit in Greek is pneuma which means breath of 

life; the Holy Spirit; God’s character and personality; a depersonalized power or force; the divine nature of God; 

– which occurs 380 times in the New Testament. God is 

Spirit, therefore He is invisible. God is Spirit is the 

Christian theology which no scientists and unbelieving 

theologians can comprehend. Because God is Spirit, no scientist or philosopher can discover God by human means. But God is real and true to those who worship Him in spirit and truth. 

Rom 8:33, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.”

1Co 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such 

as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not 

allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but 

with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

Note: The faithfulness of God is expressed in the way 

God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you 

able to endure. So let us remember God is faithful, 

whatever God allows to happen to us He has full control of the situation.

1Co 11:3, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.”

Note: The order of the Trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

2Co 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to 

you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”

Note: The God of the Holy Bible is unlike other gods. God is able, there is nothing impossible with God. God is able to save Christians to the end.

Gal 3:20, “Now a mediator is not for one party only; 

whereas God is only ONE.”

Note: Christians believe God is only ONE. The Father and 

Son are ONE; One Father, One Lord, One Spirit, One 

Mediator, One Sacrifice, One Faith, One Baptism, One 

Hope, One Body, One Accord, One Bread, One Mind, One Purpose. Christians of all colors and countries are One in Christ.

Gal 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for 

whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”

Note: Mock in Greek is myktērizō which means to sneer at; to deride; to laugh at; to ridicule; to make mouths at; to make fun of; to treat with contempt; to defy; to scoff; to insult; to frustrate; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. No one can deceive God, people only deceive themselves. God cannot be mocked or ridiculed, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Heb 6:10, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your 

work and the love which you have shown toward His 

name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the 

saints.”

Note: The sufferings of saints for the sake of Christ and the work and love children of God have shown toward God will never be forgotten, but to be rewarded someday.

Heb 12:29, “for our God is a consuming fire.”

Note: God is a consuming fire, therefore fear God. But fire is not God.

Jas 4:6, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 

“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Note: God is opposed to the proud, so the proud leaders will be made low.

1Jo 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him 

and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there 

is no darkness at all.”

Note: God is Light, this is the truth of Christianity. All 

other religions are in darkness. There is no light in human theology and philosophy and even science cannot find the absolute truth in Christ.

1Jo 3:20, “in whatever our heart condemns us; for God 

is greater than our heart and knows all things.”

Note: If you do something that your heart condemns you, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. I suspect that some individuals whose hearts are so rotten and deceitful that they do not seem to know the difference of good and evil.

1Jo 4:16, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

Note: God is love is the most wonderful Christian truth. 

It is inconceivable and incomprehensible that the Just and 

Holy God could love sinners. Hatred belongs to false 

religions.

Rev 4:8, “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, 

HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”

Note: The declaration that God is holy is like the 

combination of saying God is Light, God is true, God is 

Righteous, God is Almighty all in one. God is holy is most awesome, amazing, astounding, and stunning. God is Holy, Holy, Holy; let every knee bow and tremble, and let everyone fall on his face and worship God.

C. THE WORD OF GOD:

Gen 15:1, “After these things the Word of the LORD 

came to Abram in a vision, saying,
“Do not fear, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.”

Note: After these things you have to read Genesis 

Chapter 14. After Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, and Abram gave Melchizedek king of Salem, a priest of God Most High, a tenth of all. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, 

“I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ Thus the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.

Word in Hebrew is dabar which means saying; speech; 

utterance; decree; message; oracle; commandment; 

remark; promise; – which occurs 1,416 times in the Old 

Testament. Vision in Hebrew is machazeh which means in the ecstatic state; something seen in a dream; manifestation; an experience of seeing and hearing from God; – which occurs 4 times in the Old Testament. I never had a vision, I believe what the Word of God says. God said to Abram, “Do not fear, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” Shield in Hebrew is magen which means buckler; defence; protector; – which occurs 63 times in the Old Testament. Abram was very blessed: 

God was his protector and reward.

Exo 9:20-21, “The one among the servants of Pharaoh 

who feared the Word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; but he who paid no regard to the Word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.” Those who feared the Word of God were safe. Exo 9:25, “The hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field.” Those who paid no regard to the Word of God suffered. Remember, the Word of God always come true.

Num 15:30-31, “But the person who does anything 

defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is 

blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.

‘Because he has despised the Word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.’”

Note: Despise in Hebrew is bazah which means to disdain; to hold in contempt; to scorn; to regard with contempt; to treat worthless; to trample with the feet; to make light of; to look down on; to regard as negligible; to loathe; to dislike intensely; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. To despise the Word of God is to break His commandment. The person is guilty and shall be completely cut off. Cut off in Hebrew is karath which means to cut down; to cut out; to cut to pieces; to destroy; to eliminate; to kill; to behead; to hew; to take away; to perish; to bring to an end; to terminate; – which occurs 461 times in the Old Testament.

Num 22:38, “So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have 

come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The Word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.”

Note: 2Pe 2:15, “forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” Balaam had gone astray who loved the wages of unrighteousness. For a prophet or a servant of God, the Word that God puts in his mouth, that he shall speak. There are many false prophets and false teachers who do not speak the Word of God.

Deu 4:2,“You shall not add to the Word which I am 

commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may 

keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Note: Moses told the sons of Israel not to add to the 

Word of God. Rev 22:18-19, “I testify to everyone who 

hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” This is the most serious matter: 

No one can add or take away the words of God written in the Bible, the consequences are grave. I believe it is wrong to have an abridged Bible. It is equally wrong for those who add speculations on the Word of God, which many so-called theologians had done by distortion and misinterpretation or private interpretation. I believe John Calvin’s private interpretation of the doctrine on God’s predestination is totally un-scriptural and false. The enemies of truth delete the Word of God from my website, God will delete their names from the Book of Life and put their names in the Book of Death. They are waiting to be executed.

Deu 17:11, “According to the terms of the law which they teach you, and according to the verdict which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the Word which they declare to you, to the right or the left.”

Note: No Christians may turn aside from the Word of God to the right or the left. Christians must be straight with the Bible.

Deu 18:20, “But the prophet who speaks a word 

presumptuously in My name which I have not 

commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the 

name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”

Note: Presumptuously in Hebrew is zuwd which means 

to deal proudly; to presume; to act rebelliously; to act 

insolently; to overstep due bound; to take too much for granted; to go beyond what is proper; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. Karl Barth was no prophet but a false teacher who presumptuously said, the Bible is not the Word of God but contains the Word of God. Barth did violence to the Holy Bible. I have no intention to waste my life on his work to conclude he is wrong. It is God’s business to deal with so many false prophets and false teachers in history.

Deu 34:5, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the Word of the LORD.”

Note: Christians believe the Word of God is absolute, complete, perfect, supreme and ultimate. Every doubt or dispute on the Faith must be settled according to the Word of God. We do not use any system of theologies (such as Calvinism, Neo-Orthodoxy, modernism, etc.) to measure the Word of God, we use the Word of God to test any theory or doctrine or ideology. For that reason, we found capitalism and imperialism are not compatible with the Holy Bible. The Western nations are practicing a false version of Christianity.

Jos 8:8, “Then it will be when you have seized the city, 

that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do it according to the Word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you.”

Note: In the old dispensation, God was at wars with pagan and wicked nations on behalf of Israel. The conquest of the city of Ai and God commanded Joshua to set the city on fire. In the new dispensation, God offers grace and the Gospel to all nations. If today any political leader or preacher command believers to set fire on a city or houses of people, OR to commit riots, that is the agent of the devil. Christians do not do violence or commit any unlawful act. 

Christians must do everything according to the Word of God. The Bible does not advocate Christians to take up revolution for any reason. Christians are not to change the world, but to save the world.

1Sa 3:7, “Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the Word of the LORD yet been revealed to him.”

Note: Samuel was a little boy who did not know the Lord because the Word of God had not yet been revealed to him. Revelation is necessary because no man can find God by his own wisdom or efforts. Christianity is the only revealed religion, all others are man-made religions. Now the revelation of God is complete in Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. There is no more new revelation. If anyone claims he has new revelation other than what is revealed in the Holy Scriptures, the man is condemned and accursed. Do not follow them.

1Sa 15:23, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the Word of the LORD,
He has also rejected you from being king.”

Note: In the sight of God, rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is an iniquity and idolatry. Rebellion in Hebrew is meriy which means bitterness; contumacy; contempt of court; defiance of an established government; resistance; a violent organized action against authority; – which occurs 24 times in the Old Testament. 

The crimes committed by those Chinese traitors in Hong Kong financed and supported by Western aggressors are rebellion. They are contumacy, not democracy. Because they conspired with foreign forces, they have committed treason and can be executed. Divination in Hebrew is qecem which means witchcraft; false oracles; the practice of fortune-telling by supernatural means; astrology; – which occurs 12 times in the Old Testament. Insubordination in Hebrew is patsar which means stubbornness; disobedience to authority; insolence; arrogance; presumption; revolt; sedition; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. The Hong Kong rioters have committed rebellion and sedition. Iniquity in Hebrew is ‘aven which means wickedness; sin; mischief; unrighteousness; vanity; falsehood; evil; trouble; sorrow; affliction; emptiness; fraud; calamity; gross injustice; wicked act; wrong; crime; – which occurs 77 times in the Old Testament. Idolatry in Hebrew is teraphiym which means worship of idols or false gods; household shrine or image worship; domestic or family gods; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. In Chines culture, idolatry and worship of ancestors are cultural phenomenon. Chinese Christians must beware. Idolatry is still prevalent among primitive and superstitious peoples in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, Americans and Europeans commit greed which is equivalent to idolatry. The West worships money, power, and sex. Because Saul rejected the Word of God, so God rejected him being king over Israel.

2Sa 12:9, “Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.”

Note: Even David when he sinned, God punished him. Anyone who does evil has despised the Word of God. Doing evil is despising the Word of God. Despise in Hebrew is bazah which means to disdain; to scorn; to hold in contempt; to regard with contempt; to deem worthless; to make light; to look down; to disregard; to have low opinion of; to loathe; to dislike intensely; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. To do evil is to despise or dislike the Word of God.

2Sa 16:23, “The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in 

those days, was as if one inquired of the Word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.”

Note: Ahithophel was a wise strategist, in those days people regarded his word as if one inquired of the Word of God. No man’s word should be regarded as if it were the Word of God. God finally destroyed Ahithophel. Nowadays there are believers who regard the words of Augustine, Calvin, etc. as if they were the words of God. Christians should use the Word of God to test and measure any words of theologians and philosophers. No Christians would use the words of theologians and philosophers to test and measure the Word of God.

2Sa 22:31, “As for God, His way is blameless;
The Word of the LORD is tested;
He is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him.”

Note: Blameless in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; without spot; without flaw or fault; perfect; upright; whole; complete; sound; wholesome; having integrity; in accord with truth and fact; innocent; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Tested in Hebrew is tsaraph which means tried; pure; refined; purged; proven; purified; qualified through testing; examined; stood the test of time; dependable; reliable; true; – which occurs 33 times in the Old Testament. Yes, God’s way is blameless or flawless; the Word of God stood the test of time and proven perfect and true. God is my Shield and I take refuge in Him. Woe to the gullible nations and simple-minded peoples who think and believe nuclear shield can protect them!

1Ki 17:16, 24, “The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the Word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah…Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the Word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”

Note: There was an interesting historical story how the Lord provided for His prophet Elijah. Elijah met a widow who was gathering sticks. Elijah asked her to get him a little water and a piece of bread. The widow said she had no bread, only a handful of flour and a little oil; she was gathering a few sticks to prepare a little bread cake for herself and her son that they may eat it and die. Elijah said to the widow not to fear, but make him a little bread cake first and afterward make one for herself and her son. 

1Ki 17:14, “For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’” The widow went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days; as the Scripture cited above. Finally, the widow said she now knew that Elijah was a man of God and that the Word of God in his mouth was true. The resources of God never exhausted, never became empty. Believe it, the Word of God is always true and it will be eternal in Heaven.

1Ch 10:13, “So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the Word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it,”

Note: Saul was a historical tragic figure, the king died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the Word of the Lord. Saul also asked counsel of a medium. Christians must not consult mediums, spiritists, fengshui, astrologers, sorcerers, fortune-tellers, etc.

Psa 119:89, “Lamedh.
Forever, O LORD,
Your Word is settled in Heaven.”

Note: Settle in Hebrew is natsab which means to stand upright; to establish permanently; to appoint; to erect; to stand firm; to set up; to fix; to put in order; to make stable; to come to rest; – which occurs 79 times in the Old Testament. The Word of God is established permanently and firmly in Heaven.

Psa 119:105, “Nun.
Your Word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”

Note: The Word of God is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path so that I will not walk in darkness. Those who have the Word of God have the light so that they will not be blinded.

Psa 119:160, “The sum of Your Word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. 

Note: Sum in Hebrew is ro’sh which means the principal; totality; first and foremost; aggregate; summation; gist; entirety; summary; – which occurs 605 times in the Old Testament. The sum and summation of the Word of God is truth. In my study and enquiry, I discover the totality and entirety of the theologies and philosophies and ideologies of unbelievers are useless talk, silly talk, empty words, empty pursuits, empty conceit, empty deception, empty chatter, false words, false and foolish visions, idle tales, myths and mere speculations only darken and blind the mind and heart. 

Jer 28:9, “The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, then that prophet will be known as one whom the LORD has truly sent.”

Note: The word of a false prophet will never come to pass. Remember the prophesy is completed, no one can prophesize contrary to what is written in the Word of God.

Mat 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”

Note: Every word written in the Holy Scriptures proceeds out of the mouth of God. Man shall not live on bread or rice alone.

Mat 13:19, “When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.”

Note: When anyone hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ and does not repent and believe, the evil one must have snatched the seed sown in his heart.

Mat 13:22, “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.”

Note: The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth (money) can choke the Word of truth so that people will not accept it. Choke in Greek is sympnigō which means to throng; to suffocate; to strangle comletely; to drown; to crowd; to obstruct; to asphyxiate; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. The most terrible thing I watched in 2020 was the white police officer choked a black suspect to death live on TV! Thus not many rich people believe and follow Jesus.

Mat 15:6, “he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.” Mar 7:13, “thus invalidating the Word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

Note: Tradition in Greek is paradosis which means passing down ordinance; an inherited religious practice or social custom; a handing down which is done by word of mouth or in writing; of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence (Strong’s Concordance); Jewish traditional law; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. At Jesus’ time, there were Jewish traditions which invalidate the Word of God. Invalidate in Greek is akyroō which means to make of none effect; to disannul; to discredit; to distort; to deprive the force of authority; to render void; to make light of; to nullify; to undermine; to cancel; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. 

Even today the Roman Catholic Church has many traditions (practices and beliefs) which invalidate the Word of God, to name a few: papacy, celibacy of the priest, worship of Mary and saints. priest’s forgiveness of sins; 

transubstantiation, purgatory, Mary as the mediator, etc. 

In my studies I found some are expert in setting aside the 

Word of God. Many theologies and philosophies so-called 

also distort the Word of God, such as Calvin’s doctrine of predestination, and Barth’s Bible containing the Word of 

God, etc.

Mar 4:15, “These are the ones who are beside the road 

where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately 

Satan comes and takes away the Word which has been 

sown in them.”

Note: Satan can take away the Word which has been sown in the hearts of men.

Mar 12:14, “They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we 

know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”

Note: The way of God in truth is the Word of God. Intellectual hypocrites wanted to trap Jesus Christ by mixing religion with politics in a devious way. Today, many Western politicians use Christianity to advance their evil empire and global aggression and domination.

Luk 3:2, “in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.”

Note: A prophet is the spokesman of God. A prophet cannot say anything on his own. The Word of God came to John the Baptist and so he preached in the wilderness. John had quite a natural big voice, he preached in the wilderness without a loudspeaker. Jhn 1:29-30, “The next day he (saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!“ This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’

Luk 8:11, “Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God.”

Note: Parable in Greek is parabolē which means figure of speech; comparison; comparison of one thing with another; likeness; similitude; an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated (Strong’s Concordance); a proverb or maxim; a short story that illustrates a moral principle 

or doctrine; – which occurs 50 times in the New Testament. However, a parable is different from a fable or allergory. 

It is most beautiful and logical to compare the Word of 

God to the seed. Seed is Greek is sporos which means the 

small propagative part of a plant from which the new 

plant grows; the grains sowed; kernel; germ; source of 

growth; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. 

Psa 126:6, “He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his 

bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, 

bringing his sheaves with him.” Beware, you reap what 

you sow.

Luk 8:12, “Those beside the road are those who have 

heard; then the devil comes and takes away the Word 

from their heart, so that they will not believe and be 

saved.”

Note: Do not let the devil takes away the Word of God 

from your hear, believe and be saved.

Luk 8:21, “ But He answered and said to them, “My mother 

and My brothers are these who hear the Word of God and 

do it.”

Note: In the Kingdom of God, the closest to Jesus are 

those who hear the Word of God and do it. Those who do 

the Word of God are like the mother and brothers and 

sisters of Jesus.

Everyone is free to believe and be saved. There are 

people who do not want to believe and be saved. In 

certain radical nations, if you believe in Christ you will 

be beheaded.

Luk 11:28, “But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are 

those who hear the Word of God and observe it.”

Note: Hearing the Word of God is good but not enough. 

Those who hear the Word of God and observe it are 

blessed.

Jhn 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word 

was with God, and the Word was God.”

Note: Nobody knows when was the beginning. We know 

it was before the universe was, before time and space 

were. God is eternal and there is no beginning. In the 

eternal past was the Word, and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God. Jesus Christ is the Word of God. 

This is the beginning of Christianity.

Jhn 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His 

disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.”

Note: Christians of all generations believe the Scripture and the Word of Jesus. Christianity is the faith in the Bible and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Jhn 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My 

Word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”

Note: This is the sum of the Gospel. He who hears the 

Word of God and believes God who sent Jesus Christ to 

the world, has eternal life, and does not come into 

judgment, but has passed out of death into life. What does it mean to be saved? To be saved is to have passed out of death into life.

Jhn 8:47, “He who is of God hears the Words of God; for 

this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of 

God.”

Note: The Words of God are also called the oracles of 

God.

Those who do not listen and obey the Words of God 

because they are not of God; they are not God’s children. 

So do not be surprised when you meet people who reject 

the Word of God.

Jhn 10:35, “If he called them gods, to whom the Word of 

God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),”

Note: The Scripture is the Word of God, the Scripture 

cannot be broken. Scripture in Greek is graphē which 

means the Book or its contents; a portion or section of the 

Holy Scripture; the Holy Writ; – which occurs 55 times in 

the New Testament. Break in Greek is lyō which means to 

loose; to destroy; to dissolve; to break down; to break up; 

to put off; to set aside; to melt; to dismiss; to undo; to do 

away with; to deprive of authority; to overthrow; to let go; 

to subvert; to annul; to cancel; to demolish; to fracture; – 

which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. The Holy 

Scripture has stood several thousand of years. Many evil 

people have tried to fracture the Word of God by creating 

many theologies and ideologies to distort and destroy the 

Word of God. Do not believe or follow lies, for the 

Scripture cannot be broken.

Jhn 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone 

loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love 

him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with 

him.”

Note: This is the truth: If anyone loves Jesus, he will keep 

His Word; and the Father will love him, and the Father and 

the Son will come to him and live with him.

Jhn 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is 

truth.’

Note: Theologies, philosophies, and science cannot 

sanctify anyone. The Word of God is truth, and truth can 

sanctify us.

Act 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where 

they had gathered together was shaken, and they were 

all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the 

Word of God with boldness.”

Note: When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they 

begin to speak the Word of God with boldness. This is 

where the Pentecostal denomination errs. The filling of 

the Holy Spirit is not for speaking in tongues, it is for 

witnessing and testifying the Word of God that Jesus 

Christ is the Son of God and our Savior.

Act 6:2, “So the twelve summoned the congregation of 

the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to 

neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables.”

Note: Neglect in Greek is kataleipō which means to 

forsake; to leave behind; to abandon; to disregard; to 

depart from; to leave unattended; to fail to look after 

properly; to ignore; to overlook; to fail to carry out; – 

which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. There is a 

fad in Europe for social action. Once at a Chinese secular 

church I heard a minister proudly announced that he was 

just back from Denmark after social work training. The 

prime mission of the Church is to engage in the work for 

the salvation of souls; and the prime ministry of 

preachers is to preach and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus 

Christ. Ministers are not social workers, however useful 

and valuable is social work. Preachers are not doing 

charity work either. You see so many in the name of 

Christ ask for donations for their work. It is not desirable 

for preachers to neglect the Word of God in order to serve 

tables, to serve social agenda. I thank God to give me a 

little part in the ministry of the Word. We do not want 

donation. We only want you to know the truth.

Act 6:7, “The Word of God kept on spreading; and the 

number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in 

Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming 

obedient to the Faith.”

Note: The job of all believers is to spread the Word of 

God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When people are 

converted, they become obedient to the Faith. The Faith 

is the truth in Christ.

Act 8:14, “Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that 

Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent them 

Peter and John,”

Note: All preachers and Christians are glad if anyone or 

any place receives the Word of God. Receive in Greek is 

dechomai which means to accept; to take up; to take upon 

oneself; to learn; to take hold; to embrace; to acquire; to 

believe; – which occurs 56 times in the New Testament. 

To receive the Word of God is to receive Jesus Christ as 

Lord and Savior; to receive forgiveness of sins and an 

inheritance among those who have been sanctified by 

faith in Jesus Christ, and to receive the love of the truth 

so as to be saved.

Act 11:1, “Now the apostles and the brethren who were 

throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the Word of God.”

Note: The Gentile Christians would be glad if we hear the 

Jewish people also receive the Word of God.

Act 13:5, “When they reached Salamis, they began to 

proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; 

and they also had John as their helper.”

Note: Proclaim in Greek is katangellō which means to 

preach; to declare publicly; to show; to teach; to speak of; 

to make known; to announce; to promulgate; to publish; 

to state in an emphatic way; – which occurs 18 times in 

the New Testament. The evangelist proclaims the Gospel 

is more strenuous than most pastors do on a Sunday 

service. To publish a website for the Word of God is also 

to proclaim the Gospel. What we need to day are 

preachers who are filled with the Holy Spirit and power 

to preach like the prophets of old.

Act 13:46, “Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, 

“It was necessary that the Word of God be spoken to you 

first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy 

of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.”

Note: Jhn 4:22, Jesus says, “You worship what you do 

not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is 

from the Jews.” The Word of God be spoken to the Jews 

first because salvation is from the Jews. Repudiate in 

Greek is apōtheō which means to cast away; to throw 

away; to thrust away; to put away; to drive away; to repel; 

to reject; to refuse; to push off; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. It was bad and sad that the Jews repudiated 

the Word of God to this day. Mat 7:6, “Do not give what is 

holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, 

or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and 

tear you to pieces.” Many are like swine who trample the 

pearls of the Word of God under their feet. You may receive 

or reject the Word of God. There is consequence of eternal 

death if you repudiate the Word of God.

Act 17:11, “Now these were more noble-minded than those 

in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with great 

eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether 

these things were so.”

Note: Do you want to be noble-minded Christians? Then 

receive the Word of God with great eagerness, and 

examine the Scriptures daily to see whether these thins 

were so.

Examine in Greek is anakrinō which means to ask question; 

to search; to inspect closely; to discern; to judge; to 

investigate; to analyse; to enquire into carefully; to 

scrunize; to study intensely; to check over; to determine 

the excellence or defect of interpretation; to look through; 

to research; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. 

1Co 1:18, “For the Word of the cross is foolishness to those 

who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the 

power of God.”

There are only two groups of people in the world, not the 

rich and poor, not the educated and uneducated, not the 

powerful and the helpless; but those who are perish and 

those are being saved. Perish in Greek is apollymi which 

means to destroy; to be lost; to put out of the way entirely; 

to abolish; to vanish away; to put an end to ruin; to render 

useless; to kill; to be put to death; to suffer eternal misery 

in Hell; to be ruined; – which occurs 94 times in the New 

Testament. I have studied many subjects in my life; I have 

found the Word of the cross is the power and wisdom of 

God. I find myself foolish in many things pertaining to the 

Word of God which I do not understand. I am still studying 

and will be studing till I die.

2Co 2:17, “For we are not like many, peddling the Word 

of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak 

in Christ in the sight of God.”

Note: Peddle in Greek is kapēleuō which means to be a 

retailer; to make money by selling; to get sordid gain by 

dealing; to do a thing for base gain; to trade in the Word 

of God; to merchandise the Gospel; to get base gain by 

teaching divine truth; to corrupt; to adulterate; – which 

occurs only 1 time in the New Testament. When I was a 

boy growing up in a pastor’s home, I used to think every 

preacher is a man of God. When I grew up I met a few and 

knew a great number of so-called ministers who retail and merchandise the Word of God without shame. I do not 

want to name names, some I knew personally. I believe 

it is wrong to preach the Gospel and raise large sum of 

money to build a university or an institution in your name 

and pass it on to your posterity as an estate. I knew a 

preacher who built a cathedral and went bankrupt. There 

is no such a thing called spiritual empire. A famous 

preacher died leaving $10 million dollars to his children. 

In the West they practice capitalistic gospel like an 

investment. For that reason many embrace prosperity 

gospel and prosperity gospel preachers get rich and live in luxury. It is sad that many are peddling the Word of 

God, in many churches, on TV and on the Internet. One 

American preacher is peddling the Word of God so much 

that he has an assets of $300 million dollars!

2Co 4:2, “but we have renounced the things hidden 

because of shame, not walking in craftiness or 

adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation 

of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience 

in the sight of God.”

Note: False teachers and preachers and unbelieving 

theologians are walking in craftiness and adulterating the 

Word of God, such as those who preach prosperity gospel, 

social and political gospel, feminest gospel and many false theologies.

Eph 6:17, “And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the 

Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Note: To engage in war with the evil forces, Christians 

must take up the full armor of God. We are given the 

Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The more 

you understand the Word of God, the better equipped you 

are in the Christian warfare against the dark forces.

Phl 1:14, “and that most of the brethren, trusting in the 

Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage 

to speak the Word of God without fear.”

Note: To speak the Word of God without fear is to speak 

with boldness in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the 

best of preaching. Nowadays you hardly can find a 

preacher who proclaims the Word of God without fear, 

with boldness, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Col 1:5, “because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven, 

of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the 

Gospel.”

Note: The Christian hope is laid up in Heaven, not on earth.

Those who lay up treasure on earth are the most pitiful 

people in the world, without God and without hope. The 

Word of truth is the Gospel. The Gospel is the Word of 

truth, worthy of all acceptance.

1Ti 4:5, “for it is sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer.”

Note: Sanctify in Greek is hagiazō which means to make holy; to hollow; to render holy; to separate from profane things and dedicate to God (Strong’s Concordance); to purify; to cleanse; to free from the guilt of sin; to consecrate; to set apart; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. The position of a saved believer in Christ is sanctified by the precious blood of the Savior and the Holy Spirit once and for all. His condition in the world is not desirable, therefore he needs to be sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer daily and continuously. No Catholic priest can sanctify anyone.

2Ti 2:9, “for which I suffer hardship even to 

imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God is not 

imprisoned.”

Note: The Holy Bible is the Word of God (written), and 

Jesus Christ is the Word of God (living). To be imprisoned in Greek is deō which means to be bound; to be fastened; to fasten with chains; to be tied up; to be prohibited; to be restricted; to be confined; to be put in prison; to be locked up; to dismiss; – which occurs 44 times in the New Testament. The Word of God cannot be broken or to be dismissed.

Tit 2:2-5, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, 

sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older 

women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the Word of God will not be dishonored.”

Note: The Scriptures cited above tell Christians older men, older women, young women how to behave. If they behave wrongly, the Word of God may be dishonored. To be dishonored in Greek is blasphēmeō which means to be blasphemed; to be spoken evil of; to be railed on; to be spoken reproachfully; to be reviled; to be railed at; to be vilified; to be defamed; to be shamed; to be disgraced; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. Christians have heavy responsibilities because our wrong behavior 

may shame the Word of God. Preachers are worse, an 

adulterous and greedy preacher disgraced the Word of 

God.

Heb 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active and 

sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far 

as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

Note: In science we understand and believe. In divine 

knowledge, by faith we understand. The worlds were 

prepared by the Word of God, by Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:23, “for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God.”

Note: If you have tasted the good Word of the Lord, why would  you waste your time and efforts on the garbage of unbelieving theologians and scholars? Besides, the Word of God is living and enduring. The two attributes characterize the Word of God, living and enduring. I find the philosophies of men dead and empty. Living in Greek is zaō which means alive and active; quick; lively; breathing; not lifeless or dead; enjoying real life; having true life; blessed; endless; metaphorically full of vigor; fresh; strong; efficient; powerful; efficacious; bubbling up like living water; having vital power; – which occurs 143 times in the New Testament. Enduring in Greek is menō which means abiding; remaining; not departing; 

continuing to the present; long-lasting; standing; 

persevering; everlasting; perpetual; permanent; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. The ideas of men are hollow and vain, the Word of God is powerful and will never pass away.

1Jo 2:14, “I have written to you, fathers, because you 

know Him who has been from the beginning. I have 

written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have 

overcome the evil one.”

Note: The secret of overcoming the evil one is to be 

strong and the Word of God abides in you. It does not 

depend on how much theological knowledge you have. 

Abide in Greek is menō which means to remain; to dwell; to continue; to endure; not to depart; to keep continually; to stand; to live; to accept without objection; to stay with; to stand fast; to submit and carry out; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. In this evil generation, with so many false doctrines and heresies, Christians must stay with the Word of God and submit to it and carry out in practice.

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bing.com/images

The Holy Bible is One, consists of the Old Testament 

written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. The Old Testament is composed of 39 books, and the New Testament is comprised 27 books; a total of 66 books. 

The Holy Bible is the sole basis upon which Christianity 

is built on. I believe in Sola Scriptura. Sola Scriptura 

means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, absolute, supreme and true.

The most famous English Bible was the 1611 King James Version, the originally published KJV text from 1611 A.D. using archaic English. However, the first English translation was completed by John Wycliffe who was an English philosopher, theologian, biblical translator, and a seminary professor at the University of Oxford. What is 

the difference between translation and version? According to Webster’s New Word College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, “translation implies the rendering from one language into another of something written or spoken (a German translation of Shakespeare); version is applied to a particular translation of a given work, spec. of the Bible (the King James Version).”

I recommend this Dictionary to all my students. For 

practical reasons since then there have been many English translations the English Bible, including the following translations and version available: King James Version, New King James Version, New Living Translation, New International Version, English Standard Version, Christian Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible, New English Translation, Revised Standard Version, American Standard Version, Young’s Literal Translation, Darby Translation, Webster’s Bible, Hebrew Names Version, provided free by https://www.blueletterbible.org; although I personally and preferably use the NASB. When it does not seem clear to me, I consult also the translations and versions, or I make translations myself through the study of the original words.

As far as I know, God did not and does not grant any 

individual, group, or institution the right and privilege to translate the Holy Bible. For that reason, I strongly 

believe it is wrong and corrupt to copyright the Bible. It is unscriptural and wrong for any individual, group, or institution to make, publish, and merchandise the Holy Bible for high profit. Some famous and infamous 

individuals through covetousness they used with feigned words and private interpretations to make merchandise of the Bible and sell them to make profits. I believe such rendering the Bible for the purpose of merchandising is wrong and corrupt. For that reason, we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation.

http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html

Good Habits for Bible Study:

1. Study the Bible prayerfully.

2. Study the Bible diligently and daily.

3. Study the Bible with a humble spirit.

4. Study the key words of the Bible.

Note: Look up in an English dictionary like Merriam 

Webster (free on-line) the key words of the Bible such 

as grace, faith, sin, iniquity, forgiveness, salvation, 

judgment, repentance, justification, sanctification, 

glorification, regeneration, adoption, promise, Gospel, 

redemption, Scripture, doctrine, Church, etc.

5. Study the Bible, verse by verse, from chapter to chapter.  Write down in a note book what you think or feel you have learned from a verse or a chapter.

6. Study the Bible book by book.

Write down in your note book what you think or feel you 

have learned from the book.

7. Study the Bible following this process: Begin with the 

Gospel of John, then the Book of Romans, and then follow 

the sequence from Matthew to Revelation. After you finish 

reading the New Testament, begin Genesis through the 

Old Testament.

8. Summarize and write down what you have learned.

D. THE TRUTH OF GOD:

Exo 34:6, “Then the LORD passed by in front of him and 

proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and 

gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness 

and truth;”

Note: Abounding in in Hebrew is rab which means great; 

enough; mighty; abundant; more numerous; strong; much; exceeding; full; plenteous; populous; large; vast; powerful; to be filled with; – which occurs 467 times in the Old Testament.

