by Rick Marin | Sep 24, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What can we expect if we follow Jesus today?
(John 21:15-19; Phil. 2:5-8; 1 John 3:16-18) Blog 20-26 Sep. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus tell others about God’s saving love. Since every human being is a creation of God and a purchase of Jesus then God’s desire is to save everyone. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours. We will present the truth in love and organize small groups for Bible study, prayer, encouragement, and outreach. The central theme of our witness will be the story of Jesus and in these last days we must emphasize the present truth of his closing ministry in heaven.
The Condescension of Jesus (Isa. 53:1-3Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:1-4; 2:10-18)
1. What was heaven like before Jesus came to earth? It was most gloriously beautiful beyond human description & all the angel’s of God worshipped & adored him.
2. How much like God the Father was Jesus before his incarnation? He was heir of all things, co-creator of the universe, of equal glory with the Father, the express image of his person (same substance), and all-powerful – he was equal with the Father.
3. When Jesus became man what was the first step in his self-humiliation? He made himself of no reputation, in other words, his humanity had no special attractiveness.
4. What other steps did Jesus take in his condescension? He took the form of a servant, then he accepted death, even the cruel, painful death of the cross.
5. While serving humanity what environment and reception did Jesus receive? He was surrounded by filth, squalor, & wretchedness & even his own people rejected him – all this was just the opposite of his home in heaven.
Whom God Calls (Matt. 4:18-22; 9:9; Luke 9:23; Acts 9:10-20)
6. Whom does Jesus call to humble themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him? All who accept him as Saviour & Lord – that’s us.
7. When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John. and Matthew what was their response? They forsook everything (their means of support, family, and occupation) & followed Jesus which meant a daily life of self-denial & sacrifice.
8. What must have gripped the minds of these disciples when Jesus called them to follow him? They must have regarded his call as an invitation to a higher occupation that the one they were leaving.
9. What can we expect if we follow Jesus today? That we will be entering a higher calling even though we have to give up luxuries & innocent pleasures as we humble ourselves for the good of others.
10. When God called Saul of Tarsus to be his missionary why did he ask Ananias to do part of the work? Because God wants us always to work in harmony with his church on earth.
Motives & Consequences (John 21:15-17; 1 John 3:16-18; 2 Cor. 5:14-15)
11. What does Paul say motivated him to witness? Christ’s love for him demonstrated by dying for all humanity making everyone no longer just a person but now a purchase of Jesus.
12. How does John describe the love of God in his first epistle? As great enough to lay down his life for us.
13. According to First John three, how should we respond to God’s love? By laying down our lives for the brethren & lovingly sharing our resources to fulfill their needs.
14. When Jesus confronted Peter after his resurrection what motive did he suggest would result in feeding God’s flock? That of our love for Jesus.
15. To what extent did Jesus tell Peter that sharing his faith would bring him? To death on a cross.
16. When we give ourselves to serve God and take up our cross daily what are we accepting? We are accepting death rather than retreat.
by Rick Marin | Sep 16, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What specific instruction does Paul give us in regard to judgment?
Those desiring more details on the book of Revelation may go to the first quarter 2019 section of our Blogs.
(Psa. 35:22-28; Eccl 12:13-14; Matt. 22:1-14; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Rev. 14:6-12) Blog Sep. 13-19, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus tell others about God’s saving love. Since every human being is a creation of God and a purchase of Jesus then God’s desire is to save everyone. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours. We will present the truth in love and organize small groups for Bible study, prayer, encouragement, and outreach. The central theme of our witness will be the story of Jesus.
Present Truth (Josh. 7:19; Jer. 13:15-18; Luke 17:15-18; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Rev. 14:6-12; 16:19)
1. When Peter wrote his second epistle in what did he desire his readers to be established? In the present truth.
2. What was “present truth” in Peter’s day? That Jesus, the Son of God had come in human flesh & perfectly fulfilled God’s will by living a life of obedience to the Ten Commandments which was predicted by all the holy prophets = the incarnation, the story of Jesus, & the inspiration of Holy Scripture.
3. What is “present truth” in our day? That the hour of God’s judgment is come & that we should fear God, give him glory, & worship him.
