by Rick Marin | Feb 7, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
What reward will wicked king Manasseh receive?
(Matthew 6:19-20; Hebrews 11:8-10, 24-29; 2 Peter 3:7, 10) Blog Feb. 5-11, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God has provided for the needs of all his creatures. When man sinned God gave his Son to rescue us. All who receive this gift are enabled to return to him the love he has shown to them. In his Word he instructs us how to live debt-free while returning tithes and offerings for the support of his kingdom.
Earthly Loss
1. When the Israelites stored manna for the next day, what happened? The manna held over for the second day spoiled & was full of worms (Ex. 16:20).
2. When Jeremiah stored his girdle in a hole in the cliff by the Euphrates River, what happened? Jeremiah’s girdle rotted & became good for nothing (Jer. 13:3-7).
3. What did the Assyrians do to the treasures of Israel? The Assyrians robbed Israel of all her treasures (Isa. 10:13).
4. What did Isaiah tell King Hezekiah would happen to all the treasures of Judah? Isaiah told the king that all Judah’s treasures would be carried into Babylon & nothing would be left (2 Kings 20:16-17).
5. What threats to our assets did Jesus mention in Matthew 6? Jesus mentioned moths, rust, & thieves as threats to our assets (Matt. 6:19).
6. Have you ever lost some of your possessions to moths, rust, or thieves? Moths ruined my high school class sweater, my child’s wagon rusted so bad it was unusable, & a thief stole my precious camera. Everyone has experienced losses like these (personal history).
7. Where on earth can a person find a safe place to store their valuables? On earth there is no safe place to store one’s valuables. Tornados, earthquakes, fires, & floods accomplish what moths, rust, & thieves have not already ruined (Isa. 29:6).
8. What does Peter say will eventually happen to all we own? Peter says all that we own will be consumed by fire at the end of the world (2 Pet. 3:7, 10).
Eternal Investments
9. Considering the transient nature of all our possessions, what does Jesus recommend that we do? Jesus tells us to place our treasures in heaven where they will last forever (Matt. 6:20).
10. How can we deposit our treasures in heaven? The only things that will go from this earth to heaven are people, so it must be investing in people that Jesus is talking about (Matt. 24:31; John 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:16-17).
11. What can we do to convert our assets into souls for God’s kingdom? By using our time, energy, & resources to turn people from rebellion to faith in God & by establishing them in the faith, we are laying up treasure in heaven, for all who believe in him unto the end will be saved (Matt. 24:13; 2 Cor. 5:20; 6:1-10).
12. How did the Philippians lay up treasure in heaven? The Philippian believers supported Paul in his missionary endeavors, so laying up treasure in heaven (Phil. 4:14-18).
13. What does Paul say will likely be our lot on earth if we are laying up treasure in heaven? Paul writes that those who are ambassadors for Christ are likely to suffer afflictions, necessities, distresses, & chastenings (2 Cor. 6:4-10).
14. What does the angel tell Daniel will be the future of those that lay up treasure in heaven? Those that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever (Dan. 12:3).
Life’s Choices
15. Was Noah foolish in exchanging an antediluvian fortune for a life of toil without pay? No, for choosing God’s way is always superior to any other way (Heb. 11:7).
16. What did Abraham inherit by following God’s instruction to leave his family and native land? Abraham became heir of this world & of a place in the New Jerusalem (Rom. 4:13; Heb. 11:8-10).
17. What did Lot lose by selfishly choosing the Jordan Valley for his herds and residence? By moving into Sodom, Lot lost all his possessions, his wife, & most his children (Gen. 13:10-11; 18:26).
18. What did Moses choose to leave behind in order to receive an eternal reward? Moses left behind the throne of Egypt, the pleasures of sin, & the treasures of Egypt in order to receive an eternal reward (Heb. 11:24-29).
19. What eternal reward will wicked king Manasseh receive? Wicked king Manasseh will be eternally blessed & dwell with God forever, for when taken captive to Babylon he humbled himself & asked God to forgive him (2 Chron. 33:10-16).
