Assurance Plans Guideline

There are many verses in scripture that give the believer a sense of safety and security. These verses in Psalms is especially prominent in the life of a Christian. Our belief values are somewhat based on our belief that God will take care of us, threw the tough times. But this is not nor should it be our primary reason to believe. Our belief system begins with the Birth, Death, Resurrection and Assention of Jesus, as Both Lord and Christ, the Son of God. We start out believing that Jesus is the Son of God and it grows from there to believe as we are taught. When a Christian is in trouble, there is no need to call upon man to help first, but rather we are commanded by Christ to call upon the name of the Lord.

Psa 37:25-32; I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken(Deserted; left; abandoned.), nor his seed begging bread. There is no time, that the believers in Christ, are left alone. The Devourer is on the prowl, looking for a young lamb to destroy. Can you ever think of a time when you saw a Christian going hungry? I mean really hungry? Hunger is something different to different people. The Bible tells us that what ever condition that we find ourselves in, there with be content. “There with” is stating that if you are in a state of riches, be content with what you have, if you find yourself poor, be content, if you find yourself with a set of cloths and a piece of bread, be content.

Our contentment with our present state is pivotal to being rewarded by God. We are there by showing that we are willing to accept the state or destiny that God has designed for us. If we cannot be content with food and clothing we are unable to accept or control greater riches or position in this life.

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. When we become believers in Christ, we are separated from the world , become a new creature and have been sealed to the everlasting Father. Now if your friends and family can give you food, clothing and shelter, weather being a Christian or not, how much more do you think God can give and how much more that He loves you? The Love of God is endless, as far as His Children is concerned. “his seed is blessed.” This is what we must believe. Our time of total acceptance of God and His word is now, today, while today is still called today. Are we the seed of God, the seed of Abraham? Then we must start acting as Kings and Priest, we must become the children of God. Being faithful, if only with a few things, accepting our Son-ship and being totally dependent upon God. (Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.)

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. In 2nd Co 8:2-4, we see that poverty is not uncommon within the Church, as far back as the Churches at Macedonia, we see that God knew of their state and they were content with it. This is where their power was centered. The blessings of God start coming when we begin 1. believing and 2. When we become content with what He supply’s to us. “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

” Let me ask you a question.”Does your coffers must need to be full before you can say that you are blessed by God? Lets read, 1Ti 6:5-8, and understand; “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” You argue that, “There are others that have plenty and we have nothing, is this a show of love from the one we believe in?” My answer is what Jesus stated to Peter, one of the other disciples, and what God told the world; John 21:21-22; Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. “what is that to thee?”
Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. The things that are ours, are the insight and understanding, not of what takes place to many who believe, but rather as to what the scriptures mean. Many things that we do not understand, belong to God and to Him only. We cannot say to the one who created us,”What are you doing?”

Job 33:11-14; He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.(God allows many things to afflict His Children, a sort of Chastisement, that takes a believer father than they ever imagined to go.
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

And this last verse explains it all; Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Don’t be dismayed by the state that you find yourself. God is all knowing and all caring. He know what His children need and desire. He know when one is hungry or saddened by events that are taking place around them. When hunger comes, manna is sent, when one is naked, cloths appear when one is down hearted, one is sent to assure joy in their life. Remember that, “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.” So have Joy in the Lord and He will take care of you. ars.
2Co 8:2 -
in: 1Th_1:6, 1Th_2:14, 1Th_3:3, 1Th_3:4
the abundance: Neh_8:10-12; Act_2:45, Act_2:46
their deep: Mar_12:42-44; Luk_21:1-4; Jam_2:5; Rev_2:9
the riches: 2Co_6:10, 2Co_9:11, 2Co_9:13; Deu_15:4; Pro_11:25; Isa_32:5-8
liberality: Gr. simplicity, 2Co_1:12; Rom_12:8
Psa 37:25 -
I have: Psa_71:9, Psa_71:18; Job_32:6, Job_32:7; Act_21:16; Phm_1:8, Phm_1:9
yet: Psa_37:28, Psa_94:14; Jos_1:5; 1Sa_12:22; Isa_13:16; 2Co_4:9; Heb_12:5, Heb_12:6; Heb_13:5
nor his seed: Psa_25:13, Psa_59:15, Psa_109:10, Psa_112:2; Gen_17:7; Job_15:23; Pro_13:22; Luk_1:53-55
Mat 25:21 -
Well: 2Ch_31:20,2Ch_31:21; Luk_16:10; Rom_2:29; 1Co_4:5; 2Co_5:9, 2Co_10:18; 1Pe_1:7
I will: Mat_25:34-40,Mat_25:46, Mat_10:40-42, Mat_24:47; Luk_12:44, Luk_22:28-30; Rev_2:10,Rev_2:26-28, Rev_3:21; Rev_21:7
enter: Mat_25:23; Psa_16:10,Psa_16:11; Joh_12:26, Joh_14:3, Joh_17:24; Phi_1:23; 2Ti_2:12; Heb_12:2; 1Pe_1:8; Rev_7:17

