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18 Key Findings of the Bible…

3 years…of research, studying, and analyzing the Bible. I have condensed into these short, yet “must know” topics & teachings.

About the author Tim Smith, and his methodology used (1) Simple man, believer, and follower of Christ. (2) Used the NLT Life Application bible. (3) Concentrated a greater percentage on the New Testament. (4) Read and re-read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (MMLJ) to really sink our teeth into Jesus, and specifically-- what he did, said, thought, and taught. (5) This compilation is just one person’s thoughts & interpretations. We welcome you the reader, to read as we read MMLJ- check our research and see what conclusions you draw. a) Some statements do not leave much room for different interpretations (“I am the way, the truth and the life, NO ONE comes to the father except through me.” -Jn 14:6-) b.) Others can be interpreted 7 different ways from 7 different people (“It will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” -Mark 10:25-) 6) Mini summary in 63 words: The Bible is God’s love story for us, his children. He wants each and all of us to reunite with Him, and that is why he sent his son Jesus – to absorb all sin and create a bridge back to God. Our heavenly Father does however give us FREE WILL to choose. Thus, if we want eternal life with him, it is our decision.

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Prelude: Before diving in, a few items of importance! A) Two Disclosures Disclosure #1: People must ask themselves—Do I believe in God? Do I believe there is a heaven (eternal life), a hell? If not, then none of this will truly matter. Disclosure #2 People must determine if they believe the Bible and if it is authentic, true, valid, & credible. Throughout the history of mankind, people have tried to discredit it, call it storyland, and debunk it. Still remains strong as ever, and the top selling book of all time, in the entire world. Nonetheless, if the reader does not give it any credence, then throw out all that is written in these findings. B) 4 important points (1) Let us start with the premises that God & Jesus state-- they cannot lie. They only speak 100% truth. So, we must contextualize – if they ‘said it,’ “it’s Gospel” (pun intended). It is TRUE. (2) Next, what are the lessons repeated over & over & over, that God /Jesus taught? Like all world class teachers- they are sharing information FOR A REASON. If repeated 4-7-12 times, it is likely VERY IMPORTANT. (3) Major league myth to debunk: All ‘good’ people go to heaven. Since God is all loving, and since most everyone thinks they are ‘pretty good people’ the link is made they will likely go to heaven. It is a worldwide thought process, yet there are double digit problems with that assumption. Here are 2 glaring ones 1) What’s actual definition of ‘GOOD’? 2) How ‘good’ is actually ‘good enough?’ See addendum #2 in back, on Andy Stanley’s book ‘How Good is Good Enough’ (the book is a life changer.) (4) Why did Jesus come to Earth? His story, in 300 words or less: God created the entire world. All was perfect. Adam and Eve had it all, chose to break the only single, solitary rule they were given. Enter sin, and eternal separation from God. 4000 years of a mess. Greed, violence, debauchery, selfishness, power grab, sin, sin, and more ugly sin. God says “Enough”. Jesus is sent to teach, preach, heal, forgive, role model, AND die a horrible death. This, to absorb all human sin- past, present, and future, so that anyone who asks forgiveness (repents) and believes & receives Christ as their leader & savior will be granted eternal life with God. Those who choose to ignore or simply not believe Jesus- choose eternal separation from God. God’s plan, his rules, are right there for all to have a chance to follow. God wants all his children back, but we have FREE WILL-- to choose Jesus OR choose ourselves. Tough bold question: Do we answer to Jesus or to ourselves? Who is in charge? Sobering questions.

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(C) Reminder: It is God’s Kingdom. HIS Game. HIS Rules. We are just players in HIS game, here for 1-100 years, a blip on the radar. He sets up the ‘game’ with full instructions (his Bible). We play the game (called LIFE)— and many do, without ever reading the instructions, rules, and guidelines of the game (the Bible). (D) Quick Test: Who was in charge of you, the reader, waking up today? Were you responsible for your eyes opening? Your heart beating? Your blood continuing to pump through your veins & vessels? In reality: we just are not as in control of things, as we think. In fact, hardly at all. But God IS! (E) So what does God’s instruction book (Bible) tell us? Here are the author’s 18 ‘Findings’ (1) God/Jesus never lie. (2) Eternal life- How few will receive it? (How few will CHOOSE it). (3) Eternal life comes, THROUGH Jesus. (4) The truth, on Sin & Forgiveness. (5) Faith is a KEY requirement of God (we go first, THEN God blesses us). (6) God’s immense LOVE, for every single one of us, his children. (7) Benefits of a Christ follower, on TEAM God/Jesus. (8) Validation, of Jesus. (9) Jesus and God- are one. (10) Definition, of a ‘true believer.’ (11) Were you aware--God & Jesus are WITH us. Stay Connected! (12) Worry/stress/anxiety- what to do? (13) Why did Jesus come here? (14) Judgment day is not ‘Let us make a deal’ day. (15) Is Hell for Real? (16) Jesus- foreshadowed and prophesized repeatedly, in the Old Testament. (17) Key to Christian faith: Christ-Only man EVER, to RISE from dead, after being killed a brutal death. Then seen walking earth for 40 days. Only man to ever conquer death- and he LIVES ON! (18) Worldliness vs Eternal life (Earth is not the final stop). (F) Addendums Add #1 Personal survey - What is your Spiritual State of the Union? (Optional) Add #2 Recommended reading ‘How Good is Good Enough,’ by Andy Stanley. See cliff notes

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Finding #1: God and Jesus never lie. They always, always, tell the truth.