20. If you have been storing your treasure on earth, what hope does Paul offer for having fruit in heaven? Paul says that by receiving right doctrine we can be freed from the service of sin & by yielding ourselves as servants of righteousness thus bear fruit unto eternal life (Rom. 6:17-22).
by Rick Marin | Feb 1, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
Are riches a sign of godliness?
(Deut. 28:1-13; Prov. 6:1-5; 22:7; Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim. 6:6-10) Blog Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: When creating this world and everything in it, God provided for the needs of his creatures. When man sinned God gave his Son to rescue us. All who receive this gift are enabled to return to him the love he has shown to them. This includes tithes and offerings. But first, they give themselves to him in loving service.
Who do you serve?
1. What decision must precede all personal financial decisions? Before every other decision a person must decide to whom they are subject (Matt. 6:24).
2. What two great powers are competing for the service of every human being? God & his adversary, the devil, are competing for the service of every human being (Josh. 24:15; Matt. 4:10).
3. Is serving G9od a tedious life? No, serving God is a life of joy & strength (Neh. 8:10; Phil. 4:4, 13; 1 John 5:3).
4. What financial blessings does God promise those who keep his commandments? God promises plenteous crops, blessings in occupation, & no need to borrow money for those who keep his commandments (Deut. 28:8, 11-13).
5. Considering God’s blessings, what attitude should Christians maintain toward things? Christians should be content with what God has given them (Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5-6).
6. What attitude do John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul say that employees should have toward their employers? John, Peter, & Paul teach that employees should be subject to their employers & content with their wages (Luke 3:14; Eph. 6:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:18-19).
Debt
7. Whose servant do we become when we borrow money? When we borrow money, we become servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7).
8. What is the only kind of debt the Bible approves? The Bible says that we should “own no man any thing, but to love one another.” (Rom. 13:8).
9. In what ways did the law of Moses seek to prevent long term debt? God prohibited charging interest on loans among his people & provided for the cancellation of all debts every seven years (Ex. 22:25; Deut. 15:1-5; 23:19-20).
10. In what second-hand way of getting in debt does the Bible warn? Solomon warns us not to become surety for another’s debt (Prov. 6:1-5; 17:18; 22:26).
Wealth
11. What should be our attitude towards those who use religion as a source of wealth or teach that increased riches is a sign of godliness? Paul tells Timothy to turn away from those who teach that gain is godliness (1 Tim. 6:5).
12. By what incorrect method does Jeremiah say that many become wealthy? Jeremiah says many people become wealthy by underpaying their employees (Jer. 22:13; Mal. 3:5).
13. What does Solomon say results from hording one’s wealth? Solomon says hording one’s wealth leads to the hurt of them that hold it (Eccl. 5:13).
14. How does Jesus describe riches? Jesus says riches are deceitful & can cause one to stop feeding on the Word of God (Mark 4:19).
15. How does Paul describe the end of those that seek to be rich? Paul says that those that seek to be rich fall into temptation & foolish lusts & end in destruction & loss of eternal life (1 Tim. 6:9).
16. To what extent does Paul say the love of money goes? Paul writes that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10).
17. What method of gaining wealth does Solomon condemn? Solomon condemns seeking to get rich quick. This would apply to internet offers of great wealth & to stock market offers of large, rapid gains, & to land speculation (Prov. 28:20).
by Rick Marin | Jan 25, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
Should we give to a corrupt church?
(Deut. 16:16-17; 1 Chron. 16:29; Psalm 116:16-18; Mark 12:41-44; 2 Cor. 9:6-7) Blog Jan. 22-28, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Besides creating all his creatures and lavishly supplying their needs, God came to their rescue when sin spoiled everything. In the gift of his Son, God gave us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Only those who receive this gift are equipped to return to him the love he has shown to them. The first way they acknowledge his love is by returning a tenth of their income for the support of his ministers on earth.
Why should we give?
1. Does God expect his people to give offerings besides the tithe? Yes, God considers it robbery for his people to withhold giving him offerings (Mal. 3:8).
