Did God Really Say That?

I desire for people to get to know God in His Word so that they can truly experience eternal life (a relationship with Him). I believe that Christianity is meant to be personal. If one wants to grow spiritually then, they have to be able to connect with God in an intimate way. Christians can't allow the thoughts and beliefs of others to convict them of the truth. Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth and understanding as they journey through the Bible and apply it to their lives.

With that being said, I'd like to use a couple of Bible verses for example. The other night I was reading Luke 6 out of the NKJV. In this version, verses 27-36 are in a section titled "Love Your Enemies." Verse 35 says: "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." As stated above, this verse is about loving our enemies. So why is there a popular believe among Christians that we are to give to GOD expecting to receive NOT?

In the same chapter in verse 38-42 the section is marked off as "Do Not Judge." In verse 37 it says: "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Clearly, God gives back to those that are generous. It's a promise and a spiritual principle. 

Because this belief that Christians aren't supposed to expect God to bless them financially is so widespread, many look at wealthy Christians as if they're "false prophets." And that's a shame because false prophets CAN'T be Christians because they simply don't believe that Jesus is Lord. It has nothing to do with having money... Loving money is another issue.

So did God really say that Christians are to give and not receive when we give to Him? No. Jesus was speaking about loving your enemies.

Take Job for example. His story saddens us and teaches us to be faithful to God to the end. But, if not studied carefully, it can teach us that God is sometimes unfaithful to us.

Have you ever heard these verses thrown around as the answer to all of our problems?

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust him..." Job 13:15 or

"...The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

Some believers use these verses to explain why they're facing problems in their lives. But, this is not the truth. God will never contradict His Word. He is loving, faithful, kind, and good! He will never ever harm us. 

We have to see the errors in our ways and to realize that Satan is the real enemy. God is not the author of confusion.

So, did God really say those things in those verses from Job? No. Yes, those verses are in the Bible. But no, they aren't words from God. Job said those words out of agony and ignorance of the truth. We can read in the first chapter the conversation that Satan had with God. Job lived a little while after Adam and Eve. We live in a different time and covenant than he. Praise the Lord!

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I guess the point I'm trying to get across is that believers need to rightfully divide the word of God before applying it to our lives and teaching it to others. It's so sad when we blame God for things that He simply didn't do. We have to own up to our wrongs and rebuke Satan when he deceives us. God is too good to ever even think about harming His loved ones. We do not serve a god like that...

We must be humble, repent when wrong, and follow God and not people. We can't be gullible and be tossed around by preachers, authors, and others who carry a Bible and quote random scriptures. We must know the Bible so that we can know if we're hearing God's truth. It doesn't matter if people are talking about the Bible. GET TO KNOW GOD YOURSELF! People lie, but God doesn't. People have preunderstanding, sin, wrong thinking, and error. Thankfully, God gave us the Holy Spirit so that He can remind us the truth. 

Friends, it's an incredible thing to know the truth.  Wisdom and knowledge are my two prized possessions. I thank the Lord daily for all the information that He's given me. I believe right so I live right! I'm far from perfect and there's areas where I don't believe right. But as for the Bible, I am free and not bound by sin and tossed around by what others say.

My life has gotten 100x better now that I have my own relationship with God. 

Q: Don't you want to know God for yourself and not just play religion and follow man?

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I'm currently taking a Biblical Studies course with classmates that seem to believe the typical lies that the devil throws at Christians. I am so very grateful that God gave me wisdom, spiritual discernment, knowledge and the understanding to apply His Word. I am deeply compelled to show others the truth so that they can freely receive the love that God desires to give them. Because if people see Him as a bipolar evil tyranny or dictator, then they won't ever get to know Him and live a transformed life.

I hope that this helps someone and encourages people to seek the truth for themselves. That's all I want. It's God desire for my life. Know that God REALLY does love you and has no plan to harm you! :)

~Author Jennifer Quetant

Books available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-N-Quetant/e/B01M29QI1I/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 

Spiritual Growth

We have the Holy Spirit and the Bible. If we read the Word and allow the Spirit to guide us as we apply it, then we’ll walk according to God’s plan (be sanctified). Not saying it’s easy, just saying how it’s totally possible if we let God lead us.