We placed this finding as the most important because one must start somewhere on some solid footing. If people are choosing to believe - that any, some, much, or all of God’s word is fantasy, storytelling or far-fetched, that is OK. It is a position or stance to take. But if that is the case, we suggest putting the bible down & moving on to something else. We remind readers respectfully, that God is the almighty, has powers, and can-do supernatural things that our minds just cannot comprehend, as we humans have limits that God doesn’t. One favorite scripture to illustrate this is found on the book of the prophet Isaiah. “For my thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts Ish 55: 8,9. Other…God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken & failed to act? Has he ever promised & not carried it through?” -Num 23:19- “So, the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” -Josh21: 43-45- For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.” -Ps 33:4,5- “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” -Jn 14:6- “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” -Mark 13:31- “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -Jn 8:31,32- “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” -Prov 12:22- “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” Ps 119:160. Also, we share that Jesus says anywhere from 15-60 times “truly, truly I tell you”, or “Verily, verily I tell you” … Its much stronger than saying “in my opinion”. Rather, Jesus

had concrete firsthand knowledge. More here https://www.gotquestions.org/verily-

verily.html

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Important Note: The entire Christian faith and credibility- all rest-on the TRUTH of the EMPTY TOMB. (1) It says He (Jesus) IS the son of God, and His word can be trusted. (2) It says His sacrifice- for our sin- was acceptable to God- so we humans can be completely forgiven. (3) It says Jesus is our savior AND He is completely alive and active, even today, and forever. “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” -Matt 28:20- (4) It says also that one day, we believers in Christ - will also conquer death. Make no mistake—The empty tomb, is the BIGGEST CHRISTIAN EVENT-- and without it--Christianity dies, on that cross, with Jesus. Finally, we share this: Jesus predicted, not only his brutal death far in advance of it, but also his resurrection from the grave. And he pulled it off. No one, in history has ever done this. As a secondary WOW, the Prophet Isaiah wrote much about of the coming Messiah( Jesus) about 700 years before Jesus set foot on earth. Finding #2: Eternal Life- Will FEW receive it? (Sadly-will few CHOOSE it?) Bold, scary question, that is against most of the world’s common belief. (Do not shoot the messenger) Warning: This is SOBERING, yet it’s one of our MOST IMPORTANT FINDINGS, and we hope the readers do their own research here, and take God’s scripture below as serious, as anything they ever do. Not fun to share this; just reciting what God’s biblical word tells us. Here is the GREAT NEWS: We are entirely in charge-of receiving eternal life, as God has shared his roadmap of HOW to get it.

1. “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” -Matt 9:37- Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Jn 14:6-

2. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to

hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” -Matt 7:13-14-

3. Anyone who isn’t with me, opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” -Luke 11:23-

4. “As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.

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But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother. “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God. “Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come, that person will have eternal life.” -Mark 10:17-30-

5. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower (TO

HEAVEN), you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit- if you gain the whole world- but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” -Matt 16:24-26-

6. “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, [ you were doing it to me!’ “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.

For I was hungry, and you did not feed me.

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I was thirsty, and you did not give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you did not invite me into your home. I was naked, and you did not give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” -Matt 25:31-46-

7. “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” -Matt 24:30, 51-

8. “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from

the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you do not realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So, I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” -Rev 3:14-22-

9. “But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?” But the people could not believe, for as Isaiah also said, The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts—so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they would not admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise, more than the praise of God. Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.

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I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but do not obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me, and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I do not speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so, I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” -Jn 12:37-50-

We never said following Christ to eternal life was easy. In fact Jesus has promised us this truth-- “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” -Jn 16:33- Findings #3: Eternal life is THROUGH Jesus, and through Jesus only (per God, as we document) During our research we often asked: Why did Jesus share this statement, several times, in more than one way? “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and the gate is wide, for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. -Matt 7:13,14- Here’s more scriptural statements: “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father, except through me.” -Jn 14:6- “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son, does not have life.” -1 Jn5:11,12- With Jesus or against him? “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” -Matt 12:30- “Therefore, he is able, once, and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” -Heb 7:25- “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world, so that, we might have eternal life- through him.” -1 Jn 4:9- A bunch more from the book of John, Jesus’ closest friend and most knowledgeable of anyone… “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” -Jn 10:9- Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” -Jn 6:29- “For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” -Jn 6:40-

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“That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” -Jn 8:24- “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” -Jn -17:3- “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him, will not perish, but have eternal life.” -Jn 3:16-

From St. Paul, who wrote more than half of the New Testament ‘But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So, you see, just as death came into the world through a man (Adam), now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man.” (Jesus) - 1 Cor 15:20,21-

Jesus cannot be much clearer here… If you do not know him, YOU are choosing to exclude yourself from God’s kingdom. “Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you; I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’ “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north, and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.” -Luke 13:22-30-