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

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I want to speak of, the Faith of the believer in Christ, the Faith in the Church and the faith within ourselves.

In the Revised version of the Bible, it speaks of faith in this manner; Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance (trustworthiness and abiding, unwavering confidence. To know what is and is not.) of things hoped for, the proving, (Trying; ascertaining; evincing; experiencing.)of things not seen.

Barnes states of this version; Quote; The idea here is, “ground or confidence.” There is scarcely any verse of the New Testament more important than this, for it states what is the nature of all true faith, and is the only definition of it which is attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on the existence and exercise of faith.” Unquote.

In this last phrase Barnes states that Eternal life depends upon, “the existence and exercise of faith.” In a way I agree with him, for we must, as believers, first believe that “God is”, but we must look at who is going to be eternal, this is where I disagree with this statement.

Eternity and being immortal, is a destiny of all manner of men, and not just the Saved. Men have always looked for a way to become immortal, they shall receive immortality but not in this life.

In Isaiah 66:24, we see the proof of this; “And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men(Body’s) that have transgressed(Sinned) against me(God): for their worm(Soul) shall not die(but be Immortal), neither shall their fire(Punishment, rewards for their mortal actions.) be quenched(Set aside); and they shall be an abhorring(Revulsion) unto all flesh.(Those that are alive)”

In the King James version we see; Now faith is the substance (”that which stands under.” In a general sense, being; something existing by itself; that which really is or exists; equally applicable to matter or spirit. Thus the soul of man is called an immaterial substance, a cogitative substance, a substance endued with thought.)of things hoped for(This covers many of our wants and desires.), the evidence (conviction, Greek word denotes “putting to the test,” examining for the purpose of proof, bringing to conviction.)of things not seen. The confidence of faith is based, not on “works of righteousness which we have done”

Our confidence in God is based on our ability to believe God and His word. Our substance is supplied by God, 1. According to our level of faith. and 2. By our ability to hold fast our profession of Faith. The phrase,” faith is the substance”, declares that our physical needs that are, supplied by God, in a manner and timing of His choice and not ours, are the things that we can see. The substance of things hoped for, is any or all the needs of the physical flesh, which includes, food, clothing, healing and instruction.

We initially began our Faith with believing that there was a God. Heb 11:6 But without faith(Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. The assent(To admit as true; to agree, yield or concede, or rather to express an agreement of the mind to what is alleged, or proposed.

To the mind as to the truth.) it is impossible to please him(God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. As you see faith begins in the mind and not of the other senses. This is the reason that Satan and the other spirits of anti-Christ, desires to control the mind of man. If we loose control of our thoughts, then we start loosing control of our faith.

Its like the story of the old woman, that asked God to remove a mountain from her back yard, so she could see the valley on the other side. She prayed and went to sleep, the next morning she proclaimed, “Just as I thought, Its still there.”

She declared that, the night before she didn’t believe in her prayer to be answered, her faith wasn’t what it should have been.
Then faith grew to believing that Jesus was the Son of God. Our very existence as a Christian is based on Faith.

