STE:The witness of the Word

   Table of Contents

   God's Salvation

   <1> The Invitation to Salvation
   <2> Our Sinfulness

   The Universality of Sin
   The Nature of Sin
   Original Sin
   Certain Punishment of Sin
   The Day of Judgment
   Doctrine of Hell

   <3> The Need of the New Birth
   <4> Salvation Only through Christ
   <5> Repentance and Confession
   <6> Complete Forgiveness
   <7> God's Love for Us
   <8> Eternal Security

   God's Promises

   <9> In Time of Sickness
   <10> In Time of Affliction
   <11> In Time of Youth
   <12> In Time of Old Age
   <13> In Time of Death

   Spiritual Problems

   <14> Those Who Lack Assurance
   <15> Those in Darkness Because they Are Living in Sin
   <16> Those Who Live Careless Lives
   <17> Those Who Neglect Bible Study
   <18> Those Who Neglect Prayer
   <19> Those Who Neglect the Church
   <20> Those Who Are Unforgiving
   <21> Those Ashamed to Confess Christ Openly
   <22> Those Who Lack Strength to Resist Temptation
   <23> Those Failing to Stand Fast in Time of Trial
   <24> Those Who Are Anxious Backsliders

   God's Word for the Excuses of Unbelievers

   <25> "I am too great a sinner."
   <26> "My heart is too hard."
   <27> "I must become better before I become a Christian."
   <28> "I am afraid I cannot hold out."
   <29> "I am so weak."
   <30> "I have tried before and failed."
   <31> "I can't give up my evil ways."
   <32> "I will be persecuted if I become a Christian."
   <33> "It will hurt my position in the community."
   <34> "There is too much to give up."
   <35> "The Christian life is too hard."
   <36> "I am afraid of ridicule."
   <37> "I am not good enough."
   <38> "I am good enough."
   <39> "There are hypocrites in the church."
   <40> "Not now." 
   <41> "God seems to me to be so unjust and cruel."
   <42> "There are so many things in the Bible which I cannot understand."
   <43> "There is someone I cannot forgive."

   In Defense of the Truth

   <44> The Truth about God

   The Existence of God
   The Unchangeable Nature of God
   God is Everywhere
   God is a Spirit
   God Knows All Things
   God is a God of Wisdom
   God is Good
   God is Merciful
   God is Patient
   God is Righteous
   God is All-Powerful
   God is a Triune God

   <45> The Truth about the Bible
   <46> The Truth about Christ, The Son of God
   <47> The Truth about Election
   <48> The Truth about Reprobation
   <49> The Truth about Creation
   <50> The Truth about Providence
   <51> The Truth about the Covenant of Grace
   <52> The Truth about Justification by Faith
   <53> The Truth about the Church
   <54> The Truth about Death
   <55> The Truth about Christ's Return
   <56> The Truth about the Resurrection
   <57> The Truth about the Final Judgment

   THE WITNESS OF THE WORD

   Bible texts on vital subjects intended to quicken interest in the
Word, strengthen faith and build true Christian character to the end
that the Kingdom of Christ may be enlarged through personal witnessing.

   GOD'S SALVATION

   1. The Invitation to Salvation:

   Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that
hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that
which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not?
Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good and let your
soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me:
hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant
with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isaiah 55:1-3 Seek ye the
Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the
wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let
him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our
God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6,7 And it shall come to
pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:21 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him,
and he with me. Revelation 3:20

   2. Our Sinfulness:

   The Universality of Sin

   All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his
own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah
53.6 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans
3:23 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by
sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans
5:12 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. I John 1:8

   The Nature of Sin.

   Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not to him it
is sin. James 4:17 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:
for sin is the transgression of the law. I John 3:4

   Original Sin.

   Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive
me. Psalm 51:5 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have
sinned. Romans 5:12 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all
be made alive. I Corinthians 15:22

   Certain Punishment of Sin.