God is abounding in lovingkindness and truth. Truth in 

Hebrew is ’emeth which means verity; right; faithfulness; certainty; firmness; sureness; reliableness; reliability; trustworthiness; fidelity; perpetuity; probity; unrightness; integrity of mind; justice; truthfulness; – which occurs 128 times in the Old Testament. God is full of truth.

Jos 24:14, “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”

Note: Joshua tells the sons of Israel to serve God in 

sincerity and truth. This remind me what Jesus says, 

Jhn 4:24,“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” To serve God is to worship God.

2Sa 7:28, “Now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your 

Words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.”

Note: The Words of God are truth. The prominent 

phenomenon of the 21^st century is the fact that American and European leaders and politicians speak lies, lies, and lies without shame.

Psa 15:2, “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”

Note: A worshipper of God is he who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Integrity in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; without spot; sincerity; in accord with truth and fact; upright in conduct; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedeq which means righteous cause; justice; rightness; justness; equity; rectitude; straightness; – which occurs 123 times in the Old Testament. Whoever worships God must walk with integrity, and practice righteousness, and speak truth in his heart. Do you know or see any American and European leaders and politicians who walk with integrity, and practice righteousness, and speak truth in their hearts? When a Christian speaks truth, he must speak truth in his heart.

Psa 25:5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.”

Note: This is the prayer of every Christian. Lord, lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. The thing that bothers me a lot, there are many who do not want to go the way of truth. Truth is not dead, but in the West people trample on the truth. They learn to defraud and train in greed.

Psa 26:3, “For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.”

Note: If you ever walk in truth, you walk in the truth of God. Truth belongs to God. Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. The Christian Faith is the truth. There is no truth in the world.

Psa 31:5, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”

Note: My spirit in God’s hand is safe and sound, for my 

Lord has ransomed me, God of truth. Ransom in Hebrew is padah which means to redeem; to deliver; to rescue; to set free; – which occurs 64 times in the Old Testament. 

I was redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 

Our Heavenly Father is God of truth. Scientists and 

philosophers are supposed to seek the truth, but they 

cannot find the absolute truth. The truth of God is 

absolute, complete, perfect and ultimate.

Psa 40:11, “You, O LORD, will not withhold Your 

compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.”

Note: Preserve in Hebrew is natsar which means to keep safe; to guard; to watch over; to protect; to defend; to maintain; to retain; – which occurs 61 times in the Old Testament. I don’t know why and where recently American leaders and politicians get the idea to preserve the country they have to lie, lie and lie by force. When America cannot compete with a country, American leaders and politicians target that country as a national security threat, smear it with all kinds of lies and falsehoods, and sanction that country with all unfair and unjust measures. When a foreign company is most advanced and doing very well which America cannot compete with it, American leaders and politicians immediately dub that company as a national security threat, sanction and destroy it. More than 20 years America fights the terrorists in Afghanistan the Taliban and fails. Right now America is negotiating with 

the Taliban the terrorists. When China succeeded in 

controlling terrorists and terror acts in Xinjiang, achieving prosperity and harmony of races, American and Europeans leaders label China as an authoritarian regime, practicing cultural genocide, forced labor and other false accusations. 

Japanese leaders denied its war crimes and thought they can preserve their empire. Germany confessed its war crimes and made reparations to preserve its honor and dignity. Only truth can preserve anyone or any nation. 

Integrity and truth can preserve a country.

Psa 69:13, “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, 

at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, answer me with Your saving truth.” 

Note: The truth of God is the saving truth. There is no 

salvation and no truth in any other. Jesus says, Jhn 8:32, 

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” There are nations that lie about their national history and background. They will sink deep into darkness. Your sins will find you out. Only the truth of God can save and make peoples and nations free. 

Psa 119:142, “Your righteousness is an everlasting 

righteousness, and Your law is truth.”

Note: The righteousness of God is an everlasting 

righteousness, and the Law of God is truth. The Law of 

God says we all have sinned and come short of the glory 

of God. We need the Savior of the word. The Law of God 

is truth.

Psa 119:160, “The sum of Your Word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.”

Note: Sum in Hebrew is ro’sh which means principal; total; 

the whole amount; first and foremost; aggregate; 

summation; gist; entirety; totality; summary; – which 

occurs 605 times in the Old Testament. The sum or 

summary of the Word of God is truth. Science does not 

know the absolute truth. In my studies I have found the 

summation of theologies and philosophies are empty 

words and useless talk. The Word of God is truth, 

everlasting truth.

Pro 12:17, “He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.”

Note: This is a reliable principle: He who speaks truth tells 

what is right. Recently and increasingly American and 

European leaders and politicians speak lie, lie, and lie. The 

Western media spread fake news, fake reports, fake views 

and broadcast falsehoods and deceits to fool the world. 

The Free World (those nations and peoples who do not 

want to be oppressed and dominated by Western 

imperialists and capitalists, they also follow leadership of 

United States, WTO, WHO) want to know the truth. 

American and Western white supremacists cry wolves and 

thieves too many times, and the Free Word realizes and 

recognizes they are the wolves and robbers of the world. 

They want to be free from Western dictatorship and 

domination.

Isa 59:14, “Justice is turned back,
And righteousness stands far away;
For truth has stumbled in the street,
And uprightness cannot enter.”

Note: For the last 500 years Western and American 

supremacists have dominated the world. Justice is turned 

back and righteousness stands far away; for truth has 

stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. The 

Free World wants a new world order to replace the 

repressive old world order by the West.

Jer 9:3, “They bend their tongue like their bow;
Lies and not truth prevail in the land;
For they proceed from evil to evil,
And they do not know Me,” declares the LORD.”

Note: It is a fact that Western leaders and politicians bend 

their tongues like their bow; lies and not truth prevail in 

the Western world; for they proceed from evil to evil to do 

damage and injustice in the world. They claim to be 

Christians but they do not know the Lord. Prevail in 

Hebrew is gabar which means to strengthen; to become 

strong; to gain upper hand; to exceed; to be powerful; to 

be mighty; to become great; to confirm; to act proudly; to 

act insolently; to be valiant; to gain ascendancy; to 

triumph; to predominate; to gather strength; – which 

occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. As an American 

citizen living in America for almost half a century, I had 

never seen lies and not truth prevail and gather strength. 

I am sad to see American leaders and politicians act 

insolently and proudly and tell lies without shame. America 

is getting worse and worse. May God have mercy on 

America!

Mat 22:16, “And they sent their disciples to Him, along 

with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You 

are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer 

to no one; for You are not partial to any.”

Note: Jesus Christ is the Truth and He is truthful and 

teaches the way of God in truth. Christianity is the way 

of God in truth. God is righteous and partial. Partiality and bias are injustice and against the truth.

Luk 1:4, “so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”

Note: The truth of God is the saving truth, the exact truth, and the everlasting truth. Exact in Greek is asphaleia which means certain; sure; undoubted; secure; complete accordance with fact; correct; accurate; precise; right; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Christians have been taught to know the saving truth, the exact truth, and the everlasting truth of God. The Christian Faith is the truth in Jesus Christ.

Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Note: God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ, the glory of God, who is full of grace and truth.

Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were came through Jesus Christ.”

Note: This verse exactly explains the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament represents the Law of God through Moses; the New Testament manifests grace and truth coming from Christ. Judaism is fulfilled in Christianity. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the end of the Law. Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” End in Greek is telos which means the final; uttermost; ending; termination; the limit at which a thing ceases to be; by which a thing is closed; aim; purpose; goal; the conclusion; result; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. 

Christ is the end of the Law, the conclusion of the Law of God because Jesus Christ has fulfilled the Law. This is the key New Testament truth of God.

Jhn 3:21,“But he who practices the truth comes to the 

Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Note: He who practices the truth comes to the Light. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the Light of life.

Jhn 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Note: Jesus Christ says the devil is the father of lies, the father of the children of the devil, the liar, the murderer, there is no truth in him, and he does not stand in truth. I wonder why American and European leaders and politicians are not afraid to follow the devil in lying and killing.

Jhn 8:45, “But because I speak the truth, you do not 

believe Me.”

Note: One of the puzzles or mysteries of evil is the fact that people do not believe in truth, they rather believe in a lie. Jesus says to the enemies of truth, “Because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.”

Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Note: This is the great Manifesto of Christianity: Jesus Christ is the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one can come to the true God but through Jesus Christ. The great I AM of the Old Testament is the I AM of the New Testament.

Jhn 16:13,“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will 

disclose to you what is to come.”

Note: This is the Trinity: God is true, Christ is the Truth, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Jesus Christ sends the Holy Spirit to guide or lead believers into all the truth.

Jhn 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

Note: Sanctify in Greek is hagiazō which means to make holy; to hollow; to render holy; to separate from the profane things and dedicate to God; to consecrate to God; to purify; to cleanse; to free from the guilt of sin; to set apart; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. A saved believer his position is once and for all sanctified by the precious blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit, but his condition need to be sanctified by the Word of God and prayers. Only the truth of God can sanctify believers. The Word of God is truth.

Act 26:25, “But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most 

excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.”

Not: Sober in Greek is sōphrosynē which means soundness 

of mind; sane; sensible; serious; showing no extreme 

qualities or prejudice; thoughtful; sombre; not intoxicated; 

– which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. The truth 

of God is saving, exact, sober, and absolute. To proclaim 

the Word of God is to utter words of sober truth.

Rom 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven 

against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”

Note: Wrath in Greek is orgē which means great anger; 

vengeance; indignation; any violent emotion; fury; rage; 

– which occurs 36 times in the New Testament. The wrath 

of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous of men who suppress the truth in 

unrighteousness. Suppress in Greek is katechō which 

means to hold back; to detain; to restrain; to hinder; to 

hold down; to withhold; to put down; to crush; to repress 

an expression; to keep back; to do away with; – which 

occurs 25 times in the New Testament. American and 

Europeans leaders and politicians are afraid of the peaceful 

rise and spectacular successes of China, so they run a 

campaign against the truth and saying all kinds of black 

lies about China, the worst is China threat. White 

supremacists cannot bear that the Chinese model is 

succeeding while the Western model of government is 

failing. American and Western leaders suppress the truth 

about Western democracy, freedom, human right, justice, 

etc. In all ungodliness and unrighteousness by fooling the 

whole world. They are walking in craftiness and 

adulterating democracy, freedom, human right, justice, 

rule of law because they are the most lawless people in 

the world. They are without conscience, without morality, 

and devoid of integrity.

Their real attention in attacking and targeting China and 

Russia because they want to continue dictating and 

dominating the world to benefit and enrich themselves. God is very angry from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. In the last 500 years white supremacists have done so much evil in all ungodliness and unrighteousness and they use their powerful media to suppress the truth by making fake news and lies.

Rom 1:25, “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Note: Exchange in Greek is metallassō which means to change; to trade; to substitute; to barter; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Unbelieving theologians exchanged the truth of God for their theories and heresies. White supremacists exchanged the truth of God for a lie of freedom, democracy, human right, and justice. They want to continue dictating and dominating the world and so they lie about democracy, freedom, human right, justice, etc. to fool the people of the world to join their free world in fact slavery.  Do you know why the Japanese and Koreans are so unhappy about American troops stationed in their countries so-called American military bases? The wicked worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator. Truth cannot change or be changed. What can be changed is not truth.

Rom 3:7, “But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?”

Note: The lie of sinners cannot discredit the truth of God; on the contrary, through our lies the truth of God abounded to His glory. In 2020 you can watch American and European leaders and politicians lie in the public on TV. Their lies cannot change facts, they only abound to the glory of truth.

Rom 15:8, “For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”

Note: Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers. Christians suffer persecution of behalf of the truth of God to confirm the validity of the Gospel. The Gospel of God is His saving truth.

2Co 6:7, “in the Word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,”

Note: Servants of God must possess many good qualities 

including the Word of truth in the power of God. The 

Word of God is the Word of truth. It is of great 

importance that preachers have the Word of truth in the 

power of God. Sadly although I have met many preachers 

in the world, very few have the Word of truth in the 

power of God. When I was in a missionary school, I was 

very impressed by an English preacher, and my good 

friend Dr. J. Arthur Mouw. In my opinion, that English 

preacher was a better preacher than Billy Graham, 

Graham was a better evangelist than that British 

preacher. However, Dr. Mouw was the most interesting 

preacher I have ever heard. We should not mistake 

magnetic personality and eloquence for the power of the

Holy Spirit. Nothing human can be equated with the 

power of the Holy Spirit.

2Co 7:14, “For if in anything I have boasted to him about 

you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things 

to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved 

to be the truth.”

Note: Christians must speak all things in truth, preachers more so. Knowingly I speak all things in truth to anyone. I have written more than 7 million words on the Internet, I have written all things in truth. Sometimes what a man speaks has to be proven to be the truth. The most pathetic and pathological fact is that many Western leaders and politicians speak lies and falsehoods outright. I watch them on TV and they seem to have no sense of shame and as if every drop of their blood is made of lie. Remember, truth can be proven; lies cannot. The Bible provides an explanation: 

Psa 58:3, “The wicked are estranged from the womb;
These who speak lies go astray from birth.”

2Co 11:10, “As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.”

Note: Every preacher must have the truth of Christ in him.

What was Paul boasting about? In everything he kept himself from being a burden to anyone. He was a self-supporting preacher as the truth of Christ was in him.

2Co 12:6, “For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”

Note: The most disgusting matters today are American and European leaders and politicians who claim to be Christians, but they brazenly and boldly speak lies without shame. They want to be credited with more than people see in them or hear from them. They are good at distortion and deception. A preacher who is not speaking the truth is unworthy. It is of vital importance not to credit anyone with more than you in him or hear from him.

2Co 13:8, “For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.”

Note: Preachers can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. Christians can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. The most appalling savagery is the practice of American and European leaders and politicians who habitually and deliberately do everything against the truth. They propagandize for democracy, freedom, human right, rule of law, justice, etc. but they are against the truth, and no truth in them.

Gal 2:14, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Note: To be straightforward in Greek is orthopodeō which means to walk uprightly; to walk in a straight course; metaphorically to act uprightly; to go directly forward; to go straight; to be candid; to be exact or precise; undeviating; which occurs 1 time only in the New Testament. Preachers and believers must be straightforward about the truth of the Gospel. We are not going to be fashionable or popular. It is nothing personal. When Cephas (Peter) was not straight, Paul had to rebuke him. Peter knew he was wrong and he did not organize a division or denomination.

Gal 4:16, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?”

Note: Telling the truth has a heavy price to pay. If you tell the truth, people will become your enemies. My website is telling the truth, so the enemies of truth want to stop my website. The enemies of truth destroyed my websites a few times, wasted my time and labor. Do you know why the wife of a king wanted the head of John the Baptist? The enemies of truth are attacking my website by deletion and distortion and preventing me to revise or update the articles.

Gal 5:7, “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

Note: The only thing man must do about the truth is to obey it. If you obey the truth, you are running well. To obey the truth is to obey God. 

Eph 1:13, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

Note: The Gospel of our salvation is the message of truth. If you have believed, you are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Eph 4:15, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the Head, even Christ,”

Note: Speaking the truth is not easy because people may become your enemy, to speak the truth in love is even more difficult. To speak the truth in love means to be motivated by love. Those who speak the truth in love grow up in all aspect into Christ who is the Head of the Church.

Eph 4:24, “and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Note: A saved Christian is a born again Christian, a born again Christian has a new self. This new self is created in the likeness or image of God. Many confuse and do not know what the image of God is. The image of God is righteousness, holiness, and truth. Anyone or anything confirms to righteousness, holiness, and truth has the image of God.

Eph 4:25, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.”

Note: To lay aside in Greek is apotithēmi which means to put off or aside or away; to cast off; to put away; to lay apart; to lay down; to put to one side; to lay out of the way; – which occurs 17 times in the New Testament. Falsehood in Greek is pseudos which means a lie; an untrue statement; lying; untruth; deception; absence of truth; whatever is not true; deceitful thing; fallacy; whatever is not what it professes to be; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. I was young and now I am old, but I have never seen a Western leader who naturally speaks so much falsehood in a public way. Christians must speak truth each one with the neighbor. Christians are members of one another in the Body of Christ.

Eph 5:9, “(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),”

Note: Christians are children of Light, and the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Distinct character of Christian is made of goodness and righteousness and truth. Western leaders and politicians all claim to be Christians, do you know any of them who has goodness and righteousness and truth? Jesus says, you shall know them by their fruit. White supremacists have infinite pretense, but no truth.

Eph 6:14, “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”

Note: Christians must stand firm. How to help us stand firm. Having girded our loins with truth. We need truth to gird our loins with truth. Truth can be used like belt to gird our lower abdomen.

Phl 1:18, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”

Note: There are not a few who preach the Gospel in pretense. Pretense in Greek is prophasis which means cloak; show; pretext; under color; ostensibly; pretended cause; mere ostentation; make-believe; simulation; pretension; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Proclaim in Greek is katangellō which means to preach; to declare publicly or formally; to speak of; to show; to publish; to report; to promulgate; to teach; to announce; to make known; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. Christians rejoice whenever and wherever Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or in truth. Of course, we prefer in truth.

Col 1:5, “because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.”

Note: The Christian hope is laid up in Heaven, the men of the world their only hope is in the world — there sets Christians apart from the men of the world. The Christian hope is based on the Word of truth which is the Gospel.

Col 1:6, “which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood  the grace of God in truth;”

Note: Those who understand the grace of God in truth are constantly bearing fruit and increasing.

2Th 2:10, “and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.”

Note: For those who perish with all the deception of wickedness because they did not receive the love of the truth. Those who perish not because God predestined them to perish, they perish because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. No one can be saved if he/she does not receive the love of the truth of God. The most terrible thing in the world is the fact that many people do not receive the love of truth, they believe in lies.

2Th 2:12, “in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

Note: Those who did not believe the truth invariably took pleasure in wickedness. Those who did not believe the truth and took pleasure in wickedness will be judged. Historically, Western supremacists who did not believe the truth also took pleasure in wickedness by lying, killing, and robbing nations and peoples.

2Th 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

Note: Christians always give thanks to God for our salvation. We did not choose God, it was God who has chosen us from the beginning. You cannot have sanctification by the Spirit without first have faith in the truth. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and then through the sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

1Ti 2:4, “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Note: To say God predestinates some men to go to Hell would contradict the Scripture. Clearly, God desires all men to be save and to come to the knowledge of the truth. To be saved one has to come to the knowledge of the truth, the truth of the Gospel. The knowledge of the truth is the most precious thing.

1Ti 2:7, “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Note: A preacher and an apostle must be telling the truth, he cannot be lying; so is a Christian teacher. God is true, so all Christians must be telling the truth and not lying. You witness how many American and European leaders lie, lie, and lie; and yet they claim to be Christians. Because I am telling the truth, the enemies of truth do not like my website.

1Ti 3:15, “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

Note: A pastor or preacher must know how he ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. The household of God is the Church of the living God; the Church of the living God is the pillar and support of the truth. When a church does not serve as the pillar and support of the truth, a Christian cannot be a member of such a church. There are gay and feminist churches, government controlled churches, modernist churches and secular churches which are not the pillar and support of the truth. Some secular churches become centers of money making and social clubs, etc.

1Ti 4:3, “men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.”

Note: There are men and churches (Roman Catholic) which forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods. Those who do not believe and know the truth.

1Ti 6:5, “and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”

Note: Constant friction takes place between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth. Prosperity gospel preachers and followers suppose godliness is a means of gain. Those who merchandise the Gospel and get rich suppose godliness is a means of gain. Those who set up a non-profit organization and ask people for donation and use donated funds for the benefit of themselves consider godliness a means of gain. People who are deprived of the truth often have the depraved mind. In other words, people who have depraved mind are deprived of the truth.

2Ti 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth.”

Note: A servant of God must be diligent to present himself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth. The Word of God is the Word of truth, preachers must accurately explain the Word of truth, not according to private interpretation.

2Ti 2:18, “men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.”

Note: Those who say that the resurrection has already taken place have gone astray from the truth. Those who died in Christ will have resurrection when Jesus Christ returns. When I was young, the most ridiculous heresy that I had heard was that Jesus Christ has already returned to the world, His headquarters is in New York City! All false doctrines and heresies lead people astray from the truth. The only safeguard from error and falsehood is to know the truth. All false doctrines and heresies have gone astray from the truth.

2Ti 2:25, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”

Note: It is vital to know who are in opposition. Those in opposition in Hong Kong are foreign agents and Chinese traitors who work to overthrow the Chinese government. Unbelieving theologians and scholars who oppose and distort the Word of God are enemies of the truth, they are not brothers in Christ. I have never heard a false preacher and false prophet repented, so it is important that every believer has the knowledge of the truth. Knowledge of the truth is more precious than gold and diamond.

2Ti 3:8, “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.”

Note: Apostle names Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. I have study many unbelieving theologians and philosophers which I do not need to name them. Truth is straight, there are infinite ways of being crooked. However, I just want to name John Calvin for his false teaching on predestination. God so loves the world and desires all men come to repentance and be saved. God does not predestinate some people to go to Hell.

2Ti 4:4, “and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

Note: Those who turn away their ears from the truth will turn aside to myths, mythologies, false doctrines of infinite varieties. We should not exalt myths, just ignore them.

Tit 1:1, “Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,”

Note: The Christian faith and the knowledge of the truth is according to godliness. Things of ungodliness are too many to mention. Focus on godliness, do not waste time on ungodliness.

Tit 1:14, “not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.”

Note: I do not pride myself with Jewish myths or any myth. We do not need to pay attention to the false commandment of many religions. Reject anything that turns away from the truth.

Jas 3:14, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.”

Note: Why Western leaders and politicians are vehemently against China? Because they have bitter jealous of China’s successes and selfish ambition in their heart to dictate and dominate the world. Therefore they are arrogant and so lie against the truth. America and Europe are afraid that China may lead the world. Western media deliberately lie against the truth for a long, long time. Western leaders and politicians want to continuously dictate and dominate the world, so they use lies, lies of all sorts and colors, to lie against the truth. The thing that bothers me is the problem they claim to be Christians.

Jas 5:19-20, “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Note: It is not easy to turn one back who strays from the truth. He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

1Pe 1:22, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,”

Note: You cannot purify your soul by physical affliction or abstinence from certain foods. You can purify your soul for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart by obedience to the truth.

2Pe 1:12, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.”

Note: This is an important truth: a good minister must always be ready to remind the congregation of “these things”, even though they already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with them. These things refer to diligence, faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love — if you have these qualities, you will neither be useless nor unfruitful. If you practice these things, you will never stumble. Preachers can stir up believers by way of reminder. 

2Pe 2:2, “Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;”

Note: The Christian way is the way of the truth. If the preacher or member of the church follows their sensuality, the way of truth will be maligned because of them. There have been quite a few TV preachers who fell from the grace, because of them the way of the truth has been maligned. Sensuality in Greek is aselgeia which means lasciviousness; licentiousness; wantonness; outrageousness; shamelessness, filthiness; unbridled lust; insolence; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. It is sad and bad, a black preacher was famous for his “I have dream.” But this black preacher was certified by FBI for his immoral behavior and practice and thus the way of the truth was maligned. Malign in Greek is blasphēmeō which means speak evil of; to speak reproachfully; to calumniate; to rail at; to discredit; to vilify; to defame; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. People defame and discredit (blaspheme) the Christian religion truth because the love of money and lust for sex by some preachers. A white lady told me some white church members also covered up the sins of their white pastors. A drop of ink can blacken a whole glass of pure water.

1Jo 1:6, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;”

Note: Western leaders and politicians who walk in the darkness, and lie and do not practice the truth cannot be Christians.

1Jo 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

Note: Only Jesus Christ is sinless; if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

1Jo 2:4, “The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;”

Note: If anyone says he knows God, and does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Western leaders and politicians lie, kill, and rob; there is no truth in them.

1Jo 2:21, “I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.”

Note: Christians know the truth. Unbelievers do not know the truth, and because no lie is of the truth.

1Jo 3:18, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Note: Those who love with word or with tongue are fake. Those who love in deed and truth are true.

1Jo 3:19, “We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him.”

Note: Those who love in deed and truth will know that they are of the truth, and will assure their heart before God. A liar cannot assure his heart before God.

1Jo 4:6, “We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

Note: He who knows God does not listen to false teachers and false prophets. They have the Spirit of truth. Children of the devil have the spirit of error. Those who deliberately lie, lie, and lie without shame must have the spirit of error.

1Jo 5:6, “This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”

Note: Jesus Christ is the One who came by water and blood; water refers to the Word of God, blood refers to the precious of Jesus Christ who cleanses us from all sins. The Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ, the Truth of God, because the Spirit is the truth.

2Jo 1:2, “for the sake of the Truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:”

Note: Jesus Christ is the Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Truth who abide in us and will be with us forever.

2Jo 1:4, “I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.”

Note: Christians must be walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. It is the commandment of the Father that His children walking in truth. Walking in truth is walking in the Light, not in darkness.

3Jo 1:8, “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.”

Note: All who work for the truth are our fellow workers with the truth, we ought to support such men. Support in Greek is hypolambanō which means to receive hospitably; to welcome; to take up and carry; to uphold or defend; to help or assist; to provide comfort, encouragement, or financial assistance; which occurs 5 times in the New Testament.

The truth of God does not follow human conceptions of truth; it is neither semantic, epistemic, proleptic; nor propositional, sentential, or substitutional. The truth of God is established in Heaven, holy, spiritual, and eternal. Truth does not decay, the morality of man decays. Liar has no truth in him.

E. The Knowledge of God:

The knowledge of God is the highest and supreme as the Creator is to the creature.

Exo 35:31,“And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship;”

Note: According to the Word of God, there is a distinctive difference between wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Wisdom in Hebrew is chokmah which means wits; skill; shrewdness; prudence; dexterity; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight; good sense; good judgment; the ability to apply knowledge; special sense of understanding; it comprehends various learning and piety towards God; – which occurs 153 times in the Old Testament. Understanding in Hebrew is tabuwn which means discretion; reason; intelligence; the object of knowledge; caprice; skillfulness; a mental grasp; comprehension; sense of perception; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. Knowledge in Hebrew is da`ath which means awareness; cunning; acquaintance with; cognition; learning; state of knowing; – which occurs 92 times in the Old Testament. 

1Ch 12:32, “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.” For examples, we may say unbelievers die without wisdom. The horse or the mule which have no understanding.

But man has the knowledge of good and evil.

Note: I have studied and watched American politics and government all my life. I am sad and sorry to tell you since President Richard Nixon, there are no leaders who understood the times with knowledge of what America should do. No wonder America has drifted and gone astray. The nation is heading the wrong direction. The American current two parties cannot and do not produce a leader who understands the times, with knowledge of what America should. When you have wrong leaders at their command, the decline of America is a pronounced fact.

2Ch 1:10,“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”

Note: Solomon prayed for wisdom and knowledge that he may go out and come in before Israelites, and rule this great people. The world is lacking leaders who have wisdom and knowledge. To go out and come in before the people means to lead, decide, and manage the nation. It takes wisdom and knowledge to rule the nation. America is the most mismanaged nation on earth, so much so that many unjustified wars were fought and unnecessary interventions were conducted, defence became a black hole that trillions of dollars were wasted, and the national debts surpasses $24 trillion dollars. American democracy is a dismal failure because one percent of the population rules over the 99 percent. America is kidnapped by special interests and paralyzed by the two parties.

1Sa 2:3, “Boast no more so very proudly, do not let
arrogance come out of your mouth; for the Lord is the
God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed.”

Note: God does not like man who boasts so very proudly, and do not let arrogance come out of your mouth. Notice, late American and European leaders and politicians who do not have any ability but boast so very proudly, and arrogance and lies come out of their mouths. Knowledge in Hebrew is de`ah which means cognition; the body of truth; the fact of being aware of something; understanding about something; the knowledge of Jehovah; – which occurs 6 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is the God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed. Actions in Hebrew is `aliylah which means doings; deeds; works; practices; evil deeds; performances; behavior; conduct; steps; measures; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament. Weigh in Hebrew is takan which means to ponder; to regulate; to estimate; to measure; to prove; to test; to balance; to be adjusted to the standard; to mete out; to examine; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. The God of knowledge knows every deed or action of man, and He measures or weighs it as one uses scales. Like Belshazzar, Dan 5:27, “ ‘TEKEL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” God has weighed and found the behavior or conduct of men deficient or wanting, not measured up, or lacking. Let the arrogant American and European leaders and politicians know, TEKEL!

Pro 2:5, “Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.”

Note: By human wisdom and scientific enquiry man can never discover the knowledge of God. It is by the revelation of God we get to know God. Those who fear the Lord will discover the knowledge of God.

Neh 10:28, “Now the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, all those who had knowledge and understanding.”

Note: All those who fear God, not only the priests and the Levites, but also their wives, their sons and their daughters can have knowledge and understanding. It seems understanding comes after knowledge.

Job 36:12,“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword and they will die without knowledge.”

Note: American leaders do not hear or listen to the Word of God, the sole superpower is the hegemon that causes millions of innocent people perish by the sword and many die without knowledge.

Isa 45:20, “Gather yourselves and come;
Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations;
They have no knowledge,
Who carry about their wooden idol
And pray to a god who cannot save.”

Note: Superstitious people have no knowledge. Those who carry about their wooden idol and pray to a god who cannot save have no knowledge.

Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, O sons of Israel,
For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land.”

Note: Hosea was a Hebrew prophet of the eighth century B.C. and he called on the sons of Israel to listen to the Word of the Lord. Hosea said something strange: God had a case against the inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. American preachers used to flatter the American presidents, politicians and people. God has a case against America, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in America. This is a statement of fact. The bad thing is that America claims to be a Christian nation, and all its presidents and politicians claim to be Christians. God know how many millions of innocent peoples killed by the U.S. since the end of World War II under many pretenses such as democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, justice, etc. American leaders lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob many nations. America attacked, occupied, boycotted, robbed, and sanctioned many nations for spurious reasons such as national security, threat, etc. There is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in America. America does not allow Bible reading and prayer at school.

Hos 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.”

Note: This is a current and clear example how people have rejected knowledge. Thousands of Americans could have been saved if there were a national consensus that mask is required in the midst of the pandemic COVID-19.

Rom 11:33, “ Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways.”

Note: The wisdom and knowledge of God have the depth of the riches. The judgments of God are unsearchable and His ways unfathomable. Unsearchable in Greek is anexeraunētos which means that cannot be searched out; inscrutable; mysterious; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Unfathomable in Greek is anexichniastos which means past finding out; not tracked out; untraceable; that cannot be comprehended; immeasurable; it cannot be understood or explained; incomprehensible; unknowable; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. The wisdom and knowledge of God are rich because they are deep. God’s judgments are unsearchable because they are mysterious; and the ways of God are unfathomable because they are unknowable.

2Co 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Note: Darkness represents ignorance, knowledge the light. The face of Christ gives the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

2Co 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”

Note: By the Word of God and the Sword of the Holy Spirit, Christians can destroy speculations of philosophers and lofty theories of unbelieving theologians, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Knowledge in Greek is gnōsis which signifies knowledge in general intelligence and understanding; the general knowledge of the Christian faith; science or objective knowledge; moral wisdom; cognition; – which occurs 30 times in the New Testament.

Col 1:10, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Note: One thing is sure: believers who please God in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work shall increase in the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can be increased.

Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

Note: To have the knowledge of God, you need God to give you the spirit of wisdom and or revelation. Although scientists and philosophers are highly intelligent people, yet because they lack the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, they do not have the knowledge of God. The smartest scientist and philosopher do not have the spirit of wisdom and revelation, therefore they cannot have the knowledge of God.

Eph 3:19, “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

Note: On earth no one knows what surpasses knowledge. God reveals to believers to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. No one knows all the fullness of God. Surpass in Greek is hyperballō which means to exceed; to excel; to pass; to go beyond anything; to transcend; to go beyond the usual mark; to overstep; to overtop; to be superior to; to eclipse; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. To know the love of Christ which to exceed knowledge.

Eph 4:13, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.’

Note: The unity of the faith among believes paves the way to a mature man, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

A believer cannot reach the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ without first attaining the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.

2Pe 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;”

Note: By the Scriptures quoted above, the knowledge of God can be increased is a certain fact. The more we study the Word of God and the more we are led and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, our knowledge of God will be multiplied.

Act 2:23, “this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.”

Note: The knowledge of God is Omniscient, so we must also include His predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.

2Co 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”

Note: The triumph in Christ manifests through believers the sweet aroma of the knowledge of God in every place.

2Co 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”

Note: By the word of truth, in the power of God, and by the weapons of righteousness Christians can destroy speculations of unbelieving theologians and false teachers and every lofty thing (such as higher criticism, rationalism, Calvinism, Hegelianism, humanism, Marxism, feminism, universalism, materialism, Unitarianism, secularism, etc.)