2. What reason do we have for giving to God? We give offerings to God out of love for him who first loved us & has given us all things necessary for life & godliness (1 Chron. 29:14; Acts 17:25; 2 Pet. 1:3; 1 John 4:19).
3. What does David say we should bring when we come to worship God? David says we should bring an offering when we come to worship God (1 Chron. 16:29).
4. In Psalm 116 what other reason does David give for giving? David says he will give because God has delivered him from bondage (Psa. 116:16-18).
5. Does God keep track of the offerings we give? Yes, our offerings are the fruit of our love to God & he keeps a record of them & will reward them (Acts 10:4; Phil. 4:16-18).
How should we give?
6. What should our attitude be when giving offerings? When giving offerings they should be given willingly & with a cheerful heart (Ex. 25:2; 2 Cor. 9:7).
7. How much should we give in offerings? We should give as we are able, according to the blessing of the Lord (Deut. 16:16-17).
8. According to Moses of what quality did offerings to God have to be? Every offering made to God had to be without blemish (Ex. 12:5; Lev. 1:3).
9. How did Jesus express the way we should give? Jesus said: “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8).
10. What did the Corinthians give to God before they gave offerings? The Corinthians first gave themselves to God & then they willingly offered for the support of God’s missionaries (2 Cor. 8:5).
Where should we give?
11. What kinds of offerings did the children of Israel give? Besides burnt, sin offerings the children of Israel gave firstfruits, peace offerings & thank offerings (Ex. 23:19; 2 Chron. 33:16).
12. For what purposes do God’s people give offerings? God’s people give offerings for temple construction, poor saints, fatherless, widows, Bible workers, & independent missionaries (Ex. 25:1-8; Psa. 82:3; Zech. 7:9-10; Phil. 4:14-15).
13. If God’s church has become corrupt, should we stop giving offerings to support it? Jesus commended a poor widow for supporting God’s corrupt church, Abigail was blessed for supporting David’s independent ministry, & Mary was blessed for supporting Jesus’ independent ministry (1 Sam. 25:18-33; Mark 12:41-44; 14:3-9).
15. What should be our priority in giving? First, we should give to support God’s work on earth, then we should give for the needs of our fellow men (Matt. 22:37-39; Mark 14:7).
16. When helping our fellowmen, whose needs should be our priority? Our priority should be the needs of our own family & then the needs of those who make up the household of faith before those of unbelievers (Gal. 6:10: 1 Tim. 5:8).
by Rick Marin | Jan 18, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
What challenge does God make to his people?
(Genesis 14:18-20; Lev. 27:32; Mal. 3:8-13; Matt. 23:23; Heb. 7:1-5) Blog Jan. 15-21, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God has lavishly supplied the needs of all his creatures. His greatest gift was the gift of his Son. Only those who receive this gift are equipped to return to him the love he has shown to them. While all God’s creatures should respond to him in gratitude and loving management of the gifts he has given, few do this.
Proportional Giving
1. Where did God enjoin the practice of tithing on his people Israel? It was at Mount Sinai that God instructed Israel about tithing (Lev. 27:30-34).
2. When God enjoined tithing on his people Israel, was that something previously unheard of? No, nearly 500 years before, Abraham gave tithe to Melchizedek & later Jacob promised to return his tithe to God (Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22).
3. To whom does the tithe belong? All the tithe belongs to God. It is holy unto the Lord (Lev. 27:30).
4. What portion of one’s flock or harvest was to be given to God? One tenth of one’s flock or harvest was to be given to God (Deut. 18:15).
5. Where does Malachi indicate that the tithe should be brought? Malachi makes clear that God wants the tithe brought to his house, the church (Mal. 3:10; Neh. 10:38).
6. For what purpose does God request that the tithe be brought to his house? God has appointed the tithe for the support of the ministers of his church (Num. 18:21).
7. How do we know that God’s people in the desert were God’s church? Stephen himself calls God’s people in the wilderness his church (Acts 7:38).
Blessings and Curses
8. What is God’s attitude towards those who choose not to return the tithe to him? God considers those who do not return a tithe to him as robbers & he places a curse on them (Mal. 3:8-9).