I'm set in believing that spiritual growth ultimately comes from the Word. If we truly want to get closer to God, we have to read and be convicted of His Word. I didn't grow up reading the Bible. At 17, I got saved. A few years later, I started to read the whole Bible for the first time ever. I had no biblical foundation. I was raised in an unhealthy environment. I believe that God drew me to the Bible. It's a miracle that I'm even taking this course. I was SO far from God. I had no interest with the Word. But now my entire life is governed by it and it (Jesus) alone. I am now only 25 years old.

Sure people can help us. But we all need to make it our business to personally get to know God (read and apply the Bible). We can't depend on people's opinions and inventions.

I think that people stop growing spiritually when they don't want to personally commit to the Lord. Until Jesus comes back or death, we must be growing spiritually. God never stops talking or giving wisdom to those who ask. We can't be lazy or dependent on others. We ought to keep our fire burning for God by choosing to read the Bible, pray, and apply the Bible everyday so that we may be mature in the Lord. God is not the one to blame for spiritually immaturity or stagnancy.

People should be able to hear God calling them to grow and that the purpose is within the Bible. Jesus gave us eternal life. In John 17:3, eternal life means to know God. Our lives ought to be centered around knowing God. We automatically grow spiritually when we get to know God. It's not something we can do on our own or be taught. God draws Himself to us (and works in us (Philippians 1:6). The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and understanding. We don't need imperfect man teaching us (1 John 2:27). For instance, an instructor may teach a Christian course. However, h/she can't teach people to grow spiritually. Each day plays a part of spiritual growth. We have to experience God on our own. We can't expect people to always be there for us with every spiritual need. God wants to be that One to depend on. People don't grow spiritually when they allow others to tell them everything they need to do. Life itself teaches us how we should depend on God.

I don't want to start a debate. This is just the way that I believe now that my mind is renewed to the Word of God. People often seek me for help with their spiritual growth. I always feel uneasy because I think that they should be seeking God. When I tell them to read the Bible, they think that I'm joking around or they feel bummed because they don't have the willpower or wisdom for Bible study.

If you don't understand the Bible, ask God. If you don't have interest in the Bible, ask God for the desire. If you're completely uninterested in the Bible, then you won't ever grow spiritually. That's my only solution. For me, the only thing that caused me to grow was the the Holy's Spirit's guidance concerning Biblical application. For those struggling to grow spiritually, consider repenting of sins, asking God for His desires, and a heart for His Word.

*Scripture to read: Joshua 1:8,  Psalm 1,  Proverbs,  James 1:5
*Video: https://vimeo.com/7099832

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Love God Because He Loves You

God has been pouring revelation into my spirit as I study for my B.A. in Biblical Studies, and, it’s been so edifying. He repeatedly gives me confirmation. I know that what I feel in my heart is from God. 

I’m currently studying the Old Testament. It's important to read the entire Bible so that you may get a better understanding of Jesus Christ. He's hidden in the OT and revealed in the NT. The entire Bible is God's written love letter to us. 

This week’s focus is on the book of Exodus. 

“Exodus describes these two main events: Israel’s departure from Egypt (rescue) and Israel’s newly established alliance with God (relationship)” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, p. 78).

“The 10 commandments and the other commands were a result of God’s grace and love for his people. He issued his laws to the nation after he had redeemed his people and established his bond of intimate relationship with him. The law served as a seal on that relationship. Throughout the Old Testament the law is a positive expression of God’s Will for his people. Laws are a part of life. Breaking them only hurts us and proves that God’s laws are just and true.”

“Obeying his law is the right response to God’s grace, not as a means of salvation but as the response to salvation” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, pp. 86-87).

“God’s desire was for a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation” that he could indwell (Exodus 19:6 NRSV). The exodus from Egypt took place so that God could dwell in the midst of his people. The coming of God’s glorious presence into the newly constructed tabernacle forms the climax of the book of exodus” (40:34). 

“Eventually the temple in Jerusalem would replace the tabernacle as the habitation of God’s glory. Likewise, Christ came to “tabernacle” among us (John 1:14; Heb. 8:1-9:15). Now the Holy Spirit dwells within the church and has therefore fulfilled the ultimate purpose for both tabernacle and temple.”

“Exodus is about the salvation and preparing of the Israelites for life in the promised land. The gift of God’s presence is a prefulfillment reality.”