Col 1:10, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Note: The point is most important that Christians can increase in the knowledge of God. No saint dead or alive can say he/she has enough of the knowledge of God. It is not just head knowledge, Christians must practice and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and so increasing the knowledge of God.

2Ti 2:25, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”

Note: Those who oppose the knowledge of God must first repent, for repentance may lead to the knowledge of the truth. Have you lately heard of unbelieving scientists and philosophers who repent of their opposition to God?

Tit 1:1, “Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,”

Note: Christians are those chosen of God. There is a prerequisite of the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness. Godliness in Greek is eusebeia which means holiness; reverence; respect; piety towards God; devoutness; faithfulness; obeying and respecting God; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. According to in Greek is kata which means after; down from; through; in the presence of; in proportion to; by virtue of; on account of; depending on; in conformity with; based on; in a way that agrees with; – which occurs 328 times in the New Testament. In human knowledge intelligence is required, there is no demand for good conduct or morality. In the knowledge of the truth it depends on your godliness.

F. THE LAW OF GOD:

Exo 12:49, “The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you.”

Note: Law in Hebrew is towrah which means direction; instruction; body of legal directives; codes; binding custom or manner; precept; statute; rule of conduct; system of rules and practices; Mosaic Law; the Decalogue or Pentateuch; – which occurs 220 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is just, the same law shall apply to the natives as to the stranger.

Exo 13:9, “And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.”

Note: The children of Israel are under the Mosaic Law have many legal instructions which are complex, they are cited for reference purposes without explanations because they are not applicable to Gentile Christians.

Exo 24:12, “Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.”

Note: The stone tablets are the Ten Commandments which God had written for the instruction of the Jewish people.

Lev 6:9, “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law for the burnt offering: the burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning, and the fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it.”

Lev 6:14, ‘Now this is the law of the grain offering: the sons of Aaron shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar.”

Lev 6:25, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the LORD; it is most holy.”

Note: The sin offering is very significant, for the Lamb of God was slain for the sins of the world.

Lev 7:1, “Now this is the law of the guilt offering; it is most holy.”

Lev 7:7, “The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is one law for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.”

Lev 7:11, “Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the LORD.”

Lev 7:37, “This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering and the sin offering and the guilt offering and the ordination offering and the sacrifice of peace offerings,”

Lev 11:46, “This is the law regarding the animal and the bird, and every living thing that moves in the waters and everything that swarms on the earth,”

Lev 12:7, “Then he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female.”

Lev 13:59, “This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

Lev 14:2, “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing. Now he shall be brought to the priest,

Lev 14:32, “This is the law for him in whom there is an infection of leprosy, whose means are limited for his cleansing.”

Lev 14:54, “This is the law for any mark of leprosy—even for a scale,”

Lev 14:57, “to teach when they are unclean and when they are clean. This is the law of leprosy.”

Lev 15:32, “This is the law for the one with a discharge, and for the man who has a seminal emission so that he is unclean by it,”

Num 5:29, “This is the law of jealousy: when a wife, being under the authority of her husband, goes astray and defiles herself,”

Num 5:30, “or when a spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife, he shall then make the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest shall apply all this law to her.”

Num 6:13, “Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall bring the offering to the doorway of the tent of meeting.”

Num 6:21, “This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD according to his separation, in addition to what else he can afford; according to his vow which he takes, so he shall do according to the law of his separation.”

Num 15:16, “There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.’”

Num 15:29, “You shall have one law for him who does anything unintentionally, for him who is native among the sons of Israel and for the alien who sojourns among them.”

Num 19:2, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect and on which a yoke has never been placed.”

Num 19:14, “This is the law when a man dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent and everyone who is in the tent shall be unclean for seven days.”

Num 31:21, “Then Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who had gone to battle, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses:”

Deu 1:5, “Across the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to expound this law, saying,”

Deu 4:8, “Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”

Deu 4:44, “Now this is the law which Moses set before the sons of Israel;”

Deu 17:11, “According to the terms of the law which they teach you, and according to the verdict which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the word which they declare to you, to the right or the left.”

Deu 17:18, “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.”

Deu 17:19, “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,”

Deu 27:3, “and write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over, so that you may enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.”

Deu 27:8, “You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly.”

Deu 27:26, “Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Note: This has to be stressed: Curse is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them. People who do not obey and follow the Law of Moses are cursed.

Deu 28:58-61, “If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants, even severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses. He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague which, not written in the book of this law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed.” Note: God will curse and punish the children of Israel who are not careful to observe all the words of the Mosaic Law with plagues, diseases and every sickness.

Deu 29:21, “Then the LORD will single him out for adversity  from all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant which are written in this book of the law.”

Note: The Lord will single out a man or woman, or family or tribe, who does not follow the Law of God for adversity and curses.

Deu 29:29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”

Note: Mankind must observe the things the Lord revealed in His Words.

Deu 30:10-11, “if you obey the LORD your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.”

Deu 31:9, “So Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.”

Note: Moses wrote the Law of God not out of his thought or imagination, but according to the Word of God.

Deu 31:11, “when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place which He will choose, you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing.”

Deu 31:12, “Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.”

Deu 31:24-26, “It came about, when Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book until they were complete, that 

Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, “Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.”

Deu 32:46, “he (Moses) said to them, “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law.”

Deu 33:4, “Moses charged us with a law, a possession for the
assembly of Jacob.”

Note: Charge in Hebrew is tsavah which means to command; to order; to appoint; to ordain; to commission; to constitute; to give commands; to impose; to instruct with authority; to hold liable; – which occurs 517 times in the Old Testament.

Deu 33:10, “They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob,
And Your law to Israel. They shall put incense before You,
And whole burnt offerings on Your altar.”

Note: Ordinance in Hebrew is mishpat which means judgment; official rule or order; custom; measure; practice; justice; law; legal process or procedure; decision; verdict; decree of divine law; statute or regulation; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament.

Jos 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.”

Note: Moses was a servant of God, he did not make any law. To do according to all the law of God so that you may have success wherever you go.

Jos 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

Jos 8:31, “just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the sons of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of uncut stones on which no man had wielded an iron tool; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.”

Jos 8:32, “He wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written, in the presence of the sons of Israel.”

Note: Every believer should have a copy of the Holy Bible.

Jos 8:34, “Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”

Note: Very funny, some people have Bibles as a display. Believers must read all the word of the Bible carefully and do accordingly.

Jos 22:5, “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Jos 23:6, “Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,”

Note: Christians do not turn aside from the Holy Bible, or turn to the right hand or to the left. Believers keep and follow the Word of God straight.

Jos 24:26, “And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.”

1Ki 2:3-4, “Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.”

Note: The Scriptures cited above are what King David before his death charged his son Solomon to follow the law of God.

2Ki 14:6, “But the sons of the slayers he did not put to death, according to what is written in the book of the Law of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”

2Ki 17:13, “Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments, My statutes according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you through My servants the prophets.”

Note: In time long past from time to time God sent His servants the prophets to warn the sons of Israel to keep His commandments, His statutes according to all the law which the Lord commanded their fathers.

2Ki 23:24, “Moreover, Josiah removed the mediums and the spiritists and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.”

Note: There were times when the sons of Israel backslid and neglected the law of God. Under theocracy not democracy, King Josiah confirmed the words of the law, and so he removed the mediums and the spiritists and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. Medium in Hebrew is ‘owb which means familiar spirit; necromancer; one who contacts or evokes the dead; spirit of a dead one; witch; sorcerer; someone who serves as an intermediary between the living

and the dead – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Spiritist in Hebrew is yidd?`oniy which means one who has a familiar spirit; necromancer; soothsayer; conjurer; wizard; astrologer; – which occurs 11 times in the Old Testament. Teraphim in Hebrew is teraphiym which means image; idol; family idol; a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship (what the Chinese call lingwei); domestic god; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. It was a well-known fact that Nancy Reagan consulted an astrologer. Christians cannot consult or practice mediums, spiritists, teraphim, idols, astrologers, etc. Let me remind the Chinese believers that fengshui, household idols and ancestors worship and bow to the dead are also condemned by God. They are abominations. Abomination in Hebrew is shiqquwts which means detestable thing; something disgusting; anathema; loathing; abhorrence; – which occurs 45 times in the Old Testament. These practices are abominations to God.

1Ch 22:12, “Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.”

Note: The Scripture cited above was what David said to his son Solomon. King David prayed that God gave Solomon discretion and understanding so that he may keep the law of the Lord. Discretion in Hebrew is sekel which means wisdom; prudence; insight; good sense; knowledge; intelligence; policy; discernment or good judgement; circumspection; the ability to make right choice; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Understanding in Hebrew is biynah which means wisdom; knowledge; discernment; faculty; intelligence; insight; skill in learning; mental grasp; power of comprehending; – which occurs 38 times in the Old Testament. A king is more in need of discretion and understanding. I am dismayed to watch American leaders and politicians who have zero discretion and understanding.

2Ch 31:4, “Also he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the LORD.”

Note: King Hezekiah commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the Lord. Devote in Hebrew is chazaq which means to press; to be urgent; to strengthen; to sustain; to encourage; to make firm; to support; to hold up; to fasten upon; to be bound fast; to commit; to give over; to dedicate; to set apart; to give time and effort completely; – which occurs 383 times in the Old Testament. Why Jerusalem? The Temple of God was in Jerusalem where the priests and the Levites served God. The same in the New Testament where the church member support their pastors. Prosperity gospel preachers claim that the tithes belong to them because they are the sole recipients of the depository of all tithes. FALSE! Tithes in the Old Testament belong to God. In the New Testament no tithe is commanded. For that reason some preachers are filthy rich, I heard of an American preacher who has amassed $300 million dollars. The servants of Christ must devote themselves to the preaching of the Gospel but not for the sake of making money.

Ezr 7:10, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”

Note: Ezra in Hebrew is `Ezra’ which means help; the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. In the Old dispensation, men like Ezra were great help. He had set his heart to study the law. In the new dispensation, we need spirit-filled and not greedy preachers. The seminaries produce all kinds of false preachers, the Calvinists, the Armenians, the modernists, the Lutherans, even so-called evangelicals (I do not mean all evangelical preachers are false); etc. We need preachers who fix their eyes on Jesus only and loyal to the truth in Christ absolutely. John Calvin, Karl Barth, Thomas Aquinas, etc. are nothing to the true servants of Christ.

Neh 8:8, “They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

Note: The duty and responsibility of pastors and Bible teachers is to give sense to their preaching and teaching so that the congregation and believers understand the Bible.

Do not feed the believers with the garbage of empty theologies such as Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Orthodoxy, etc.

Neh 9:26, “But they became disobedient and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs and killed Your prophets who had admonished them so that they might return to You, and they committed great blasphemies.”

Note: Just as the days of Nehemiah, the Jews became disobedient and rebelled against God, today there are so many false teachers and false doctrines and some committed great blasphemies. Not every pastor or preacher is a servant of Christ. I have known preachers who are enemies of the cross.

Est 1:13, “Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice.”

Note: What is the hope of a nation whose leaders and politicians are lawless, dishonest and deceitful, do not understand the times, and practice injustice? Justice in Hebrew is diyn which means right cause; judgment; maintenance of what is just; the quality of being just; fairness; equity; moral rightness; righteousness; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament.

Psa 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

Note: The law of the Lord is perfect. Perfect in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; without spot; upright; whole; complete; sincere; full; entire; sound; healthful; wholesome; innocent; unimpaired; full of integrity; what is

complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (Strong’s Concordance); truthful; blameless; flawless; faultless; accurate and valid; pure; absolute; supreme; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Restore in Hebrew is shuwb which means to return; to recover; to revive; to turn back; to repent; to turn back to God; to turn about; to turn oneself to God; to renew; – which occurs 1,299 times in the Old Testament. To be sure in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to be faithful; to be verified; to trust; to establish; to confirm; to make firm; to be reliable; to be morally true and certain; to turn to the right; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. The law of God is perfect. Human is sinful. Human knowledge is imperfect, science is only tentative. The law of God can restore your soul to turn back to God to seek salvation. The Word of God is sure and supreme to make wise the simple.

Psa 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your law.”

Note: The law of God has many wonderful things. The Wonder of all wonders is Jesus Christ came with grace and truth. The law convicts us of our sins. What the Law could not do is saving. In the new dispensation Jesus Christ died for sinners so that those who believe in His name may obtain the righteousness of God.

Psa 119:142, “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.”

Note: The righteousness of God is an everlasting righteousness. No one can by observing the law obtain the righteousness of God. The law of God is truth that leads sinners to Jesus Christ the Savior of the world.

Hab 1:4, “Therefore the law is ignored
And justice is never upheld.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore justice comes out perverted.”

Note: American and European leaders and politicians ignore the law of God and international laws, and justice is never upheld. The wicked leaders of the world surround the righteous, therefore justice comes out perverted. To pervert in Hebrew is `aqal which means to bend; to twist; to wrong; to distort; to be crooked; to wrest; to corrupt; to abuse; to misinterpret; – which occurs only 1 time in the Old Testament. The Western nations perverted the course of justice for the last 500 years and have done so much evil in the world.

Mat 5:17, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Note: Abolish in Greek is katalyō which means to destroy; to throw down; to overthrow; to dissolve; to bring to naught; to render vain; to annul; to discard; to abrogate; to subvert; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. To fulfill in Greek is plēroō which means to complete; to render full; to consummate; to accomplish; to bring to realization; to perform; to bring to pass; to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment (Strong’s Concordance); to finish; to carry into effect; to satisfy; to bring to an end; to convert into reality; – which occurs 100 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the Law of God; He did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law of God what we cannot do for ourselves. On the cross the last words of Jesus Christ, 

Jhn 19:30, “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” Finish in Greek is teleō which means to fulfill; to complete; to accomplish; to come to an end; to pass; to conclude; to bring to completion; to achieve; to consummate; to carry out; – which occurs 28 times in the New Testament.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world, the redemption is accomplished. Jesus has fulfilled the will of God. Christianity did not abolish the Jewish religion, the Jewish religion is fulfilled in Christianity. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus Christ did not abolish the Law of God, Jesus Christ had fulfilled the Law of God on behalf of believers.

Mat 5:18, “For truly I say to you, until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Note: The Law of God is holy and will not pass away; but Jesus Christ had fulfilled or accomplished the Law of God. Thus apart from the law, grace and truth manifested in Jesus Christ. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Mat 7:12, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Note: This is what the Law and the Prophets teach. This is the way of life: Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. American leaders and politicians are practicing the opposite of this principle.

Mat 22:37-40, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOURGOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Note: Jesus sums up the Law of God in two great and foremost commandments: Love your God and love your neighbor. Christianity is the religion of love, not hatred. How can white supremacists claim to be Christians by attacking, sanctioning, occupying, lying, killing, and robbing other nations?

Mat 23:23, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

Note: The weightier provisions of the law are justice and mercy and faithfulness. For the last 500 years Western powers did not practice the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. Instead American and European leaders and politicians pretend democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom and justice. They are hypocrites!

Luk 16:16, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.”

Note: The old dispensation of the Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John the Baptist. The came of Jesus Christ is the beginning of the new dispensation when the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached, and everyone must make an effort to enter into it. Force in Greek is biazō which means to press; to apply force; to exert effort; to crowd oneself into; to seize the opportunity; to use the most ardent zeal and the intensest exertion; to achieve by strength and struggle; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. A lackadaisical, lazy and looking back believer is not worthy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

Luk 16:17, “But it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.”

Note: The Law of God does not fail, it was fulfilled by Jesus.

Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”

Note: This single verse of the Bible contains the whole sum of Christian theology. It spells out the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament, Judaism and Christianity. The old dispensation was under the Law of Moses, no one can be saved under the Law because no one can do the law to be justified. The new dispensation begins with Jesus Christ which reveals grace and truth. You are saved by grace through faith in the truth of Jesus Christ. Christians are not under the law, but under grace.

Jhn 1:45, “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Note: The Jews read the Old Testament (Moses and the Prophets) but miss its central message. Jesus Christ, the Messiah is whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about. The wonder is Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law.

Act 13:39, “and through Him (Christ) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.”

Note: This is the Christian liberty. Everyone who believes in Jesus the Son of God and our Savior is freed from all things required by the Law of Moses. Under the law everyone is a slave of sin. Through the precious blood of Jesus our redemption is purchased once and for all.

Act 23:3, “Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you white washed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?”

Note: The high priest, the Pharisees, and the Jews who tried Paul were whitewashed walls who violated the Law in ordering Paul to be struck. Whitewash in Greek is koniaō which means to cover with lime, plaster over; to whiten; term applied to a hypocrite who conceals his malice under an outward assumption of piety (Strong’s Concordance); to cover up; to hide the unpleasant facts or truth; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. American and Europeans leaders and politicians whitewash their crimes and sins of aggression, attack, occupation, sanction, oppression, murder, and robbery of so many nations and peoples by falsely accusing China and Russia to cover up themselves under the pretense of democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, and justice. Believe it of not, God is going to strike them! Strike in Greek is typtō which means to smite; to beat; to wound; to whip; to attack; to inflict punishment; to blow; to deliver a blow; to hit sharply; to afflict suddenly; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. God will strike the wicked, no matter white or black. God has many means to strike the wicked, for example, plague like COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HURRICANE, TORNADO, FAMINE, DROUGHT, EATHQUAKE, TSUNAMIS, WARS, etc.

Act 24:14, “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;”

Note: Christianity is not a sect, it is the Way of Jesus Christ. There are many sects and heresies today which label themselves under Christianity. Knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ is the most effective defense and offense. Whenever a group of people exalt a man, any man, above Jesus Christ, they are anti-christs and false doctrines.

Rom 2:12, “For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;”

Note: The Law is holy and good, but it does not save anyone. The Law points sinners to Jesus Christ the Savior who can save anyone.

Rom 2:13, “for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just  before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.”

Note: To be justified you must do the Law. No one can do all the Law, so no one can be justified by the Law. But anyone who believes in Jesus Christ can be justified by the righteousness of God through the redemption in Christ.

Rom 3:21, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”

Note: Apart in Greek is chōris which means besides; without; separate; having no association or connection with; away from; independent of; aside; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. It is impossible for human being to fulfil the Law of God and find righteousness. The good news is: apart from the law, nothing to do with the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested in Jesus Christ, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; so that everyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ can be justified by God freely.

Rom 7:25, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”

Note: Thanks be to God, the Law cannot condemn believers because Rom 8:1-2, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Rom 8:3-4, “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Note: Man is sinful and weak, the Law could not save. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ made an offering for sin and fulfilled all the requirement of the Law, so that the saved can walk according to the Spirit.

Rom 8:7, “because the mind-set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,”

Note: Mind-set Greek is phronēma which means what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes (Strong’s Concordance); inclination or purpose; a mental attitude or inclination; a fixed state of mind; mentality; outlook; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. The mind-set of the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, and it is not even able to do so. There are two mind-sets in the world: the mind-set of the flesh and the mind-set of the Spirit. If you notice, the leaders and politicians in the world have the mind-set of the flesh that is toward money, power, and sex.

Gal 2:21, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Note: There are unbelieving theologians and philosophers who insist righteousness can only be obtained through observance of the Law. These ones nullify the grace of God, for them Christ died needlessly. Nullify in Greek is atheteō which means to despise; to disregard; to do away with; to reject; to bring nothing; to set aside; to make void; to frustrate; to refuse; to slight; to annul; to cast off; to neutralize or violate; to make null; to make null and void; to make of no value; to invalidate; to cancel out; to render ineffective or useless; – which occurs 21 times in the New Testament. Anyone who believes one must be saved by good works, virtue, merit, or observance of the law nullifies the grace of God.

Gal 3:18, “For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”

Note: God had granted to Abraham an inheritance by promise, not based on law. All the promises of God are based on grace.

We are unworthy of the grace of God.

Gal 3:21, “Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.”

Note: The Law is not able to impart life; God gives eternal life to whoever believes in Jesus Christ a promise based on grace.

Gal 4:4, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”

Note: Jesus Christ was born under the Law so that He could redeem all sinners who are condemned by the Law.

Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,”

Note: As far as sinful humanity is concerned, no righteousness is possible to be derived from the Law; but that which is through faith in Christ who fulfilled all the requirements of the Law to obtain the righteousness of God on our behalf. No grace, promise, or righteousness can spring or come from the perfect Law. Faith, truth, and righteousness are derived from the grace of God.

Heb 7:19, “(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”

Note: The perfect Law can make nothing perfect, because man is not perfect. A better hope comes from divine promise, faith, grace, and truth in Jesus Christ.

https://cn.bing.com/images/search?q=Ten+Commandments+Printable&form=IARSLK&first=1&scenario=ImageBasicHover

G. THE POWER OF GOD:

Exo 14:31, “When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”

Note: Power in Hebrew is yad which means hand; strength or force; dominion; ability or capacity; mental or moral efficacy; control; command; might; – which occurs 1,560 times in the Old Testament.

Num 11:23, “The LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”

Note: Limited in Hebrew is qatsar which means shortened; discouraged; confined; straitened; to be short; curtailed; to cut down; to cut off; short of hand; not very great in amount, degree, or range; restricted; having a limit; – which occurs 52 times in the Old Testament. God frankly said to Moses, Is the Lord’s power limited? NO. God’s power is without a limit. There is nothing impossible with God. Therefore God is called the Omnipotent. Because God’s power is unlimited, therefore His Word will always come true.

1Ch 29:11, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the Heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as Head over all.

Note: Greatness in Hebrew is geduwlah which means great thing; majesty; dignity; mighty acts; magnitude; magnificence; – which occurs 15 times in the Old Testament. Unlimited power. Glory in Hebrew is tiph’arah which means beauty; honor; bravery; splendor; excellence; majesty; adoration, praise, and honor; a state of great gratification or exaltation; magnificence; majestic beauty and splendor; – which occurs 47 times in the Old Testament. Victory in Hebrew is netsach which means strength; perpetuality; perpetuity; eminence; enduring; everlastingness; splendor; glory; confidence; eternity; overcoming enemies; triumph; superiority; defeat of enemies; exultation and celebration; – which occurs 43 times in the Old Testament. Majesty in Hebrew is howd which means honor; glory; beauty; comeliness; splendor; vigor; grandeur; excellency; – which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament. What does man have? Labor, sorrows, pain, hardship, sickness, and death. What does God have, everything and all things; including the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty. God is the Head of all, the Ruler of the universe.

2Ch 20:6, “and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the Heavens? And are You not Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”

Note: Might in Hebrew is gebuwrah which means strength; great power or force; valor; bravery; mighty deeds; mastery; fortitude; power; victory; – which occurs 70 times in the Old Testament. God is the Ruler over all the kingdom of the nations. How does God rule? Power and might are in the hand of God so that no one can stand against God.

Job 27:11, “I will instruct you in the power of God;
 What is with the Almighty I will not conceal.”

Note: Power if Hebrew is yad which means hand; strength; ability; dominion; force; – which occurs 1,560 times in the Old Testament. Apparently the power of God is subject that can be taught. It is best we are instructed in the power of God through the redemption of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, the creation of God, the sovereignty of God, and the Word of God.

Job 36:22, “Behold, God is exalted in His power;
 Who is a teacher like Him?”

Note: To exalt in Hebrew is sagab which means to be most high; to be set on high; to be excellent; to be lofty; to be strong; to lift up high; to set on high; to glorify; to be praised highly; to extol; – which occurs 26 times in the Old Testament. God is exalted in His power. The power of God exalts Him. Blessed is the person God is his/her teacher. God has taught me to rely on the Lord and acknowledge Him in everything.

Psa 21:13, “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength;
 We will sing and praise Your power.”

Note: What do children of God with the power of God. We will sing and praise the power of God. Praise in Hebrew is zamar which means to sing praise; to make music; to sing psalms; to play on a musical instrument; to celebrate in song and music; to magnify; to express admiration, respect, honor, and thanks to God; – which occurs 90 times in the Old Testament. Christian hymns and spiritual songs are important instruments to praise God. Some secular Taiwanese churches have promoted some songs which are totally devoid of the Holy Spirit. To praise God is unlike the performance and style of Hollywood. The best song I have ever heard was Handel’s Messiah, the apex of the exaltation was when it sings the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Someday we will hear angels sing praises in Heaven — a concert beyond imagination.

Psa 62:11, “Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;”

Note: Power belongs to God means power is the property of God. Power pertains to God. I was young, now I am old but I have never heard or seen American leaders and politicians who act and speak so arrogantly as if power belongs to them! I fear and tremble for America as if they have not heard that God has spoken repeatedly that power belongs to God.  

Jer 32:17, “‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the Heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,”

Note: The problem of unbelieving scientists and scholars is the fact they have no knowledge or understand that nothing is too difficult for God for His great power. Nothing is impossible with God. If you rest in the power of God, you have peace. In comparison, the power of man is nothing but the power of dog.

Jer 51:15, “It is He who made the earth by His power,
Who established the world by His wisdom,
 And by His understanding He stretched out the Heavens.”

Note: Some earth facts are interesting: Earth is the only known planet that supports life. 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water (oceans), the remaining 30% is the solid ground that is rising above sea level. According to Space Facts , “Each winter there are about 1 septillion (1, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 or a trillion trillion) snow crystals that drop from the sky.” According to Ask Opinion, “The distance between the Earth and sun is said to be 149,597,870,700 meters or 92,955,807 miles.” The highest level of math combinatorics is child play to God. God is absolutely precise and perfect.

If the earth were too close to the sun, it would be burned up. If the earth were too far from the sun, it would be frozen. 

Psa 115:16, “The Heavens are the Heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.” Earth in Hebrew is ‘erets which means land; ground; world; land of the living; the surface of the globe; the planet Earth; – which occurs 2,499 times in the Old Testament. Heavens are not suitable for human beings, God made a hospitable and suitable planet and gave it to the sons of men. The earth manifests the power and wisdom of God. Even today Scientists have little or no understanding how God stretched out the Heavens (universe).

Dan 2:20, “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”

Note: Daniel was one of the few wise men in history; he declared: Wisdom and power belong to God. Wisdom in Aramaic is chokmah which means good sense; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; ability to apply or use knowledge; great insight of the truth; highest wit;

– which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Why do we let the name of God be blessed forever and ever? For wisdom and power belong to God.

Dan 6:27, “He delivers and rescues and performs miracles and wonders in Heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Note: What does God do with His power? Among other things, God delivers and rescues and perform signs and wonders. Deliver in Hebrew is shezab which means to set free; to liberate; to rescue; to save; – which occurs 9 times in the Old Testament. Rescue in Hebrew is netsal which means to deliver; to extricate; to free from confinement, danger, or evil; to recover; to save; which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament.

Perform in Hebrew is `abad which means to do; to work; to make; to execute; to create; to carry out; to prepare; to fulfill; to achieve; to effect; to act; to accomplish; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Miracle in Aramaic is ‘ath which means an extraordinary event manifesting divine power; miraculous sign; wonder; potent; marvel; supernatural act of God; – which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. Wonder in Aramaic is temahh which means miracle; something astonishing; marvel; something extraordinary and remarkable- which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. What is the difference between a miracle and wonder? A miracle is definitely a wonder, a wonder may not be miracle. For example, the Seven Wonders of the world. When I first went to see the Great Wall. I was on top of it, looking around, I felt proud of what my ancestors had done was a great wonder. I can also testify how many times God delivered and rescued me from disease, danger, difficulty and death. Yes, God had done quite a few miracles and wonders on my life. There is nothing too difficult or impossible with God. God performs miracles and wonders.

This is the personal testimony and witness of Daniel. God delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Do you know a good man may have enemies? The enemies of Daniel trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs, but they could not because there was no evidence of corruption and no negligence to be found in him. They came to agreement to entrap Daniel with regard to the law of his God. They craftily asked King Darius to establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides King Darius, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. King Darius signed the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. As soon as the king heard the accusation against Daniel, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel but to no avail. Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” The king spent the night fasting and could not sleep. The king arose at dawn and went in haste to the lions’ den. With a troubled voice the king said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

How very pleased was the king and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the lions’ den.

Mat 6:13, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”

Note: The power of God can lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. Temptation in Greek is peirasmos which means the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy (Strong’s Concordance); proving; enticement to sin;  adversity, affliction, trouble sent to test our character; putting to prove; discipline or provocation; something tempting; impulse; bad influence; – which occurs 22 times in the New Testament. Evil in Greek is ponēro which means wickedness; evil things; annoyances; hardships; pressed and harassed by labors; perils; causing pain and trouble; the evil one; mischief; dark forces; leading astray; a feeling that you want to do or have something which you should not; – which occurs 90 times in the New Testament.

Mat 22:29, “But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

Note: Jesus who knows all men gives the right diagnosis: You are mistaken because you do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God. Understanding of the Scriptures and the power of God keep people doing and being right. Those who do understand the Scriptures can never know the power of God. Power in Greek is dynamis which means might; strength; mighty work; miracle; virtue; ability to act; the cause for the effect; – which occurs 124 times in the New Testament. For instance, those who do not believe that God created the universe in six days because they do not understand the power of God.

Mat 24:30, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.”

Note: Jesus will come again on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. No man understands the full meaning of power and great glory yet.

Mar 12:24, “Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”

Note: Power in Greek is dynamis which means mighty work; strength; miracle; virtue; ability; inherent power; divine force; universally the power of God; authority; ability to do; – which occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Jesus makes it clear, men are mistaken because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. A man who does not understand the Scripture or the power of God cannot be right. A man errs because he does not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. An evolutionist is wrong because he does not know the Scriptures nor the power of God. The Holy Bible is also called the Scriptures. Scientists and philosophers do not understand the Scriptures and the power of God. 

Luk 1:35, “The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

Note: Come upon in Greek is eperchomai which means the Holy Spirit descending and operating in one; which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Overshadow in Greek is episkiazō which means to throw a shadow upon; to cast a shadow over; to envelop in a shadow; to caste a shade upon; to invest with preternatural influence; to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it (Strong’s Concordance); no man or scientist knows how the Holy Spirit operates; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Nature, time, and space cannot restraint God; there is nothing impossible with God; including making a virgin pregnant.

Luk 4:36, “And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.”

Note: Authority in Greek is exousia which means right; jurisdiction; liberty; strength; permission; influence and privilege; the power of judicial decisions; capacity; competency; delegated influence; – which occurs 102 times in the New Testament. There is a difference and distinction between authority and power. It is bad and sad to give you this example: the American president lawlessly and illegally sanctions the judges of the International Court of Criminal Justice. The justices have authority but no power. The justices have no power to issue an order to arrest the American president. Which nation has stronger power to subject America? I do not know this is the historical incident to illustrate the futility of authority without power. God has both authority and power, American presidents and politicians will not escape the judgment of God; they may escape the International Court of Criminal Justice here and now. Jesus commands the unclean spirits to come out with authority and power.

Luk 5:17, “One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.”

Note: The power of God was present for Jesus to perform healing, healing of every disease or sicknedd.

Luk 6:19, “And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.”

Note: The power of Jesus was so great that sick people touching Jesus were all healed.

Luk 9:1, “And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”

Note: Jesus not only has power and authority in Himself, He gave the twelve disciples (apostles) also power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Demons are more intelligent than men, they know who has power and authority.

Luk 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”

Note: The Twelve Apostles were most distinguished because they were given authority by Jesus Christ to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy which is the devil, nothing had ever injured the Apostles. Jesus Christ has not given such authority and power to any preacher I know in the world.

Luk 22:69, “But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THERIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.”

Note: We really do not fully understand how honorable that Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the power of God.

After the Resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended to the highest Heaven and He is seated at the right of the power of God.

One day all children of God will see it.

Luk 24:49,“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Note: The Apostles and disciples waited for the Holy Spirit and they were clothed with power from on high at the day of Pentecost.

Act 1:8, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Note: This is where Pentecostal denomination errs. The receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit is not for speaking in tongues, but for witnessing of Jesus Christ. I have heard and known many famous preachers in person in the world, including Billy Graham. I was lucky to have known Dr. Arthur Mouw, who was a friend of mine, and the most interesting preacher I have ever heard. But I am sad and sorry to say that I have never heard a preacher who is really filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of God. Many preachers who have fame and fortune, but no power from on high.

Act 2:24, “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”

Note: By the power of God Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, it was impossible for Him to be held in the power of death. The power of death cannot hold the Lord of life.

Act 6:8, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miracles among the people.”

Note: Although I have known many preacher all over the world, I have not met or known a preacher like Stephen, full of grace and power, performing great wonders and miracles among the people.

Act 10:38, “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Note: Jesus of Nazareth was God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, and so He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. The children of the devil like their father also oppress nations and peoples.