4. What does it mean to “fear God”? To fear God means to believe in him and show reverance to him.
5. How does Joshua tell Achan to give glory to God? By confessing his sin.
6. How does Jeremiah say we are to give glory to God? By humbling ourselves.
7. What does Jesus say is a way we can give glory to God? By thanking him for his blessings.
8. What does Revelation say is a way we can give glory to God? By repenting.
9. Where is proper worship of God outlined? In the first four commandments & especially in the fourth commandment which like the first angel’s message of Revelation 14 emphasizes that he is our Creator.
The Gospel and Judgment (Eccl. 12:13-14; Dan. 7:9-10; Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 Peter 4:3-6; Rev. 14:6-12)
10. When the Bible talks about future judgment of what is it speaking? Of a time to give accounts that takes place before Christ’s second advent when heaven’s records will be opened revealing all that we have done in this life as evidence to determine who will be finally justified or finally condemned.
11. When do Daniel and Revelation place the time of God’s final judgment? In our day, after the 1260 years of Papal supremacy & before the seven last plagues are poured out.
12. How does Peter answer the popular argument that the Gospel and a last-days investigative judgment are incompatible or self-eliminating? Peter makes clear that the Gospel must be preached in order for God to judge for in it is presented the means (the perfect life of Jesus our Substitute) for passing God’s final judgment.
13. In the first three prophetic outlines given in Revelation what event marks the climax? The judgment of God’s people as depicted in the church off Laodicea, in the great earthquake under the sixth seal, & in the judgment decree that the kingdoms of this world are now Christ’s in the seventh trumpet.
14. What climactic event attended by supernatural beings is depicted in Revelation 12-18? The marriage of the Lamb.
A Last Days Message (Psa. 26:1-3; 35:22-28; Daniel 11:40-45; Mal. 3:1-6; Matt. 22:1-14; 1 Tim, 5:24-25; Rev. 14:6-12; 22:17)
15. If we live in the time of God’s final, investigative judgment what present truth message should we be bearing to the world? Our witness should include an invitation to enter heaven’s Most Holy Place there to be judged by Christ & receive the blotting out of all our sins & the final gift of the Holy Spirit in Latter Rain power.
16. What should we be telling people to do in preparation for God’s final judgment? To put their faith in God, giving him glory, & worshipping him as outlined in the first four commandments.
17. What specific instruction does David give us in regard to judgment? That we should ask God to judge us for only then can we enter into his glory.
18. What specific instruction does Paul give us in regard to judgment? That we should send our sins beforehand to judgment and fill our lives with good works.
19. Where does the book of Hebrews give specific instructions as to how we are to enter heaven’s Most Holy Place? In chapter ten verses nineteen to twenty-two.
20. In Daniel 11 what are the tidings that terrorize North American Pentecostalism? The news that God is judging in favor of his people (Dan. 7) that by faith enter heaven’s Most Holy Place (sides of the North) & sealing them with the seal of the Living God (Rev. 7) by the angel that comes from the East (Ezeq. 9).
21. What urgent invitation are we, together with God’s Holy Spirit, to give in these last days? The invitation to come to the marriage, for all things are ready – the Lamb has been slain, the table has been set, & the only thing lacking is guests.
by Rick Marin | Sep 9, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What is another word for the story of Jesus?
(Eph. 2:1-10; Rom. 5:1-5; Heb. 10:19-22; 1 John 4:10; 5:13) Blog Sep. 6-12, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus tell others about God’s saving love. Since every human being is a creation of God and a purchase of Jesus then God’s desire is to save everyone. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours. We will present the truth in love and organize small groups for Bible study, prayer, encouragement, and outreach.
Our Story (Eph. 2:1-10; Rom. 5:1-19; 7:7; 12:3)
1. Before we were justified by faith who directed our lives? Satan, “the prince of the power of the air”.
2. Before we were justified by faith what was our position before God? Condemned to eternal death.
3. Before we were justified by faith what was our moral state? We were dead in trespasses (sins of omission) & sins (sins of commission), like dead fish floating downstream.
4. Before we were justified by faith what did we spend our time doing? Satisfying the lusts of our flesh in dress, music, food, & entertainment & satisfying the desires of our mind in covetousness.
5. When did God provide eternal life and translation to heavenly places for us? While we were dead in trespasses & sins.
6. Why did God provide eternal life and translation to unworthy sinners? Because he loved us & is rich in mercy.
7. From where did we get faith to believe the Gospel of our salvation? From God himself who through his Holy Spirit gives to everyone a measure of faith.
