Galatians 4:9 amp

Now, however that you have come to be acquainted with and understand and know (the true) God, or rather to be understood and known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly and worthless elementary things (of all religions before Christ came), who slaves you once more want to become.  

Our goal as Christians as we come to the end of the age is to stand steadfast on the word of 

God and not drawback.  We need to plant firmly in our minds to keep our hearts pure and forgiving.  Our eyes are clear on the truth of God, and therefore we will know how to discern what is good and what is evil.  The world may be shaken, but we will stand on our foundation.

Romans 16:17 amp

I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (teaching) which you have been taught. (I warn you to turn aside from them, to) avoid them. 

Paul warns us to be on guard and avoid people who would cause dissensions.  The devil knows that a house divided does not conquer but is conquered.  If the devil is allowed to impart false doctrine unto the people and divide the church, we cannot be the change for the good.  The church is a force for God and can overcome all evils when working together according to the word.  

1 Corinthians 1:8 amp

And He will establish you to the end (keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be) guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

On those days when we are down and discouraged, we need to remind ourselves what Jesus has done for us.  The Lord, for the believer, promises to establish us and build us up in strength.  He promises to intercede on our behalf when we pray for help and keep us out of danger.  Jesus became our sin to keep us guiltless and irreproachable.    

John 6:2 amp

And a great crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (miracles) which He (continually) performed upon those who were sick.

Jesus is still in the business of miracles and signs as He works on our behalf and the behalf of the unsaved.  The miracles that Jesus performed showed to the followers that God was real.  A great crowd following Jesus were hungry to see the loving hand of God stretched out to heal them.  

John 10:9 amp

I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely), and will find pasture.

Pastor Monte said on Sunday, “That the doors we use will lead us to our greatest opportunity or our greatest failure.  What door we go through matters.” We either choose to use the narrow gate with Jesus or the wide gate that leads to sin and destruction.  The opportunities for each door are not the same; one door leads to destruction while the other to eternal life.  

Romans 2:13 amp

For it is not merely hearing the Law (read) that makes one righteous before God, but it is doers of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified.

Jesus came to this earth to show us how to be doers of God’s word.  His example of faith and purpose represents to us the Christian life.  The faith, love, and belief in God drew people to Him because He was the real deal.  Now, as Christians, we need to be the real example of Jesus, our big brother.  We need to immerse ourselves in the word so we can represent that word to the fullest.

Psalm 2:2-4 amp

The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ) They say, Let us break Their bands (of restraint) asunder and cast Their cords (of control) from us.  He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision (and in supreme contempt He mocks them).

No matter what is going on here on this earth, God is still in control.  A sinful man never wants to listen to God, and they rage against God’s guidance. God’s presence on this earth reminds man they are coming short in sin, so they need to remove God from everything.  God sits in the heavens and laughs because He is still in control.  The church (us) still represents God on this earth, and we will share in the victory over evil.  

1 John 4:1 amp

Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirit to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth in the world.

We are entering a time when having strong bible knowledge will be our most significant aid.  Many voices are vying for our attention to influence our belief system or get rid of it completely.  By knowing God’s word, we will be less likely to be deceived by a false prophet.  If what they say doesn’t line up with the word, their word has failed the God test. 

Proverbs 8:35

For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.

God is the life-giver and the way maker.  The proud parent of us who are His children.  He designed every one of us and wants us to fellowship with Him.  God calls to us so we may find life and have it more abundantly. God’s favor opens doors that no man can close.

Job 10:12

You have granted me life and favor, and your care have preserved my spirit.

Job shows that not everything may go well in life, but God will bring us through when we stay loyal to God.  God is the one who grants favor on our lives and preserves our spirit.  God knows our end from our beginning and wants us to succeed.