Rom 1:4, “who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of Holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,”

Note: Declare in Greek is horizō which means to determine; to obtain; to define; to mark out; to appoint; to decree; to ordain; to specify; to make known officially; to show; to affirm; to announce; to proclaim; to reveal; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness. The Son of God was declared with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of Holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord. The power of the resurrection was the power of God.

Rom 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Note: Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The Greek is the representative of all Gentiles. The power of God can sanctify even a prostitute and transform a pimp and save a robber.

Rom 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Note: It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that Christians fill with all joy and peace in believing, and abound in hope. So it is impossible for a Christian who is filled with all joy and peace and abound in hope to commit suicide.

1Co 1:18, “For the Word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Note: All other religions have no power to save, Jesus Christ is the power of God to save all sinners who come to Him. Some unbelievers view the cross as foolishness, the power of God is not foolishness.

1Co 1:24, “but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Note: God uses Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God to call and save both Jews and Gentiles. Christians include both Jews and Gentiles. If you have Christ, you have the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

Note: The truth is so important, it must be stressed and repeated again and again. The Christian faith does not rest on the wisdom of men (the so-called higher criticism, the lower criticism, modernism, Calvinism, liberation theology, German idealism, Transcendentalism, Unitarianism, etc.) The Christian faith rests on the Word of God (the Holy Bible) and the power of God.

1Co 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words  but in power.”

Note: The Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in the power of God. The theories of unbelieving scientists and philosophers consist in empty words; words that don’t matter.

2Co 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”

Note: We men are earthen vessels, the surpassing greatness and the power of God are the treasure.

2Co 6:7, “in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,”

Note: Paul was saying as servants of God, in everything we must commend ourselves… in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left. The word of truth has the power of God.

2Co 13:4, “For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”

Note: Jesus Christ rose from the dead and lives forever because of the power of God. Because the power of God directed toward us, and so we will live with Christ. We will live a Christian life, to live with Christ, only because of the power of God directed toward us.

Phl 3:21, “who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Note: When Christ returns, the Christian body of humble state will be transformed by the exertion of the power of God into a glorious and spiritual and immortal body. For humans on earth, the most beautiful actress and the strongest men, they are all in humble state.

2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God,”

Note: Christians are not ashamed of the Gospel, and not ashamed in suffering for the sake of Christ according to the power of God.

Heb 1:3, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the Word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Note: Jesus Christ has the radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of God’s nature. Christians are not worried that the universe will fall apart because Jesus Christ uphold all things by the Word of His power. Uphold in Greek is pherō which means to bear up; to carry; to endure; to give support to; to sustain; to hold aloft; to maintain or affirm; – which occurs 67 times in the New Testament.

Heb 7:16, “who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.”

Note: An indestructible life has power.

1Pe 1:5, “who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Note: It is both an assurance and a comfort to know that Christians are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Christians have something the world does not have. We are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2Pe 1:16, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Note: Unbelieving theologians and scholars clearly devise many tales in their theories. The power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ can be seen.

1Jo 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

Note: The whole world lies in the power of the evil one; we Christians are protected by the power of God.

Rev 4:11,“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Note: Our Lord and our God are worthy to receive glory and honor and power because by the will of God they existed and were created.

Rev 5:12, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”

Note: The Lamb of God is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing because He was slain to redeem mankind.

Rev 7:12, “saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Note: God being God is worthy to receive blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might forever and ever.

Rev 11:17, “saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.”

Note: Lord God will take His great power when He has begun to reign.

Rev 12:10, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.”

Note: When the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of God and the authority of His Christ have come, our accuser the devil will be thrown down into the Lake of Fire forever and ever.
Rev 16:9, “Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.”

Note: The day is coming when the wicked and unbelievers will be scorched with fierce heat, they will blaspheme and will not repent so as to give God glory.

Rev 19:1, “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in Heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;”

Note: In the final of things, a loud voice of a great multitude in Heaven will say, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

H. THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

Gen 10:9-10, “He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech and Accad and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.”

Note: Nimrod in Hebrew is Nimrowd = “rebellion” or “the valiant”; the son of Cush, grandson of Ham, and great grandson of Noah; a mighty hunter, he established an empire in the area of Babylon and Assyria (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 4 times in the Old Testament. Babel in Hebrew is Babel which means Babylon; Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates (Strong’s Concordance); Babel means confusion; – which occurs 262 times in the Old Testament. By Joshua J. Mark, “Babylon is the most famous city from ancient Mesopotamia whose ruins lie in modern-day Iraq 59 miles (94 kilometres) southwest of Baghdad. The name is thought to derive from bav-il or bav-ilim which, in the Akkadian language of the time, meant ‘Gate of God’ or ‘Gate of the Gods’ and ‘Babylon’ coming from Greek.”According to Bible History Online, “The Empire of Babylon (The Largest Boundaries)
 When Assyria was overthrown by the Babylonians and the Medes in 625 BC, Nabopolassar, who had joined with the Medes, received a worthy spoil for his share the glorious possession of Babylonia undisputed. The later kingdom of Babylon lasted for 87 years (625-538 B.C.), until it was finally overthrown by the new conquering power of Persia. Nabopolassar, the first king of the new Babylonian Kingdom, was succeeded by his son Nebuchadnezzar, and it was under Nebuchadnezzar that the Babylonian empire reached its height of glory. Under Nebuchadnezzar (669-627 BC) the boundaries of the Babylonian Empire reached as far as Cilicia in the north to Egypt and Arabia in the south, and from Cyprus and the Mediterranean coastal cities in the west to Media and Persia in the east.” 

All kingdoms and empires vanished sooner or later.

1Sa 13:14, “But now your Kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded  you.”

Note: God established the Jewish kingdom and appointed Saul the first king, but he disobeyed the Lord and had not kept what the Lord commanded him. God sought out David a man after His own heart, and appointed him as ruler over His people. Kingdom in Hebrew is mamlakah which means reign; dominion; sovereignty; realm; royal dignity; nation; country; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. Endure in Hebrew is quwm which means to stand; to continue to exist; to abide; to maintain oneself; to persist; to last; to carry on; to flourish; – which occurs 630 times in the Old Testament. Unlike the kingdom of God which is eternal, no kingdom of man endures. All evil empires vanished from the earth, the last empire will have the same fate.

2Sa 3:28, “Afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.”

Note: Innocent in Hebrew is naqiy which means guitless; blameless; clean; clear; free from guilt; free or exempt from obligations; free from blame; – which occurs 45 times in the Old Testament. David declared that he and his kingdom were innocent before the Lord regarding the blood of Abner. For the last 500 years European nations and more recently America are not innocent before the Lord for millions of innocent peoples they have killed and the countries they have robbed. Where can you find a righteous nation today?

1Ki 2:12, “And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.”

Note: Firmly in Hebrew is m?`od which means greatly; exceedingly; mightily; with strength and force; – which occurs 289 times in the Old Testament. Many nations believe and think their nations are firmly established because they have absolute military superiority and nuclear weapons. Pro 16:12, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
For a throne is established on righteousness.” 

Only God knows how many wicked acts European and American leaders and politicians have committed for hundreds of years.

2Ch 17:5, “So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.”

Note: The Lord established the kingdom of Jehoshaphat in his control, and he had great riches and honor. Apparently if God blesses a nation, that nation has riches and honor. Most people have the wrong idea about America they think the richest nation on earth. Little they know that America has the largest national debt that surpasses $24 trillion dollars, not counting the annual budget deficits, the debts and deficits of 50 states, county and city governments, the debts and deficits of corporations, institutions, organizations, families and student loans. A nation in debt is poor indeed. Probably Norway is the richest nation on earth. If I say the United States of America is without honor, the most hated nation on earth; people may think I am unpatriotic. Just a few facts: Why did America fabricate that Iraq had the weapons of mass destruction, and so attacked, occupied, killed Iraqis, murdered Saddam Hussein, and robbed Iraq blind and poor? Why did America use United Kingdom to rob Venezuela 31 tons of gold? Why did America send troops to protect the oil fields of Syria? Why do American leaders and politicians continuously tell so many black lies about China and Russia without shame and increasingly sanction Russia and China without cause or reason? Do you think it is American honor to unilaterally withdraw from international treaties and forfeit its obligations and refuse to pay its legitimate member fees? Truth offends people and many do not really understand what is happening in America. Turn on your TV every night, do you think America is in control of its destiny? Do you really think America is going in the right direction? Do you think America is well managed? Do you think America is at peace when the nation is engaging in endless wars and military operations since Richard Nixon? Do you think the sole superpower spends so many trillions of dollars on defense although America does not really have an enemy is justified?

Psa 22:28, “For the Kingdom is the LORD’S and He rules over the nations.”

Note: Here is the powerful truth: the Kingdom is the Lord’s. Some very immoral and incapable leaders shout America First and want to lead the world. Some falsely claim America is a Christian nation. If so why the U.S. Supreme Court outlaws Bible reading and prayer at public schools, while legalizes homosexual and same-sex marriage? Why American leaders and politicians lie, kill, and rob many nations and peoples? The White Supremacists act and speak as if they rule the world. Do they know it is God who rules over the nations? Rule in Hebrew is mashal which means to reign; to have dominion; to govern; to exercise sovereignty; to exert control; to exercise authority and power; which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament.

Psa 45:6, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”

Note: Scepter in Hebrew is shebet which means staff; rod; truncheon; mark of authority; scion; symbol of imperial power; emblem of regal authority; – which occurs 191 times in the Old Testament. Uprightness in Hebrew is miyshowr which means equity; justice; righteousness; straightness; rectitude; goodness; rightness; virtue; – which occurs 24 times in the Old Testament. The scepter of the kingdom of God is uprightness. I had seen the royal scepter of United Kingdom with the largest diamond in the world. But a scepter of unrightness is a million times more valuable than the scepter of diamond. The kingdom has no glory because of lies, murders, and robberies.

The scepter of the sole superpower is crookedness, corruption, unrighteousness, injustice, and wickedness.

Psa 145:11, “They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
 And talk of Your power;”

Note: Glory and power characterize the kingdom of God.

Psa 145:12, “To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of Your Kingdom.”

Note: One day the children of the kingdom of God will see the glory of the majesty of the kingdom of God.

Psa 145:13, “Your kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom,
 And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”

Note: All kingdoms and empires vanished, only the Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom.

Isa 9:7, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his Kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
 The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”

Note: The kingdom of David is a forerunner of the Kingdom of God, established to uphold justice and righteousness.

Dan 2:37, “You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of Heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory;”

Note: God gave Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon the First Kingdom with power, strength and glory.

Dan 2:44,“In the days of those kings the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

Note: Babylon was gone, but the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which will never be destroyed.

Dan 4:3, “How great are His miracles
And how mighty are His wonders!
His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom
 And His dominion is from generation to generation.”

Note: The miracles of God are great, and His wonders are mighty. The Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom.

Dan 4:34, “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward Heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.”

Note: When Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses and regained his reason, he blessed and praised the Most High God who lives forever; and His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.

Dan 5:26, “This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENE’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.”

Note: I do not know if God has numbered America and put an end to it; I know all kingdoms will come to an end sooner or later.

Dan 6:26, “I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;
For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His Kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
 And His dominion will be forever.”

Note: King Darius made a decree that all his subjects must fear and tremble before the God of Daniel, for e is the living God and enduring forever, and His Kingdom will not be destroyed.

Dan 7:14, “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a Kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away;
And His Kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.”

Note: Jesus Christ will have Glory and a Kingdom, all the peoples will serve Him. How and what to serve, it is not disclosed. The Kingdom of Christ is the Kingdom of God is one which will not be destroyed.

Dan 7:18, ‘But the saints of the Highest One will receive the Kingdom and possess the Kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’

Note: Christians are the saints will receive the Kingdom and possess the Kingdom forever.

Dan 7:22, “until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the Kingdom.”

Note: Jesus Christ is the Ancient of Days and the Highest One, His followers will take possession of the Kingdom.

Dan 7:27, ‘Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole Heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His Kingdom will be an everlasting Kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’

Note: Christians are the saints of the Highest One, all the dominions will serve and obey Christ in His Kingdom. Dominion in Aramaic is sholtan which means realm; sovereignty; empire; kingdom; territory; government; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. I do not know “all the dominions” refer to what. 

Amo 9:8, “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom,
And I will destroy it from the face of the earth;
Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob,”
 Declares the LORD.”

Note: The eyes of the Lord God are watching the sinful kingdom. The leaders of the sinful nation may not know that the eyes of God are on them.

Mat 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Note: Since the time of Jesus on earth, it has been proclaimed that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, how much nearer now.

Mat 4:23, “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.”

Note: The Gospel of the Kingdom must be proclaimed in the whole world.

Mat 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: Those who are poor in spirit realize their spiritual needs and seek first the righteousness of God and so theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mat 5:10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: To be persecuted for the sake of righteousness is no comparison for having the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mat 5:19, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: Whoever keeps and teaches the commandments of God shall be called great in the Kingdom of God.

Mat 5:20, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees are outward and superficial; to enter the Kingdom of Heaven you need the righteousness of God. To obtain the righteousness of God you believe in Jesus Christ.

Mat 6:10, ‘Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done,
 On earth as it is in Heaven.”

Note: It is the expectation and prayer of Christians that the Kingdom of God comes.

Mat 6:13, ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.[For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

Note: Christians do not want to fall into temptation, we want God to deliver us from evil. Because the Kingdom and the power and the glory belong to God forever.

Mat 6:33, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Note: To do the first thing first is wisdom. The Kingdom of God and His righteousness precede everything else. 

Mat 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven will enter.”

Note: Words do not matter. He who does the will of God will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mat 8:11, “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven;”

Note: At present the east and west divide the world. In the Kingdom of Heaven, children of God will come from east and west.

Mat 9:35, “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”

Note: The mission of Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom through all the cities and villages. It is hoped my website will reach villages also.

Mat 10:7, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’

Note: For more than 2,000 years the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached all over the world; the Kingdom of Heaven is nearer than before.

Mat 12:25, “And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.”

Note: The leaders of the two American parties do not serve the American national interest; they have divided America so bad that civil war may be possible. America is now a divided country, not the United States. Taiwan is a pawn and instrument of America to divide China and to conquer China.

Mat 12:28, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”

Note: Where the work of the Spirit of God is manifested, the Kingdom of God has come to that place.

Mat 13:38, “and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;”

Note: Believers are the good seed, they are the sons of the Kingdom. The tares are the sons of the evil one. Which group do you belong to?

Mat 13:43, “Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”

Note: The rich and powerful shine in this world. The righteous will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.

Mat 18:3-4, “and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: Jesus makes it clear, Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Convert in Greek is strephō which means to turn oneself; to turn around; to have a change of mind; metaphorically to turn one’s self from one’s course of conduct, i.e. to change one’s mind (Strong’s Concordance); to reverse; to turn from darkness to light; to transform; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. Jesus wants people to be converted like children who are simple and humble. 

Mat 19:23-24, “And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Note: Riches or wealth is a great obstruction for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. For one thing, the greedy cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

Mat 21:31, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you.”

Note: It does not mean that tax collectors and prostitutes have preferential treatment, it simply means if they repent and believe in the Gospel they will get into the Kingdom of God before hypocrites like American and European leaders and politicians, before the crafty military-industrial-security complex executives, etc.

Mat 21:43, “Therefore I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.”

Note: The Jews did not repent and receive their Messiah, the Kingdom of God was taken away from them and give to the Gentiles whoever repent and believe.

Mar 1:15, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Note: Because the Kingdom of God is near, so people everywhere must repent and believe in the Gospel. Repent in Greek is metanoeō which means to change one’s mind; to be sorry for sins committed; to sincerely amend one’s past sins; to think differently; to feel contrition and reconsider; to turn from sin to God; – which occurs 34 times in the New Testament. Conversion requires repentance; when a person repented he is converted.

Mar 4:11, “And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,”

Note: The Kingdom of God is a mystery. What matters is whether you are inside or outside.

Mar 4:26, “And He was saying, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;”

Note: The parable of the Sower tells there are different kinds of audience; only seeds fell into the good soil grow and bear fruit.

Mar 4:30, And He said, “How shall we picture the Kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?”

Note: Picture is useful for instruction. Jesus pictures the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed which is small but it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants.

Mar 9:1, “And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

Note: If Jesus comes today while I am still alive, I will not taste death but see the Kingdom of God coming with power and glory. Peter, John, James had seen the glory and power of the Kingdom on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured.

Mar 9:47, “If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into Hell,”

Note: This is the language of hyperbole and comparison. It means do not let anything cause you to stumble to enter the Kingdom of God. It does not mean if you gouge your one eye you will enter the Kingdom of God.

Mar 10:14-15, “But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Note: Everyone must come to Jesus as a sinner, no one can come as a president, prime minister, high ranking official, executive, tycoon, scientist, philosopher, etc.  Pimps and prostitutes and all kinds of sinners may come. You must come like a child to enter the Kingdom of God. To receive the Kingdom of God like a child is to receive it in simple faith and humble way.

Mar 10:23-25, “And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Note: How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! Why? The wealthy who are usually arrogant and self-satisfied and they don’t think about spiritual things. Besides, riches can choke one’s faith. How hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God because his wealth is his burden and obstruction. That is why the Gospel is preached to the poor. Have you got the picture? Try to have a camel go through the eyes of a needle.

Mar 12:34, “When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.”

Note: It is most deplorable that one may be not far from the Kingdom of God, but one does not enter at all.

Mar 14:25, “Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”

Note: The best fruit of the vine cannot compare to the one we will drink it new in the Kingdom of God.

Mar 15:43, “Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the Kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.”

Note: Are you waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ to set up the Kingdom of God on earth? One has to gather up courage to do what is right.

Mar 16:15, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” 

Note: The Apostles and early disciples were given the authority and power to perform miracles and healing. Not every preacher has the gift of healing. Look at what God has appointed in the Church, 1 Co 12:28-31. 

I do not have the gift of healing and I do not speak in tongues. 

Luk 4:43, “But He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”

Note: Jesus was sent for the purpose of preaching the Kingdom of God from cities to cities. Christians have duty to preach the Gospel to every creature.

Luk 6:20, “And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Note: It does not mean that every person poor materially is blessed. It means everybody who hungers and thirsts for the salvation of God is blessed because the Kingdom of God is theirs.

Luk 7:28, “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Note: We have no idea how great was John the Baptist whose head was worth half a kingdom. We know not one American preacher ever preaches against the sins of any president.

Luk 8:1, “Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the Kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him,”

Note: The Kingdom of God must be preached to all cities and all villages, and to all peoples in the world. The primary mission of the Church is preaching the Kingdom of God. Many churches have gone astray to political, social and economical gospel.

Luk 8:10, “And He said, “To you it has been granted to know them mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.”

Note: Mysteries of the Kingdom of God has not been granted to unbelieving scientists and theologians. Many seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Recently I came across a website that infuriated me because they facetiously and fallibly and blasphemously maintain that Jesus Christ and the Apostles were followers of John Calvin. Let me say to you John Calvin was a false teacher who misled many and taught erroneously that God predestinated certain groups of people to go to Hell and certain groups of people to go to Heaven. Predestination is a big doctrine which I cannot dwell it in this article.

Luk 9:2, “And He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to perform healing.”

Note: God can heal even today. This is where the Pentecostal denomination errs. Preaching the Gospel is primary. Jesus gave the apostles special authority and power to perform miracles and healing then. If you read the Great Commission, Luk 9:11, “But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the Kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.”

Note: Jesus Christ preached the Kingdom of God and demonstrated the power of God in curing those who had need of healing.

Luk 9:27, “But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God.”

Note: This was referred to the Transfiguration as it is written in Mat 17:1-8, Peter, James and John saw Jesus was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And as Peter wrote, 

2Pe 1:16-18, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

Luk 9:60, “But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the Kingdom of God.”

Note: Unbelievers are spiritually dead; the proclamation of the Kingdom of God is even more important than to bury the dead.

Luk 9:62, “But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Note: Those who initially believes but returning to the old way of life is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Christians do not look back for they are heading to the Holy City. They do not want to return to the old life.

Luk 10:9, “and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Note: The apostles healed those who are sick, but the message is the Kingdom of God has come near to you.

Luk 10:11, ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the Kingdom of God has come near.’

Note: There are those who do not obey the Gospel of God. Be that as it may, the Kingdom of God has come near whether you believe it or not.

Luk 11:20, “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”

Note: The finger of God means the power of God. The Gospel is the power of God to save those who believe in Christ.

Luk 13:18, “So He was saying, “What is the Kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it?”

Note: The Kingdom of God is definitely not like the United States of America. There is no kingdom on earth can compare wit the Kingdom of God.

Luk 13:20, “And again He said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?”

Note: In the teaching and preaching of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ used parables to compare the Kingdom of God.

Luk 13:28, “In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.”

Note: In Hell there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, the wicked and unbelievers will be thrown out. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets, the Old Testament and the New Testament believers will be in the Kingdom of God. The unbelieving Jews and Gentiles will be thrown out, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth outside the Kingdom of God.

Luk 13:29, “And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.”

Note: God elected peoples from east and west and from north and south, and will dine at the table in the Kingdom of God.

Luk 14:15, “When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God!” Rev 19:9, “Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” 

Note: Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God. The children of God will not eat ordinary bread, but the bread of life in the Kingdom of God. The table in the Kingdom of God may refer to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Luk 16:16, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.”

Note: To force in Greek is biazō which means to press; to apply force; to crowd oneself into; a share in the heavenly Kingdom is sought for with the most ardent zeal and the intensest exertion (Strong’s Concordance); to force one’s way into a thing; to get a share in the Kingdom of God by the utmost earnestness and effort (Strong’s Concordance); to thrust; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. A lackadaisical person with indifferent attitude is not the one who enters the Kingdom of God.

Luk 17:20-32, “Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the Kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is in your midst.” And He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.“They will say to you, ‘Look there! Look here!’ Do not go away, and do not run after them. “For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day. “But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. “On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. “Remember Lot’s wife. “Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” 

Note: Lot’s wife was the person who looked back! Christians do not go back to the old life.

Luk 18:16-17, “But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Note: The Kingdom of God belongs to people like children who have simple faith and humble way. In contrast, look at American and European leaders and politicians who are arrogant and far away from the Kingdom of God.

Luk 18:24-25, “And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Note: You can visualize how hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

Luk 18:29-30, “And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Note: Those who sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom of God will receive rewards and eternal life.

Luk 19:11, “While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.”

Note: Now after 2,000 years we believe the coming of Jesus Christ is near and imminent to set up the Kingdom of God on earth.

Luk 21:31, “So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the Kingdom of God is near.”

Note: Please read the following article: THE SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST,

https://williewongthought.hpage.com/the-signs-of-the-second-coming-of-jesus-christ.html

Luk 22:16,18, “for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God…for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the Kingdom of God comes.”

Note: The Kingdom of God is going fulfilled sooner than you think.

Luk 23:51, “(he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the Kingdom of God;”

Note: Consent in Greek is sygkatatithēmi which means to vote for; to agree with; to cast one vote for; to accord with; to give approval; to give assent; – which occurs only 1 time in the New Testament. The righteous man from Arimathea never consented to the plan and action of the enemies of Christ, for he was waiting for the Kingdom of God. I never give my consent to American presidents and politicians to make America the evil empire, to attack many nations, and to dictate and dominate the world. For I am also waiting for the Kingdom of God, and I use my website to hasten the coming of Christ.

Jhn 3:3,5, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”

Note: Jesus makes it clear, unless one is born again by the Word and the Spirit, he cannot see and cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

Act 1:3, “To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God.”

Note: Jesus Christ suffered much for our sins, and He rose again from the dead by the power of God, appearing to apostles and early disciples over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God.

Act 8:12, “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.”

Note: In the Kingdom of God, there is no difference between men and women, they were being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Act 14:22, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the Faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.”

Note: The important thing is for disciples or believers to continue in the Faith. The faith is not the Reformed faith, not the Roman Catholic faith, not the Baptist faith, not the Calvinistic faith, not the Arminian faith, not the Lutheran faith, etc. The Faith is the Christian faith in Jesus Christ.

Act 19:8, “And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the Kingdom of God.”

Note: Paul was the Apostle who was not afraid of speaking out the truth boldly. To reason in Greek is dialegomai which means to ponder; to mingle thought with thought; to revolve in mind; to discourse with one; to argue; to say thoroughly; to discuss in argument or exhortation; to dispute; to persuade or influence; to discuss logically; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. To persuade in Greek is peithō which means to induce one by words to believe; to convince; to move by argument; to plead with; to cause someone to accept a certian point of view; to make someone to believe; – which occurs 64 times in the New Testament. Yes, every Christian should reason and persuade anybody about the Kingdom of God. However, there are people who will never accept the truth.

Act 28:23, “When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the Kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.

Note: To explain in Greek is ektithēmi which means to expound; to cast out; to set forth; to declare; to instruct; to make clear and understandable; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. The Kingdom of God is a very serious matter, so we must explain and testify solemnly.

Act 28:31, “preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.”

Note: Preach in Greek is kēryssō which means to proclaim; to speak with formality, gravity and authority; used of the public proclamation of the Gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers (Strong’s Concordance); to proclaim the divine truth after the manner of a herald; to deliver the Gospel publicly; to evangelize in a serious manner; – which occurs 62 times in the New Testament. Teach in Greek is didaskō which means to hold discourse in order to instruct; to deliver didactic discourses; to conduct oneself as a teacher; to impart instruction; to explain or expound a doctrine; – which occurs 97 times in the New Testament. Preaching is obviously more strenuous, while teaching more tedeous.

Rom 14:17, “for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Note: The world culture emphasizes eating and drinking. The Kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

If you belong to the Kingdom of God, you will have righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The white supremacists have no righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, so they lie, kill, and rob other nations and peoples.

1Co 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words  but in power.”

Note: Do you know philosophies and man-made theologies are a bunch of empty and difficult words. The Kingdom of God consists in the Word of God and the Power of God.

1Co 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Note: This is most serious. You must know what kinds of people will not inherit the Kingdom of God as listed in the Scriptures above.

1Co 15:50, “Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”

Note: Flesh and blood that is the human body cannot enter or inherit the Kingdom of God, because it is perishable. For that reason those who died in Christ will rise from the dead with a spiritual, glorious and immortal body. Those Christians who are still alive will be transformed.

Gal 5:19-21, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Note: These Scriptures are most serious because the deeds of the flesh have eternal consequences. Hear ye, hear ye, God says those who practice the following will not inherit the Kingdom of God: they are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes; dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. At this moment, America and Europe are afraid that soon China will surpass and bypass them to be the number one economy in the world. America and Europe are also suffering jealousy and envy of China, so they for no reason sanction, ban and oppose Huawei 5G and TikTok because they are the best and most advanced in the world.

Eph 5:5, “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.”

Note: This knowledge is as certain as God is true: no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Christ.

Col 4:11, “and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.”

Note: Fellow workers for the Kingdom of God should love and help each other, and never be jealous of each other.

2Th 1:5, “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”

Note: Saints suffering for the sake of Christ should rejoice because this a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that we will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God.

It is fine and well if God considers us worthy of the Kingdom of God; Christians, however, should never consider themselves worthy. No one is worthy to go to Heaven.

I. THE GLORY OF GOD:

Exo 16:7, “and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?”

Note: Glory in Hebrew is kabowd which means honor; riches; majesty; splendor; dignity; reverence; weight; abundance; magnificence; praise or distinction; great exaltation; marked by beauty or resplendence; adoration; – which occurs 202 times in the Old Testament. The whole hungry congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness because they had no bread to eat. Exo 16:4, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from Heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.” God rained Manna from Heaven to demonstrate the glory of the Lord. That happened God gave meat to the sons of Israel to eat in the evening and bread to the full in the morning. The Omnipotent God used His creative power to feed the sons of Israel with bread from Heave, meat and water in the wilderness and thus manifested the glory of God.

Exo 24:17, “And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.”

Note: The sons of Israel saw with their eyes the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Heb 12:29, “for our God is a consuming fire.” For this reason, Christians must offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.

Exo 33:18, “Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”

Note: Moses was courageous, if I am not mistaken, the only servant of God dared to ask God to show him His glory. But God was kind to Moses, for no man can see God and live.

Exo 33:20-23, “But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.” 

When God appears in His glory, all the wicked will perish.

Num 20:6, “Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them.”

Note: When the glory of God appears, the only right thing to do is to fall on our faces!

1Sa 15:29,“Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”

Note: God will not lie or change His mind; for God is not a man that He should change His mind. I recall the leader of a certain nation vowed to destroy Israel. Whoever opposed the Glory of Israel will perish and that nation will vanish!

1Ch 16:10, “Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.”

Note: The name of God is holy, glory in His holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. In the New Testament, we are also told to rejoice in the Lord.

1Ch 16:24, “Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”

Note: I wish my website can reach all the nations in the world to tell of the glory of God and His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

1Ch 16:28, “Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.”

Note: Ascribe in Hebrew is yahab which means to give; to bring; to set; to place; to commit to God; to refer to; to attribute; to credit; – which occurs 33 times in the Old Testament. No man should credit himself with glory and strength. Christians always give God the glory and strength. It is most dangerous when the leaders of a nation are arrogant and consider themselves the superpower, the dictators of the world.

1Ch 16:29, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the LORD in holy array.”

Note: The concept of due is important. Due means appropriate; adequate; and expected. Children of God owe to give most appropriate, adequate and expected glory to His name. I believe in Heave we shall worship the Lord in holy array. What you see in Roman Catholic Church and other denominations cannot be called holy array. Array in Hebrew is hadarah which means adornment; ornament; holy adornment of public worship; beauty; honor; glory; rich or beautiful apparel; – which occurs 5 times in the Old Testament. When I was in Norway I saw their impressive, colorful and beautiful national apparel (as shown in the film the Song of Norway). You can be sure the holy array in Heaven to worship the Lord is beyond our imagination or visual experience.

1Ch 16:35, “Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
And glory in Your praise.”

Note: I don’t think we know what it means to glory in praising God on earth. The day is coming when saints will participate to give thanks to God’s holy name and glory in His praise.

1Ch 29:11,“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the Heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.”

Note: The greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty belong to our God.

2Ch 7:3, “All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the LORD upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the LORD, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Note: In the time of Solomon the sons of Israel seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the Temple of God, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord. This is a preview of the grand and great things to come.

Psa 19:1, “For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
The Heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”

Note: The Heavens are telling of the glory of God. Some unbelieving astronomers are deaf and blind, they do not hear and see the glory of God. When I was at the Great Wall looking around and looking down, the Great Wall is telling the glory of our Chinese ancestors only inferior to the Heavens are telling the glory of God.

Psa 24:8, “Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.”

Note: God is the King of glory, strong and mighty, mighty in battle. Most people think God is love, do not know God is mighty in battle. Let the enemies of truth beware tremble.

Psa 24:10, “Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah.”

Note: The Lord of hosts is the King of glory.

Host in Hebrew is tsaba’ which means war; battle; army; warfare; soldiers; multitude; angels; sun, moon, and stars; the host of Heaven; whole creation; campaign; – which occurs 482 times in the Old Testament.

Psa 66:2, “Sing the glory of His name;
Make His praise glorious.”

Note: Christians sing the glory of God’s name; how to make His praise glorious we will see in Heaven.

Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Note: It is better and safer to receive grace than glory. There are many good things we can ask from the Lord, such as “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Gal 5:22); and “the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth” 

(Eph 5:9).

Psa 113:4, “The LORD is high above all nations;
His glory is above the Heavens.”

Note: There are quite a few aggressive nations and arrogant leaders on earth. They do not know the Lord is high above all nations. The glory of God is above the Heavens. Do you know how high are the Heavens? The first Heaven is the sky where birds and airplanes fly. The second Heaven is the universe, no one know how big and vast it is. The third Heaven is where angels and God reside, the highest Heaven. 

Psa 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.”

Note: The mad leaders and politicians seek glory. To the name of God we give glory, not to us, O Lord, not to us; because of God’s lovingkindness and truth. Only God deserves glory.

Pro 19:11, “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.”

Note: Although man is humble, if he has discretion it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense. It is glory to a nation to overlook a provocation. Discretion in Hebrew is sekel which means understanding; wisdom; knowledge; good sense; prudence; insight; intelligence; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Look at American leaders and politicians today who lack many things, among them is discretion.

Pro 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

Note: It is the glory of God that there are many secrets in the universe which scientists cannot find out and do not know. God conceals not even a scientist knows when he is going to die. Science cannot search out the wisdom, knowledge, glory and power of God.

Pro 28:12, “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.”

Note: Triumph in Hebrew is `alats which means to prevail; to obtain victory; to celebrate victory; to rejoice; to exult; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. In 1968 when Richard Nixon ran for the presidency, I stayed up very late to learn of his victory even though I had to work the next morning. Of my almost 50 years living in America, the years of Nixon administration were the happiest period of my life, the golden era of American history. Today the wicked are in power.

