Present Truth
November/December 2017

Dear Readers,
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7). I pray that you have a wonderful year filled with many opportunities to grow in your relationship with God. Keep God at the center of your life!
You are Invited: We are having non-denominational Bible studies on Saturday evenings in Kansas, Oklahoma. We meet at 5:30pm for a light supper followed by music and a Bible study. All of our friends and neighbors are invited to join us. We hope to see you there, and bring a friend! Contact us for more info.
In This Issue:
What Motivates You?
by Lynnford Beachy
Jesus’ Principles for Living
by Tom Wofford
Letters from our Readers
Kids’ Korner
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What Motivates You?
by Lynnford Beachy

Motivation is the reason we do what we do. A man who has struggled to quit smoking may find the determination to quit when he meets a non-smoking woman whose affections he wishes to win. What made the difference? Motivation! The motive behind what we are doing determines if, and how well, a job gets done.
Regardless what motivates you to do what you do; it is good to examine your motives. Hopefully you do the right things for the right reasons. Yet, it is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Doing the right things does not necessarily mean you have the right motives (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Matthew 7:21-23). Having the right motivation for what you do makes everything work better. This study will help us examine our motives.
Beware of your Motive
Jesus said, “Take heed [beware] that ye do not your alms [good deeds] before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:1-4).
Why do we do good things? Sometimes we want to be acknowledged, appreciated, and thanked for the good things we do. Why? Where does that attitude come from? Jesus said that hypocrites do good deeds so they can get noticed by men to receive glory from them. Those who do this have their reward. They were seeking human attention, so when they get it, that is all they get; they will not get any reward from God. Those who live this way do good, not because it springs naturally from inside of them, but because they are selfish and want to gain something for themselves.
You know, it is a sad reality that most people expect others to do things with a selfish motive. It is very rare for someone to do things with no selfish motive involved. When people see someone do something nice with no strings attached, no selfishness involved, it touches them, especially if that kindness involved great sacrifice. I learned an important lesson one time when I was walking through a city park with a few other men offering to pray for people. We met a man who said, “I don’t want you to pray for me. I know how this works, you are going to give me a tract, and invite me to your church so you can start getting money from me. I am not interested.” He was certain that we were there to gain something for ourselves. He refused to believe that we were there for his benefit. People are always expecting a catch, some underlying, selfish motive.
Friends, it is time for this mindset to be challenged. May our lives as Christians demonstrate pure, unselfish love with no strings attached. This type of love is not naturally in man. We can only possess it by accepting Jesus Christ into our hearts, for He is our access to this pure love that flows from His Father (John 14:6; 1 John 4:7-10).
This world lives with the mentality, “What’s in it for me?” “What do I get out of the deal?” “What is my cut?” This mindset is common in the world, but it should be foreign to Christians. I challenge you to be an oddity when it comes to the motive behind what you do. Let God’s love for you be the motive for everything you say and do.  For unselfish love to flow from within, you must be born again. (Please request the booklet, “You Must be Born Again” for an explanation of how this can happen.)
The Good Shepherd
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep” (John 10:11-13). Jesus gave His life for those He came to save. This was demonstrated not only by Him dying for us, but also by the way He lived His life each day. He was constantly looking to help those around Him, because “He was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus truly cared for everyone. This is not the case for someone who is working for a paycheck. Those who are working for the benefit they can get are working selfishly. They may be doing good things, but only as long as they can get something out of the deal. The moment there is no longer any benefit for them, when things look dangerous, they will run. This is because they don’t care for others; they only care about what they can get for themselves.
Friend, it is time to seriously consider, “Why am I doing what I am doing?” “Am I a hireling?” “Am I in this for me?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). I am talking about your Christian life, especially. Surely, you go to work so you can get a paycheck. That is okay. But why are you a Christian? Are you simply following God and doing good things because of what you can get? That is the wrong reason! Is your motive to be a hired servant or a son? The Bible says, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:6, 7).
It is time to live in the freedom of being a son, rather than in the captivity of being a hired servant. In the story of the prodigal son, the older brother said to his father, “Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends” (Luke 15:29). Though he were a son, he was living like a servant, serving selfishly for a reward.
There is so much more available to us than living for ourselves. It is not about you! You are not here so you can have a good day, so things go well for you. You are here to shine God’s unselfish character to the world around you in good times and in bad. If you think it is all about you, then you will be upset with God when things don’t go the way you want them to. It is not about you! Let God’s love shine through you no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
Realizing it is not all about you changes the way you treat people. When your child is acting up, and you respond, “Son, stop doing that, it is getting on my nerves”, what motivated that response? Ask yourself, “Am I correcting my children for my benefit, or for theirs?” If you correct your children to make you feel better, then you are doing it for the wrong reason. Jesus never corrected anybody for His own benefit. He was always looking after the best interests of those around Him. We see this demonstrated in His prayer for those nailing Him to the cross, when He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He was not seeking to alleviate His own pain, but looking out for the ones hurting Him. The next time you are about to correct someone, ask yourself, “Am I doing this for me or for them?” If it is for you, you may as well keep your mouth shut, and pray for God to impart His unselfish love into your heart. 
It is time for God’s children to manifest in this world. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19; See also Isaiah 60:1-3).
A Giver or a Taker?
Jesus said, “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28).
It is sad when someone with authority does what he does to serve himself. This happens a lot in worldly governments and in families, “but it shall not be so among you.” This is not to happen among God’s people. Those who are the greatest are those who live to serve others. Jesus, the greatest person who ever lived on this earth, lived to serve others. He did not come to be ministered unto. He did not come to live the good life; to parade around in fancy clothes and live lavishly. No! He was a humble man without even a place to call His home (Matthew 8:20). “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) without seeking anything for Himself. The Spirit of the One who lived this way is given to His followers so we can live like He lived, because it is not us living, it is Jesus living in us (Galatians 2:20; 4:6; Romans 8:2; 1_John 2:6; Colossians 1:27).
Sometimes I catch myself saying in my mind, “I don’t like it when…” “I don’t like how that works.” “I don’t like…” When I do this I am focusing on negative things that are all focused on me. Why does it matter that I don’t like something? Am I here for me, or do I have a higher purpose? I am seeking to focus on “What does God like?” “What can I do to help that person?” “I wonder what they are going through.” Jesus said, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me… I seek not mine own glory” (John 5:30; 8:50). He explained, “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:18). Jesus had a natural love for others and a desire to serve God rather than Himself. We too, can have this experience by inviting Jesus to live in our hearts.
We are not here to be ministered unto; we are here to serve others. Jesus stooped down to wash the feet of His disciples. They were shocked that He, their Lord and Master, would stoop down to wash the grime off of their feet. “That is a servant’s job! What are you doing?” The greatest leader is one who serves. As our leader, He gave us this example so we can follow in His steps (1 John 2:6). That is why we are here.
Unprofitable Servant
Jesus said, “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:7-10).
Even if you have done more than anyone else in bringing people to the Lord, if you sell everything you have and give to the poor, if you keep every commandment, you have done no more than it is your duty to do. There is a danger in looking at our accomplishments and thinking we are special because of what we do. No! Even when we have done everything God has commanded us to do, we are to say, “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”
You see, it is not what you do that makes you important, it is what God has given for you that makes you important. God paid the ultimate price for you, so you are worth a lot. God knows how great a price He paid for you, and He thinks He got a good deal, because you are worth it. Let the things you do be done as a result of knowing how valuable you are to God, rather than doing things to become more valuable.
Notice how Paul explained it: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4, 5). A few chapters later Paul, speaking of Israel, wrote, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).
Let us read again, “Now to him that worketh [goes about to establish his own righteousness] is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not [does not go about to establish his own righteousness], but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4, 5). When you work for something you expect to get paid for your labors. You will consider the payment a debt that is owed to you rather than a free gift. This is where the Israelites were, of whom Paul was writing; they thought they had worked to become righteous and now God owes them. 
Don’t let yourself go there. Do not expect payment for what you do for God. “And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:34-36). True kindness is done without the hope of any benefit for yourself. If you are expecting something from the transaction, then you are in it with the wrong motive.
Jesus said, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7, 8). May you find the joy and blessing of freely giving, for “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35; See also Luke 14:12-14; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:30-35).
Conclusion
Motives are very important. We must examine why we do the things we do. It is not good enough just to do all the right stuff. The Bible says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [love], I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Love comes from God (1 John 4:7), He is the source of it. For you to have that love, you need to know Him and have Him living in you (1 John 4:8; 5:11, 12). If your motive for what you do is not springing from God’s love inside of you, then you are doing things for the wrong reasons.
One of the most amazing examples of pure, unselfish love is the prayer of Jesus for the people nailing Him to the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This prayer had no taint of selfishness. He truly loved His enemies as He asked us to do (Matthew 5:44). This same attitude was given to Stephen when he was murdered: “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59, 60).
Jesus came here to live so we can live. He gives us His life, not just to wipe away a record of our past sins, but also to live on the inside so that His righteous life can be revealed in us (Romans 8:1-4). The Bible says, “…that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10).
Just hours before Jesus was nailed to the cross He revealed what was on His mind, and He was thinking about us. Jesus prayed to His Father, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:19, 20). Jesus did what He did for our sakes. He, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising [disregarding] the shame” (Hebrews 12:2). The joy that was set before Him was our salvation. Isaiah prophesied of Him, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11). Jesus knows what we are worth, and He is satisfied.
We are the motivation for why Jesus lived the way He did (John 17:19). Our value is set at a much higher level than any of our accomplishments. We would sell ourselves short if we placed our value on the things that we have done. Give God the glory, for it is only through Him that we can do anything good (Mark 10:18; Philemon 1:6).
May the knowledge of the love that God and His Son have for you be the motive for all that you do. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2). God is eager to shine through all the avenues of your life. Go and do amazing things because God loves you!
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Jesus’ Principles for Christian Living
by Tom Wofford