WE go first. If we do not honor/have a relationship with Jesus, God ‘s favor will be forced, to be held back. In essence WE are sentencing ourselves, from Him. It cannot be that everyone just does what they want their whole time here on earth, then when Christ comes back (and the Bible states that EVERYONE WILL KNOW it’s Him) and then when we see Him, we finally just all ‘believe’ in Him. Too late at that point. (More later on Judgment day; the time for mercy, asking forgiveness, and turning toward God and Christ, is NOW!) Optional discussion piece: Do we really love God? We know He loves his children, and he wants ALL of us home with him for eternal life. If up to him- we ‘d all be there. But here is the wrinkle: He left that choice (free will) to us. In other words, WE NEED—to CHOOSE HIM. Hmm…

Findings #4: SIN, and Forgiveness of Sin Sin. We all do it, as we are human. It is unfortunately a part of us (since the day Adam & Eve, made a poor choice). The bad news is so many people have guilt, hard feelings, resentment toward others and toward themselves-- because of sin.

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The good news is, there is complete forgiveness of sin, available to any who seek it. God came up with a plan to resolve the whole Adam and Eve blunder. His name is Jesus, and that is how God can forgive & also cleanse us in righteousness. It is through Jesus. Here is some scripture on Sin: “But Jesus did not trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” -Jn 2:24,25- “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” -Jer 17:9- And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” -Mark 7:20-23- “But all who reject me, and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” -Jn 12:48- On forgiveness of sin:

1. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” -1 Jn 1:9-

2. “He is so rich in kindness & grace, that he purchased our freedom, with the blood of his Son & forgave our sins.” -Eph 1:8-

3. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” -Mk -11:25-

4. “Instead, you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your faults. “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” -Ish 43: 24-25-

5. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” -Ish 1:18-

6. “He has removed our sins as far from us, as the east is from the west.” -Ps 103:12-

7. “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” -Ish 44:22-

8. “And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning- does not know him or understand who he is. Dear children, do not let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So, they cannot keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” -1 Jn 3: 5-9-

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Note: there is a big difference between committing a sin, and continuing TO sin (it is a mindset and what’s in the heart) Believers in Christ – do not cherish sin, or continually ‘choose’ to sin. They are sorry (repent authentically, from the heart) when they sin. All believers still sin, of course, however they are working toward being more like Christ, and less human like. They work to gain victory over sin. Unbelievers do the opposite. They do not care, both intent and mindset wise. Findings #5: Faith- We go first, THEN God blesses us (not the other way around) We have noticed time & time again in the Bible, we need to give God our 100% compete faith and trust, and then he will bless us. Not ‘God will you heal me, and then I will believe in you.’ One of the most recognized and important messages Jesus leaves his readers with, is after his resurrection, with one of his disciples- Doubting Thomas. Scripture shows that most of the disciples were slow to believe and give Christ complete trust, but then again, maybe we have been the same way? Best we can do is LEARN from them. So, Thomas clearly did not believe Jesus had risen. Even after his 10 other comrades told him they already saw Jesus, Thomas said ‘I don’t believe it until I see it for myself.’ So, after Jesus appears and lets Thomas see & touch the holes in his hands, Christ replies “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those- who believe- without seeing me.” -Jn 20:29-

Here is one that AMAZED Jesus (how does one do that?) “So, Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, do not trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you; I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.” -Lk 7:6-10-

More examples: “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” - Mark 11:23,24- “They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”- Mk 2:4-5- “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. “-Mt 17:20 –

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Need more? Two incredible stories of complete faith in Mk 5:21:43, and Matt 6,7,8 and 9 are loaded with examples. Also, Luke 8

Even the thief on the cross – he went first-- to ask Jesus forgiveness, and respect him as God’s son and Lord of the land: “But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” -Luke 23:40-43-

Let us flip it and show the opposite side—UNBELIEF: (1) “Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you did not believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” -Lk 1:19-20- (2)” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” -Mk 6:5-

(3) “And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” -LK 24:36-38-

And regarding the ‘YOU go first.’ “Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me! “When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So, they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked, “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see! “And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” -Mk 10:46-52-

Psalm 91 is a tremendous scripture for FAITH and TRUST. John the Baptist says, “He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them!” -Jn 3:32- Christians are called BELIEVERS, but do we really 100% believe? Do we truly trust God & Jesus? Have we given him the reins 0-25-50-75 or 100% and trust him, fully?

Findings #6: God’s towering, massive love for EACH of us.

We can only share that the Bible, is God’s love story about us & how he had the world perfect, before the oops came in the garden of Eden. It was at this time, things truly went bad for his plan & for humanity, in its entirety. SIN entered.