Isa 40:5, “Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Note: When Jesus Christ returns to earth, the glory of the Lord will be revealed.

Isa 42:8, “I am the LORD, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.”

Note: The Lord will not give His glory to another, nor His praise to idols or other gods. Today America worships money, power, and sex. The whole world worships the same.

Isa 60:19, “No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light;
But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light,
And your God for your glory.”

Note: In the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, there will be no sun or moon. God is the everlasting light. Rev 21:23, “And the City has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

Hos 4:7, “The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.”

Note: The masses and multitudes of the world sin against the Lord, and God will change their glory into shame.

Mat 6:13, ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”

Note: Glory in Greek isdoxa which means honor; praise; dignity; worship; brighteness; mangnificence; excellence; preeminence; the kingly majesty which belongs to God as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity (Strong’s Concordance); most exalted state; the quality, majesty, honor and perfection that belong to God; – which occurs 167 times in the New Testament. The Lord teaches us how to pray, we should remember every day that the Kingdom and the power and the glory belong to God forever.

Mat 24:30, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.”

Note: The second coming of Jesus Christ will be characterized by power and great glory which we have no idea now.
Luk 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Note: At the first Advent of Jesus Christ, glory to God in the highest. When Jesus was born, hope was born. Hope was born so that sinful men may be saved. There is still no peace on earth because warmongers and the wicked want to dictate and dominate the world. When Jesus Christ returns the second time, peace will be universal.

Luk 9:26, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Note: Man really does not know what glory is.

Luk 12:27, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.”

Note: The lilies that neither toil nor spin, according to Jesus, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. I have special love for orchids which I have seen more than a million. The fashion dress of the most beautiful girl in the world cannot be compared to a beautiful orchid.

Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Note: God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ, who lived among men, the apostles and disciples saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Grace in Greek is charis which means unmerited favor; good will; loving-kindness; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues (Strong’s Concordance); benefit; gift; joy; sweetness; loveliness; the idea of kindness bestowed upon one who does not deserve; – which occurs 159 times in the New Testament. There was one historical incident that illustrates Jesus was full of grace:

Mar 1:40-41, “And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 

Truth in Greek is alētheia which means verity; objectivity; what is true in any matter under consideration; moral and spiritual truth; personal quality and excellence; the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of His purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians (Strong’s Concordance); which is free from falsehood or deceit; in accordance with fact; – which occurs 110 times in the New Testament. The Christian Faith is the truth in Christ.

Jhn 2:11, “This beginning of His miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.”

Note: Miracles are demonstrations of God’s power; miracles manifest the glory of God. As illustrated in the time of Moses,

Exo 7:10-12, “So Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh, and thus they did just as the LORD had commanded; and Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.” 

The Chinese are wrong in believing that the power of demons are greater than the divine power. The power of God is greater than the power of devil. Aaron’s staff swallowed up the staffs of Egyptian magicians and sorcerers.

Jhn 11:4, “But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”

Note: Sometimes apparently bad things are happening before our eyes, yet we do not know they are for the glory God. Lazarus was dead for four days, Jesus Christ raised him from the dead so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.

Jhn 11:40, “Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Note: May God help us to believe so that we will see the glory of God.

Jhn 17:5, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”

Note: Jesus is the only One who preexisted before He came to the world. The religion that teaches the cycle of life that a person has previous life is without basis. You do not have previous existence, you only exist the moment you are born. You do not have future existence after death turning into another existence such as animals. The future existence of an unbeliever or the wicked after death is eternal sufferings in Hell. Before the universe was, before time and space, before everything, the Son had the glory with the Father.

Act 7:55, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;”

Note: An adulterous and immoral preacher who said he saw the glory of God was a false pride he made up and spoke presumptuously. Stephen being full of the Holy Spirit, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God was true. Stephen was the only one recorded that he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Act 12:23, “And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

Note: King Herod was arrogant and he did not give God the glory, and immediately an angel of the Lord struck him and he was eaten by worms and died. American and European leaders and politicians are also arrogant and speak lies, are they not afraid an angel of the Lord may struck them and they may be eaten by CORONAVIRUS and die?

Rom 2:7, “to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;”

Note: Christians by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. Perseverance in Greek is hypomonē which means patience; hopeful endurance; patient continuance; patient waiting; steadfastness; constancy; persistence; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings (Strong’s Concordance); sustaining; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. 

Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Note: Sinners offend God and fall short of the glory of God.

Rom 5:2, “through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Note: Believer who obtained salvation by faith in Jesus Christ stand in this grace and exult in hope of the glory of God. Exult in Greek is kauchaomai which means to be extremely joyful; to make boast; to rejoice; to vaunt; to glory; to feel great happiness; to leap upward; – which occurs 39 times in the New Testament. Christians have the hope of glory. Those who share sufferings of Christ will share also the glory of Christ.

Rom 6:4, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

Note: Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God and through the glory of the Father. No one knows yet how much and how great is the glory of the Father. Moses only saw the back of God.

Rom 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Note: Consider in Greek is logizomai which means to think about carefully; to impute; to reckon; to reason; to count; to suppose; to number; to calculate; to evaluate; to take into account; to deliberate; to deem; to judge; to weigh; to perform cost-benefit analysis; to determine; to decide; to gather or infer; to reflect; to look at thoughtfully; to estimate; to conclude; – which occurs 44 times in the New Testament. A mature Christian has the ability to consider things, it is an important skill. Apostle considered and concluded that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. I agree with him and besides Paul suffered for Christ much so much more than I. Compare means to put two things on the table and look at them carefully which is more or less. Or to put two things on the scale and weigh them to see which one is heavier. It is not worthy to compare our present sufferings with the future glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. How can you compare the Blue Hope Diamond with a stone you found at night market? According to Benji, “Previously known as Le Bleu de France, the infamous Hope diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in history. The 45.52 carat Fancy Deep Grayish Blue diamond with VS1 clarity is the largest blue diamond in the world, and one of the earliest and most famous fancy color diamonds that was ever discovered.”

Rom 15:7, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

Note: It is to the glory of God that Christ also accepted us.

1Co 10:31, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Note: Eat or drink are considered the most important things for all peoples of all cultures. For Christians there is only one motive or motivation: Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.

2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Note: The minds of the unbelieving whether they are scientists or philosophers have been blinded by the god of this world (the devil) so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ.

2Co 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 

Note: Someday Christians, in the face of Christ, may see the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

2Co 9:13, “Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the Gospel of Christ and for the liberality  of your contribution to them and to all,”

Note: Christians can glorify God if we obey and confess the Gospel of Christ and give liberally for the support of the mission.

Phl 1:11, “having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Note: Through Jesus Christ, Christians having been filled with the fruit of righteousness, not to their glory, but to the glory and praise of God.

Phl 2:11, “and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Note: When Jesus Christ receives all the authority to be King of kings and Lord of lords, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, this being done to the glory of God the Father.

Phl 3:19, “whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.”

Note: Corrupt preachers who are greedy for money and who set their minds on earthly things, their glory is in their shame. There are some Western politicians who do not realize their so-called glory is their shame!

1Ti 1:17, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Note: The King eternal, immortal, invisible, and the only God deserves honor and glory forever and ever.

2Ti 2:10, “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”

Note: Pay no attention to the garbage of unbelieving theologians and philosophers. The salvation of God in Jesus Christ is eternal, the Gospel is eternal, and the glory is eternal.

Tit 2:13, “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,”

Note: Christians are looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus is our great God and Savior, and in His second coming He will appear in great glory and honor.

Heb 3:3, “For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house.”

Note: Comparison clarifies the truth. There are things we can compare, there are things we cannot compare. We cannot compare the Christian Faith with other faith just as you cannot compare the Sun with a little candle. I oppose to compare any human being no matter how noble or capable with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. Moses was only a servant of God, Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten of the Father, our great God and Savior.

1Pe 1:7, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

Note: The proof of the Christian faith is more precious than gold which is perishable, and may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

1Pe 4:11, “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.”

Note: It is the common purpose of all Christians, whether one is speaking the utterances of God or serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be gloried through Jesus Christ.

1Pe 4:14, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Note: If a Christian is reviled for the name of Christ, he/she is blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on him/her.

1Pe 5:4, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Note: Elders who shepherd the Church of God will receive the unfading crown of glory. The term “elder” is confusing in modern churches; Peter for example was not only an Apostle, he was also an Elder at the Church in Jerusalem. I think Paul, Stephen, etc. will receive the unfading crown of glory. Everything heavenly is unfading. Everything earthly is fading.

1Pe 5:10, “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.”

Note: Many Christians do not know the purpose of God in suffering. After we have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us.

2Pe 1:17, “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—

Note: Peter, James, and John on the holy mountain saw the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such as utterance as this was made to Christ by the Majestic Glory, This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased. If you know this truth, you will never compare any one with Jesus Christ the beloved Son of God.

Jde 1:25, “to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen”

Note: There is one thing which is timeless, before all time and now and forever glory, majesty, dominion and authority be to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ.

Rev 4:11, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Note: Worthy in Greek is axios which means deserving; befitting; merited; corresponding; worth as much; congruous; comparable or suitable; meritorious; having worth or value; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. No human is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. Our Lord and our God is worthy to receive glory and honor and power forever and ever. God created all things and because of the will of God they existed and were created. So discard the evolution theory, the big bang, and all nonsense.

Rev 5:12, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”

Note: The Lamb of God is the Son of God who was slain to redeem sinners, He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing forever.

Rev 5:13, “And every created thing which is in Heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”

Note: Everything belongs to mankind and the world is temporary and temporal and transitory. Everything belongs to God is eternal, forever and ever. Blessing and honor and glory and dominion be to the Lamb, the Son of God, forever and ever.

Rev 7:12, “saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Note: Blessing in Greek is eulogia which means praise; laudation; panegyric; benediction; commendation; adoration; consecration; fair and fine speech; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. Knowing the acceptable practice that the greater blesses the lesser; how can man bless God? The English word “eulogy” is derived from the Greek word “eulogia.” I believe the word “blessing” should be replaced by “eulogy.” Unfortunately, the word “eulogy” is commonly used in honor of the deceased and delivered at the funeral. Eulogy has the second meaning, “high praise” which is most suitable except they are two words. To prevent misunderstanding it is better to replace blessing with “panagyric,” however, this word is strange to common people. High praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever.

Rev 19:1, “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;”

Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means deliverance; preservation; rescue; deliverance from sin and death; redemption; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. Salvation belongs to God does not mean God needs to be saved. Salvation belongs to God means only God can save. Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

Rev 21:11, “having the glory of God. Her brilliance of the Holy City is like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.”

Note: The New Jerusalem will have the glory of God. No one really has seen the glory of God. The brilliance of the Holy City is like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.

Rev 21:23, “And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

Note: In the Holy City there will be no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

J. THE LOVE OF GOD:

Deu 13:3, “you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Note: In the past there were false prophet or dreamer of dreams who seduce the people. If the children of Israel love the Lord their God with all their heart and with all their souls, they will not listen to them to go after other gods and serve them. Today the devil seduces believers to love the world so that they do not love God. Love in Hebrew is ‘ahab which means to like very much; to feel affection; to show affection; to have affection for; to cherish; to hold dear; – which occurs 220 times in the Old Testament. If a woman loves her husband, she will not go after other men.

Deu 19:9, “if you carefully observe all this commandment which I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in His ways always—then you shall add three more cities for yourself, besides these three.”

Note: To love the Lord your God is to carefully observe all His commandments and to walk in His ways always. People who do not carefully observe God’s commandments and walk in His ways always cannot love the Lord.

Deu 30:6, “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.”

Note: Christians’ hearts are circumcised by the Holy Spirit so that they love the Lord their God will all their hearts and with all their souls.

Deu 30:16, “in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.”

Note: Moses commanded the Israelites to love the Lord their God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statues and His judgments so that God may bless them in the Promised Land. Commandment in Hebrew is mitsvah which means precept; law; ordinance; which ought to be done; decree; an authoritative command or order; injunction; permanent rule of behavior; – which occurs 186 times in the Old Testament. Statute in Hebrew is chuqqah which means ordinance; custom; rite; something prescribed; manner; practice; a law enacted; a legal instrument; – which occurs 106 times in the Old Testament. Judgment in Hebrew is mishpat which means cause; order; decision; discretion; measure; sentence; execution; justice; rectitude; verdict; formal decree; determination; legal opinion; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament.

Jos 22:5, “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Note: To the extent one loves the Lord, one is very careful to observe and keep the commandment and the law of God, and walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all one’s heart and will all one’s soul.

Jos 23:11, “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God.”

Note: To love the Lord your God require taking diligent heed to yourselves.

Jdg 5:31, “Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD;
But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might.” And the land was undisturbed for forty years.

Note: The words of approval are most appropriate: Let those who love God be like the rising of the sun in its might. In the pursuit of global domination, the United States has disturbed many nations since the end of World War II. At the moment is the most dangerous American military aggression and provocation against China and Russia, encroaching their defense territories and violation of their sovereignty.

Jdg 16:15,”Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,‘ when your heart is not with me? You have deceived me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is.”

Note: Although Delilah was a bad and strange woman, she said something quite true: How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? How can you say, ‘I love God,’ when your heart is with the world?

1Sa 20:17, “Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.”

Note: If any man or woman loves Jesus as much as he or she loves his or her own life, that is sincere enough!

2Ch 19:2, “Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?” 

Note: No righteous man can help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord. Whom you help and love can tell who you really are.

Job 19:19,“All my associates abhor me,
And those I love have turned against me.”

Note: This is the flaw and frailty of human relationship: All my associates abhor me, and those I love have turned against me.

Psa 4:2, “O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.”

Note: This is the sheer stupidity and wrong value of mankind: Love what is worthless and aim at deception. White supremacists on one hand say they are concerned about Hong Kong, on the other hand they sponsored arsonists, anarchists, lawless hoodlums, rioters and terrorists to create destruction and unrest, you know for sure they aim at deception. Hong Kong failed to differentiate between opposition and enemies who wanted to overthrow the government.

Psa 97:10, “Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”

Note: You who love the Lord, hate evil. It is impossible to love evil and love the Lord at the same time.

Psa 116:1, “I love the LORD, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.”

Note: I love the Lord because He answers my prayers is only one a million reasons. Do you know the right and honor to be a son of God? Do you know the unfathomable riches in Christ? Do you know the providence of God to provide, protect and prevail under any circumstances?

Psa 145:20, “The LORD keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.”

Note: The Lord keeps all who love Him. One thing is sure: God will destroy all the wicked. The White Supremacists have done so much evil in the world, sooner or later God will destroy them.

Pro 15:17, “Better is a dish of vegetables where love is
Than a fattened ox served with hatred.”

Note: A dish of vegetables where love is is better than a fattened ox served with hatred.

Mic 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”

Note: The Lord requires His children to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.

White Supremacists lie, kill, and rob — do injustice, love brutality, and walk craftily. How can they have the love of God?

Mat 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Note: Hate and love are incompatible. They oppose to each other. If you love God, you cannot hate men. If you serve God, you cannot serve Mammon (wealth). White capitalists try to do the impossible.

Mat 22:37, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’

Note: How to love the Lord your God? Jesus Christ has the final answer: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul, and with all your mind.

Mat 22:39, “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’

Note: Europeans (the white people) have no love of God, but disgraced and defamed Christianity by their evil deeds of wars, aggression, occupation, exploitation, oppression, sanction, suppression, domination of the world. Christians must love your neighbor as yourself. Christianity is not a religion of hatred and terrorism.

Luk 11:42, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

Note: Paying tithe or giving money can never take the place of justice and the love of God. Notice there are people who outwardly fulfill a certain religious practice but they disregard the most important justice and the love of God. The most hypocritical is to use religious gesture to replace justice and the love of God. Some so-called philanthropists are actually vicious predators who rob billions of dollars and give to charity a few millions to compensate their guilt and buy fame. Disregard in Greek is parerchomai which means to pass by; to pass over; to go past; to transgress; metaphorically to pass away; to perish; to omit; to avert; to pay no attention to; to flout; to ignore; do not take account of it; to overlook; to neglect; – which occurs 46 times in the New Testament. Justice in Greek is krisis means judgment; condemnation; damnation; accusation; right; rightness; just decision; a just cause; administration of what is just; right action; righteousness; fair treatment; fairness; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Love in Greek is agapē which means charity; affection; good will; benevolence; affection and fondness towards a person; – which occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Hypocrites are those who pay great attention to religious practice but neglecting justice and the love of God. Those who have the love of God must also have justice. True religion is demonstrated by the love of God and justice for all men.

Jhn 5:42, “but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.”

Note: Jesus Christ knows the heart of man. Jesus Christ knows the Jews. Jesus Christ says to the Jews that they do not have the love of God in themselves. Jesus Christ knows you, knows us, knows everyone, and knows me. No one can fool the Lord. Western leaders and politicians do not have the love of God in themselves, for this reason they lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob the whole world for the last 500 years to this day.

Jhn 8:42, “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.”

Note: The paradox of the Jews is the fact they claimed God was their Father, but they wanted to crucify Jesus. The contradiction of White Supremacists who claim to be Christians is the fact if they were Christians there would not be imperialism, colonialism, capitalism and militarism.

Jhn 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Note: Christians observe the new commandment of Jesus Christ to love one and another even as Christ has loved us.

Jhn 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Note: The proof that Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ because they have love for one another. It is impossible to be a Christ and have no love for another.

Jhn 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Note: This is most definitive and conclusive: If we love Jesus Christ, we will keep His commandments. If we do not keep the commandments of Jesus Christ, it means we do not love Him.

Jhn 14:21,“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

Note: The love of Christ is proved by keeping the commandments of Christ. He who loved Christ will be loved by God. Christ only discloses Himself to those who love Him.

Jhn 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”

Note: Jesus makes it very clear, “If anyone love Christ, he will keep His word.” The Word of Christ is truth. If anyone loves the Son of God, the Father will love him. The Father and Son will make Their abode with him. Abode in Greek is monē which means mansion; dwelling; metaphorically of the God the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (Strong’s Concordance); staying; residence; metaphorically, of God and Christ by their power and Spirit exerting a most blessed influence on the souls of believers (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament.

Jhn 15:10, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”

Note: There is a principle: Christians must imitate Christ. Jesus Christ has kept the Father’s commandments and abides in His love. The same way Christians must keep Christ’s commandments and abide in Christ’s love. Christ is our role model.

Jhn 15:12,“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”

Note: This is the commandment of Christ that we love one another just as Christ has loved us.

Jhn 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”

Note: Woe to you if the world loves you because you belong to the world. Christians are not of this world and so this world hates them.

Rom 5:5, “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Note: Those who have the Spirit of God in their hearts also have the love of God within their hearts. For the Holy Spirit has poured out the love of God within our hearts and so we Christians have the love of God and have also justice for mankind.

Rom 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Note: How do we know that God loves us? God demonstrates His love toward us believers, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. So Christ died for sinners is the demonstration of God’s love toward us.

Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Note: This is a precious knowledge that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Don’t worry about your circumstances, God is greater than our circumstances. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. This reminds me what Joseph said to his betraying brothers, Gen 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” The life of Joseph and the fate of the children of Israel all testify to the sovereignty of God. The power and wisdom of God integrate with the love of God to cause all things to work together for good to those who love God. I personally can testify how God causes all things to work together for my good. If left to myself I would have taken many wrong steps detrimental to me. Mean (meant) in Hebrew is chashab which means to devise; to think out; to plan; to forecast; to conceive; to compose; to arrange; to bring about; to invent; to make a judgment; to consider; to be mindful; to mediate; to compute; – which occurs 134 times in the Old Testament. The largest computer cannot compute to cause all things to work together for good of the owner. The United States owns the largest supercomputer which fails to compute if America starts a nuclear war against China and Russia, it will bring about mutual destruction and the total destruction of the whole world. Man proposes, God disposes. According to the Free Dictionary, “Humans may come up with any number of ambitious or ingenious plans or ideas, but, ultimately, forces outside of our control determine whether they fail or succeed. The sinking of the Titanic, the supposedly unsinkable ship, shows better than perhaps anything else that while man proposes, God disposes.”

Rom 8:35, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

Note: Nothing will separate Christians from the love of Christ.

Not even tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword. We know in 2020 the whole world in tribulation or distress caused by CORONAVIRUS. No one knows exactly how COVID-19 will impact the world in the end.
Rom 8:39, “nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Note: The love of God is the most wonderful, unthinkable, unfathomable and immeasurable because God loves mankind. The peoples of the world are unlovable. Why does God love the unlovable and unworthy? That is the mystery of the love of God which man cannot comprehend.

Rom 12:9, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Note: The love of God teaches the children of God that love must be with hypocrisy. Without hypocrisy in Greek is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without simulation; undisguised; sincere; undissembled; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Hypocrisy in Greek is hypokrisis which means dissimulation; condemnation; the acting of a stage player; deceit; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. It is sad nowadays American and European leaders and politicians are simply stage players trying to fool the world with their so-called democracy, human rights, freedom, equality, and justice.

Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. American and European leaders in 2020 demonstrate the highest grade of hypocrisy in words and deeds which are purely evil, and worst of all they pretend to be good. They display naked aggression, animosity, and provocative military threat against China and Russia, but in a distorted way they claim China and Russia threaten America and Europe. Pompeo’s piousness is called tartuffery by Merriam Webster.

Rom 13:8, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”

Note: You know the real financial freedom is to owe nothing to anyone. By the mercy of God, to this day I do not owe anyone anything. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Ludicrously and ridiculously America that breaks so many international laws and violates the sovereignties of many nations asks China to abide by the rule. 

Rom 13:10, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Rom 15:30, “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”

Note: Christians have triple love: the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of Spirit. Christians by the love of the Spirit strive together for the furtherance of the Gospel.

1Co 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,”

Note: Although American and European leaders and politicians all claim to be Christians, do you see they are patient, kind, not jealous; do not brag and not arrogant?

1Co 13:8, “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.”

Note: Love is the greatest because love never fails. Western leaders sooner or later will find money, power, and sex fail.

1Co 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Note: These three: faith, hope, love abide. Money, power, sex do not abide.

1Co 14:1, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”

Note: Christians are told to pursue love. The American way of life is wrong because everybody pursues money, power, and sex.

1Co 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Note: This is the highest standard of conduct. If you do all that you do be done in love, you have fulfilled the law. If everyone does all that he does in love, there will be no imperialist, colonialist, capitalist, militarist, monopolist, supremacist, racist, arsonist, anarchist, terrorist in the world.

1Co 16:22, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.”

Note: In spite of the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of the Spirit; if anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Accursed in Greek is anathema which means bind under a great curse; doomed to destruction; devoted to the direst of woes; excommunicated; without God and without hope; abominable and detestable; being under a curse; damnable; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Maranatha in Greek is maranatha which means an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment (Strong’s Concordance); Come, Lord; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.

2Co 5:14, “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;”

Note: The love of Christ controls us. Control in Greek is synechō which means to hold together; to keep in; to constrain; to hold lest it fall to pieces; to urge or impel; to straiten; to hold fast; to curb; to restrict; to have power over; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. The love of Christ has power over us.

2Co 6:6, “in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,”

Note: Genuine love is sincere love. Genuine in Greeks is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without hypocrisy; without dissimulation; undisguised; sincere; actual; true; not false; authentic; real; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Just listen and watch Western leaders and politicians, you wonder if there is genuine man any more. There are too much fake and false words, fake and false news, fake and false presentation, false and false policy.

2Co 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”

Note: In this Scripture, the doctrine of the Trinity is implied. Christians posses the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 

Gal 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Note: Fruit in Greek is karpos which means the fruit of trees, vines, the fields, etc.; metaphorically that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result (Strong’s Concordance); advantage; profit; benefit; work; act; deed; – which occurs 66 times in the New Testament. Fruit is used as singular and plural. The seven fruits of the Spirit is an exhibition of what Christianity produces. The first fruit of the Spirit is love, the love of God and the love of neighbor. What religion can produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. The seven fruits are the seven virtues.

Eph 2:4, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,”

Note: No matter how good a person is, she cannot be rich in mercy. God loves His children because of His great love. Great in Greek is polys which means many; much; very large in size, extent, or intensity; abundant; plenteous; numerous; strong; intense; in many ways; huge; unmatchable; – which occurs 452 times in the New Testament. God loves His children with His great love. Not only the love of God is great, Psa 86:10,

“For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” God Himself is great, for God does wonderful deeds. God is alone is great. I hesitate to call any man great — the mortal man! Psa 145:3, “Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” 

I know feeble men worship greatness, power, and wealth. In particular Americans are in awe of power! Remember God loves His children with His great love; God also has great wrath to destroy and annihilate the wicked.

Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”

Note: When Christ dwells in your heart, you have the fruit of the Spirit. Being rooted in Greek is rhizoō which means to render firm; to fix; to establish or become settled; to cause to grow roots or to take root; to strengthen with roots; to cause a person or thing to be thoroughly grounded; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Ground in Greek is themelioō which means to found; to lay the foundation; to settle; to establish; to lay a basis for; to erect or consolidate; to make stable; to provide a reason or justification for; to base; to have a ground or basis; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. To be rooted and grounded in love, you need to have Christ dwelling in your heart.

Eph 3:19, “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

Note: In this world there is nothing which surpasses knowledge. The love of Christ surpasses or to be superior to knowledge. There is nothing greater than the love of Christ. Surpass in Greek is hyperballō which means to exceed; to excel; to pass; to go beyond any thing; to transcend; to throw beyond the usual mark; to become greater than; to be superior to; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament.

Phl 2:1, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”

Note: There is encouragement in Christ, there is consolation of love. Consolation in Greek is paramythion which means comfort; solace; reassurance; – which occurs 1 times in the New Testament. There is fellowship of the Spirit which the man of the world does not know. There is also affection and compassion.

Phl 2:2, “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Note: Christians may have different skin color and different race. But they all being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Maintain in Greek echō which means to have; to need; to hold; to own; to possess; to adhere or cling to; to have constantly; to keep; to have in readiness; to preserve from decline or failure; to sustain; to keep up; to continue- which occurs 651 times in the New Testament. Christians must keep up and continue the same love.

1Ti 6:11, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

Note: Christians must do two acts: Flee and pursue. Flee from what things. In previous passages we are told to flee controversial questions and disputes about words, envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, constant friction, foolish and harmful desires, ruin and destruction, and the love of money. On the other hand, Christians pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. As a contrast, American and Europeans leaders and politicians pursue money, power, sex, and global domination.

2Th 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

Note: Two things we need the Lord to do it for us. May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into steadfastness of Christ. Steadfastness in Greek is hypomonē which means patience; cheerful endurance; patient continuance; constancy; perseverance; sustaining; firmly established; not subject to change; faithfulness; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Those who have the love of God in their hearts invariably also in the steadfastness of Christ. 1Co 13:7, “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 

By the love of God, Christians are able to endure all things.

Heb 13:5, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”

Note: Character in Greek is tropos which means way; conduct; fashion; manner of life; mental characteristics and behavior; deportment; mode or style; turn of mind; mind set; attributes or features that distinguish an individual; notable traits of a person; moral code; pattern of behavior and personality; – which occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Christians are different from the men of the world, because Christians have the Christian character. The Christian character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have. A Christian can be known by his Christian character.

1Jo 2:5, “but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:”

Note: Whoever keeps the Word of God, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. A man is not perfected because of the number of tongues he speaks. By keeping the Word of God we know we are in Him. To perfect in Greek is teleioō which means to make perfect; to finish; to fulfil; to complete; to consecrate; to accomplish; to bring to an end; to render a thing full; to consummate; to carry through completely; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament.

1Jo 2:15, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Note: If you want to know whether the love of the Father is in you or not, take this test: Do you love the world and the things in the world? If the answer is positive, then you do not have the love of God in you. This is most serious! How many members of the church deceive themselves. How many who call themselves Christians fool themselves. If you love the world and the things in the world, the love of God is not in you.

1Jo 3:1, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Note: The love of the Father is great. Great in Greek is potapos which means  what manner of; what sort or quality; huge; characterized by largeness; ample; abundant; vast; intense; immense; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament.

1Jo 3:17, “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

Note: If the love of God abides in you, you see your brother or sister (members of the Body of Christ) in need, you will not close your heart against them. Abide in Greek is menō which means to remain faithful, to dwell; to continue; to tarry; to endure; not to depart; to continue to be present; to last; to continue to be; to persevere; to survive; to go on; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. There are three things abide.  1Co 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1Jo 4:9, “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”

Note: Manifest in Greek is phaneroō which means to appear; to show; to declare; to make know what has been hidden or unknown; to make actual and visible; to render apparent; to make visible or known; to reveal; – which occurs 57 times in the New Testament. When God sent His Son into the world, the love of God was manifested or revealed to us. Jesus died for our sins so that we might live through Him.

1Jo 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”

Note: It is empty that anyone says he/she loves God. The Scripture defines what is the love of God. This is the love of God that we keep His commandments. If anyone does not keep the commandments of God, there is no love of God in him. 

Jde 1:21, “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”

Note: In the last days there are a few things we must do. Keep ourselves in the love of God; waiting anxiously for the second coming of Jesus Christ to eternal life.

K. THE GOSPEL OF GOD:

Mar 1:14, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God.”

Note: Gospel in Greek is euangelion which means good tidings; good news; glad tidings; the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the message and truth concerning Christ; the Christian doctrine of the redemption of man through Christ; the absolute truth of Christ; the true doctrine concerning Christian salvation; – which occurs 77 times in the New Testament. The Gospel of God is the same as the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of the Kingdom. The word “gospel” does not exist in the Old Testament, because Jesus Christ is the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same as the Gospel of God. 

Rom 1:1, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God.”

Note: Set apart in Greek is aphorizō which means to separate; to mark off from others; to appoint; to separate for some purpose; to reserve to a particular purpose; to select for a specific purpose; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. Preachers are a peculiar people selected and appointed by Jesus Christ for the Gospel of God. Here lies the problem: not all who claim to be preachers are servants of God. There are false preachers and preachers who want to get rich by preaching the gospel, such as prosperity gospel, etc. If you know a preacher who becomes rich by preaching the gospel, he is not a servant of Christ. A true preacher is not appointed by government nor takes up the work as an occupation. A true preacher is called, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, denies himself, takes up the cross, sent out to render service to the ministry of the Word. A famous preacher claimed he had preached to more people than Apostle Paul; when he died he left $10 million dollars to his children.

Rom 15:16, “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the Gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Note: A true preacher is a minister of Christ Jesus, acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Mar 1:1, “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

Note: Before Jesus Christ there was no Gospel. Jesus Christ is the beginning of the Gospel of God.

2Co 11:7, “Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the Gospel of God to you without charge?”

Note: I have known a great number of persons (more males than females) who preached the Gospel, many are occupational preachers, some preachers of false gospel such as prosperity gospel, political and social gospel. I do not admire an American “preacher” who has an assets of US$300 million, nor do I admire a famed preacher who died and left US$10 million to his children. A good preacher preaches, proclaims, imparts, believes, obeys, testifies, confesses, and suffers for the Gospel. Without charge in Greek is dōrea which means without gift; without gratuity; without fee or payment; without cost; for nothing; free; – which occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Apostle Paul was a self-supporting preacher, so he preached without charge.

Act 14:15, “and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the Gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”

Note: Idols and false gods are vain things. We preach the Gospel so that people should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the Heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

Act 20:24, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.”

Note: Apostle Paul did not consider his life of any account as to dear to himself. His primary concern was to finish his course and the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.

Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,”

Note: The Gospel that Apostle preached is the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past. Paul did not learn from any school or any man. Revelation in Greek is apokalypsis which means enlightenment; manifestation; appearing; laying bare; making naked; disclosure of truth; making known concerning things before unknown; uncovering; divine instruction; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Christianity is the only revealed religion. The Gospel is the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.

1Co 1:17, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.”

Note: To baptize is not as important as to preach the Gospel. You know all secular academics want to be known as “cleverness in words.” In fact, the writings of so-called scholars are based on “cleverness of speech.” I recall a preacher used a sly slogan when he started to preach, “Something good is going to happen to you.” The cross of Christ does not depend on “cleverness of speech” but in power of the Holy Spirit. 

1Co 9:12, “If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.”

Note: A good servant of Christ does not demand his right, but he endures all things so that he will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. Hindrance in Greek is egkopē which means held back or slowed down; impediment; block; obstacle, embarrassment; stumbling block; interference; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. An immoral and greedy preacher can be a hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.

1Co 9:14, “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the Gospel to get their living from the Gospel.”

Note: It is proper that those who proclaim the Gospel to get their living from the Gospel. It is quite another to get rich by preaching the Gospel.

1Co 9:16, “For if I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel.”

Note: Apostle Paul was commanded by Christ to preach the Gospel, he was under compulsion. There are those who preach the gospel as a means of gain.