9. What promise does God make to those who return a faithful tithe to him? God promises abundant blessings to those who return a faithful tithe to him, even abundant crops & social approval (Mal. 3:10-13).
10. What challenge does God make to his people regarding tithe? God tells his people to “prove” his promise of pouring out a blessing for those who return their tithe to him (Mal. 3:10).
11. What New Testament character prided himself for returning tithe? The Pharisee in Jesus’ story of the two worshippers prided himself on giving tithes of all that he possessed but he was not justified by God (Luke 18:12).
Tithing in the New Testament
12. In the New Testament, how did Jesus show the importance of tithing. When speaking to the scribes & Pharisees Jesus said that besides returning their tithe, they should have also remembered the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23).
13. How does the Apostle Paul refer to tithing? Paul tells the Corinthian brethren that their giving should be proportional & reminds them that those who preach the Gospel are to be supported by the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:4-8; 16:2).
14. What positive reference to tithing is found in the Book of Hebrews? Hebrews 7 recounts the story of Abraham returning tithe to Melchizedek as a positive event (Heb. 7:1-9).
15. What options does God include for dealing with the tenth of our income? The Bible offers no other options in regard to tithe. It is not ours to manage (Lev. 27:30).
by Rick Marin | Jan 11, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
Who have the ability to please God?
(Deut. 28:1-2; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Gal. 3:9-14) Blog Jan. 8-14, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: From the very beginning God has lavishly supplied for the needs of all he has made. As his creatures our response should be one of gratitude and loving management of the gifts he has given us.
God’s Covenant
1. How has God chosen to relate with his people? God only relates with his people on the basis of a covenant (Amos 3:3).
2. What is a covenant? A covenant is a legal agreement between two parties that binds them together (Gen. 17:7-9).
3. What part of a covenant binds the parties together? The stated obligations & privileges of a covenant are what bind the parties together (Ex. 19:5).
4. What was the first covenant God made with his people? God’s first covenant with his people was made in Eden when he told Adam that he could eat of every tree of the garden, but one, & that death would be the result of disobedience (Gen, 2:16-17).
5. How might God’s first covenant with his people be summarized? God’s covenant with Adam may be summarized as “Obey and Live” (Lev. 18:5; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:12).
6. Were Adam and Eve entirely capable of obeying God’s Edenic covenant? Yes, they were free moral agents endowed with physical, mental, and moral vigor having no propensity to sin (Gen. 1:26, 31; Eccl. 7:29).
7. Did God change his requirement for perfect obedience after the fall of man? No, God who does not change, still requires perfect obedience of all his creatures (Lev. 19:2; Mal. 3:6; Matt. 5:48; Rom. 2:13).
8. How can we who are evil and have a propensity to sin relate to a covenant God who requires perfection? We must find in Jesus the perfect fulfillment of God’s covenant & by faith present his life & death to God as our covenant Substitute (Isa. 53:12; Jer. 23:5-6; Col. 2:10; 1 John 5:13).
9. When we accept Jesus as our righteousness what does God give us together with him? Together with the gift of the Son, God freely gives us all things (Rom. 8:32).
Our Participation
10. If by faith alone in Jesus we are accepted by God and become his people, is there any place for human effort in the Christian life? Yes, those who are justified by faith are given God’s Holy Spirit who empowers them to live in harmony with God’s Law. Thus, they put forth human effort in living to God’s glory (Rom. 5:1, 5; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 3:13-14; Tit. 2:11-12).
11. Who alone have the freedom and ability to choose to do what pleases God? Only those who have been freed from the control of their carnal natures have the ability & freedom to choose & do what is right (Rom. 6:3-6, 17-18).
12. What does God promise to those who obey his commands? God promises blessings to those who obey him (Deut. 11:27; 28:1-2).
13. If Jesus perfectly obeyed the Ten Commandments for us, why should we obey them? The very fact that Jesus left heaven & humbled himself to take our place in living a perfect life & dying an atoning death for us is the reason that we should respond in loving appreciation of this great salvation. If we love him, we will desire to keep his commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 4:10-11).