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God however, in his loving ways, came up with a plan so that each & every person had access to eternal life with him in heaven. That plan was through his son Jesus. Note that God so loved us, that he left us, with the decision, to come back to him or to go it on our own. This is called FREE WILL. God could have made us robots and we would just have to comply, but he chose the FW path. “For this is how God loved the world: He so loved the world, that gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him- will not perish- but have eternal life.” -Jn 3:16- Jesus showing his all-out love for us, while he is getting nails hammered into his hands, and hanging to his human death... he took the time- to PRAY- for the very people-doing the evil acts. “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” -Lk 23:34- And the whopper of them all to us. Think how big and vast this love is—comparing it with the number of grains of sand on this entire planet! “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” -Psalm 139:17, 18- Other notables: “And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. Simply because you are my child and I am your father.” -1 Jn 3:1- “Because I love you with an everlasting love.” -Jer 31:3- “I rejoice over you with singing.” -Zeph 3:17- “Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.” -Ps 37:4- “I am your father, and I love you, even as I love my son Jesus.” -Jn 17:23- “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”]) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Rom 8:35-39- Finally, the story of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32)- shares GOD, waiting anxiously & excitedly- for us to return home to him. Here is a piece of that story. Be looking, for God’s loving excitement. “So, he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.” -Lk 15:21,22-

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Will we return home to God? Will we accept his love and choose to go back to him? We must make that choice. If we do not-- it automatically defaults, AWAY FROM our heavenly father. Findings #7: Benefits from being on board with God/Jesus & Christianity First off, we start with this: Just the fact, that we are CONNECTED to the creator of it all. If we have the chance to be ‘on that guy’s team’ why in the world would we not want that? The guy who is OMNI potent, present, the Alpha, and the Omega. And Jesus-- the only guy who ever died a brutal death on a cross, and three days later was seen walking the earth for 5 weeks. Not a bad duo to hook our wagon to, wouldn’t you say? Benefit 1: Perhaps the most important one, because it goes on forever, is that- believers in Christ- are granted Eternal Life. Quick surveys show most people want to go to heaven when they pass from this earth. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” -Jn 3:16- Benefits 2-8 in no specific order Peace and far reduced stress/anxiety: In fact, Jesus tells us HE is the place--FOR peace, a peace that THIS WORLD cannot give. Read this one carefully… “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give-- is a gift the world cannot give. So, do not be troubled or afraid. “-Jn 14:27- “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” -Jn 16:33- Joy: Who wants to be happy? Most everyone! Jesus IS Joy “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You have not done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” -Jn 16:23-24- Forgiveness- (see findings 3) When we KNOW our sins are truly forgiven, it helps tremendously with guilt, resentment & feelings of unworthiness & shame Love and Care- No one ever cares about us more, than God and Christ. God loved us SO MUCH, that… “So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.” -Gen 1:27- And Jesus, well… he gave his life for us! Advice- Were you aware when Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit in his place as an advocate, helper, counselor? Specifically, to help US! “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” -Jn 15:26- Our PRAYER- is HEARD. People can debate this until eternity, however this author’s personal experience and witnessing is 100% concrete. We say, ‘just find out for yourself.’ Even DARE to challenge God. Just be ready for a reply--if your challenge is sincere!

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“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” -1 Jn 5:14- “But truly God has listened. He has attended to the voice of my prayer.” -Ps 66:19- Light and Positiveness vs Dark and Negative “Jesus spoke to the people once more & said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you will not have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” -Jn 8:12- “You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.” -Ps 18:28- Most people want to go to heaven, and while on earth want to be happy, and at peace, and want to live a vibrant enjoyable meaningful life. Jesus also covered a lot when he said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father, except through me.” -Jn 14:6- Findings #8: The Validation, of Jesus 1)What better validation can you get than from The Almighty God, himself, that Jesus is the Son of God, Savior, Messiah the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, The pathway back home, to God In a conversation between God, Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Peter & John… “Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” Apostle Peter describing what he heard: “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 2 Pet 1:16-18- More… “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” -Lk 9:35- “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” -Mt 17:5- “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing-- you may have life-- in his name.” -Jn 20:31- 2) Outside of God, we believe this is--as powerful a testimony to who and what Jesus is. It comes from his disciple, and life-long closest friend and advocate -- John. In the book of John, he states his reason for writing it was to prove the authenticity and actuality of Jesus Christ’s actions, deeds, and existence. John says… that he saw heard and touched Jesus. He walked and talked with Jesus. He saw him heal, heard him teach, watched him, first row- die on a cross, met him arisen, and SAW HIM ASCEND. He also heard God on the mountain “This is my son. I am pleased. LISTEN TO HIM.” Personally, we do not believe one could EVER- get a better human testimony- than the disciple/apostle John, and his Biblical book records so much of what Jesus did, said, taught, and thought. Possibly the most impactful book in the entire Bible?