1Co 9:23, “I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”

Note: A true servant of Christ does all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that he may become a fellow partaker of it. 

1Co 15:1, “Now I make known to you, brethren, the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,”

Note: Christians received the Gospel and in which we stand.

2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Note: The devil is the god of this world who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. An unbelieving theologian or scientist may have a brilliant mind in the opinion of the world, but it is blind according to the Word of God. The glory of Christ is the image of God.

2Co 9:13, “Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the Gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution  to them and to all,”

Note: Christians are obedient to the confession of the Gospel of Christ, and naturally demonstrate the liberality of their contribution to the cause of the Gospel. Confession in Greek is homologia which means profession; acknowledgement; admission; avowal of belief; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Confession of the Gospel accompanies with conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

2Co 10:14, “For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the Gospel of Christ;”

Note: For the Gospel of Christ, Paul was the first to reach far to Corinthians.

2Co 10:16, “so as to preach the Gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.”

Note: When I was young we met some missionaries who were pilots to preach the Gospel to the regions beyond. Their mission was called Regions Beyond. Through the Internet, we hope the Gospel will reach the regions beyond.

2Co 11:3-4, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.”

Note: The true Gospel leads our minds in simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. We cannot accept another Jesus or a different gospel because this is craftiness the serpent used to deceive Eve.

Gal 1:6-7, “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;  which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ.”

Note: Deserting means turning away from; separating from; falling away; leaving or withdrawing; abandoning; forsaking; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. The devil uses a different gospel so that people may desert or forsake Christ. 

The devil used a different gospel to distort the Gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:8, “But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”

Note: No matter who or even angel should preach a gospel contrary to the Gospel of Christ, he is to be accursed. Accursed in Greek is anathem which means under a great curse; anathema; doomed to destruction; excommunicated; devoted to woes; damnable; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Those who preach another gospel are under a curse.

Gal 1:9, “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”

Note: Great truth must be repeated. Whoever preaches another gospel is to be damned!

Gal 1:11, “For I would have you know, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.” 

Note: God wants us to know the Gospel of Christ is not according to man. Christianity is not a man-made religion like all other religions. According to in Greek is kata which means after; by; after the manner of; agreeably to; in accordance with; on account of; owing to; through; depending on; in conformity with; – which occurs 328 times in the New Testament.

Gal 2:5, “But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the Gospel would remain with you.”

Note: As far as the truth of the Gospel is concerned, we cannot yield in subjection to anyone for even an hour. The truth of the Gospel remains forever.

Gal 2:7, “But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.”

Note: Entrust in Greek is pisteuō which means to be put in trust with; to commit to one’s trust; to place confidence in; to be in trusted with; – which occurs 244 times in the New Testament. Paul had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised namely the Gentiles; Peter had been entrusted to proclaim the Gospel to the circumcised namely the Jews. There are differences between the circumcised and the uncircumcised on earth; but they all be one in Christ.

Gal 2:14, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Note: To be straightforward in Greek is orthopodeō which means to walk in a straight course; to walk uprightly; metaphorically to act upright; to be straight-footed; to go directly forward; exact; precise; undeviating; direct and to the point; clear and not ambiguous; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The truth of the Gospel is straightforward, direct and to the point without considering of anyone or anything. Christians are under the grace, do not need to live like Jews. For example, Gentile believers do not need to be circumcised, observe the Sabbath, etc.

Eph 1:13, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

Note: The Gospel is defined as the message of truth, the Gospel of our salvation. We have not only believed, we were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. The seal of the Holy Spirit is the proof of your salvation. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. A man devoid of the Holy Spirit has not bee saved.

Eph 3:6, “to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel,”

Note: The Gospel is specific, not generality. Gentile believers are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body with Jewish believers, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Eph 6:15, “and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;”

Note: The Gospel is the Gospel of peace because believers are reconciled with God and have the peace of God.

Eph 6:19, “and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel,”

Note: Believers must pray on behalf of preachers, so that utterance may be given to them in the opening of their mouths, to make know with boldness the mystery of the Gospel.

Phl 1:7, “For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.”

Note: Christians are partakers of grace and practice the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.

Phl 1:12, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel,”

Note: Whatever our circumstances are, they should turn out for the greater progress of the Gospel.

Phl 1:16, “the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel;”

Note: Preachers not only preach the Gospel, they are also appointed fro the defense of the Gospel.

Phl 1:27, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel;”

Note: Christians must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that we are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.

Phl 4:3, “Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the Gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of life.”

Note: Those who have shared Paul’s struggle in the cause of the Gospel, his fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of life. Is your name in the Book of life?

Col 1:5, “because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.” 

Note: The Christian hope is not in this world, but laid up in Heaven. The Word of truth is the Gospel.

Col 1:23, “if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under Heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

Note: Christians do not go half way, but in deed continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away form the hope of the Gospel.

1Th 1:5, “for our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

Note: The Gospel of Christ is different from any ideology, because it does not come in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. The Gospel is the only one we can have full conviction.

1Th 2:2, “but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God amid much opposition.”

Note: Paul had already suffered and been mistreated because he was jailed in Philippi. Paul had the boldness in our God to speak to the people in Philippi the Gospel of God amid much opposition. It is no surprise if you had the boldness to preach the Gospel of God, you will meet with opposition. Truth has enemies. Christians in the world are like lambs in the midst of wolves. Opposition in Greek is agōn which means conflict; contention; fight; battle or struggle; anxiety; resistance; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament.

1Th 2:4, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”

Note: You see there are many who preach the Gospel pleasing men; those who are entrusted with the Gospel and approved by God please God. God examines our hearts.

1Th 2:9, “For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.”

Note: It is very few preachers today who work hard night and day, proclaiming the Gospel of God, not to be a burden to anyone. In fact there are those who ask for donation like beggars. 

Mat 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Note: These are the words of the Master: Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Wolves are not friends of sheep. It is easier to be innocent as doves than to be shrewd as serpents. Shrewd in Greek is phronimos which means wise; intelligent; prudent; careful and mindful of one’s interests; sagacious and discreet; thoughtful; marked by clever discerning awareness; – which occurs 16 times in the New Testament. 

Luk 16:8, “And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light.”

Note: Oh, if only you know, this is the definitive statement of our Lord Jesus Christ that the sons of this world are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. The children of devil are more shrewd in relation to the matters of the world than the children of God. Do you know the unrighteous corporate executives, unrighteous national leaders, unrighteous politicians, unrighteous scholars, unrighteous journalists, unrighteous strategists, unrighteous specialists, unrighteous government officials, unrighteous agents of the ruler of this world, unrighteous children of darkness are more shrewd than the sons of light.

2Th 1:8, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

Note: God will deal out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God,”

Note: Christians, do not be ashamed of the Gospel, but join all saints in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God. Only those who have the power of God who can suffer for Christ.

2Ti 1:10, “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel,”

Note: By the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. To those who believe in our Savior Christ Jesus, they will receive life and immortality. Immortality that Emperor Chen looked for and could not find.

2Ti 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel,”

Note: The Gospel of God is composed of two cardinal facts: the death of Christ on the cross for sinners, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead for our justification.

1Pe 1:12, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven—things into which angels long to look.”

Note: In comparison to men, angels who are superior have many better and wonderful experiences that men cannot compete. They have seen the glory of God, but angels long look to the glorious Gospel. Angels rejoice in Heaven when a sinner repents and believes in Jesus Christ.

1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”

Note: The Gospel of God is not only good news to be listened to, the listener or hearer must obey the Gospel of God.

Rev 14:6, “And I saw another angel flying in mid Heaven, having an eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;”

Note: The Gospel that the angel preaches is the eternal Gospel, it is the duty of Christians to preach the eternal Gospel to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

L. THE GRACE OF GOD:

Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Note: The Lord God is a sun and shield to His children; He also give grace and glory. Grace in Hebrew is chen which means unmerited favor; acceptance; charm; elegance; good-will; loving-kindness; gracefulness; beauty; benevolence; goodness; gracefulness; – which occurs 69 times in the Old Testament. God gives grace and glory. Christians need more grace now on earth, glory later in Heaven. Those who walk uprightly no good thing God withholds from them.

Pro 3:34, “Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.”

Note: Scoffer in Hebrew is luwts which means mocker; scorner; derider; boaster; person who talks arrogantly; people who makes mouths at; diplomat; politician who speaks barbarously; a person who acts impudently; – which occurs 30 times in the Old Testament. God scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afllicted. Afflicted in Hebrew is `anav which means the very meek; the very low; the humble; the poor; the suffering; the needy; the weak; the depressed; the oppressed; the miserable; the stricken; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament. The oppressed peoples in the world and the suffering saints, do not lose heart, God gives you grace!

Luk 2:40, “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”

Note: The Child Jesus was a model for all Christian children. 

The growth of the Child Jesus provides instructions for all parents a model of child development. Every child development must include three parts: the physical, the mental (or cognitive) and spiritual. There are at least three aspects of child development. A child to grow healthy needs good nutrition and physical education. A sick child is not the norm. A child growing up must be strong. To continue to grow and become strong imply good nutrition and normal physical development. The cognitive development is to increase knowledge and wisdom of the child. To increase in wisdom means cognitive and mental development. To have the grace of God means spiritual development. The spiritual education is to be immersed in the grace of God. The parents can provide anything material and financial and environment, only God gives the grace. Parents better pay attention and make every effort for the good of their children. I often think if you cannot even support yourself, you should never have children you are not able to support and nourish. Grace in Greek is charis which means unmerited favor; pleasure; sweetness; goodness; kindness; lovingkindness; good-will; merciful kindness; divine benefit; graciousness; loveliness; delight; God’s pity for sinners; – which occurs 159 times in the New Testament. Although Jesus was sinless, becoming a Man He needed the grace of God upon Him on earth.

Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Note: When God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ who lived among men some 2,000 years ago but His disciples saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. There was and there is no one like Jesus Christ, the Son of God, full of grace and truth.

Jhn 1:16, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Note: From the fullness of Jesus Christ all believers received grace upon grace. Many are mistaken about the grace of God. Few realize the grace of Christ is unlimited and unexhaustible. Christians may receive the first grace, second grace, third grace and grace all life long.

Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Note: This important verse of the Scripture singlehandedly sums up the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament was given the Law of God through Moses; in the New Testament grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. There is no grace in the Law and the Law cannot save. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the truth, saving truth, eternal truth.

Act 4:33, “And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.”

Note: Apostles were given great power not to show their spiritual superiority. Many are mistaken and thought if they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they would speak in tongues and so indicate their spiritual standing or superiority. Absolutely nonsense! The Apostles were given great power and abundant grace so that they may give testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians and preachers are given power and grace to witness for the Lord and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sad and sorry all my life I have not met or seen a preacher who has been given great power and abundant grace to testify for Jesus, although I have know a great number of preachers and many personally. You wonder why the church is neither hot nor cold today. The grace of God is abundant, grace upon grace.

Act 11:23, “Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;”

Note: Somehow Christians are enabled to witness the grace of God among believers and unbelievers. Resolute in Greek is prothesis which means purpose; purpose of heart; marked by firm determination; resolved; determined; unwavering; – which occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Some secular churches  are very dead which become like social clubs, they cannot witness the grace of God. For Christians, the message is clear,  the purpose of their lives is to remain true to the Lord with resolute heart.

Act 13:43, “Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.”

Note: In the last days there are not many good preachers almost like Apostle Paul. It is wise for God-fearing Christians to follow godly preachers. Godly preachers always urge believers to continue in the grace of God.

Act 14:26, “From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.”

Note: Nowadays when you see your loved ones or friends off to take a flight, it is always right to commend them to the grace of God. I recalled years ago when I conducted societal studies in Scandinavia and Europe, I met an American doctor in Sweden who told me his family (wife and children) would come from a different plane. It is unthinkable if the whole family board a plane and go down together!

Act 20:32, “And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Note: The Word of God is also called the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. How important is Bible study because it is able to build you up. You are not built up by feeding on the garbage of unbelieving theologies or philosophies.

Rom 5:2, “through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Note: Through Jesus Christ we have obtained our introduction by faith, in this grace we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Your see the sequence: faith, grace, hope, glory.

Rom 5:15, “But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”

Rom 12:3, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

Note: If you have the grace of God, you ought not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. By faith God has allotted to each the grace, those who think highly of themselves do not have sound judgment. TV preachers are usually think too highly of themselves. Fame and fortune cloud one’s judgement.

1Co 1:4, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,”

Note: The founders and leaders of all religions cannot save you, because the grace of God is given only in Christ Jesus to those who believe in His name.

1Co 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”

Note: If the great Apostle Paul says by the grace of God he is what he is, who do you think you are. No one can boast but the grace of God. 

2Co 1:12, “For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

Note: Even you have this proud confidence: that you have conducted yourself in the world, the testimony of your conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom, it is but the grace of God.

2Co 6:1, “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—”

Note: It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain. How? A person can nullify the grace of God, come short of the grace of God, become unfaithful to the grace of God, insult the Spirit of grace, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

2Co 9:14, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”

Note: Surpassing in Greek is hyperballō which means exceeding; excellent; beyond any thing; transcending; excelling; greatly exceeding others; above all; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. When you receive the grace of God, you should not be self-contented, but yearn for the surpassing grace of God.

2Co 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”

Note: Here in this Scripture the doctrine of Trinity is dignified. All Christians need the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all the time.

Gal 2:21, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Note: He who believes or teaches that man must keep the Law to obtain righteousness of God nullifies the grace of God.

Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”

Note: This is the sound fundamental doctrine of Christianity. We believers by grace have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. If anyone thinks he/she has been saved because of his/her merit or virtue, he/she is lost and deep in sin. No one deserved to be saved, it is the grace of God and the free gift of God. 

Col 1:6, “which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;”

Note: To understand the grace of God, it must be understood in the truth of Christ.

2Th 1:12, “so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ, the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in us, and we in Him. Wherever you think of glory, we do not deserve or own an ounce. Power and glory belong to God.

Tit 2:11, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,”

Note: Law came by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ appeared the grace of God has appeared, bring salvation to all men. Without the grace of God, there is no salvation.

Heb 2:9, “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”

Heb 12:15, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;”

Note: When a man sins, he/she comes short of the glory of God. If a believer has root of bitterness spring up causes trouble, and be defined, he/she may come short of the grace of God.

1Pe 4:10, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Note: The manifold grace of God enables Christian to serve one another. Speaking in tongues is not a special gift that exalts oneself.

1Pe 5:5, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Note: It is proper that younger men be subject your elders. The clothe which we must put on is humility. Something is wrong with the pastor or elder who is proud. God gives grace to the humble.

1Pe 5:12, “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!”

Note: Christians are exhorted to stand firm in the true grace of God. The next Scripture speaks of the false grace of God.

Jde 1:4, “For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” 

Note: A preacher who said he had a dream, he had a vision; but he lived in sins with other women and turned the grace of our God into licentiousness; that kind of preachers do not stand in the true grace of God. All ministers, black or white or yellow, who committed adultery, do not have the true grace of God.

M. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD:

Deu 9:4,“Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you.”

Note: The Jews may say in their hearts because of their righteousness that Lord had brought them in to possess the land. It was because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord was dispossessing them for the Jews. It was because of the wickedness of those nations that the Lord had driven them out, it was not because the righteousness of the Jews. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedaqah which means justice; righteous acts; truthfulness; rightness; moral virtue; piety; rectitude; morality; uprightness; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. God justifies believers not because of their righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Deu 9:6, “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people.”

Note: It is not because of the righteousness of the Jews that God was giving them this good land (the Promised Lang), for the Jews are a stubborn people. It was because of Abraham that the Lord gave the Promised Land to his descendants.

2Sa 8:15, “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Note: David reigned over all Israel. The job of a king is to administer justice and righteousness for all his people. Administer in Hebrew is `asah which means to do; to execute; to make; to deal; to commit; to offer; to keep; to perform; to maintain; to accomplish; to act; to institute; to bring about; to observe; to advance; to govern; to practice; to provide; to conduct; to dispense; – which occurs 2,642 times in the Old Testament. Justice in Hebrew is mishpat which means judgment; lawfulness; order; right; rectitude; administration of what is just; the quality of being just; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedaqah which means right; rightness; righteous acts; truthfulness; justification; moral virtue; rectitude; in accord with divine or moral law; morally right; in the sense of virtue; the quality of being impartial; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. It is still true today. What is good to be called a democracy when there is no justice and righteousness? In some so-called democratic countries, the rich and powerful have justice. If you have a dream team of lawyer, even you committed murder you can be acquitted.

Psa 24:5, “He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

Note: There is no blessing like receiving the righteousness from the God of salvation. God counts righteous anyone who repents of his sins and believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. One who is imputed by God as righteousness also receives the salvation of God.

Psa 45:7, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.”

Note: All who love righteousness also hate wickedness. It is impossible to love righteousness and not hate wickedness.

Isa 5:16, “But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment,
And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.”

Note: The Lord of hosts will be exalted in justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. Holiness and unrighteousness are not compatible.

Isa 58:2, “Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways, as a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask Me for just decisions, they delight in the nearness of God.”

Note: Blessed is the nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask God for just decision, they delight in the nearness of God. I do not know any nation under the sun which is a nation of righteousness. No matter how hard American presidents and politicians lie, America is definitely not a nation of righteousness, but fits for a nation of unrighteousness. They do not seek the Lord day by day and delight to know the way of God. They do not ask God for just decisions and delight in the nearness of God. On the contrary, the US Supreme Court makes abominable decision by recognizing the same sex marriage and homosexuality.

Isa 61:10, “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Note: The righteous will rejoice greatly in the Lord because God has clothed believers with garments of salvation, He has wrapped the saints with a robe of righteousness.

Eze 45:9, “Thus says the Lord GOD, “Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from My people,” declares the Lord GOD.”

Note: Today God says to American and European leaders and politicians who claim to be Christians, Enough, put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from the weak and poor nations and peoples. Expropriation in Hebrew is gerushah which means exaction; expulsion; exploitation; violence; dispossession; driving out; usurpation; taking over; seizure; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. American and Europeans leaders for hundreds of years have been lying, killing and robbing many nations and peoples. Enough the days of Western dictatorship and domination. Stop looting, exploitation, and seizure. For example, America used United Kingdom to seize 31 tons of gold which legally belongs to Venezuela. America and Europe had robbed and looted China national treasures since the Opium Wars worth the market value of US$100,000 trillion dollars not counting interest of so many years. Let the nations free from Western dictatorship and domination. Western leaders are deaf and blind that they have not heard the Word of God, ENOUGH IS WESTERN DOMINATION OF THE WORLD and the handwriting on the wall.

Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Note: Righteousness in Greek is dikaiosynē which means the condition acceptable to God; state which one ought to be; the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God (Strong’s Concordance); rightness; purity of life; correctness of thinking, feeling and acting; justice; virtue; integrity; justification; uprightness; holiness; – which occurs 91 times in the New Testament. Man’s righteousness falls short of the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Sinners can never justify themselves before God by their work or merit or virtue. The love of God, the grace of God, the Gospel of God, the righteousness of God — all have to do with the salvation of God. By the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross for sinners, the Righteous for the unrighteous, by the grace of God, sinners can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, it is the gift of God.

Rom 3:5, “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.)”

Note: Man’s unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God. Demonstrate in Greek is synistēmi which means to commend; to approve; to set one with another; to present or introduce; to comprehend; to teach by comparing; to show clearly; to exhibit; – which occurs 17 times in the New Testament. Human unrighteousness demonstrates divine righteousness just as darkness shows clearly light.

Rom 3:21, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”

Note: Apart from in Greek is chōris which means without; beside; separate; away from; aside; excluded from; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. The Law is holy and man is sinful; so the Law cannot save sinners. The righteousness of God has been manifested or revealed so that all who repent and believe in Jesus may obtain the righteousness of God.

Rom 3:22, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;”

Note: Distinction in Greek is diastolē which means difference; variation; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament.

Rom 3:25, “whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;”

Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means mercyseat; an expiatory sacrifice; atonement; a means of appeasing or expiating; appeasement; an atoning sacrifice; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ died on the cross is a propitiation, an atoning sacrifice, for our sins by His blood. This demonstrates the righteousness of God, the Righteous for the unrighteous, because in the forbearance of God He passed over our sins previously committed. Because the Lamb of God, God passed over and spared us.

Rom 3:26, “for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Note: This is the demonstration of the righteousness of God at the present time, God would be just the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Rom 4:6, “just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:”

Note: David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works. The man God counts righteousness apart from the works of the Law.

Rom 6:13, “and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”

Note: The wicked are instruments of unrighteousness; the believers are instrument of righteousness to God. History has made it clear that white supremacists in the last 500 years to the present are instruments of unrighteousness in the world.

Rom 10:3, “For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”

Rom 14:17, “for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Note: The Chinese treat eating as Heaven. Human activities often focus on eating and drinking. The Kingdom of God consists of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit go in tandem with faith, hope, and love.

2Co 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Note: How we obtain the righteousness of God? God made Jesus Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that is the Righteous took the place of the unrighteous.

Jas 1:20, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of of God.”

Note: The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Nothing that man does (good work, merit, morality, etc.) can achieve the righteousness of God. By the redemption of Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God is counted to everyone who repents and believes in the name of Jesus Christ.

N. THE SIGHT OF GOD:

Gen 6:11, “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.”

Note: To corrupt in Hebrew is shachath which means to destroy; to act wickedly; to mar; to spoil; to go to ruin; to decay; to be rotted; to be ruined; to be perverted; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. God judges what is corrupt or not. A country filled with violence must be corrupt.

Sight in Hebrew is paniym which means presence; countenance; face; person; in front of; before and behind; in the presence of; in the face of; regarded as; in appearance; in view of; judgment; – which occurs 1,952 times in the Old Testament. America is going to ruin and laying waste because

American leaders and politicians have fooled Americans and the world. They use adulterated words such as democracy, freedom, human right, rule of law, justice, etc. to hypnotize and to pretend but they have acted wickedly, corrupt and perverted that Americans are awakening to see. The world is awakening to see what America really is.

Luk 1:6, “They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.”

Note: Righteous in Greek is dikaios which means just; right; upright; virtuous; approved or acceptable to God; innocent; guiltless; faultless; conformed to the will of God; – which occurs 96 times in the New Testament. A righteous man is walking blamelessly in all requirements of the Lord.

Morality or the principle of right and wrong is not based the views of man, it is entirely in the sight of God.

Luk 16:15, “And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”

Note: Many American and European leaders and politicians are hypocrites and false believers, they are highly esteemed among men are detestable in the sight of God. God knows their hearts and all the evil deeds they have done in the last 500 years for Europeans, and last 300 years for the Americans. Detestable in Greek is bdelygma which means a foul thing; abomination; desolation; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Those who lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob to dictate and dominate the world may be esteemed among men as supremacists and superpowers, but they are detestable in the sight of God.

Act 4:19, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;”

Note: Peter and John were polite to say to the crowds and let them be the judge. Man is never good to be the judge, God is the Judge in whose sight determines what is right or wrong. To obey God instead of men is right in the sight of God.

2Co 2:17, “For we are not like many, peddling the Word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”

Note: To peddle in Greek is kapēleuō which means to be a retailer; to make money by selling; to get sordid gain by dealing; to do a thing for base gain; to trade in the Word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth (Strong’s Concordance); to adulterate; 

Some preachers are like hustlers for money. There are many ways they peddle the Word of God. One method is famous megachurch pastors or TV evangelists copyright their own versions of the Holy Bible for sale. The Word of God according to so-and-so. The way some organizations asking for donation is like peddling the Word of God. When I was young I was greatly touched by the story of George Müller (born Johann Georg Ferdinand Müller, 27 September 1805 – 10 March 1898) who was a Christian evangelist and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. Muller never asked for donation, he prayed and the Holy Spirit sent the right people to provide whatever was needed. “Work started on the second orphan house after all of the necessary funds had been received. George Müller never asked anyone for money, instead he prayed to God asking him to provide all of his needs.” 2Co 4:2, “but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 

2Co 12:19, “All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.”

Note: True servants of God have been speaking in Christ in the sight of God for the unbuilding of believers.

1Ti 2:3, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,”

Note: What is good and acceptable only in the sight of God our Savior, Christians must not be influenced by the world’s opinions.

1Ti 5:4, “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”

Note: For children or grandchildern to learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and make some return to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God. Children must make some return to their parents. I took my mother to a good restaurant, but she was old and not having good appetite. So practice piety to your parents while you can.

Jas 1:27, “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.”

Note: Pure in Greek is katharos which means clean; clear; purified; chase; cleansed; free from corrupt desire; free from sin and guilt; blameless; innocent; unstained; free from what is filthy; unmixed with any other; spotless; stainless; – which occurs 26 times in the New Testament. Undefiled in Greek is 

amiantos which means unsoiled; free from that is deformed or debased; unadulterated; uncorrupted; untainted; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Religion in Greek is thrēskeia which means religious practice; worship; the worship and service of God; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. White supremacists thought they got religion in the last 500 years dictating and dominating the world. Pure and undefiled religion according to the Word of God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. Two elements define pure and undefiled Christian religion: give aid to distressed poor people like orphans and widows, and keep oneself unstained by the world. The prevailing values of America and Europe are money, power, and pleasure. The white culture is stained by the world.

1Pe 2:4-5, “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Note: Christians come to Jesus Christ and offer ourselves as living stones (spiritual sacrifices) are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, this is precious in the sight of God. 

1Pe 3:4, “but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”

Note: The hidden person of the heart is the real person. A gentle and quiet spirit is an imperishable quality. The imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God. Precious is Greek is polytelēs which means very precious; very costly; of great price; excellent; of surpassing value; extremely expensive; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. If you tell me what is very precious to you, I can tell who you really are. To most people money, power, and sex are very precious to them. If you have seen the Hope Diamond, you know what a precious stone is. Most people would agree that life is precious. Knowledge is a precious thing. Not many people can extract the precious from the worthless. How many young people are wasting their time and life on playing worthless computer or mobile phone violent games. I have never met a useful and successful man, whether young or old, who does not have diligence as his/her precious possession. There are a few things the Word of God tells us they are precious. (1). The blood of Christ is precious. 1Pe 1:19, “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” (2). The proof of faith is precious. 1Pe 1:7, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (3). The promises of God are precious. 2Pe 1:4, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” (4). The surpassing value of knowing Christ. There is nothing more precious than knowing Christ. Phl 3:8, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”

O. THE SALVATION OF GOD:

Psa 50:23, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” 

Note: On the part of man, man must wait for the salvation of God. God Himself will show the salvation of God. Salvation in Hebrew is yesha` which means saving; safety; deliverance; rescue; liberty; welfare; aid; help; liberation; preservation; – which occurs 36 times in the Old Testament. Salvation comes from God only, not from any man or place. Even if you look in every nook and corner, you will not find salvation anyway.

Luk 3:6, “AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD.’”

Note: All flesh means all human beings will see the salvation of God. 

Luk 2:25-32, “And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your Word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

Note: The old Simeon was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon’s eyes literally had seen God’s salvation, for Jesus was the Consolation of Israel and the Light of Revelation to the gentiles. Salvation in Greek is sōtērios which means that brings salvation; Jesus Christ who embodies this salvation; through Whom God is about to achieve salvation; defender or defence; safety; deliverance; liberation; preservation from destruction; redemption; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament.

Act 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for  there is no other name under Heaven  that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” 

Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means Messianic salvation; the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from Heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God (Strong’s Concordance); the passing from death to life; the forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption of soul;  deliverance from the power and effects of sin; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. Humanity is doomed because it cannot save itself. When Jesus Christ was born, hope was born. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Act 28:28, “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”

Note: This salvation of God is for both Jews and the Gentiles. Our duty is to listen, to obey, and to believe in the Son of God.

Eph 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 

Note: Gift in Greek is doron  which means present; offering; something given without compensation; God’s special favor; something you receive freely; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. When God says it is a gift, it is a gift. You see on the Internet advertised free download of encyclopedia or advanced dictionary, don’t believe it unless you want to waste many hours of your time and efforts for nothing. These lying businesses put you on a wild-goose chase, and the end is empty, practically nothing you will get for free. Salvation is the gift of God. Let every man be a liar, God is true. God loves you and wants to give you freely the eternal life, all you need to do is to repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God as your Lord and Savior. This differs Christianity from all other religions. All other religions teach that man can be saved by good works or merit. The revealed religion teaches that by grace you have been saved through faith, faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation does not depend on man, for it is the gift of God. 

Tts 3:5-6 ,“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit; whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” 

Note: The salvation of soul requires regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit which no man can do. What is born of the spirit is spirit, and what is born of the flesh is flesh. 
Rev 7:10, “And crying out with a loud voice saying: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 

Note: Salvation in Greek is  sōtēria which means deliverance, preservation, safety, Messianic salvation, salvation as the present possession of all true Christians, future salvation (the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God); – it occurs about 45 times in the New Testament. Salvation belongs to our God and the Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ. It means besides Jesus Christ there is no salvation.

P. THE WISDOM OF GOD:

1Ki 3:28, “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.”

Note: It is most marvelous for the people of Israel to see that their king Solomon the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. Wisdom is not used to make plan to conquer and dominate the world. Wisdom is used to administer justice. There are so much injustice in the world because the leaders and politicians do not have the wisdom of God. Wisdom in Hebrew is chokmah which means good sense; shrewdness; wits; skills; various learning and abilities; judgment; skillful application of knowledge; ability to know what is true and right; – which occurs 153 times in the Old Testament. If you look at the world over, can you find any leader whom you can see the wisdom of God in him? You wonder why the whole world is in big trouble, in particular the Western arrogant leaders who want to dictate and dominate the world.

Luk 11:49,“For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute,”

Note: Prophets and apostles are the servants of God. There are false prophets and false apostles.

1Co 1:21, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”

Note: Wisdom in Greek is sophia which means broad and full intelligence; the knowledge of very diverse matters; the varied knowledge of things human and divine; the knowledge and practice required for godly and upright living; skill and understanding in imparting the Christian truth; supreme intelligence given by God; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; the ability to discern what is true or right; – which occurs 51 times in the New Testament.

Unbelieving scientists and philosophers may have the wisdom of the world, but they did not come to know God. For no one can use the wisdom of the world to know God. The Gospel of God appears to them foolishness, but God was well-pleased to save those who believe.

1Co 1:24, “but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Note: Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, perfect God and perfect Savior.

Rom11:33,“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the 

wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Note: For humans those who have knowledge not necessarily have wisdom. God has both wisdom and knowledge.

Dan 2:20, “Daniel said,“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”

Note: Daniel was one of the few wise men in history. Daniel was right. Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. The Western leaders especially seek wealth and power.

1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

Note: The Christian faith does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. For example, the so-called science and philosophy rest on the wisdom of men. The wisdom of men is progressive and tentative, it is never be absolute and ultimate. Science is the best human knowledge at a time and place. Science does not know the absolute or ultimate. The Christian faith rests on the revelation of God, absolute, final, authoritative and supreme.

1Co 2:7, “but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;”

1Co 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS;”

Note: Evolution, big bang, quantum, relativity, mechanics, plate techtonics, Heliocentrism, etc. maybe foolishness before God who created and controls the universe.

2Co 1:12, “For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

Note: The Christian proud confidence in in the Word of God. We have the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God. God calls the human wisdom fleshly wisdom. We conduct ourselves in the world by the grace and wisdom of God.

Q. THE IMAGE OF GOD:

Gen 1:27, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Note: Create in Hebrew is bara’ which means to make; to shape; to form; to fashion; to create (always with God); to make (for example, a carpenter made a table, but he did not create the wood); to bring into existence; to carve out; to produce;  to design; – which occurs 57 times in the Old Testament. Image in Hebrew is tselem which means likeness (of resemblance); semblance; form; representive figure; picture or impression of something; representation; mental picture; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Man was not evolved but created directly by the hand of God in His own image. Many young people in America want to recreate themselves in the image of the powerful political leader, or the beautiful movie star, or the rich Wall Street tycoon, or a famous singer or musician, etc. So the West is practicising a false version or a wrong vision of Christianity. The image of God does not mean the physical features, for God is Spirit. What is the image of God then? I have searched the Scriptures fof a long time, I believe the answer is as follows:

Eph 4:23-24, “and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Christians are renewed in the spirit of their mind, put on the new self, which in the likeness (or image) of God has been created in righteousness, holiness, and the truth. Apparently, the image of God consists of righteousness, holiness, and the truth. The more a person has righteousness, holiness, and the truth the more the person is like God or having the image of God.

Gen 5:3, “When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.”

Note: When Adam was 130 years old he had a third son in his own likeness and image. Seth in Hebrew is Sheth which means placing or setting. I am not sure what Adam means to name his son Seth.

Gen 9:6, “Whoever sheds man’s blood,
By man his blood shall be shed,
For in the image of God He made man.”