8. Being justified by faith what do we receive? We receive peace with God, the hope of glorification, & the Holy Spirit who plants love in our hearts.
9. Is our changed life the Gospel we are to share with others? No, the Gospel is the life, death, & resurrection of Jesus.
The Story of Jesus (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 2:2; 10:13; 15:1-8; )
10. What is another word for the story of Jesus? The Gospel.
11. Where in the Bible does the hot-tempered apostle John tell how his life was changed by Jesus? Nowhere, rather in his gospel four times he refers to Jesus’ love for him.
12. Of what do Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John write in their gospels? They write about Jesus & what he did & taught.
13. What should be the center of our witness to others? Jesus Christ & him crucified which is the demonstration of the love of God for humanity.
14. When telling others of our own experience with Jesus what should we avoid? We should avoid relating the things we think we have given up for Jesus & avoid giving the impression that anything we have done merits in any way our justification.
15. When telling others of our own experience with Jesus what should we emphasize? We should emphasize the love & power of God, the gift of his Son who provided a complete salvation for all who believe in him, & God’s faithfulness.
16. Where does Paul say that the power of God for salvation is found? In the Gospel.
Our Testimony (Rom. 5:1-5; 8:1; 1 Tim. 5:24; Heb. 10:19-22; 1 John 5:13; Rev. 14:6-7)
17. If we desire for those to whom we witness to have assurance of salvation what must we have? We must have the assurance of our own salvation.
18. According to the book of First John how can we have assurance of our own salvation? By seeing that we keep God’s commandments (2:3), by having love for the brethren (2:10), by not loving the world (2:15), by living righteously (2:29), & by having God’s Holy Spirit within us (4:13).
19. Must a person have assurance of salvation in order to be saved? No, even those with little faith & no assurance of salvation can be saved, for justification is by faith alone, even if that faith is as small as a grain of mustard seed.
20. What should every justified believer in Jesus have? All justified believers should have peace with God, the hope of glorification, & love shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit that is given unto us.
21. Since we live in “the hour of God’s judgment” what special instructions should we be giving to others to do that we ourselves should be doing? To fear God & give him glory, courageously approaching his judgment seat, trusting in the perfect life & atoning death of Jesus & sending our sins beforehand to judgment while living lives of sanctified obedience.
by Rick Marin | Sep 2, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
In what activities should a small group be involved?
(Gen. 1:1-3, 26; Ex. 18:21-25; Matt. 9:37-38; Mark 3:13-15; Acts 13:2-5) Blog Aug. 30-Sep. 05, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus are his witnesses. They tell others about God’s saving love. This brings joy to them, to those who believe their testimony, to God, and to the angels in heaven. Every human being is a purchase of Jesus and someone who God desires to save. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours. We will present the truth in love.
Small Groups in Heaven (Gen. 1:1-3, 26; Matt. 3:16-17; John 1:1-4; Rom. 1:20; Eph. 3:10; Col. 1:13-17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 4:4, 10)
1. What persons are introduced as working together in the creation of this earth and its inhabitants? God, the Father, God, the Holy Spirit, & God the Light of the world (the Son).
2. Where do we find the three persons of the Deity uniting their efforts when Jesus was about thirty years old? At Jesus’ baptism. The Father spoke from heaven, the Son stood on the riverbank & the Holy Spirit descended in visible form as a dove.
3. What evidence does the Bible give that Jesus and the Holy Spirit worked together with the Father in the resurrection of Jesus? John 10:17-18 says Jesus raised himself, Romans 8:11 says the Holy Spirit raised Jesus, & 1 Corinthians 15:15 says that the Father raised up Jesus.
4. What roles do the three persons of the Deity play in the plan of salvation? The Father gave his Son, the Son gave his life, & the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin & gives us faith.
5. How is the small group of the Deity introduced in the book of Revelation? John records greetings from each of them in Revelation 1:4-5, & then each of them makes a recorded statement: the Father in verse 8, the Spirit in verse 11, & Jesus in verses 17-20, then the Spirit appears in the candlesticks, the Father in the seals, & the Son in the trumpets.
6. What other small groups appear in heaven? The four living creatures (beasts) around God’s throne & the twenty-four elders.