   For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

   Ecclesiastes 12:14 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of
God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 Be not
deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap. Galatians 6:7

   The Day of Judgment.

   For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

   Ecclesiastes 12:14 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in
the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall
come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;
and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

   John 5:28,29 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II
Corinthians 5:10 It is appointed unto men once to die, but after that
the judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (See also Matthew 25:34-46.)

   Doctrine of Hell.

   The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather
out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and
gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41,43 Then shall he say also unto them on
the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 And to you who are
troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them
that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. II Thessalonians
l:7-9 (See also Luke 16:23-26.)

   3. The Need of the New Birth.

   Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are
passed away; behold all things are become new.

   II Corinthians 5:17 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is
born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also
that is begotten of him. I John 5:1

   4. Salvation Only Through Christ.

   All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his
own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah
53:6 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a
curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree. Galatians 3:13 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he
loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. I John
4:10 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only,
but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2

   5. Repentance and Confession.

   For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy
sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear
when thou judgest. Psalm 51:3,4 The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:17 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so
much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13 That if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 For with the
heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

   6. Complete Forgiveness.

   As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our
transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 Come now, and let us reason
together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be
as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as
wool. Isaiah 1:18 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit. Romans 8:1 If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7

   7. God's Love for Us.

   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. John 3:16 For when we were yet without strength, in due time
Christ died for the ungodly. But God commendeth his love toward us in
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6,8

   8. Eternal Security.

   And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave
them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of
my Father's hand. John 10:28,29 For I am persuaded, that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other
creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39 Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in
the last time. I Peter 1:3-5

   GOD'S PROMISES

   9. In Time of Sickness.

   For I reckon that sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II
Corinthians 12:9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season,
if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the
trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6,7

   10. In Time of Affliction

   Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth
him out of them all. Psalm 34:19 God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and
he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be
with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. Psalm 91:15 And
not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience,
hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans
5:3-5 And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans
8:28

   11. In Time of Youth.

   Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed
thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9 Train up a child in the way
he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs
22:6 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
...Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the
way...My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Proverbs 23:15,19,26 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth
while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt
say, I have no pleasure in them. Ecclesiastes 12:1 And that from a
child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. II Timothy
3:15

   12. In Time of Old Age.

   Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as
nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether
vanity. Psalm 39:5 The days of our years are threescore years and ten;
and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their
strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my
salvation. Psalm 91:16 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7

   13. In Time of Death.

   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me. Psalm 23:4 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast
holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and
afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23,24 Jesus said unto her, I am
the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25,26 Let not your heart be
troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house
are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye
may be also. John 14:1-3 Therefore we are always confident, knowing
that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight;) We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the
Lord. II Corinthians 5:6-8 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is
gain.

   Philippians 1:21

   SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

   14. Those Who Lack Assurance.

   Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 I
give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is
greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's
hand. John 10:28,29 There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit. Romans 8:1 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again
unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I
Peter 1:3-5

   15. Those in Darkness Because They Are Living in Sin.

   He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth
and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13 If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 There hath no temptation taken you
but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer
you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I
Corinthians 10:13

   16. Those Who Live Careless Lives.

   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans
12:1,2 As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner
of conversation. I Peter 1:15 Love not the world, neither the things
that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the
flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust
thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John
2:15-17

   17. Those Who Neglect Bible Study.

   Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned
and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good words. II Timothy 3:14-17

   18. Those Who Neglect Prayer.

   Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 And whatsoever ye shall ask in
my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13 Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

   19. Those Who Neglect the Church.

   Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 These were more noble than those in
Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of
mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11

   20. Those Who Are Unforgiving.

   For if you forgive men their trepasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14,15 And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God
for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

   Ephesians 4:32 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if
any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also
do ye. Colossians 3:13

   21. Those Ashamed to Confess Christ Openly.

   Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me
before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32,33 If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the
dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10;9,10

   22. Those Who Lack Strength to Resist Temptation.

   There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that
ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13 Blessed is the man that
endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. II Peter 2:9

   23. Those Failing to Stand Fast in Time of Trial.

   That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold
that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter
1:7 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is
to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding
joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil
spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. I Peter 4:12-14

   24. Those Who Are Anxious Backsliders.

   If...thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou
seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in
tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the
latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient
unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not
forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy
fathers which he sware unto them.

