How do we stay on purpose with the Lord as we live in this world?

Tuesday Night Bible Study

Ten Ways to Become a Better Christian

https://www.berachahfellowshipchurch.org/blog/beet-season-jbwwy

Scriptures

2 Corinthians 6 (New Living Translation)

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.

On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

The Temple of the Living God

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:

“I will live in them

and walk among them.

I will be their God,

and they will be my people.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.

Don’t touch their filthy things,

and I will welcome you.

And I will be your Father,

and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

Proverb 13:20-22 (Good News Translation)

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

Trouble follows sinners everywhere, but righteous people will be rewarded with good things.

Good people will have wealth to leave to their grandchildren, but the wealth of sinners will go to the righteous.

Notes

• We are in a battle! This is not a game, this is warfare! The devil means business about trying to get us to turn back. Just as in those days, we must fight with everything we have to win, to overcome and to maintain your spiritual progress.

• Many are the afflictions of the righteous. God will deliver us.

• Distance oneself in order to reduce the danger that comes to distract you from your purpose. Be separate, says the Lord.

• This will also allow you to be available to be used by the Lord (to be able to help them) when you have separated yourself.

• Wise people know that judgment is coming and will “tighten their belts”. Looking at worldliness is more than clothing, etc. It calls for a separation. It is hard to be like the light or look like light, if we are always in the dark (embracing darkness).

• It is important that we strive to make sure others can recognize Christ in our lives. The separation is all about…

• To live a holy life, to be better in God, to keep you away from temptation, to be on fire, to be able to help others; As an example our dear Evangelist Mason (Pastor Smith) is highly valued here at LOVDC. A good person, that loves God and can get a prayer through! In order to obtain this type of reputation you must use wisdom, build yourself up, sanctify yourself, watch out for the different trends in the world. Tell the world “no thank you” to those invitations thrown out.