Note: This is the first time historically God imposed death penalty or capital punishment for murder. Whosoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed. The reason was that in the image of God He made man. Man created in the image of God must not kill or murder another man. If a man kills or murders, he shall die. Too bad, many European nations who claim to be Christian nations backslid and violated the Law of God by abolishing death penalty under the pretense of humanitarianism. It is strange that to kill another man is not inhuman, but to execute death penalty is inhumane.

Lev 26:1, “You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.”

Note: Idol in Hebrew is ‘eliyl which means vain or vanity; useless and worthless thing; image; things of nought; false god; good for nothing; weakness; statue; object of worship; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. I am not aware of a sacred pillar in modern times. God forbids anyone to bow down to or worship an idol, image, sacred pillar, or a figured sone. Strange is the fact that the Roman Catholics worship the statue of Jesus, Mary, Apostle, Angel, Saint, etc. which are clearly prohibited by the Word of God. Idols are plentiful in Asia, in particular China, India, etc. In America only primitive immigrants worship idols, however almost all Americans worship money, sex, and power. So do the Europeans.

Deu 4:16, “so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,”

Note: A graven image is an idol carved usually from wood or stone. Act corruptly in Hebrew is shachath which means to destroy; to mar; to waste; to spoil; to injur; to ruin; to pervert; to decay; to batter; to demolish; to cast off; to act wickedly; to rot; to debase; to profane; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. To make a graven image is to act corruptly and wickedly. They make idols in the likeness of male or female.

Deu 4:23, “So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you.”

Note: Watch in Hebrew is shamar which means to keep safe; to observe; to have charge of; to guard; to protect; to preserve; to reserve; to take care; to beware; to pay heed; to watch narrowly; – which occurs 475 times in the Old Testament. Some may overlook, they watch others but fail to watch themselves. This thing we get to be very careful that we do not forget the Word of God and make or worship a graven image. One of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not make for yourselves idols and whorship them.”

Deu 9:8-12, “Even at Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, and the LORD was so angry with you that He would have destroyed you. When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD had made with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. It came about at the end of forty days and nights that the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Arise, go down from here quickly, for your people whom you brought out of Egypt have acted corruptly. They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them; they have made a molten image for themselves.”

Note: In the sight of God, making a molten image or worshiping it is a corrupt and wicked act. Molten in Hebrew is maccekah which means molten metal; melted metal; cast; made by melting or casting; – which occurs 46 times in the Old Testament. Believers must not turn aside from the way of God, and never make or worship an image. Chinese Christians pay special attention to the Word of God because the Chinese culture is the culture of worshipping idols. Horeb in Hebrew is Choreb which means desert; another name for Mount Sinai from which God gave the law to Moses and the Israelites (Strong’s Concordance); a lower summit of Mount Sinai; – which occurs 17 times in the Old Testament. Provoke in Hebrew is qatsaph which means to anger; to displease; to enrage; to incite wrath; to be furious; to break out into anger; to produce anger or fury; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. The rebellious sons of Israel made a molten image in the form of a calf in Horeb. Had it not for Moses to beg God for mercy and prayed for Aaron, God would have destroyed them and blotted out their name from under Heaven.

Deu 27:15, “Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’”

Note: Curse in Hebrew is ‘arar which means to execrate; to abhor; to detest; to put a curse on; to render unfortunate by imprecations; to cause or produce a curse; – which occurs 70 times in the Old Testament. Abomination in Hebrew is tow`ebah which means abominable thing; disgusting thing; unclean thing; wickedness; abhorrence; – which occurs 126 times in the Old Testament. If you make an idol or a moten image in secret or public, it is an abomination to the Lord, it will cause or produce a curse on you.

Jdg 17:3-4, “He then returned the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother, and his mother said, “I wholly dedicate the silver from my hand to the LORD for my son to make a graven image and a molten image; now therefore, I will return them to you.” So when he returned the silver to his mother, his mother took two hundred pieces of silver and gave them to the silversmith who made them into a graven image and a molten image, and they were in the house of Micah.”

Note: No matter you are in whose house, you give pieces of silver to a silvermith to make a graven image or a molten image; this is abominaton to the Lord and you are to incur curses.

1Ki 15:13, “He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother, because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah; and Asa cut down her horrid image and burned it at the brook Kidron.”

Note: Horrid image in Hebrew is miphletseth which means horrid thing; horrible thing; terrible thing; shocking thing; nasty thing; object of fear; idol; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Asherah in Hebrew is ‘asherah which means groves for idol worship; a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images (Strong’s Concordance); goddess; fortune; which occurs 40 times in the Old Testament. I do not like to promote the name of a false god. Christians do not like to mention names of false gods. Asa in Hebrew is ‘Aca’ which means healer or physician; king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 58 times in the Old Testament. Asa was good Jewish king who cut down the horrid image and burned it at the brook of Kidron. In a society or country where there is religious freedom, Christians cannot burn idols in public which will incite riots, but a converted believer can burn his idols at home. The best method of dealing with idols or images is to burn them.

Psa 106:20, “Thus they exchanged their glory
For the image of an ox that eats grass.”

Note: Exchange in Hebrew is muwr which means to change; to alter; to remove; to barter; to dispose of; to trade; to replace; to substitute; to swap; – which occurs 15 times in the Old Testament. The foolish Jews exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. There are nations and peoples who worship ox, cow, monkey, snake, etc.

Isa 44:9, “Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame.”

Note: Futile in Hebrew is tohuw which means something vain; wild; empty; useless; unreal; formless; wasteful; chaotic; nothing; desolate; confusion; frivolous; barren; foolish; good for nothing; – which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament. All graven images and idols are good for nothing. Those who rely on false gods will be put to shame.

Dan 3:1, “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.”

Note: Almost all political leaders love to have their images or statues built for vain glory. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold so that all people worship him like a god. Not a few people dedicate to the god of gold, such as Wall Street. Some country robs the 31 tons of gold from a small nation.

Dan 3:5, “that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.”

Note: All over the world people worship the golden image of money, sex, and power. Historically, there were three courageous Jews namely, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who refused to worship the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar. Shadrach in Aramaic is Shadrak which means royal; one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Meshach in Aramaic is Meyshak which means guest of the king; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Abed-nego in Aramaic is `AbedNegow’ which means servant of Nebo; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. When asked by Nebuchadnezzar whether they do not serve his gods or worship the golden image, the three gave the most emboldened answer that inspires all believers of all generations. Dan 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” The three immortalized brave men dared to say no to the king, the absolute dictator. For hundreds of years, there has not been a preacher who dares to preach against the sins and crimes of American presidents!

Act 17:29, “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.”

Note: The children of God ought to know that the Divine Nature is not like gold or silver or stone or wood or paper, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Some men thought god is made of gold or silver or stone or wood or paper, formed by the artisan. God is Spirit, Spirit is Divine Nature. Divine Nature is not made by the hands of man.

Rom 1:23, “and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”

Note: Idolators exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Incorruptible in Greek is aphthartos which means uncorruptible; not corruptible; immortal; imperishable; not liable to corruption and decay; uncorrupted; undecaying; incapable of corruption; not subject to death or decay; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. God is eternal, imperisable, and incorruptible. Corruptible in Greek is phthartos which means perishing; decayed; perishable; mortal; liable to corruption; capable of decay, death and corruption; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Man, birds, animals and crawling creatures are corruptible. I often think why some countries promote idolatry and primitive religion and superstition. Primitive and superstitious people are easier to control. Christians who know the truth are not easy to be enslaved.

2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the Image of God.”

Note: Believe it or not, the ruler of this world is also the god of this world who is the devil. Why some people otherwise intelligent but they do not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ? Christ is the Image of God. The answer is that the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, whether they be unbelieving scientists or theologians. Mind in Greek is noēma which means a mental perception; thought; that which thinks, thoughts or purposes; mind is the device man thinks; the device man reasons and wills; intellectual ability; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Man has the mind, unlike animals and plants, so man has need to know. For the new man, Christ, the Image of God, is his model.

Col 1:15, “He is the Image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

Note: Christ is the Image of the invisible God, Mat 11:29 , “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. ” To have the image of God is to learn to be gentle and humble in heart like Christ. Heb 5:8 , “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. ” To have the image of God is to learn obedience from sufferings like Christ. Phl 2:8 , “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ” To have the image of God is to humble ourselves by becoming obedient to the point of death like Christ. Mar 8:34 , “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. ” To have the image of God is to deny oneself and take up the cross and follow Christ. Luk 9:23 , “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. ” To have the image of God is to deny oneself and take up the cross daily and follow Christ. Jhn 12:26 , “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. ” To have the image of God is to serve Christ and follow Him. 1Pe 2:21 , “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps .” To have the image of God is to follow Christ and follow in His steps.

R. THE CHILDREN OF GOD:

Exo 34:7, “who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Note: Iniquity in Hebrew is `avon which means fault; mischief; perversity; depravity; guilt; consequence of wrong doing; evi; sin; depraved action; crime; injustice; calamity; misery; wickedness; corruption; evildoing; – which occurs 237 times in the Old Testament. Transgression in Hebrew is pesha` which means trespass; rebellion; sin; wrongdoing against God; guilt; revolt; defection; revolt; insubordination; violation of God’s law; crime or sin; – which occurs 99 times in the Old Testament. Sin in Hebrew is chatta’ath which means sinfulness; condition of sin; guilt of sin; uncleanness; filth; wrongdoing; evildoing; offence; habitual sinfulness; missing the mark; misstep; calamity; misfortune; misery; offense against moral law; transgression of the law of God; estrangement from God; disobedience to the will of God; – which occurs 414 times in the Old Testament. Now, iniquity, transgression, and sin are intimately related although there are distinctions. You cannot claim ignorance before the Judgment of God. God knows everything about you, me, people and nations. God wiil not leave the guilty unpunished; visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations. To be children of the wicked are unfortunate.

Num 14:18, “The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.”

Note: God will not clear the guilty, their children are unfortunate. To clear in Hebrew is naqah which means to free from punishment; to cleanse; to let go unpunished; to acquit; to be exempt from punishment; to leave unpunished; – which occurs 61 times in the Old Testament. God will by no means to acquit the guilty. To visit on in Hebrew is paqad which means to punish; to reckon; to strike against; to fall upon; to attack; to afflict; to inflict; to avenge; – which occurs 323 times in the Old Testament. God will avenge the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.

Deu 32:5, “They have acted corruptly toward Him,
They are not His children, because of their defect;
But are a perverse and crooked generation.”

Note: Sin is acting corruptly toward God. Defect in Hebrew is m’uwm which means blemist; spot; blot; moral stain; flaw; bad nature; failing; fault; deformity; imperfection; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament. Perverse in Hebrew is `iqqesh which means crooked; distorted; perverted; twisted; froward; false; deceitful; corrupt; unreasonable; abnormal; wayward; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Crooked in Hebrew is pethaltol which means twisted; distorted; tortuous; crafty; perverse; deceitful; dishonest; corrupt; deformed; irregular; abnormal; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. We also live in perverse and crooked generation. Those who acted corruptly are not God’s children. Warmonger, oppressors, imperialists, colonialists, militarists, hegemonists, monopolists, capitalists, supremacists, racists, liars, killers, and robbers are children of the devil; they are not children of God.

Jos 4:22, “then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.”

Note: Inform in Hebrew is yada` which means to declare; to teach; to tell; to admit; to acknowledge; to confess; to make known; to instruct; to reveal; to advise; to show; to cause someone to know something; to communicate knowledge to; to let someone know; to impart information; – which occurs 1,007 times in the Old Testament. This is a general principle. Saved parents must inform and instruct their children about the way of God, the salvation of God.

2Ki 4:1, “Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”

Note: Creditor in Hebrew is nashah which means usurer; lender; extortioner; taker of usury; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. In ancient times the law was so unjust, if you owe a debt you cannot pay, the creditor can come to take your children to be his slaves. In America where fraud is so prevalent and rampant, Los Angeles Daily picked up my name and address from telephone book and falsely sent to a collection agency to falsely charge me of owing subscription fee although I never subsribed or read their paper. They threatened to ruine my credit if I did not pay. A lawyer friend helped to solve my problem, the paper owner apologized. The American legal system is so flawed and unfair that there is no penalty for false charges and false accusation. It is best you do not go into debt, for your children may suffer.

2Ki 17:31, “and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.”

Note: The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to the false gods Anammelech. Today it is unlawful to burn your children in the fire to offer to any false gods.

2Ch 25:4, “However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the LORD commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”

Note: The Law of God commands that Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin. You shall perish for your own sin. Fathers cannot save their children, children cannot save their fathers. Each shall be put to death for his own sin. That is justice.

Job 17:5, “He who informs against friends for a share of the spoil, the eyes of his children also will languish.”

Note: Languish in Hebrew is kalah which means to fail; to faint; to be used up; to make an end; to expire; to waste; to become feable and weak; to decrease vitality; to suffer an unpleasant situation; to wither away; to diminish; – which occurs 225 times in the Old Testament. He who betrays his friends for profit, the eyes of his children also will languish.

Psa 34:11, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

Note: Fear in Hebrew is yir’ah which means to respect and have reference and piety toward God; to be afraid of; to dread; to have holy fear; to have a reverential owe of; – which occurs 43 times in the Old Testament. David had learned to fear the Lord. Teach your children the fear of the Lord and it will be well with them.

Psa 36:7, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”

Note: Precious in Hebrew is yaqar which means excellent; costly; bright; clear; rare; splendid; weighty; prized; highly valued; glorious; valuable; heavy; dear; magnificent; highly esteemed or cherished; great; lovely; – which occurs 35 times in the Old Testament. The lovingkindness of God is more precious than jewels, diamond or gold. The children of God take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Take refuge in Hebrew is chacah which means to trust; to have hope; to make a refuge; to seek shelter or protection; to flee for protection; to put trust in God; to confide or hope in God; – which occurs 74 times in the Old Testament.

Psa 78:5, ”For He established a testimony in Jacob
And appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children,”

Note: Testimony in Hebrew is `eduwth which means witness; precept; revelation; evidence; the tablets inscribed with the commandments; divine decree; – which occurs 59 times in the Old Testament. Christian parents should teach their children, the Ten Commandments, the Law of God, and above all the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Psa 103:13, “Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.”

Note: Compassion in Hebrew is racham which means mercy; pity; love; tenderest affection; deep sympathy; – which occurs 91 times in the Old Testament. The Lord has compassion on those who fear Him much more than a father has compassion on his children.

Psa 103:17, “But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,”

Note: Lovingkindness in Hebrew is checed which means mercy; kindness; goodness; favor; faithfulness; pity; love; benevolence; grace; tender and benevolent affection; – which occurs 253 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedaqah which means righteous acts; justice; truthfulness; salvation; prosperity; rectitude; virtue; equity; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. The lovingkindness of God is from everlasting to everlasting on His children; and God’s righteousness to God’s children’s children. From everlasting to everlasting means forever.

Psa 127:3, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Note: The word gift in Hebrew is nachalah which means inheritance; heritage; possession; property; patrimony or portion; endowment; present; – which occurs 224 times in the Old Testament. Reward in Hebrew is sakar which means wages; price; pay; fare; salary; compensation; benefit; hire; – which occurs 28 times in the Old Testament. The simple-minded people have abused this Scripture and distorted its meaning. The rationale is: since children are a gift of the Lord, so those who have most children have many gifts from God. All children are gifts of the Lord. False! Not all children are gifts from the Lord. This is an example of using isolated verse of the Bible to contradict the Bible. Mind you, there are other Scriptures you must consider.

Isa 30:1, “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD,
“Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin;” Rebellious in Hebrew is carar which means revolting; stubborn; refractory; backsliding; to be evil; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. Rebellious children are rebellious people. God does not like rebellious people who add sin to sin. There are no rebellious people like the white supremacists who add sin to sin in addition to what they had done in the last 500 years.

Isa 57:4, “Against whom do you jest? Against whom do you open wide your mouth and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of rebellion, offspring of deceit,” Deceit in Hebrew is sheqer which means lie; lying; deception; falsehood; fault; falsehood; wrong; wronfulness; falsity; false tongue; vanity; untruth; sham; – which occurs 115 times in the Old Testament. God does not like people of rebellion and offspring of deceit. The phenomenon of 21^st century is the great number of American and European leaders and politicians who lie, lie, and lie without shame; and the Western media that distort, defraud, and deceive people with fake news, fake reports, fake views without conscience and in abundant ignominy.

Jer 4:22, “For My people are foolish, they know Me not;
They are stupid children and have no understanding.
They are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know.”

Foolish in Hebrew is ‘eviyl which means one who despises wisdom; one who mocks when guilty; one who quarels when wrong; one who is licentious; perverse; silly; – lack of good sense; absurd; ridiculous; unwise; which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. Stupid in Hebrew is cakal which means silly; sottish; doltish; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Those who pretend to know God they are foolish and stupid children. People who foolish and studpid have no understanding. The thing that frightens me most are American and European leaders and politicians who are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know. Shrewd in Hebrew is chakam which means cunning; crafty; subtle; skilful; prudent; intelligent; artful; clever; calculating; – which occurs 193 times in the Old Testament. American leaders and politicians are very shrewd, when they want to do evil, they always use noble cause and good reason to target their perceived enemies; for example they would claim it is a threat to their national security; or for the cause of democracy, rule of law, human rights, justice, freedom, etc. God calls them stupid children who have no understanding. These people who are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know — they are more dangerous than Islamic terrorists. Eze 2:4, “I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’” All the wicked are stubborn and obstinate people. Hos 2:4. “Also, I will have no compassion on her children, because they are children of harlotry.” Harlotry in Hebrew is zanuwn which means whoredom; adultery; fornication; prostitution; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. The Scripture says God has no compassion on children of harlotry — that is children produced by adultery, fornication, prostitution or whoredom. God does not like bastard children. There is a religion that officially allows and legallizes polygamy. Children produced by polygamy, polyandry, bigamy, adultery, fornication, sexually immorality are children of harlotry. This is serious: God has no compassion on children of harlotry. America has a vicious and malicious social policy, a woman without husband can have as many children as she could and receive the larger share of welfare. In other words, the more children of harlotry a woman has, the more welfare benefits she receives. In this way it becomes the vicious cycle of producing children of harlotry. The daughters of harlotry imitate their mothers to produce children of harlotry and live comfortably on welfare without work. Hos 5:7, “They have dealt treacherously against the LORD, for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the new moon will devour them with their land.” This Scripture says those have borne illegitimate children have dealt treacherously against the Lord. Illegitimate in Hebrew is zuwr strange; enstranged; loathsome; strange woman; prostitute; harlot; woman who turns aside; woman who turns from the way; unlawful intercourse with a strange woman; – which occurs 80 times in the Old Testament. The Lord does not like illegitimate children. Heb 12:8, “But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” Illegitimate in Greek is nothos which means bastard; one born out of weblock; one born not in lawful weblock; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. The Scripture says illegitimate children are not sons. Illegitimate children are not the children of God. Thus you cannot use an isolated verse of the Bible to contradict the Bible. Behold, children of the righteous are a gift of the LORD; illegitimate children are children of the wicked. God does not like children of harlotry, rebellious children, children of rebellion, offspring of deceit, stupid children, stubborn and obstinate children, illegitimate children, children of wrath, etc. are not the children of God; they are children of the devil. Children of the devil are not gifts from God.

Pro 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”

Note: Inheritance in Hebrew is nachal which means heritage; possession; property; birthright; legacy; – which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. The wicked leaves a debt to his children’s children. A bad country leaves national debt to the future generations.

Pro 14:26, “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.”

Note: Confidence in Hebrew is mibtach which means trust; hope; security; certitude; faith; dependence; assurance; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. To show the meaning of this word, let me ask this question: Do you think the rich and powerful have confidence in this world? Refuge in Hebrew is machaceh which means shelter; hope; trust; shelter from danger; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. Those who fear the Lord there is strong confidence, and their children will have refuge. American leaders and politicians make a big strategic mistake and blunder in believing all overseas foreign military bases will protect America. In a nuclear war, rockets and missiles will directly target the mainland America, there will be no refuge.

Pro 31:28, “Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:”

Note: The greatest blessing the Lord had give me was my mother; I rise up and bless her, bless her memory. I was most fortunate to have such a good and great mother. I wrote an article called Mother dedicated to my mother. Please read

https://williewongthought.hpage.com/mother.html

Bless in Hebrew is ‘ashar which means to pronounce happy; to be made fortunate; to praise; to glorify; – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. Treat your mother well when she is fine. I asked and took my mother to a very nice restaurant in Orange County. But my mother was old and not able to eat well and did not have much appetitie.

Mat 2:16, “Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.”

Note: Herod committed infanticide, so did Pharaoh. They were all cowards because infants were threat to them.

Mat 3:9, “and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.”

Note: The Jews were too presumptuous and over self-confident because they suppose to be children of Abraham. God is able to use stones to raise up children to Abraham.

Mat 7:11, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

Note: Evil in Greek is ponēros which means wicked; full of peril; bad; of bad nature and condition; diseased or blind; hurtful; harmful; degenerate; calamitous; ill; culpable; derelict; vicious; facinorous; grievous; malicious; atrocious; – which occurs 90 times in the New Testament. The essential nature of man is bad and evil. Jesus Christ says so, and this settles the dispute of a million philosophers, psychologists and sociologists who claim to be otherwise. For this reason, Jesus also says, “You must be born again!” Men being evil knows how to give good gifts to their children. How much more our heavenly Father will give what is good to His children who ask Him. Luk 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Children of God, you can ask our heavenly Father to give you the Holy Spirit.

Mat 18:3, “and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Note: Convert in Greek is strephō which means to turn; to turn oneself; to change one’s heart and mind; to turn around; to reverse oneself; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. To become like children is to become humble, to be simple, and to take God at His word.

Mat 19:13, “Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.”

Note: To bring children to Jesus that He might lay His hands on them, touch them, and bless them was a great privilege we do not have today. But you still can dedicate your children to God. The Roman Catholic Church baptizes infants because they count infants as members. It is wrong to have child baptism because children do not understand how to believe and repent.

Mat 21:15, “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant.”

Note: To be indignant in Greek is aganakteō which is to be much displeased; to have indignation; to be showing anger; to be sore displeased; to be moved with indignation; resentful; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The chief priests and the scribes and Pharisees were hyprocrites who did not like the wonderful thing that Jesus had done so they also became indignant when the children were shouting in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David. Usually no one should shout in the Temple, this was the right time the children shouted in the Temple, Hosanna to the Son of God! Hosanna in Greek is hōsanna which means an exclamation of adoration; oh save! Save us! Save now, we pray! Be propitious! A cry of acclamation and adoration; a cry of praise to God; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. American and European leaders are like the chief priests and the scribes and Pharisees. When they see China is doing well and going to be the number one economy in the world soon, American leaders become indignant and they have to smear China and sanction China. When Chinese companies are on top of the world, American leader becomes indignant and has to smear them and sanction them under false pretense of threat to American national security. When the Chinese government is doing well in controlling and treating COVID-19, American leaders become indignant and call China virus and make outrageous accusations and charges. When China is doing well in controlling terrorist activities in Xinjiang and the people become harmonious and prosperous, American and European leaders smear China of forced labor, violation of human rights, and sanction the products of Xinjiang, etc. American and European leaders better take a look at their mirror! Look at how they systematically violated human rights and also racial discrimination for a long, long time.

Mat 21:16, “and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF’?”

Note: Children do not lie. Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies they praise God. Ask the Chinese children whether they like the change that has taken place in China.

Mar 7:27, “And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Note: In the wrong culture, the adults eat first. In the right culture, let the children be satisfied first. This is an important truth: It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. When I first came to China in 1985 hired by the Ministry of Education as a professor, there were no dogs. Today there are too many dogs and you see and smell dog feces everywhere. There are cultures that treat children as dogs, and there are culturea that treat dogs as children. Don’t be fooled by pets industries and merchants, no dogs or pets are allowed in Heaven.

Luk 20:36, “for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

Note: The true believers are the sons of God. In Heaven there is no more gender, like angels. When Jesus returns those who are dead in Christ will be resurrected and those who are alive will be transformed. They cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection, and they have eternal life. In this world there are males and females, in the Kingdom of God all believers becomes sons of God.

Jhn 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,”

Note: As many as in Greek is hosos which means as long as; whatsover; whosoever; as great as; as far as; whoever; no matter how many; as much as; so many as; as many as; – which occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Receive in Greek is lambanō which means to take; to have; to lay hold of; to claim; to procure; to take possession of; to strive to obtain; not to refuse or reject; to choose; to select; to accept; to get hold of; to take to oneself; to appropriate to oneself; to believe the testimony of; – which occurs 254 times in the New Testament. Right in Greek is exousia which means power; lawful authority; strength; jurisdiction; liberty; permission; privilege; just claim; prerogative; – which occurs 102 times in the New Testament. Hear ye! Hear ye! John Calvin was wrong. Jesus says, as many as, there is no exclusion or discrimination. Whoever receives Christ as their Lord and Savior, to them God gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. Followers of Calivin, you have been fooled to believe in another gospel.

Jhn 8:39, “They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.”

Note: If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. Like father, like son. You cannot claim to be a son of Abraham and do the deeds of someone else. You cannot claim to be children of God and do the deeds of the devil.

Jhn 13:33, “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Note: Jesus calls His disciples little children. Little children is a term of endearment. You know Peter was not a little child. Jesus was going to die and return to Heaven. Believers cannot go to Heaven now until they die or when Jesus returns.

Act 17:29, “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.”

Note: Being the children of God, we ought not to think like the children of the devil. Being the children of God, we have the image of God. God, the Divine Nature, is not made of gold or silver or stone or wood or paper. Chinese Christians pay special attention not to bow or worship idols, family idols, ancestor idols, etc. Some Chinese culture is opposed to the Christian culture and practice.

Rom 8:16-17, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

Note: The only proof that you are saved is the Holy Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are a child of God. A person may join a local church, has baptism, observes the Lord’s Supper, gives to the church, etc. and still does not belong to Christ if he is devoid of the Spirit of Lord. If we suffer with Christ we may also be glorified with Him when He returns.

Rom 8:21, “that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Note: When Christ returns, our bodies will be transformed into glorious, immortal and spiritual bodies, then we will have the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Rom 9:8, “That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.”

Note: The children of God are not the children of the flesh. The children of God are the children of the promise.

1Co 14:20, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.”

Note: This is a precious Christian principle and practice.

The children of God cannot be children in thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in thinking be mature. Mature in Greek is teleios which means perfect; of full age; complete; fully developed; consummate; of the highest degree; full grown; adult; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. For example, solid food is for the mature, not infants. Thinking in Greek is phrēn which means understanding; the faculty of perceiving and judging (Strong’s Concordance); comparison; opinion; judgment; reasoning; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Mature thinking does not think like children. Children do not have mature thinking. Once a boy in June in America asked me when will be Christmas. My answer: “It’s a long way to Tipperary. It’s a long way to go. It’s a long way to Tipperary.” Children do not have the concept of time. Childish thoughts are silly and immature. 1Co 13:11, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” A mature Christian did away with childish things.

2Co 12:14, “Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”

Note: This is a Christian principle: Children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. How many miserable parents do not know how to be parents. How many men and women produce children in this world they cannot feed, clothe, house, and educate? I do not have sympathy for economic refugees (or economic opportunists) who illegally flee to Europe for better living. The nations that created war refugees should be financially held accountable to all true refugees in the world.

Eph 2:3, “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

Note: People who live in the lusts of their flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and who are by nature children of wrath. God not only does not like children of harlotry, illegitimate children, stupid children, rebellious children, etc. God also does not like children of wrath.

Eph 4:14, “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;”

Note: Mature Christians are no longer to be children, this is a manifestor of adulthood. Christians must not be tossed here and there by theological and ideological waves, and carried about by every wind of false doctrine like the doctrine of John Calvin, etc. Toss in Greek is klydōnizomai which means to toss to and fro; to surge; to fluctuate; to be agitated mentally; – to throw with a jerk; to fling to and fro or up and down; to hurl; to rock; to throw from side to side or up and down; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Unbelieving theologians and philosophers have the trickery of men and craftines in deceitful scheming of thoughts. Christians must stand firm in the Faith.

Eph 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;”

Note: Imitator in Greek is mimētēs which means follower; emulator; copycat; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. It is wonderful that the children of God are beloved children; let beloved children be imitators of God. Beloved children are certainly gifts of God. In all my life I have never met beloved children as the children of Denmark which I described in my article The Theory of Good Society. Please see

https://williewongthought.hpage.com/the-theory-of-good-society.html

Eph 5:8, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”

Note: Formerly in Greek is pote which means in time past; in times past; in the old time; once; aforetime; in the past; previously; – which occurs 32 times in the New Testament.

Christians have “old self” and “new self.” Formerly we were in darkness that is our “old self,” but now we are Light in the Lord that is the “new self.” So the children of God must walk as children of Light.

Eph 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

Note: Right in Greek is dikaios which means righteous; meet; just; proper; upright; virtuous; keeping the commands of God; innocent; faultless; guiltless; approved of or acceptable to God; observing divine and human laws; that which regard for duty demands; whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God; – which occurs 96 times in the New Testament. It is right for children to obey their parents in the Lord. Chinese Christians do not have to obey their parents in worshiping idols, false gods, or ancestors.

Eph 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Note: Provoke in Greek is parorgizō which means to anger; to rouse to wrath; to exasperate; to enrage; to evoke anger; to stir up rage; to incite resentment; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Some foolish fathers think they have the right to provoke their children to anger. Just like some stupid parents say they give life to their children. Parents do not give life to their children. When man and woman have sexual intercouse, it is the natural law that conception takes place and the mother gives birth. Only God gives life; it is laughable that some parents claim they give life to their children. For that reason, many men and women produce a great number of illegitimate children they are not able to feed, clothe, house, and educate. Some father must change their silly mind in order not to provoke their children to anger.

Phl 2:15, “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”

Note: Sons of God are children of God. Children of God must prove themselves to be blameless and innocent, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in the world. If you watch on TV what Western leaders and politicians say publicly without shame, you know you are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

Col 3:20-21, “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.”

Note: Exasperate in Greek is erethizō which means to provoke; to stimulate to anger; to stir up anger; to cause annoyance or irritation to; to enrage; to aggravate; to exacerbate; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. God is fair and just. Children ought to be obedient to their parents. Parents do not exasperate your children. When parents constantly aggravate their children, they may lose heart.

1Th 2:7, “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.”

Note: Gentle in Greek is ēpios which means affable; mild or kind; proper; free from harshness, sternness, or violence; soft and tender; amiable; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Gentleness can be proven by deed, not just word. Pastors care for church members like a nursing mother tenderly care for her own children. To be a pastor is not easy.

1Ti 3:4, “He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”

Note: Control in Greek is hypotagē which means subjection; obedience; direct influence over; authority to manage; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Dignity in Greek is semnotēs which means gravity; honesty; honor; purity; the characteristic of a person who entitled respect and honor; probity; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. An overseer in the Church must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity. Once on my way back from Hangzhou in a high speed train, a three-year old girl suddenly slapped the face of her mother, and yet her mother acquiesced without dignity. A minister who has a playboy or playgirl cannot be tolerated. Some parents are so sick and silly that they think to spoil their children is to love them. There are many managers who have no idea how to manage. Unfortunately, these are supervisors who act like military superiors to exasperate the employees. Some supervisors speak, think and act as if they are bosses. Enlightened CEO knows that the company is owned by stockholders. Many children are disobedient because their parents do not have dignity. The first lesson parents must teach their children is obedience. Parents fail miserably if their children are not under control with all dignity.

1Ti 3:12, “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.”

Note: Among qualifications of deacons are that they are good managers of their children and their own households.

1Ti 5:4, “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”

Note: For children or grandchildren to practice piety and make some return to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God.

Practice piety in Greek is eusebeō which means to show piety; to act piously and reverently; to respect or support; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Once in America a white old man told me his son had not visited him more than 10 years. For children to give financial and moral support to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God. More seriously,

1Ti 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” If you fail to support for your own household and your parents, you have denied the Faith and you are worse than an unbeliever. There are church members who are worse than unbelievers!

1Ti 5:10, “having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.”

Note: A good reputation matters for Christians. Too bad some leaders and politicians do not seem to care about their bad reputation — politics and politicians become a cesspool! A Christian widow has to have a reputation for good works in order to qualify for church’s assistance. With regard to washing the saints’ feet, I believe this is a Jewish Christian custom. I have never known in the Gentile Christian world where anyone is washing the saints’ feet just as another Jewish cultural custom of women with their heads covered. I had known a Taiwainese sect whose leadership was cryptic mystic, and secretive, but their women members wear a symbolic small cap in their heads. False teachers are good at majoring in the minor and treating weightier things as minor.

Tit 1:6, “namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.”