Small Groups in the Bible (Gen. 7:7; Ex. 18:21-25; 1 Sam. 14:12-23; Est. 4:16; Mark 3:13-15; Luke 10:1; Acts 12:12; 13:2-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-25)
7. At the time of the universal flood what small group emerged? That of Noah, his wife, his three sons, & their wives.
8. What godly counsel did Moses’ father-in-law give for the organization of Israel’s judges? That able men of truth who feared God & hated covetousness should be chosen to oversee groups of one thousand, & of one hundred, & of fifty, & of ten.
9. What very small group brought a great victory to the army of King Saul? That of Jonathan & his armourbearer.
10. What men of God led despised small groups under God’s supervision? Gideon & David.
11. What royal woman formed a small group for fasting and prayer? Queen Esther.
12. What small groups did Jesus form? Twelve disciples, three innermost disciples, & the seventy.
13. What small group accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey? Barnabas & John Mark.
Small Groups Today (Matt. 9:37-38; 18:20; 28:19-20)
14. Why should a large church divide its members into small groups? So that the individual members have more of a chance to exercise their gifts, to develop a closer union in laboring together, to learn to get along at close proximity with fellow believers, & to take bigger matters to the church leaders.
15. What is the primary mission of the church for which it organized? That of proclaiming the Gospel to the world & instructing believers in the path of righteousness.
16. How small may a small group be? Jesus said: “where two or three are gathered together in my name.”
17. How large may a small group be? Probably thirteen is as large as a small group should be for that was how many Jesus & his disciples were.
18. In what activities should a small group be involved? Prayer, Bible study, personal testimonies, encouragement within the group, outreach to those within & outside of their group, doing good to those in need, & visiting families to read the Bible, pray, & sing with them.
19. What did Jesus tell us to do if our small group gets smaller? To ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest.
20. What unit of society should always function as a small group? The family.
by Rick Marin | Aug 26, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What results from presenting the truth without love?
(Matt. 15:21-28; John 4:1-42; Rom. 15:7; Eph. 4:32; 2 Thes. 1:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:15) Blog 23-29 Aug. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus are his witnesses. They tell others about God’s saving love. This brings joy to them, to those who believe their testimony, to God, and to the angels in heaven. Every human being is a purchase of Jesus and someone who God desires to save. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours.
Recognizing Receptive Hearts (Eccl. 11:1-6; Luke 8:4-15; John 4:7-10; Acts 8:5-8)
1. What is a receptive heart? One that is open to receive the Gospel.
2. How do people manifest that they are receptive to the Gospel? By listening & not turning away from God’s voice whether it be in nature, in providence, in words from an acquaintance, or in words from the Holy Spirit or the Bible.
3. How can we discern a receptive heart when we see one? By noting their response to our testimony: do they listen attentively? do they ask questions? do they show a desire for more?
4. How wide an audience should we include in our outreach to others? We are to sow the Gospel seed beside all waters & at all times.
5. Although we are to sow the Gospel seed beside all waters how do we know where to invest additional effort? By discerning who has a receptive heart.
6. What is the seed that we sow? The Word of God.
7. When a receptive heart hears the Word of God what will be the result? Faith will sprout in their heart, God will accept them as his child, &tell others the good news (like the woman at the well).
Accepting Others (Hab. 1:13; Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 14:3-9; Rom. 15:7; Eph. 4:31-32)
8. On what basis does God receive sinners? On the basis of perfect obedience for he is of purer eyes than to behold evil & cannot look on iniquity (faith is the means, not the basis).
9. According to Romans 15:7 how are we to receive others? In the same way Christ received us – on the basis of perfect obedience.
10. If perfect obedience is to be the basis of our acceptance of others then who can we accept? All for whom Christ has died, for by his perfect life he gave to God all that God requires & by his atoning death he reconciled humanity to God. This is how we were received & how we are to receive others.
11. How did the disciples react to the Canaanite woman who loudly begged Jesus to heal her daughter? They asked Jesus to send her away for she was a bother to them.
12. Why did Jesus grant the request of the Canaanite woman? Because she had a little faith, had a receptive heart, & confessed with her mouth.
13. How did some present react to the woman that anointed Jesus with expensive spikenard? They were indignant for they considered that she had wasted money that could have been given to the poor.
14. Why did Jesus commend the act of the woman who anointed him with spikenard? Because it was an act of love towards him from a receptive heart.