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3) John the Baptist, knows as one of the greatest evangelists ever, said this… “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” -Jn 3:31-36- Also, from JTB “Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I did not know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” -Jn 1:32-34- 4) It is also amazing how Satan and all the demons in the bible KNEW EXACTLY who Jesus was. “He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” -Mark 5:7- One other factoid to wrap your head around… Of all the Gods--Buddha, Muhammed, Allah, Brahma, Shiua, Zeus & others--Jesus Christ- is THEE ONLY ONE- to predict his death and his resurrection, and DO IT; then be seen walking the earth by many. There is archeological proof this happened. All other Gods die, get buried, and stay there. Not Jesus. The entire Christian faith and belief- is built on this fact. Findings #9: Jesus and God—are ONE

The father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, are otherwise known as the Holy Trinity. Growing up it seemed confusing. Are there three, yet they are one? Are they different, yet the same? Well yes. As simple as we can explain it, here goes...God is the Father—he created it all. Jesus is God’s son who has always been here for infinity, as has the Father. Jesus became more widely known (or better said, God’s plan was revealed more clearly) when God sent him to earth, as an answer to sin & eternal separation from God. Jesus is the connecting bridge back to God. The Holy Spirit existed equally as long as God and Jesus, with no timeline. The HS came to the limelight, after Jesus had resurrected from the dead and walked the earth for 40 days, prior to his ascension back to heaven and the Father. Jesus stated that as he went up to heaven, he would send down the HS in his place to reside in all BELIEVERS hearts--with full and complete access to him.

Also knows as a counselor, guide, and advocate. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it is not looking for him, and does not recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

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Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” -Jn 14 :16-21,26

Needless to say, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, yet they play separate roles. All have equal supernatural powers. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” -John 1:1-5- “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (Jesus), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. “-John -1:18- “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me.” -Mt 10:40- “Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.” -Lk 10:16- “I give them eternal life & they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me& he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” -Jn 10:28-30- Be careful -- on being afraid-- to publicly acknowledge Jesus here on earth to friends, family, or anyone. It comes with a mirror like consequence, when Jesus represents us, before God… “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. -Lk 9:26- “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. -Mt 10:32,33- In the Book of John alone, the three being one- is recorded at least a dozen times (Jn 5:44, 8:28, 8:58, 10:30, 10:38, ,12:45, 14:7, 14:9. etc.) You get the point: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one.

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Findings #10: Definition of a true ‘BELIEVER’ By far, this was the toughest subject for us to tackle. We still do not have a 100% complete answer, nor ever will, as it is up to God, to judge what is in each of our HEARTS. We will take a shot at defining what is meant by a ‘true believer;’ then we will present plenty of scripture. In the end--each and every person must sculpt their own personal relationship with God and with his son Jesus (if any relationship at all). So, take all this, process it and come up with your own definition- of a true Christian believer and bearer of Jesus, asking us to take up our cross, and follow him. From all we have read, we think a believer boils down to what is in--our heart. Do we burn, learn, and YEARN for Jesus? We imagine our first meeting with Jesus Christ, as he lovingly says to us… ‘In your best way, can you share--how did you love me, with ALL your heart, soul, and mind? Did you make me a priority in your life? Did you share me and my great news with many others? Did you learn the who, what, where, when, why, and how, of me and my life? Did you make it your primary goal-- to learn about my Word and what I said, did, thought, and taught? You had 24 hours in every day. How much of that time was spent on me or about me?’ Tough interview… As an example, in the world famous John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who BELIEVES in him, will not perish but have eternal life.” What does Jesus mean here by ‘BELIEVES?’ Here are various scriptures…

1. “But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” -1 Jn 2:5,6-

2. “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.

So, every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” -Matt 7:15-20-

3. “Therefore, go & make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” -Matt 28: 19,20-

4. “Your love for one another- will prove to the world- that you are my disciples.” -Jn 13:35-

5. “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises.

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These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” -2 Pet 1:2-11-

6. “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” -Jn 1:12-

Note, my bible comments say this: “When we consciously commit to changing our ways, God enters us and WILL change our ways. When we truly invite Jesus into our hearts – we are rearranging our attitudes, desires, priorities, and motives. The great Billy Graham always said 1) Repent of your sins, 2) change your ways and 3) Turn your heart TOWARD Jesus. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” -Matt 16:24- The question each of us must face, and ultimately must answer to the almighty Jesus face--Are we really, truly, proactively following Jesus? The entire Bible hinges on belief, faith, and trust. And in the end, we cannot ad lib through that one to the boss. Hmm… Findings #11: God and Jesus are WITH US, upon our call. Stay connected! Were you aware God has a 911 scripture, and amazingly, the scripture is Psalm 91:1-11? (cannot make this stuff up) “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you, wherever you go”. -Ps 91:1-11-

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Other notables… “Keep on asking & you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking & you will find. Keep on knocking & the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” -Mt 7:7-8- “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” -Mt 12:30- “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” -Mt 28:20- “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” -Rev 3:20-

One of our favorites, and most important scriptures in the entire bible comes in the book of John teaching us about connectedness to His VINE. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” -Jn 15:1-8- Special note here the importance of remaining connected to Christ. Jesus mentions about a dozen times of the branch/vine, being cut off if unproductive/unfruitful/not connected- and then thrown into the fire to be burned (meaning hell). This scripture, is most telling… “Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” -Matt 13:36-42- (Also see Lk 3:89 Lk 13:6:9. Matt 7:19) In sum, ponder this—as an amazing thought and FACT. That we have thee creator, AND his son Jesus, AND the Holy Spirit, living IN us, awaiting us to call upon them- to love us and to help us. HS also called counselor, helper, comforter, intercessor, paraclete. The message here, LOUD and CLEAR: Stay connected to His vine!