Note: Elders of the church must be above reproach. They must be the husbands of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipations or rebellion. Dissipation in Greek is asōtia which means excess; riot; profligacy; prodigality; dissolute life; indulgent or promiscuous; wild; loose; dissipated; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Rebellion in Greek is anypotaktos which means unruliness; insubordination; disobedience; refractoriness; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Elders cannot have dissipated and disobedient children, much less ministers.

Tit 2:4, “so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,”

Note: This is the most useful principle and practice: Young women love their husbands and their children. Women who have extramarital affairs and love fine clothes and expensive jewelry are not Christian women.

1Pe 1:14, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,”

Note: Lusts of the flesh, lusts of pleasure, lusts of deceit, and ungodly lusts belong to the unrighteous who conform to the world and they are in ignorance. Ignorance in Greek is agnoia which means lack of knowledge; moral or spiritual blindness; incognizance; foolishness; stupidity; unawareness; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Christians are obedient children of God. Those who are confirmed to lusts are ignorant people.

1Pe 3:6, “just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”

Note: Christian women copied Sarah have become her children to do what is right without frightened by any fear.

There is no fear for those who do what is right. There should be fear for those who do wrong.

2Pe 2:14, “having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;”

Note: We are told God does not like children of harlotry, illegitimate children, children of wrath, foolish children, etc. We now learn there are accursed children. Cursed by who? God curses the people who have eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed. Accursed in Greek is katara which means cursed; execrated; imprecated; detested; loathed; to be under a curse; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Are not executives of Washington, Wall Street, and Hollywood having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed? Wall Street in 2008 created a financial crisis that robbed the world more than US$50 trillion dollars! The Pentagon and the military-industiral-security complex are well trained in greed like a black hole that swallowed up trillions of dollars yearly.

1Jo 2:12, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.”

Note: The children of God, their sins have been forgiven for the sake of the name of God.

1Jo 2:28, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”

Note: Abide in Greek is menō which means to remain; to continue; to dwell; to endure; to survive; to live; to wait for; to stand; to persevere; to submit to; to remain faithful to; to go on being; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. The children of God must remain faithful to Christ, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. Only the children of God who remains true in Christ will have confidence at His coming. Those who backslide and who are not faithful will shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

1Jo 3:1, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Note: How great a love the Father has bestowed on us that we would be called children of God. To be called children of God is better to be president of America. Because the world did not know God and so it does not know us.

1Jo 3:2, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

Note: Now the children of God do not appear physically different from the children of the world. The children of God have not yet appeared what they will be. When Jesus appears, the children of God will be like Christ, because we will see Him just as He is.

1Jo 3:7, “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;”

Note: Make sure no one deceives you. The one who practices righteousness is righteousness, just as God is righteous. How many American and European leaders and politicians claim to be Christians, but do not be deceived, for they do no practice righteousness. White supremacists smear and sanction nations and people who do not follow them.

1Jo 3:10, “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.”

Note: By what standard we can differentiat the children of God from the children of the devil? By this which is obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

1Jo 3:18, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Note: The children of God love not with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. White supremacists in the last 500 years have oppressed and mistreated many nations and peoples and have done evil in the world by their deeds. They are in truth the children of the devil.

1Jo 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

Note: The children of God have overcome the devil and the world, because greater is He who are in us than he who is in the world.

1Jo 5:2, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.”

Note: How do we know that we love the children of God. When we love God and observe His commandments. The love of God and observance of His commandments go together. You cannot have one without the other. A man is a liar if he says he loves God and yet disobeys His commandments. If a man observes God’s commandment, it is needless to say he loves God. Those who love God also love the children of God.

1Jo 5:21, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”

Note: Guard in Greek is phylassō which means to beware; to keep watch; to have an eye upon; to guard so that it be safe; to protect; to guard from being lost or perishing; to care for; to take care not to violate; to observe; to be on guard; to preserve; to avoid, shun, and flee from; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Little children, take care to avoid, shun, and flee from idols. Do not worship idols. But in America, idols are not made of gold, silver, stone, wood, or paper. Americans worship money, sex, and power.

3Jo 1:4, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

Note: There is no great joy than to hear the children of God walking in the truth.

S. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:

Psa 103:19, “The LORD has established His throne in the Heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”

Note: Sovereignty in Hebrew is malkuwth which means reign; royal power; empire; sovereign power; kingdom; dominion; rule; dominion; royal dominion; supreme power; controlling authority or influence; – which occurs 92 times in the Old Testament. Rule in Hebrew is mashal which means to reign; to govern; to have dominion; to exercise authority and power over; to exercise control; to judge; to determine; to dominate; – which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament. Now you know the meaning of sovereignty. Do you want a simple definition? Sovereignty means God rules over all. This simple Biblical definition will clear your mind all your life. GOD RULES OVER ALL: kingdoms, mankind, animals, nature, spirits and demons, the whole universe, with no exception. To understand the sovereignty of God, at least you need to put the power of God, the knowledge of God, the wisdom of God, the righteousness of God, the grace of God, the holiness of God, and the will of God combined into one integrated concept; but the sovereignty of God is not a concept, it is a universal reality, it is an all-around, existing, occurring, embracing, total, versatile finger of God. Derived from the Word of God, this is my bigger definition of the sovereignty of God: The authority and power of God are absolute, perfect, supreme and ultimate that He rules over all and there is no one and nothing in the universe can stand in His way.

Apparently, it is wrong to think there are ten things you should know about the sovereignty of God. For God rules over “all”. No one is able to know “all.” All includes all man knows and does not know. All means unlimited. All means infinite. All definitely includes nature; mankind; spirits and demons; animals and plants; insects and microorganism; the animate and inanimate objects; visible and invisible; Heavenly and earthly; past and present and future events; time and space; human affairs; national and international affairs; life and death; Heaven and Hell; human words, deeds and thoughts; sciences and philosophies; stars and planets; sufferings and sins of saints; certainties and uncertainties; chances and opportunities; accidents and incidents; the known, unknown and unknowable; the cryptic and mystic; evil doings of the wicked; the possible and the impossible; blessings and calamities; good and evil; times and seasons; things in Heaven and on earth; before and after; things do not endure and things that endure forever; thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; the hidden and the revealed; the old and the new; the universe or cosmos … For those reasons, when I think of the Sovereignty of God I cannot help simultaneously  also think of the Power of God, the Knowledge of God, the Righteousness of God, the Holiness of God, the Grace of God, the Wisdom of God, the Glory of God, the Kingdom of God, and the Will of God. Oh, my thinking is so limited, finite, narrow, restricted, and useless; but the Sovereignty of God is so boundless, endless, limitless, measureless, and eternal.

Gen 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” 

Note: This is the wonderful testimony of Joseph, what is cited above is what Joseph says to his brothers who sold him for a slave. The life of Joseph is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty. The wonder of all wonders concerning the sovereignty of God is the fact although man means evil against somebody, God is able to mean it for good. God can turn the evil intention of man into something good for His children. The life of Joseph illustrates Roman 8:28. This clearly explains how good and evil are also under God’s control.

Num 22:22, “But God was angry because he (Balaam) was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him.”

Note: The incident of Balaam the greedy prophet illustrates the sovereignty of God. Balaam went to king of Moab to curse Israel for the wages of unrighteousness. (2 Pe 2:15). God was angry because Balaam was going. No one can go against God. 

Woe is the man who has God as his adversary. Adversary in Hebrew is satan which means opponent; enemy; one that contends with; opposer; antagonist; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. God sent the angel of the Lord and took His stand in the way as an adversary against Balaam. White supremacists who want to dominate the world do not know there is an angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand. To stand in the way is to cumber or encumber, and to hinder. No one can stand in the way of God.

2Ch 20:6, “and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the Heavens? And are You not Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”

Note: Jehoshaphat was one of the few who really understood the sovereignty of God. In his prayer to God, Jehoshaphat said God is the Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over all the kingdom of the nations. Power and might are in God’s hand so that no one can stand against God. Anyone who stands up against God will be cut down. 

Job 42:2, “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

Note: Do you have the knowledge of Job? Many make a fool of themselves by saying ‘I know.’ The suffering Job made the statement above to the Lord out his experience. Thwart in Hebrew is batsar which means to cut off; to cut away; to cut out; to restraint; to withhold; to withstand; to wall up; to fence up; to clip off; to isolate; to diminish; to frustrate; to make inaccessible; to dig out; to make nothing of; to run counter; to foil; – which occurs 40 times in the Old Testament. No one and nothing can run counter the purpose of God. The sovereignty of God also includes God can do all things, and no purpose of God can be foiled or failed.

Psa 29:10,“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King forever.”

Note: Every man is a victim of his circumstances. God is above any circumstances. The Lord sits on His throne over the flood or upon the flood. The Lord sits enthroned as the Ruler and King forever, the flood does not bother Him. Have you seen the power of flood which can sweep everything away? God is not moved by anyone or anything. The sovereignty of God includes His rule over the forces of nature and nature itself.

Psalm 115:3, “ Our God is in the Heavens; He does all that He pleases.”

Note: You know the simple Biblical definition of the sovereignty of God: God rules over all. God rules over all also means God does all that He pleases. Psa 135:6, “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In Heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” God rules over all also means God does all that He pleases without time and space restriction.

Pro 16:4, “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.”

Note: This is the beauty of the sovereignty of God: God has made everything for its own purpose. Do you know how many things in the universe in time and space? Even septillions cannot account for them. Do you know stars alone cannot be numbered? Everything serves God’s own purpose. This Scripture puts even the devil in despair, because the devil thinks the wicked are his children and therefore under his control. No! Even the day of trouble or the day of evil is under the sovereignty of God.

Pro 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Note: Probably the famous proverb, “Man proposes, God disposes” is derived from this Scripture. Plan in Hebrew is machashabah which means thought; purpose; device; imagination; cunning means; invention; contrivance; intention; project; – which occurs 56 times in the Old Testament. Do you know that the United States has “RAND PLAN” to attack China and win. The American strategists are greatly mistaken: America cannot fight a proxy war and limited war to win against China. This war of aggression cannot be conventional, it will respond as nuclear war. All nuclear weapons of China, Russia, etc. will retaliate and target the whole mainland America directly and instantly. The whole United States, from California to New York, from South to North, will be burning up like a thousand Sodom(s) and Gomorrah(s). Simultaneously all American overseas military bases will also be destroyed. The analogy is a thousand hawks can tear the eagle to pieces. The United States can kill 1 billion Chinese, but there still will be 400 million Chinese left overseas. China and Russia can kill 350 million Americans, there will not be one American left in the world. So you see the numbers are against America. The nuclear war will be mutual destruction and destruction of the whole world. American leaders and politicians have no right to lead America and the world into total destruction. Stand in Hebrew is quwm which means to rise up; to stand up; to establish; to confirm; to perform; to continue; to abide; to accomplish; to endure; to persist; to fulfill; to carry out; to hold good; to make good; to succeed; – which occurs 630 times in the Old Testament. The plans of warmongers will fall and make no good, only the purpose of the Lord will stand.

Isa 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.”
Note: Only God can declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done. There is none like God. Purpose in Hebrew is `etsah which means counsel; advice; plan of action; prudence; determination; intention; direction; judgment; – which occurs 88 times in the Old Testament. God’s intention will be established. Good pleasure in Hebrew is chephets which means desire; delight; longing; that in which one takes delight; pursuit; something precious; matter of mind; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. The purpose of God will be established, and the intention of God He will accomplish. The sovereignty of God will make it so.

Jer 32:27, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”

Note: Flesh in Hebrew is basar which means mankind; the body; all living creatures; person; the human race; living beings; flesh and blood; – which occurs 264 times in the Old Testament. Difficult in Hebrew is pala’ which means hard; to be beyond one’s power; to be extraordinary; too high; arduous; challenging; tough; not easy; – which occurs 102 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is the God of all mankind. Everything is easy for God. Nothing is too difficult for God. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over all mankind and all things. What is impossible with men is possible with God.

Dan 2:20-22, “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.

It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”

Note: Perhaps no one in the Old Testament who knows more about wisdom, power, kings and kingdoms, profound and hidden things than Daniel. Time in Aramaic is `iddan which means duration of time; a measurable period; what measures in minutes, hours, days, months, and years; occasion; a fraction of eternity; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. Time is made of past, present, and future. Epoch in Aramaic is zeman which means a set time; season; a memorable time or event; an extended period of time; a division of time; era; a distinctive period; – which occurs 12 times in the Old Testament. God also rules over times and epochs and events of times. The sovereignty of God includes having wisdom and power, changing the times and the epochs, removing kings and establishing kings; and God gives wisdom and knowledge and understanding to men, and revealing the profound and hidden things. The Scripture cannot be mistaken: The light dwells with God, it does not say God dwells with light.

Dan 4:17, “This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.”

Note: God is the Most High who is Ruler over the realm of mankind, and over all the realms. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over the realm of mankind, and all other realms. God always does as He wishes or pleases.

Dan 4:35, “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?”

Note: Inhabitant in Aramaic is duwr which means dweller; resident; resider; occupant; tenant; habitant; the people who live; one that inhabits a place; denizen; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Account in Aramaic is chashab which means to think of as; to regard; to repute; to consider; to reckon; to take for; to look on; to view; to deem; – which occurs 1 times in the Old Testament. Nothing in Aramaic is la’ which means nothing; not anything; of no interest, value or consequence; not important or insignificant; a nobody; – which occurs 29 times in the Old Testament. The current world population is 7.8 billion as of January 2020 according UN estimates by Worldometer. Among the 7.8 billion inhabitants, there are presidents, prime ministers, politicians, pimps, prostitutes, supremacists, militarists, monopolists, capitalists, colonialists, hegemonists, racists, warmongers, oppressors, aggressors, dictators, exploiters, trouble makers, liars, killers, robbers, and even a few decent men — amazing God counts or looks on all the inhabitants of the earth as nothing, not worth anything! Think about it. I am nothing! You are nothing! He is nothing! She is nothing! It is nothing! They are nothing! We are nothing! Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

Mat 8:26, “He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.”

Note: We are afraid because we have little faith. There are many things in the world that make us afraid. Right now in America many are afraid of the pandemic CORONOVIRUS. Because of the American and European stance of aggression and world domination, and persistent provocation against Russia and China for no reason, a nuclear war that will destroy the world is looming large on the horizon. When arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up, the boat was being covered with the waves; Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. This was like the Scripture which says that God sits on His throne at or upon the flood. Jesus was able to sleep at or upon the waves because Jesus had sovereignty over the sea, the wind and the waves. Jesus stills the sea because He rules over the sea. Rebuke in Greek is epitimaō which means to straightly charge; to scold; to chide; to reprove; to censure severely; to forbid; to reprimand sharply; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ rebuked the sea, the wind, and the waves just like a man rebukes his dog. Calm in Greek is galēnē which means stillness of the sea; condition free from storms, high winds, or rough waves; a state of peace and tranquility; freedom from agitation or disturbance; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. If you trust in the sovereignty of God, there will be perfect calm in your mind. What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him? Jesus Christ is much more than a Man, He was God before He came into the world. Jesus Christ is our great God and Savior who rules over all.

Mat 19:26, “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Note: This is the vital difference between man and God, between a creature and the Creator. What is impossible with man is possible with God. The sovereignty of God includes the impossible. Man has the fancy of the impossible dream. Impossible is impossible, dream is just a fancy.

Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Note: Impossible in Greek is adynateō which means that cannot be done; what cannot happen; not to have power or ability; to be weak; to be unable; incapable; extremely difficult; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Nothing is impossible with God means all things are possible with God. Nothing is too difficult for God. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over the possible and the impossible. In God’s vocabulary, there is no such a word calls impossible. For God rules over all.

Luk 4:36, “And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.”

Note: This incident that Jesus Christ with authority and power commands the unclean spirits and and they come out illustrates that the sovereignty of God rules over demons and unclean spirits. The more you realized the sovereignty of God the more amazed you will be.

Luk 9:1, “And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”

Note: Christ Jesus called the twelve apostles together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Jesus Christ gave power and authority to the twelve Apostles as never before, and never since. It was reported that some faith healers can heal only certain diseases, and some healing does not last. No preacher today can compare with the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.

Luk 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”

Note: The word “enemy” here means the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ had given power and authority to the twelves Apostles to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing would injure them. Believers today must not imitate what the Apostles did. You cannot imitate DIVINE authority and power. I have not known anyone in the last days Jesus Christ has given such power and authority.

Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Note: It is beyond science that God causes all things to work together for good. Do you know the most successful companies in the world can only have three or four things working together. God rules over all things also mean God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. Here lies the eternal assurance and comfort of all saints. Suffering saints, what have you to worry when you know God causes all things to work together for your good?

Rom 11:33-36, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Note: This Scripture explains the sum of God’s sovereignty. I do not believe anyone really understands what “all things” here mean. I believe theologians have a hard time just to understand “from” and “through” and “to.” The sovereignty of God includes the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God, His unsearchable judgments, His unfathomable ways; and from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To God be the glory forever. Amen.

1Co 15:24, “then comes the end, when He hands over the Kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.”

Note: The end of the world will come. When Jesus Christ hands over the Kingdom to the God and Father, and when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. Abolish in Greek is katargeō which means to destroy; to do away; to put an end to; to inactivate; to cease; to render useless; to deprive of force; to annul; to pass away; to be done with; to terminate; to bring to nought; to put down or away; to vanish away; to make void; – which occurs 38 times in the New Testament. The leaders and politicians of the sole superpower today are so arrogant and speak and act like dictators of the world, smearing and sanctioning so many countries and peoples. The day is coming when Jesus Christ will abolish the United States of America, NATO, EU, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan, etc. and they will vanish away like clouds in the sky.

Eph 1:21-23, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Note: You may still remember of the simple and Biblical definition of God’s sovereignty; in addition, Jesus Christ is far above all rule and authority and power in subjection under His feet and as Head over all things.

Col 1:16, “For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.”

Note: All things in Greek is pas which means every thing; any thing; whosoever; whatsoever; the whole; any and every; – which occurs 1,410 times in the New Testament. The sovereignty of God includes all things, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, by God were created, all things were created through Christ and for Christ.

Jas 4:13-15, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

Note: Man has too much self-confidence. In fact, man does not know about tomorrow. Man does not know what his life will be like tomorrow. God not only knows tomorrow, He knows from everlasting to everlasting. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over human lives. No one, not even scientist can know when his life will vanish away. I love the promise: my life is hidden with Christ in God. If the Lord wills, I will continue to engage in the ministry of the Word until God calls me home.

Rev 12:10, “Then I heard a loud voice in Heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.”

Note: The enemy or the accuser is the devil. When the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, the devil will be thrown down to the Lake of Fire  forever and ever.

The sovereignty of God has nothing to do with the thoughts and theories of Machiavelli, Bodin, and Hobbe. The best of human concept of sovereignty is supreme authority within a territory. God’s absolute, perfect, supreme and ultimate authority and power are not limited or restricted by territory, time and space. Unexpectedly, the sovereignty of God includes on October 2, 2020 the arrogant and deceitful Donald Trump having Covid-19. The American nuclear shield cannot protect any American. No one know yet what and how God is going to do with America… It is wrong to think of the Sovereignty of God and… The sovereignty of God stands alone, God has sovereignty in Himself and by Himself and for Himself; no human or anything else that stands in His way. God’s sovereignty is so absolute and supreme that it does not relate to or depend on anyone or anything. Whatever a man does or thinks or says do not affect the sovereignty of God a bit. The I AM WHO I AM is, was, and is to come, for ever and ever. Glory be to the Name of God.

T. THE WILL OF GOD:

Mar 3:35,“For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Note: Will in Greek is thelēma which means desire; pleasure; the purpose of God; what one wishes to be done; choice; inclination; determination; decree; volition; something desired; what God wishes to be done; – which occurs 59 times in the New Testament. The will of God is supreme that every Christian must fulfill it. To do the will of God is to please God. The most important knowledge is to know the will of God and then to do it without question. Blessed is the person who knows what is the will of God for his/her life, and it is the greatest job to do the will of our Father. Jesus Christ deems doing the will of God is supreme and of highest value that He considers anyone who does the will of God as His brother, sister, and mother. However, it is important to know there are two types of the will of God: the general will of God is for every child of God and there is no exception; the special will of God is for the specific child of God. The general will of God is written in the Bible for every Christian to know and do. The special will of God only for the specific Christian to find out and do.

Jhn 1:13, “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Note: Christians are born again by the will of God. New life is not by the effort of man.

Rom 1:10, “always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.”

Note: Apostle Paul considers any success of his undertaking by the will of God.

Rom 8:27, “and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Note: The mind of the Spirit is to intercede for the saints according to the will of God.

Rom 12:2, “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.”

Note: Do not be conformed to this world is the general will of God for every believer with no exception. Christians may prove the will of God is that which is good and acceptable and perfect. A Western leader claims to be a Christian and seeks to assassinate the national leader of another country because that leader does not accept his domination, this act cannot be proven to be the will of God. Because killing or murder is neither good, nor acceptable or perfect.

Rom 15:32, “so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.”

Note: The will of God is joy to every servant of Christ and also to all believers. Rejoice in the Lord.

2Co 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:”

Note: Paul was called an apostle by the will of God. No apostle was called by personal or private will. The twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ. There is no more new apostle. A man has to be called to be a servant of Jesus Christ. It does not seem that every preacher is called by the will of God. There are occupational preachers and false preachers.

2Co 7:9, “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.”

Note: It is possible that Christians are made sorrowful and suffer according to the will of God. If you do wrong and suffer, that is not according to the will of God. If you do right and suffer, that may be according to the will of God.

2Co 7:10, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Note: There are sorrows which are according to the will of God, and there are also sorrows which are not according to the will of God. For a sinner to have sorrow that produces a repentance without regret is according to the will of God.

2Co 8:5, “and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”

Note: It is the will of God that every believer give himself first to the Lord. God has to be First in every Christian life.

Eph 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:”

Note: The preacher must be by the will of God. The faithful in Christ are saints living now for Christ. Saints are not dead believers cannonized by the pope.

Eph 5:17, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Note: A Christian is foolish, if he knows only the general will of God for everyone, but he does not understand what is the special will of the Lord for him.

Eph 6:6, “not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

Note: Servants of Christ must not be men-pleasers. The slaves of CHRIST only do the will of God. How to do the will of God? First, acknowledge yourself as a slave of Christ. Second, do the will of God from the heart. The only way to do the will of God is to do it from the heart.

Gal 1:4, “Who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”

Note: It is according to the will of God and Father that Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil world. Prosperity gospel inspires its followers to love money and to love the world.The problem of preachers and followers of prosperity gospel is the fact they love this present world, which is contrary to the will of God.

Col 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”

Note: It is the highest goal of all Christians to stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

1Th 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

Note: This is the general will of God for all believers, our sanctification; that is to abstain from sexual immorality. Black church members have a tendency and inclination to protect their leaders from greed and sexual immorality. No preacher is exempt from greed and sexual immorality. 

2Ti 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,”

Note: It is the will of God to give His children the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Heb 10:36, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”

Note: The children of God have need of endurance and patience, so that when we have done the will of God, we may receive what was promised. Those who suffer with the Lord will glorify with the Lord.

1Pe 2:15, “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Note: The will of God is always for believers to do right. Western leaders and politicians do evil and think they are doing the will of God.

1Pe 4:2, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

Note: It is the will of God for all believers to live the rest of the time no longer in the flesh for the lusts of men. To live for the will of God is the greatest blessing, the greatest happiness, the greatest honor, the greatest pleasure, and the greatest success which the world does not know.

1Pe 4:6, “For the Gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.”

Note: I do not understand the first part what Peter is talking about of preaching the Gospel even those who are dead. I do not find explanation anywhere in the Scriptures. But one thing is clear that we Christians must live in the spirit according to the will of God.

1Pe 4:19, “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to the faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

Note: We all suffer according to the will of God, and we must entrust our souls to the faithful Creator in doing what is right. To do what is right is to do the will of God. 

1Pe 5:2, “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;”

Note: God does not call everyone to shepherd the flock of God, but those who do must exercise oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness. Those who preach the Gospel for money are for sordid gain. Sordid in Greek is aischrokerdōs which means for filthy lucre; for base gain; for dirty money; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. How many leaders, politicians, high ranking officials, executives, lawyers, doctors, dentists, hospital owners, drug and insurance companies, monopolists, capitalists, hegemonists, supremacists, terrorists, etc. with eagerness live and work for sordid gain. It is much worse when preachers preach the Gospel for sordid gain.

1Jo 2:17, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

Note: The world and its lusts are passing away; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. What is the purpose of the Christian life? What is the highest goal of the Christian life. The purpose of a man’s life is greatly influenced by his values. The values of Americans are money, power, and sex. There are people try to add social and humanitarian values to the purpose of life. The Christian values are faith, hope, and love. In the West, position, property, possession, power, prestige define whether a man’s life is a success of failure. The so-called secrets of happiness have a lot to do with material and carnal matters.

After a lifetime of study and deliberation, I have reached a conclusion what is a fulfilled Christian life in accordance with the Word of God. What is a fulfilled Christian life is no secret. 

A fulfilled Christian life is simply doing the will of God. 

Just as the Lord says, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO 

YOUR WILL”

(Heb 10:9). In following the steps of the Lord, we must do the same. Every Christian must find the special will of God for his life and do it. Doing the special will of God in your life is the summum bonum.

Willie Wong Thought

Willie Wong

August 10, 2025

https://williewong.cw.center/wp-admin
Copyright © 2018 – 2025 by Willie Wong

Isa 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.”
Note: Only God can declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done. There is none like God. Purpose in Hebrew is `etsah which means counsel; advice; plan of action; prudence; determination; intention; direction; judgment; – which occurs 88 times in the Old Testament. God’s intention will be established. Good pleasure in Hebrew is chephets which means desire; delight; longing; that in which one takes delight; pursuit; something precious; matter of mind; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. The purpose of God will be established, and the intention of God He will accomplish. The sovereignty of God will make it so.

ON September 3, 2025 for China to mark 80^th anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression and fascism is a historical necessity and hard-earned victory. All foreigners who heroically sacrificed their lives for China in their fight against Japanese aggression must individually be commemorated and remembered, their relatives are eternal friends of China. I  have never seen such a great parade before, the size and scope of it would overwhelm your mind; every aspect of it was systematically planned, every step of male and female soldiers was of uniform procedures, every military vehicle with all nuclear missiles and every war airplane in the sky well performed; the words such as grand, massive, superb, magnificent fail to describe the whole celebration. I wholeheartedly salute every Chinese military man and woman who participated. From 1931-1945, the brutal behavior of Japanese and its inhuman atrocities were worse than wild beasts and deserve ten atomic bombs in recompense. Even today Japanese government and leaders do not admit and repent of their war crimes, they worship executed war criminals as their national heroes and living gods. Japan never apologizes and pays compensation for killing 35 million Chinese, made hundreds of thousands sex slaves, millions of labor slaves and untold atrocities. Never again will China be oppressed. I am sure the militant Japan is deterred, but America is on the wrong side of history. Thank God it did not rain.

The mayors of Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Chicago are for crooks and criminals, they must be dismissed and deported. All the facts point to the need, Ukraine must be destroyed and its leader executed in order to end the war. Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis are terrorists and the countries that harbor them must be destroyed all together.

Since Gaza, West Bank, etc. are the Jewish lands, Palestinians must evacuate from all Jewish lands and flee to Arab lands where they are safe to receive international aid and build a Palestinian state of their choice.

The leader of Ukraine is corrupt and evil. Ukrainians are stupid to follow the path of destruction. He was the one who instigated war with Russia. Now he asks for security guarantees. The nincompoop should be executed to end the war.

Palestinians, Africans, and others serve as example of peoples who want to eat and do not want to work. UN, WHO, EU, etc. champion their cause. Palestinians do not want evacuate from Gaza, Jewish lands to resettle in Arab lands. Because they will lose their status as refugees where they can get their food, fuel, water, medicine and everything for free from international community. These problems multiply with the passage of time.

UN, EU, GERMANY, UK, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZELAND, ETC. are strange and unreasonable peoples. Who is stopping Palestinians to build a Palestinian state in an Arab land? It is wrong and illegal to build a Palestinian state in Jewish land (Gaza, West Bank, etc.). That is the cause of conflict.

The fact that National Guards have to patrol Washington, D.C. with weapons speaks loudly and badly of the capital. The mayor of Washington, D.C. should be dismissed and deported. All the more urgent the national capital should move to Lincoln, Nebraska, without delay.

The mayor of Washington, D.C. bowed to the illegal acts of street people who set up tents on public streets. She should be dismissed and deported. The National Guards are empowered to trash the tents, clear the streets and vanish street people. Los Angeles is a disgraced city because the California Governor and Los Angeles mayor failed to solve the problems of street people who not only set up tents on public streets, but also urinate and defecate. All the more urgent for the national capital to move to Lincoln, Nebraska. In the face of national debt exceeding $37 trillion, the people can save money by abolishing the House, retain the unicameral legislation of Senate to move also to Lincoln Nebraska. All this can be accomplished legally by a national referendum. America is ruined by dark and evil forces.

Heroes of all races who sacrificed their lives for China in the war against Japanese aggression should be celebrated and remembered. The descendants of them are eternal friends of China. Descendants of American Flying Tiers whose forefathers had sacrificed their lives in the war against Japanese aggression and atrocities must always be honored and remembered. The Chinese government must treat them as eternal friends, and they are welcome to China anytime. Such blood bonds must be appreciated and maintained forever.

The world wrongly marks the anniversary of dropping atomic bomb on Hiroshima while neglecting the Japanese aggression and atrocities of killing 35 million innocent Chinese without remorse or reparations. UN over–appointed unqualified blacks and media have given too much coverage to unworthy black spoke-persons. It is amazing no matter how beautifully white organizations and individuals hail human rights, civil rights, democracy, development, technology, benefits, justice, etc., what they are actually after is MONEY. This can be said equally true about blacks.

Pet economy is wasted economy. Money should better be spent on nutrition and education of children and orphans. In cities all dogs must have annual license of Y5,000, cats Y4,000, and birds Y3,000. It is exempt for rural areas. If a dog defecates in public place, it shall be fined Y3,000 plus cleanup by owner or walker.

Global media highlight the number of Palestinians who have died, but fail to consider why Palestinian Authority and Palestinians do not want to evacuate from Jewish land and resettle in Arab land. Palestinians, men and women, young and old, are shameless beggars. They remain in Gaza to qualify for refugees so that they can get everything free from international community. The international community is ignorant of the fact that GAZA and related territories all belong to the Jews. Israel has every right to take back and take over Gaza and related territories. Palestinians must evacuate and relocate to Arab lands, make a living and establish its own Palestinian state without further delay.

French nincompoop Macron recognized Palestine as a state but failed to know that Palestine does not have territory and sovereignty. Leaders of UK, GERMANY, AUSTRLALIA would commit the same mistake by supporting terrorists. Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis are wicked terrorists, they should be destroyed without mercy. Leaders of Palestinian Authority are guilty for the death and malnutrition of children because they lead Palestinians to the path of destruction. They could have led Palestinians to lands of Arabs to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Palestinians (young & old, man & woman) are most shameless beggars for food & water, they don’t want to go to an Arab land to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Africa amid famine has the most fat people in the world, they are also shameless beggars. Ukrainians are shameless beggars for weapons, they do not have reason for existence. Harvard though the richest university in the world is a shameless beggar for US aid. Japan claims to practice democracy, its ruling party lost election miserably, yet its prime minister shamelessly wants to stay in power. The world must realize years of aid to Africa produced nothing, trillions of dollars went to black holes.  Africa is corrupt, unmotivated and useless. Black leaders and politicians take advantage of it; dress well, eat well, and live a luxurious life style. Black problems can be solved only by Blacks. Let Africa alone to survive on its own. Blacks create most of the problems in the world, given too much coverage and platform in world media, over–appointed and given too many spokespersons and positions in UN. Any nation who shares destiny with Africa will be doomed. Nothing good comes out of Africa: primitive religion, superstition, spiritism, orgies, black magic, tribalism, voodooism.

If the Texas flooding is an act of God; Ukraine conflict, and conflicts of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis must be acts of the devil.

India must coexist with China, at the same time India and South Africa must be expelled from BRICS besause they do not remain true to BRICS’ founding mission, they do not belong, must be replaced by Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. US and EU must not rearm Ukraine, let Russia destroy it, and never to be rebuilt. The leader of Ukraine must also be executed.

Palestinian Authorities are guilty for leading Palestinians to a path of death, children died and suffer malnutrition.  Palestian Authorities do not lead Palestinians (who are Arabs) to a land of Arabs to work for a living and build the Palestinian state.

American forces have successfully wiped out three Iranian nuclear sites through B-2 bombers. The “everlasting consequence” is Iran cannot be a nuclear threat anymore. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Dutch people to demolish NATO — the war machine.