Reasons to Obey
14. Besides the fact that God is our Creator and Sustainer what added incentives do we have for serving him? For those who believe in him, God is a loving Father who feeds & clothes us; Jesus gave his life for us in blood, sweat, & tears; & the Holy Spirit is a constant companion that helps, encourages, & directs us. These facts should be more than enough to inspire continual obedience to God (John 3:14-17; 4:14; 14:16-17).
15. In the ultimate sense who is responsible for every blessing we receive from God? Every blessing we receive from God is the purchase of Jesus for us. Apart from his infinite sacrifice all we deserve is the curse of God & eternal death (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13-14; Rev. 5:12).
16. What can we know about anyone who does not strive to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord? Together with Paul, all true Christians stive to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:12-15; 2 Tim. 2:4-5).
17. What does God promise to those who seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness? For those who stive to be part of God’s kingdom & righteousness, God promises to provide their food, clothing, & other necessities of life (Matt. 6:25-33).
by Rick Marin | Jan 4, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
What does God give to every human being?
(Psalm 24:1; Matt. 10:8; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 4:10-11) Blog Jan. 1-7, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
INTRODUCTION: God’s view of money and how we are to use it is our subject for this quarter.
God’s Family
1. How did human beings come into existence? Humanity was created by God on the sixth day of the creation of this earth (Gen. 12:7).
2. When God made mankind how does the Bible refer to their relationship? Luke calls Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:38).
3. What else besides the creation of the human race ties all mankind to God? Besides creation, Christ’s death for the salvation of the human race makes every human being accountable to God (Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:10; Rev. 5:11; 6:12).
4. Besides creation and redemption, what else does God give to every human being? God gives life & breath, sunshine & rain, & all things to every human (Matt. 5:45; Acts 17:35).
5. Is there a special sense in which Christians rather than unbelievers, are more properly called God’s children? Yes, for the Bible only speaks of Gods people, family, or children in relation to those called out of the world into his church (Ex. 3:10; John 1:12; Acts 7:38; Rom. 9:8; Gal. 3:26).
Our Bountiful God
6. How did God express his generosity towards humanity in Eden? In Eden God gave every fruit bearing plant & tree for humans to eat (Gen. 1:29).
7. How does Peter express God’s generosity towards those who believe? Peter says that God has given believers “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3)
8. What did the disciples say that they lacked when Jesus sent them out to minister? The disciples said that they didn’t lack anything (Luke 22:35).
9. What portion of this earth does God own? As Creator & Redeemer of all things, God is the owner of every thing & every person on this earth (Psa. 24:1).
10. Who today should never lack anything they need? Those who believe in God should lack nothing (Psa. 23:1; 37:25; Phil. 4:19).
11. Besides the gifts referred to here, on what ongoing activity of God do we all depend? All earthly existence is dependent on God’s sustaining power that holds the atoms together & keeps the worlds in space without collision or disintegration (Psa. 135:6-7; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3).
Our Response
12. As God’s children by creation and redemption, how should we respond to the gifts of his love? We who have freely received the gifts of God’s love should freely return gratitude & love to him (Psa. 107:1; Matt. 10:8; Rom. 1:21).
13. To what extent do Moses and Jesus say we should love God? Both Moses & Jesus say that our love to God should be entire, with all our heart, soul, & mind (Deut. 6:4-5; Matt. 22:37).
14. In what way does God desire that we love him? The way God desires us to love him is expressed in the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17; John 14:15; Rom. 13:10).
15. According to the Ten Commandments, who else, besides God, are we to love and serve? We are to love, serve, & freely give to others for Jesus & the Ten Commandments clearly teach that (Matt. 10:8; 22:37-40; 1 John 4:10-11).
16. At creation how did God demonstrate that he intended human beings to manage his gifts? God gave us the responsibility to rule & manage all his creation as demonstrated in Adam naming the animals & in the holy pair given the job to “dress & keep” the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1:26-28; 3:15).
