• Do you -really & truly- believe the Bible is God's Word -His written Will for us?
• Do you believe the Bible is the basis by which we will be judged at the end of our life?
• Do you believe that Jesus made a full and complete plan of salvation for mankind?
• Do you believe that God expects men/women to accept -fully surrender to- his Will?
• Do you believe that God has made it possible -through Jesus- for us to OBEY his Will?
• Do you believe that the Bible gives us a clear understanding of God's Will?
• Do you believe that Jesus has given us the power to live a CHRIST-LIKE life on earth?

If you answered yes to the above 7 questions…………

Let us check the Bible for some of the basic rules of life.
The TEN COMMANDMENTS (Ex. 20:…) have been a basic standard for all people of all times. Yet only by the Power of Christ within us can these be truly kept. The very first one is often a major point in our daily lives - idols of self-will, power, wealth, etc. are just as wicked in God's sight as a wood or stone image. Prayerfully consider this O. T. standard, and then move on to the N. T. standard found in the

Sermon On The Mount by Jesus in Matt. 5: 6: 7: …

• Blessed are the poor in spirit…For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn…. For they shall be comforted.
  
• Blessed are the meek…For they shall inherit the earth.
  
• Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness…For they shall be filled.
  
• Blessed are the merciful…For they shall obtain mercy.
  
• Blessed are the pure in heart…For they shall see God.
  
• Blessed are the peacemakers…For they shall be called the sons of God.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake…For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

The whole content of these 3 chapters are a vital guideline to our necessary obedience.

Repentance is the first step toward becoming a child in God's kingdom. As He so freely forgives us of all past sins, it is then required of us to forgive others.

Forgiveness is an absolute necessity: Matt. 5:22-24 -leave your gift at the altar, and first be reconciled with your brother/sister/ friend/husband/wife….etc.

Forgiveness -Matt.6:10 -13-"The Lord's Prayer" -He forgives…as we forgive….

WARNING: Matt: 6:15-If you do not forgive men…..Neither will God forgive you…

Love is a basic requirement: John 14:15,21,23 - Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." God's love is unconditional. Rom.5:6 -8 He loves us when we are unlovely, but he has made full provision for our redemption from sin and the Adamic/carnal nature.

Love is a commandment: Matt.5:44 "….love your enemies, bless those who curse you..."
John 13:34-35 - John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that ye love one another."

Love is explained -from God's point of view- in 1Cor.13: Only God's love in us can measure up to this standard, but He gives us the power within to keep His commandments.

The Will of God is a matter of LIFE ETERNAL- or death: Separation from God.
In the O. T. you can read in Deut. 27:- 31: concerning the blessings & the curses. The people were urged to "choose life" by making the choice to walk in the commandments of God which would bring the blessings of God on their life, home, family, & nation. Those principles are still valid in today's world.

The Will of the Father in Heaven: See Matt. 7:21-23 - he who does the will of the Father will be allowed to enter into the kingdom. In Matt. 25: consider the 5 foolish virgins…. They were so close, but something vital was missing.

Rom. 12:1,2 - It is God's plan that we may know God's "…good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

God has made full and complete provision for us to become "like Christ" in all areas of life. The only thing that can keep us out of God's best for us is our lack of repentance and obedience to His written, and revealed, will for us.

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