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Findings #12: Let’s take a look, what the Bible says about WORRY, STRESS, ANXIETY… If you are looking for a ‘go-to scripture’ with more advice packed in, pound for pound, be sure to copy off this one from Philippians. Pay special attention to it’s CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS on what to do about WORRY… “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing-- Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things--that are excellent, and, worthy of praise.” -Phil 4:4-8-

Other powerful scriptures… “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about

you.” -1 Pet 5:7- “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will

not permit the godly to slip and fall.” -Ps 55:22- “Worry weighs a person down; an

encouraging word cheers a person up.” -Prov 12:25- “Say to those with fearful

hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” -Ish 35:4-

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” -Jer 17:7-8-

“For a long time, Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. 4 But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him.” 15: 3,4

“But in my distress, I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.” -Ps 18:6-

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They do not plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.” -Mt 6:25-28-

“And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And do not be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Do not worry about such things.

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These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.” - Lk 12:28-30”

Probably the simplest, yet most useful advice… “So, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” -Mt 6:34-

This Psalm’s unarguable point- “If God’s for us, who can be against us?” (i.e. how bad can it get?) “In my distress I prayed to the LORD & the LORD answered me & set me free. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”-Ps 118:5-6-

Finally, these two impact statements, from Jesus… “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” -Jn 14:1-3-

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.” -Jn 14:27-

By now we hope you see the major point here. Much bad comes from worry, and it’s just not necessary. We are COMMANDED here, several times, to GIVE OUR WORRIES TO GOD/JESUS, and they will handle it.

Findings #13: Why did Jesus come here? As mentioned earlier, when God created the world, he has it PERFECT. When Adam/Eve broke his 1 rule, it separated all humans from God permanently. The only way God could reconcile things, was to send his son Jesus to earth to take on ALL SIN ever committed- past, present, and future- with his brutal crucifixion & death on the cross. Thus, Jesus literally took one for the team. The entire human race, that is. So, in God’s plan to reconcile- he sent his son Jesus down to earth with several goals. To teach, to preach, to serve, to heal and to forgive. Basically, to be a role model for heaven. Then eventually, to die with SIN completely attached to HIM (even though he was sinless himself). This was done, to open a pathway back to God/heaven/eternal life- THROUGH JESUS. To teach: “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” -Jn 3:2- To preach: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free & that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place.

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The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them.” -Lk 4:18,19,42-

To heal: “When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. And they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.” -Mt 14:14,36-

To forgive: “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.” -1 Tim 1:15-

To serve: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served- but to serve others, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mk 10:45-

To offer eternal life: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” -Jn 6:51-

Jesus will later tell us he came for the sinners, for the broken, and for the sick. Basically, that is the ENTIRE human race; at least those willing to admit it, and without pride, go to him in repentance. “When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people do not need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call-- not those who think they are righteous-- but those who know they are sinners.” -Mk 2:17- Note: Jesus spent time with WHOEVER needed or wanted to hear his message. If they did not care, on he went. An example of this is again in book of Mark… “But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave, to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” -Mk 6:11-

And John the Baptist, perhaps the greatest evangelist ever (the Billy Graham of our time) said this so eloquently: “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon, who is greater than I am—so much greater that I am not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So, John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” -Mt 3:11-16-

Thank you, Jesus, and God, for a plan to get us all reunited, for those who choose to do so.

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Findings #14: ‘Judgment day’ is not ‘Let’s make a deal’ day Is God all loving? Yes. Does he care about us fully unconditional, and is willing to forgive us & our sin? Absolutely and completely. With that stated, he has given us his ‘Word’ (the Bible) with very clear instructions how to live, and how to find our way back, reunited with him, eternally. That time for forgiveness and mercy, is BEFORE we die or BEFORE Jesus comes back. It is called ‘Judgment day’ for a reason- when that happens, all is set in stone. The game of life is over, and WE have made our final decisions. As mentioned in an earlier finding- God wants each & every single one of us back with him, however we must CHOOSE Him, we must decide. And the fence sitters (those who did not commit TO JESUS or just stayed NEUTRAL), is a choice against Jesus and God. So, on judgment day, it is simply a ‘review’ and we are ‘placed’ according to what WE chose. Tough, but fair. Some scripture backing this: “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him, has already been judged for not believing, in God’s one and only Son.” -Jn 3:18- “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”-Lk 12:35-40- “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish did not take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.

When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves. ’But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ So, you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” - Mt 25:1-13- “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but do not obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me, and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” -Jn 12:46-48-

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NLT bible’s comments share this: The purpose of Jesus’ first mission was not to judge people--but to show them the way to find salvation/eternal life. When he comes again--he will judge us for how we lived on earth. Christ’s words- that we would not accept and obey- will condemn us. On day of judgment those accepting Jesus will be raised to eternal life. Those who rejected Jesus (not choosing him IS rejecting him) and lived any way they pleased will face eternal punishment (see Revelations 20:11) The Key: Decide NOW, as tomorrow is promised- to no one. One comment: We have no idea-- what conversations take place between God and us, even milliseconds before our last breath. Could there be some last-minute salvation finders,’ due to God’s unmeasurable GRACE? Maybe. With that stated, chancing that-- is obviously taking massive risk, with eternal consequences. Findings #15: Is Hell for real? To quote a 90’s saying …’Hell yeah!’ This story from Jesus, makes it crystal clear about hell… Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames. But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there. Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them, so they do not end up in this place of torment. But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote. The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God. But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”-Lk 16:19-31- This discusses putting on all of God’s armor in the fight against Satan in this broken world… “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” -Eph 6:10-12- Jesus’ half-brother James offers this pithy, yet invaluable advice- to be used anytime we feel the Devil is trying to break down our walls:

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“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -Jam 4:7- We say “Away from me Satan. In my house we honor the Lord God and Jesus. Take a hike!” Other scriptures mentioning hell/ eternal separation from God: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and it’s gate is wide for the many who choose that way.”- Mt 7:13- “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” -Mt 5:22- “…in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God & on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord & from his glorious power.” Thes 1:8-9- “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you? And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me and they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” -Mt 25:44-46- And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die, and the fire never goes out.” -Mk 9:47-48- Finally, one of the most enjoyable biblical scriptures, letting us know-- the end of the story has been written. The headlines: God WINS, and the devil LOSES. It is a done deal. With great pleasure, we share this “Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” -Rev 20:10-

Findings #16: Jesus is foreshadowed and prophesized- frequently in the old testament.

For those unaware, here is some valuable information: The Old Testament (old covenant) is the story between God and ISRAEL (not the rest of the world) The entire OT focuses on God and his relationship with Israel only. The New Testament (new covenant) starts when Jesus comes to earth and his ‘new covenant’ with Israel AND all peoples of the earth is meant to supersede the OT. In Jeremiah 31:33-34 God tells us a new covenant is coming. In Luke 22 (Matt & Mark also) Jesus says this “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” -Lk 22:19-20 KJV-

Jesus later gives a NEW COMMANDMENT, which supersedes all the old testament rules. Jesus tells us to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind (see parable LK 10:25-39) and then, he ADDED this blockbuster “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” -Jn 13:34(KJV)- The old testament was (1) love God, and (2) love thy neighbor as thyself.

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Jesus kicks it up, 1 million-fold, when he asks us to treat others as HE has treated us (sinless, turning cheeks, praying for & loving enemies etc.)

From Moses in Deuteronomy in 1400 BC before Christ: Moses continued, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you yourselves requested of the LORD your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai. You said, ‘Don’t let us hear the voice of the LORD our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die. Then the LORD said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I commend him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die. But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the LORD?’ If the prophet speaks in the LORD’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.” -Deut 18:15-22-

For those wanting to look up more, here’s further foreshadowing: Gen 3 & 12, Ps 22, 69, 110, Ish 53:4-11, Jer 31, Zech 9, 13:7,12:10, Malachi 3. Ps 41:9, Lev 23:29, Ish 50:6. There are hundreds more examples of Jesus in the OT. Also Jesus as a prophet: Deut 18:15-20, As Jesus’ suffering that’s to come: Ps 22, Ish 53 The resurrection to come Ps 16:9-11, Ish 53, 10-11. And these books were written 400-1400 years-- BEFORE Jesus came to earth. Here’s two more from the new testament “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” - 1:20-21- From Jesus lips… “If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.” -Jn 5:46-

In sum: The entire Bible is God’s love story, and his redemptive plan-- that showcases his son. As mentioned above, Jesus is foreshadowed all over the OT, and the NT is completely about the Christ. Findings #17: Jesus Christ -raised from the dead, AND SEEN Let the scriptures speak here…Paul speaking in the acts of the apostles “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.” -Acts 2:32- You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” -Acts 3:15-.

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Seen by 500 + “He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.” -1 Cor 15:4-9- it continues… “But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that cannot be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” -1Cor 15 :12-20-

Here is a great question: Why would the apostles (and hundreds of others) continue to spread the word of Christ, AFTER he died, IF IN FACT, they did not see him arisen? Why would all these people- risk being mocked, and even killed, if this never happened. Makes zero sense.

As mentioned earlier-- the entire Christian faith and existence – is based --on the foundation of Christ conquering death, conquering sin, and rising back TO LIFE. As of today- HE IS THE ONLY human to ever do this. Bottom line: If there is no resurrection— there is NO Christianity. But there was one. God and Jesus are alive and well today.

From the net: 2015 statistics show--over 2.3 billion Christians all over the planet representing about 31% of the world population, and it is the largest, of all religions.

Findings #18: “Worldliness” From the NLT bible: Here’s one definition of ‘worldliness:’ A desire for pleasure, possessions, pride—these are neither godly nor from God. The Almighty values self-control, generosity, and humble service- a direct conflict with the former. The Christian following revolves around this complete faith, belief, and trust in God & Jesus Christ. We note here that planet earth is not the Christian’s final resting home. We are here but a mere 1-100 years, and our bodies pass, but our souls go on to eternal life with God & Christ as promised in scripture. Country star Carrie Underwood shares this theme, in her song ‘Temporary Home’(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LraOiHUltak)

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Human Worldliness vs Godliness of the Holy Spirit:

The 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Peace, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-control. The worldly opposites of the fruits are, as listed below… “So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you will not be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” -Gal 5:15-23-

A few other definitions: The last days: Time between Christs 1st and 2nd coming. People opposed to Christ are opposed to his truth and the Holy Spirit. Anti-Christ: anyone who DENIED God and Jesus. Anyone who says Jesus is not the Christ.