Presenting the Truth in Love (2 Tim. 1:6-8, 12, 16; 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:15)
15. In verse 6 of Second Timothy 1 of what necessary duty for witnessing does Paul remind Timothy? Of his need to exercise the spiritual gift that God has given him.
16. In verses 7, 8, 12, and 16 of Second Timothy 1 of what essential quality for witnessing does Paul encourage Timothy to exercise? That of boldness because God has given us infinite power, compassionate love, and sound minds, for without boldness one would seldom witness, being ashamed of the Gospel, or of its exponents, or of its negative results?
17. What must a person have already done in order to preach the Word? They must have already become well acquainted with the Word.
18. What must a person have already done in order to be ready to give an answer for their faith? They must have already sanctified (set apart) the Lord in their hearts.
19. What attitude should characterize our answering questioners about our faith? Meekness, longsuffering, & respect for their views.
20. What results from presenting the truth without love? You repel the person you are trying to attract.
21. What results from showing so-called love without truth? Religion becomes a wishy-washy sentimentalism with no stability nor direction.
by Rick Marin | Aug 19, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
If we desire to witness like Jesus witnessed what should we expect?
(Matt. 4:23-25; 5;14; 25:31-46; John 12:31; Eph. 4:15; Col. 4:6) Blog Aug. 16-22, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus are his witnesses. They tell others about God’s saving love. This brings joy to them, to those who believe their testimony, to God, and to the angels in heaven. Every human being is a purchase of Jesus and someone who God desires to save. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony.
Think of a place that you would NOT want to visit!
Immersion (Isa. 8:22-9:2; Matt. 4:13-17; Mark 14:70; Luke 15:2; John 1:46; 7:50-52; 15:18, 25; Acts 2:7)
1. What was the condition of Galilee when Jesus came? It was dark, uncivilized, backwards, full of gentiles, & corrupt.
2. What was Nazareth known for? Corruption & dissolute living.
3. What was the attitude of most people towards Jesus? They hated him without a cause.
4. How was Jesus received by his own people? He came unto his own & they received him not.
5. If we desire to witness like Jesus witnessed what should we expect? We should expect that our surroundings will be unhealthful & corrupt, that most people will hate us, that many will reject our message.
6. Compare heaven’s ivory palaces to earth’s darkness and corruption: They are worlds apart – not comparable!
Infusion (Matt. 12:18-21; Rom. 5:5; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 1:7)
7. Knowing that we will encounter hatred and rejection and be surrounded by corruption how must we prepare to witness? We must study God’s Word in order to answer our opponents, pray in order to have God’s angel’s & Spirit to help us, & be strong knowing that we are in a war that requires diligent effort.
8. How long did Jesus prepare himself for his ministry? Thirty years at his mother’s knee & father’s carpenter shop plus forty days of fasting & prayer in the wilderness.
9. As mentioned in Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34 what was Jesus’ continual attitude towards people? One of compassion.
10. From where do we get compassion for others? From the Holy Spirit that sheds it abroad in our hearts.
11. What must you do to be light in this dark world? You must walk in the light.
12. To help others find assurance of salvation what must a person already have? The assurance of salvation himself otherwise his whole life will be spent seeking his own assurance & not that of others.
Expression (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 25:31-46; Mark 1:14-15, 32-39; Luke 4:22, 31-32; Col. 4:6; James 5:14-16)
13. What three activities made up the bulk of Jesus’ ministry? Teaching, preaching, & healing.
14. What two things did Jesus always ask people to do that heard his message? Repent & believe.
15. How does Luke describe Jesus’ words? As gracious & powerful.
16. How does Colossians say that our words should be? Gracious
17. Before we tell people to live the Christian life what must we tell them? To believe the gospel.
18. According to Mark 1 what part of his ministry did Jesus consider most important? Preaching the Gospel (to seek & save the lost [Lk. 19:10]).
19. Besides the salvation of humanity what other purpose did Jesus have in coming to this earth? To reveal the Father’s character (& Law) of love.
20. How does James tell us to treat the sick? To pray for them, treat their maladies after asking them to confess & repent of their sins.21. According to Matthew 25:31-46 what can we do to follow Jesus’ example of meeting people’s needs? We can give food to the hungry, the water of life to the thirsty, the clothing of righteousness to the ungodly, & visit the sick & imprisoned.
