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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. We remember without ceasing your work of believing, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father. We know, brethren beloved, your elections of God (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).

In the December 2017 article, we discussed, the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the angel, the shepherds, the birth of Jesus, and the Wise Men visitation. In the January 2018 teaching, we will summarize each of the 2017 teachings, and set the theme for 2018.

In the January 2017 teaching, we did a word-based study of the word "Now" as it appears in the Bible. We learned the word "Now" is a sign-post of an action that needs to be taken immediately, instantly, or "Now"! You were invited to explore the Bible for more examples and knowledge about the actions you can take "Now." The Bible is not a dusty old text to be picked up when convenient. It is the word of life "Now."

The February 2017 teaching discussed Romans 4:20-21. We saw believing involves giving glory to God and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, God is able to perform. In Mark 5:25-34, a woman boldly confessed with positive believing to received total healing. She said, "I shall be whole" repeatedly within herself, and then she acted by touching Jesus' clothes. In Mark 9:14-27, we learned that whenever possible Jesus always demanded believing of the parents for the healing of their children. In each of these examples, the How of the Now required that believing and actions occur together on the part of anyone with a need. The word "believe" is a verb which means action. Therefore, believing the Word of God and acting on it brings results.

March 2017 we learned that faith is the Greek word "pistis." It is translated two different ways in English - it is either Faith or Believing. We learned that God has given to every man or woman the measure of faith or the faith of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:3). We also learned that the faith of Jesus Christ cannot be increased. We learned that faith (believing) comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Simply put, the more of the Word of God you hear and make your own, the greater your believing! Believing is how we receive the promises of God.

When we read the word "faith" (pistis) before the day of Pentecost, it should be translated believing. Faith after Pentecost can be translated believing or faith. We learned from God's Word that without faith (believing) it is impossible to please Him (God). We are what we are because of our believing. How you think about the issue that you are challenged with at this very instant will govern the result. If you doubt success, by your own believing, you will be unsuccessful. Our heavenly Father is always the conqueror over evil, but it is up to us to make God's Will our will. And the only way we can do this is by believing His Word. Hebrews 11:6 tells us:

But without faith [believing] it is impossible to please him [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe [by senses knowledge] that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

In the April 2017 teaching, we learned God is our refuge and strength by looking at the Hebrew name for God Elohim. We read in Genesis 1 the Hebrew name for God is Elohim and read the words "And God [Elohim] said." We also read in Colossians 1 the word God was translated Elohim. The three records of God delivering Hezekiah and Jerusalem and where they are documented in God's Word - II Kings 19, II Chronicles 32 and Isaiah 37 were explored. We learned that our vilest enemy is not a distant country, but rather it is our own selves within our country. Today, Christians put their trust in everything except God, and this is the reason that God's Word is foreign in our country.

Today very few Christians have knowledge of God's Word. Hosea 4:6, says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [the knowledge of His Word]." God is the same today as He was in the Old and in the New Testaments! As it is written "For I am the Lord, I change not" - Malachi 3:6. The Word of God is the Will of God! The Will of God is the Word of God!

Beginning in May 2017 we looked at the ways God's Word is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). We looked at Christ Jesus as the mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), intercessor (Romans 8:34), and two Post-Resurrection appearances of our Lord Jesus Christ in his resurrected body. The first appearance was to the imprisoned spirits (1 Peter 3:19), and the second one to Mary Magdalene (John 20:16). We saw that Christ Jesus is the mediator for the unsaved. He is the intercessor for the born-again saints.

June 2017 examined the Post-Resurrection record in Luke 24, where Jesus Christ in his resurrected body appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus. God's Word devotes more time on this Post-Resurrection appearance than any other. Jesus Christ did not appear to men of great power, wealth, or status. He appeared to two disciples who were having a difficult time understanding the events surrounding the death of the man whom they believed would redeem Israel and be their savior. In this way, God's Word was a refuge and strength to those disciples. God's Word is continually our refuge and strength, as we read it each day and put it on in our hearts.

In the July 2017 teaching, we learned how to use the Ministry of Reconciliation God has given to us (2 Corinthians 5:18) by sharing the Word of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19) which is the Word of God. Remember, in II Corinthians 5:20, God's Word states:

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We did a Question-and-Answer teaching on the new birth. One person represented the Ambassador for Christ and the other person was the Unsaved Person. We saw how God's Word serves as our refuge and strength. We learned when you base your actions on the Word of God, you are guaranteed success. Bless you. You are God's best!

The August 2017 teaching looked at our "Standing," "State" and "Fellowship." According to the scriptures, our "Standing" is one of a son or daughter of God (1 John 3:2). Always remember Romans 10:9-10:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

God is our Father and we are His children. We are of His seed (1 Peter 1:23). Our "State" is our "Fellowship" with God. This is our walk on God's Word. Our "Standing" as a son or daughter of God does not affect our "State." We learned when we break "Fellowship" with God, we need to confess our broken "Fellowship" (1 John 1:9). The Bible tells us that God is always faithful and just to forgive us our broken "Fellowship." This is God's love for us! Our Father always goes beyond all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. What a wonderful Father we have! God's son Jesus Christ is our intercession and our advocate with the Father. When we understand God's Word regarding our "Standing," "State" and "Fellowship," we have refuge and strength!

September 2017 explored how God has magnified His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2). The greatest commitment ever made was God's commitment to His Word. Jesus Christ declares God's magnified Word. And we are to let the Word of Christ dwell within us richly (Colossians 3:16). The only way we can walk with God and His Son is to know the Word of God and do it day-by-day.

In the October 2017 teaching, we learned each born-again Christian must declare God's goodness and gentleness, which leads a man or woman to repentance (Romans 2:4) We have the privilege of living in this day and time to hold forth this Word of life (Philippians 2:16)! Men and women can come to God and receive the spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) because of His goodness and gentleness. This leads them to repentance or a change of heart or mind. This is how God's Word is our refuge and strength.

November 2017 examined the ways in which we are one body in Christ. God called the believers before the foundation of the world. God's Word says Christ is far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:21). God's Word also says it is Christ in you the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Because Christ is in us, we are far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The December 2017 teaching filled in the Who, What, Where and Why regarding the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the angel, the shepherds, the birth of Jesus, and the Wise Men. By doing this throughout the Bible, we can learn a lot about the truth of God's Word. Now, when you drive around and look at the various Christmas displays that feature the birth of Christ, you will know in your heart and your mind what God's Word tells us about this event.

The teachings during 2017 provided the opportunity to more fully understand God's Word and the path we have when we walk in His Word. Understanding the How of the Now, we can get the results God's Word has promised us. God's Word is our refuge and strength as we move forth and demonstrate His power and love in our life.

During the 2018 teachings, we will focus on the word Love as it applies to the born-again believers. You are invited to share these teachings with your family and friends as we walk in God's Word.

Father, I am so thankful to you for your love for us through your son the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share your Word with others. Lord God, I am so thankful for you calling us to your household. Lord God, I am so thankful for you giving us everlasting life through your only begotten son. Lord God, I am so thankful for you because your love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us (Romans 5:5).

In the Lord,

Ministry of Reconciliation
Son of God through Jesus Christ
Ambassador for Christ

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