In Matthew 6:25, we see Jesus trying to explain what our faith should be based upon. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Jesus stated very clearly; “Take no thought”( Be not burdened by)

1. “your life.” (We have no control over our life as far as the state of the physical body, for many things that happen to us are common. We neither have control over our death.)

2.”eat.” Our daily food is provided by the Lord without respect to persons. Being Believers in Him.

3. “drink” This is the same as food, God knows that these body’s can’t survive, so He provides us with water.

4. “what ye shall put on.” Clothing is also provided by God to cover our nakedness.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God (Salvation of the soul must be our priority before anything that this life offers. Our needs are met by Gods riches in Heaven and not by our works.), and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. According (Here the whole preceding parts of the sentence are to accord, i.e. agree with, correspond with, or be suitable to, what follows. According, here, has its true participial sense, agreeing, and is always followed by to.

It is never a preposition.)
We cannot put our trust in man, for man will always let you down. He has no way of answering prayer, his money is corrupt and his intentions are in question.

In Phi 2:21 we see this, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Who has separated himself from the Mercies of God, who has turned aside the promises of God and has turned to seek help from his neighbor, who has denied his faith and turned to the things of this world, who stands with God?

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
We must act, According to Knowledge, According to Truth, and According to Faith.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A. R. Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

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There are “many infallible proofs” that the Bible is the Word of God, God’s written revelation to mankind. One of these proofs is the element of prophecy.

Only God knows what shall be, and His prophetic clock has always been right on time. The present futile attempts of world leaders to establish lasting peace is but another confirmation of the many Bible predictions that this age of Christ’s rejection would be marked by “wars and rumors of wars” and that lasting peace will not be established until the “Prince of Peace” returns to take the throne (Isa. 2:4; 11:1-5; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 14:1-4; Matt. 24:3-7,27; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7).

But, if we could advance proof after proof to back the unbeliever into a corner; if we could tie him up in knots with our arguments until he cried: “I give up! You are right and I am wrong!” would this save his soul or gain him acceptance before God?

Indeed not, for God wants to be believed and salvation is a gift to be received by
faith. Thus the Bible declares that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6).

There is nothing in all the world that will haunt a man like the fear that God may be displeased with him, nor is there any joy comparable to the assurance that He is pleased. It is foolish, however, to suppose that we can please God with the things we think He desires. We must give Him what He says He desires, and He tells us again and again in His Word that it is faith He desires most of all. He wants us to trust Him, to take Him at His Word.

The Bible tells us at length how God loved us and came to this world as God the Son to die on Calvary’s cross for our sins, but, alas, instead of taking Him at His Word, thousands turn away from His gracious
offer, “going about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom. 10:1-4). They do “good works” and make great sacrifices, thinking that a God of love will surely accept their efforts and overlook their sins. But this is presumption, not faith. How can a just God overlook sin? We should
thank Him that, in His matchless grace, He Himself paid for our sins so that we might be free, and that salvation can now be received by faith as “the gift of God” (Rom. 6:23).

Let us beware of confusing faith with presumption. Cain presumed that God would accept his attractive sacrifice instead of the prescribed one, but God refused both him and his offering (Gen. 4:3-5).
Pharaoh presumed that he could take his armies through the Red Sea as Moses had done, but he led them all to destruction for presuming upon God (Heb. 11:29). Naaman the leper, refused God’s way of cleansing, saying: “I thought…” but the great general remained a leper until he
humbled himself and took God at His Word (II Kings 5:1-14).

And now, what about you? Are you still going about to establish your own righteousness; still trying to make yourself acceptable to God? Then I know something about you: You do not have the assurance or joy of salvation. How can you, for there will always be the fear that you are not doing well enough to please God, and the greater dread that in justice “God requireth that which is past” and will call you to account for your past sins.

Why not please and honor God by believing His Word and trusting in Christ as your Savior?

“For BY GRACE are ye saved, THROUGH FAITH…it is THE GIFT OF GOD; NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST” (Eph. 2:8,9).

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Read more articles by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam at the Berean Bible Society.

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