Fence sitters beware. The stark reality is -At some point, a choice must be made-- ‘Jesus’ or ‘Not Jesus’ (not heaven and, - eternal separation from God). Peek at what the bible says about being ‘Lukewarm’…. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you do not realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So, I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” -Rev 3:15-19-

IN CONCLUSION: This was an incredibly taxing, yet fun and honorable task-- to try to summarize some very important Biblical FINDINGS. What better place to wrap up than this final sentence from Apostle John, Jesus’ best friend, and closest earthly follower:

“And we know--that the Son of God--has come, and he has given us understanding- so that- we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God- because- we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He IS the only true God, and he IS eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything- that might take God’s place in your hearts.” -1 Jn 5:20-21-

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Addendum #1: ‘Spiritual State of the Union’—personal survey (Totally optional. No right or wrong answers, just where you are ‘at,’ presently)

1. Do you believe in heaven and if so, will you be going there? a) Yes b) No c) Maybe d) I hope so ________

2. Do you know HOW to gain eternal life? ________ 3. How well do you KNOW Jesus? a) very well b) somewhat c) some, but more

relationship needed d) a lot more needed ________ 4. In the last 24 hours, approximately how many minutes did you spend,

spiritually? ________ (could be biblical reading, prayer, listening to audio Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, your fav spiritual person, watching Christian TV, meeting with small groups, other)

4a.) Number of times a day, approximately – you speak to God /Jesus? ________ 5. How many books of the bible have you read? ________ 6. Do you pray in God’s WILL be done, or YOUR will be done? ________ 7. How many times have you read Matthew? Mark? Luke? John? ________ 8. What are 3 of your personal favorite bible verses? ________ 9. Would you say you make God and Jesus a PRIORITY in your life, on a 1-10

scale? (1 not much,10 they absolutely come first, before all else) ________ 10. Do you try to personally share Jesus with others? ________

If your answers are all ‘not glowing’ – 1) Join the crowd and 2) Never fear. That is why we came up with this list. ALL of us are a work in progress. We all need God’s GRACE & this list helps identify opportunities for growth, in becoming more practicing & more prioritizing followers of God &Christ. God and Jesus are all about LOVE and FORGIVENESS. With that stated, judgment day IS coming. As Billy Graham says… “If you don’t KNOW you are going to heaven- you best take care of that—RIGHT NOW! Before you go to bed tonight— (1) Ask Jesus into your heart, (2) repent of your sins, and (3) turn TOWARD Christ, and start gaining a more personal relationship with Him.” -Billy Graham-

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Addendum #2: Strongly recommended reading-- ‘How Good is Good Enough, ‘Andy Stanley This book literally changed my entire life. It took about 45 minutes to read and 5 years later, I still think of it—ALL THE TIME. It is the book I share most often, with other humans. Here are some key points to Andy’s discussion & questions he raises… 1) Andy’s guess as to why people think ‘good people’ go to heaven: (1) Everyone is preoccupied with whatever they are doing. No one has time, to think about heaven, so they do not. (2) Also, God is a good, loving God & we are basically ‘pretty good’ people, so it makes sense- that all will get his blessing. 2) Good people go to heaven--- did you ever think that one through? There is a lot of loopholes, to the argument… 3) The book is perhaps a 60-minute read. What an investment of an hour of our lives- to CONSIDER WHERE, we ‘ll be spending eternity. 4) If God asked us ‘Why should I let you into Heaven, what would we say? Most will likely reply that ‘they attempted to live a pretty decent life…’ 5) We do not discuss eternal life much, it but it never goes away and causes us distress & lack of peace. The mortality rate of a human being is 100%. And we are unsettled, for good reason. Most are not sure where we are going, upon our expiration. 6) Here’s the thing-- as ‘good’ as we’ve been—we are never SURE—if we‘ve been GOOD ENOUGH. We ‘hope so.’ Questions loom such as: Where is the cut line? Who is the standard? Where do I stand? Will my good deeds do/be enough, to outweigh my bad ones? 7) And who oversees this decision? God, right? Since our heavenly Father is so loving & wants us all in heaven with him-could not have been clearer & more specific- HOW to get there? 8) The book interviews an outstanding citizen, a 90-year-old Grandma: Church going, gave donations, kind to all she met, praying continuously, etc. When asked if she was going to heaven upon her passing, she replied, “I hope so.” 9) Andy asks…Cannot we do better than that? Heck, eternal life- rests on these important details. Even Gandhi, when asked--said he could find no CERTAINTY, in religion. 10) Nobody, no religious/spiritual leader- can tell us--how good we must be- to get to heaven. So, do we default to, like the 90-year sweet old Grandma’s answer of ‘I hope so’? Well… it would not be proper etiquette to spoil the ending. Those who have read through our ‘18 Findings of the Bible,’ perhaps know some answers, to eternal life. Regardless, we highly recommend reading Mr. Stanley’s HGiGE book. It is life altering.