“The Sinai covenant became the principal symbol of an enduring relationship with God. The exodus and Sinai events are thus as central for the Old Testament as the cross is for the New” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, p. 88).

*Reference: Arnold, B. T. & Beyer, B. E. (2015). Encountering the old testament: A christian survey. Grand Rapids, MI: BakerAcademic—a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Having a relationship with God is so important to me. As a Christian, I need to be led daily by the Holy Spirit, hearing God’s Voice and acting on His Word. It’s not about works. By grace we’ve been saved (Ephesians 2:8). However, I believe that obedience to God is how the motives of our hearts are seen (Matthew 12:33; James 2:14-26). If we really love God, Jesus said, “keep his commandments (John 14:15).” 

I’m not judging those Christians who don’t have a full understating of God’s grace. I used to be one of those lukewarm Christians that was plagued with God’s judgement and anger. I wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven or if God even loved me. I let people dictate the truth about Christianity and what I should believe. 

Right believing results in right living. (Read my blog posts: “His Love Makes Us Want to Do Right," and "Biblical Life Application").

It wasn’t until I read the Bible for myself and sought the truth that I became lavished with God’s love. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:5-7 NKJV

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

I’m so thankful for Jesus. I’m incredibly grateful for having a Savior. I’m so happy that it was Jesus who died for me because He is LOVE! There’s no flaw in Him. He’s altogether lovely! He does no harm to me. And God is a good, good Father. He’s perfect in all of His ways. He’s just, loving and true. He’s king, tender and merciful. He’s all that He says that He is. He’s not a liar. He’s not upset with me. He doesn’t condemn me. He corrects me, but He never scorns me. He’s...indescribable! There’s no words to fully express the fullness of His goodness. 

So I feel completely obligated to give my life away to Him. It’s a privilege to serve the Lord! I could be dead in my grave-in a burning hell. My soul could be lost. I could be depressed, confused, full of worry and fear. But, God...

So it’s my purpose to live for God. I LIVE TO WORSHIP HIM! #BibleJourney is my greatest desire. There’s nothing more satisfying then growing closer to God. There’s nothing else I rather do than to help people get to know God for themselves. 

“Grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Get to know him better. Give him glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIRV‬‬

My God... I am burning with passion to see God’s glory. I just can’t understand why anyone who would receive God’s grace would continue to live apart from Him. How in the world did the Israelites see the greatest miracle ever and still doubt and ultimately deny God? He rescued them from their enemies, opened up the sea for them, allowed them to see their enemies defeated and miraculously provided for them on their journey to their own land. Still, they wanted to live in sin and out of His presence. That’s not right. The right response for salvation, is to know and love God. 

We were created by a loving God for His purposes. We were created to know Him by walking with Him on a daily basis. Being in His presence is not just a blessing, it is a necessity of everyday life. How amazingly blessed are Christians today to be recognized at God's Church?! The Israelites had to build places for God's presence to dwell. Today, our bodies are the Lord's temple and His Holy Spirit lives inside of us (Ezk. 36:27; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; Col. 1:27)! Jesus' death ushered in the Holy Spirit so that we can come boldly to God (Heb. 4:16). He's wiped away our sins so that we can be able to walk with God as Adam and Eve did before sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:11-12).

Exodus means "departure." Yahweh saved His people (the Israelites) when He provided a way of escape out of Egypt (a land of sin and bondage). Jesus departed when He died on the cross to rescue us from the consequences of sin-bondage and death. God commanded the Israelites to have a relationship with Him. Today, the same God is still wanting an intimate relationship with His people (the Church).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 KJV

"Now this is enteral life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3 NIV

Don't merely accept salvation as a means to escape eternal death in hell. Accept Jesus because He loves you and wants you to love Him back. Accept Jesus' love, and in return, let God's love penetrate your heart and soul so that you may walk in love through the Spirit. Renew your mind. Live a transformed life. Be converted. Come out of the world and live out the holiness that God has given you. Let your life glorify God. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Be like Christ.

God gave the Israelites commandments to teach them how to love Him. Today, we look to the cross where Jesus hung to see how much God loves us. Friends, the right response is to love Him with your whole life. He laid down His life for you. Lay down yours and become like Him. 

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13 NIV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NASB

“Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'” Matthew 22:37 NLT

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 ESV

Author Jennifer Quetant 

Learn more: www.biblejourneymovement.com

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