   Deuteronomy 4:29-31 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

   I John 1:9

   GOD'S WORD FOR THE EXCUSES OF UNBELIEVERS

   25. "I am too great a sinner."

   This is faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. II
Timothy 1:15 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John
3:16 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost. Luke 19:10

   26. "My heart is too hard."

   A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within
you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will
give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and
cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and
do them. Ezekiel 36:26,27

   27. "I must become better before I become a Christian."

   But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole
need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what
that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come
to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

   Matthew 9:12,13

   28. "I am afraid I cannot hold out."

   And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave
them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of
my Father's hand. John 10:28,29 Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten
us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power
of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last
time. I Peter 1:3-5 For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him
against that day. II Timothy 1:12

   29. "I am so weak."

   And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when
I am weak, then am I strong.

   II Corinthians 12:9,10 There hath no temptation taken you but such
as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make
a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

   I Corinthians 10:13

   30. "I have tried before and failed."

   And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have
you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee that thy
faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Luke 22:31,32 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no
might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31

   31. "I can't give up my evil ways."

   Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7,8

   32. "I will be persecuted if I become a Christian."

   Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. II Timothy 3:12 For I reckon that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall
be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

   33. "It will hurt my position in the community."

   For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33

   34. "There is too much to give up."

   Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that
is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the
world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of
God abideth for ever. I John 2:15-17 But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but
dung, that I may win Christ. Philippians 3:7,8

   35. "The Christian life is too hard."

   For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

   36. "I am afraid of ridicule."

   Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this
adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be
ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

   Mark 8:38

   37. "I am not good enough."

   Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 And the son said unto
him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no
more worthy to be called thy son. Luke 15:21 And the publican, standing
afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote
upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you,
this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for
every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth
himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13,14

   38. "I am good enough."

   There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12 And he said unto them, Ye are
they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts:
for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight
of God. Luke 16:15 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10 If we say that we
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. I John
1:8 (See also Luke 18:9-14)

   39. "There are hypocrites in the church."

   Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that
judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for
thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the
judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such
things. Romans 2:1-3 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost
thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,
every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So
then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans
14:10-12 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ:
that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

   II Corinthians 5:10

   40. "Not now."

   Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is
near. Isaiah 55:6 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods
laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But
God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of
thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Luke
12:19,20 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not
your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:15 Whereas ye know not
what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor,
that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14

   41. "God seems to me to be so unjust and cruel."

   Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the
thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Romans 9:20 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding
out! Romans 11:33 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than
the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than
your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9

   42. "There are so many things in the Bible which I cannot
understand."

   O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a
child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away
childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face
to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am
known. I Corinthians 13:11,12

   43. "There is someone I cannot forgive."

   But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15 And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you.

   Ephesians 4:32

   IN DEFENSE OF THE TRUTH

   44. The Truth about God.

   The Existence of God.

   The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his
handywork. Psalm 19:1 But without faith it is impossible to please him:
for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

   The Unchangeable Nature of God.

   God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the Son of man, that
he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he
spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19 For I am the Lord,
I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow
of turning. James 1:17

   God is Everywhere.

   Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who
said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. O daughter of
Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that taketh and
dasheth thy little ones against the stones. Psalm 137:7-9 Am I a God at
hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in
secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill
heaven and earth? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23,24 That they should
seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though
he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and
have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are
also his offspring.

   Acts 17:27,28

   God is a Spirit.

   God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in
spirit and in truth. John 4:24 No man hath seen God at any time; the
only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath
declared him. John 1:18

   God Knows All Things.

   Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of
your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are
weighed. I Samuel 2:3 Neither is there any creature that is not
manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the
eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13

   God is a God of Wisdom.

   O Lord, how manifold are they works! in wisdom hast thou made them
all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalm 104:24 O the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are
his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33

   God is Good.

   The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his
works. Psalm 145:9 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in
that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,
filling our hearts with food and gladness. Acts 14:17

   God is Merciful.

   Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Ephesians 2:4,5

   God is Patient.

   The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in
mercy. Psalm 103:8 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God
leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4

   God is Righteous.

   Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment
are the habitation of his throne. Psalm 97:2 The Lord is righteous in
all his ways, and holy in all his works. Psalm 145:17

   God is All-Powerful.

   But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is
impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

   God is a Triune God.

   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

   Matthew 28:19 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

   II Corinthians 13:14

   45. The Truth about the Bible.

   Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 24:35 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness. II Timothy 3:16 For the prophecy came not in old time
by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost.

   II Peter 1:21

   46. The Truth about Christ, The Son of God

   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. John 1:1 But these are written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might
have life through his name. John 20:31 And declared to be the Son of
God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:4 Whosoever believeth that Jesus
is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat
loveth him also that is begotten of him . . . Who is he that overcometh
the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? I John
5:1,5

   47. The Truth about Election.

   For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren. Romans 8:29 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of
his will. Ephesians 1:3-5 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God
the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and
sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be
multiplied. I Peter 1:2

   48. The Truth about Reprobation.

   As it is written, Jacob have I love, but Esau have I hated.... For
the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I
raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name
might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on
whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth....What if God,
willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with
much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. Romans
9:13,17,18,22 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to
them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they
were appointed. I Peter 2:8

   49. The Truth about Creation.

   By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of
them by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6 Through faith we understand
that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which
are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3

   50. The Truth about Providence.

   But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto
good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Genesis 50:20 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them
their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the
desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15,16 But the very hairs of
your head are all numbered.

   Matthew 10:30

   51. The Truth about the Covenant of Grace.

   And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed
after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a
God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee . . . And God said, Sarah thy
wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac:
and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant,
and with his seed after him.

   Genesis 17:7,19 For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall
call. Acts 2:39 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the
same are the children of Abraham . . . So then they which be of faith
are blessed with faithful Abraham. Galatians 3:7,9

   52. The Truth about Justification By Faith.

   Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus: . . . Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by
faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:24,28 Knowing that a man
is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus
Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for
by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16

   53. The Truth about the Church.

   And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew
16:19 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven. Matthew 18:18 And other sheep I have, which are not of this
fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10:16 Whose soever sins ye
remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain,
they are retained. John 20:23 There is one body, and one Spirit, even
as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all,
and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light. I Peter 2:9

   54. The Truth about Death.

   For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the
strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57 We are
confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to
be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8 I am in a strait betwixt
two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far
better. Philippians 1:23

   55. The Truth about Christ's Return.

   This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a
witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come . . . For then
shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the
world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should
be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake
those days shall be shortened.... Therefore be ye also ready for in
such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew
24:14,21,22,44 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have
heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists;
whereby we know that it is the last time . . . Who is a liar but he
that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth
the Father and the Son. I John 2;18,22 Which also said, Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is
taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11 For yourselves know perfectly that
the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. I Thessalonians
5:2 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in
Christ shall rise first. I Thessalonians 4:16

   56. The Truth about the Resurrection.

   Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that
are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that
have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

   John 5:28,29 Have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow,
that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and
unjust. Acts 24:15 The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and
the dead in Christ shall rise first. I Thessalonians 4:16

   57. The Truth about the Final Judgment.

   These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal. Matthew 25:46 Who will render to every man according
to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for
glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are
contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,
indignation, and wrath. Romans 2:6-8 We must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in
his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II
Corinthians 5:10 I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and
the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book
of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:12