In a good marriage faithfulness is imperative. Every married person should want to please his or her spouse. If you are behaving in a manner that is displeasing to your spouse, then you should stop and correct that behavior. The same principle applies to your relationship with Jesus. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment” (1 John 3:20-23).
Jesus has given us specific principles for Christian living. If we live or abide according to the Word of God, He will keep us from sin (Jude 1:24). How do we become pure? “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalms 119:9-11).
Enoch walked with God and was translated to heaven (Hebrews 11:5). What is one of the ways we too can walk with God? “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me” (Psalms 119:133).
One who walks with God will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22, 23). 
People are watching us, whether we realize it or not. Have you, at any time in your Christian walk, had anybody throw in your face the saying, “That wasn’t very Christian”? I know I have! Whether it was completely fair of that person or not; there was a slip of behavior that gave them an opportunity to say something. We must live a consecrated life which is above reproach. One of our duties as Christians is to win souls for the kingdom of God. Part of our testimony is our lives and how our character is received. 
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:33; 11:1).
How should Christians relate to the evils in the world? We must put away all things that are contrary to the principles of God. If we are acting no different than the unsaved, then we are not acting according to God’s Word. If our conversation is no different, then it testifies that we are no different. We must; “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” (1 John 2:15-17).
 “…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).
If we are not to be a part of the evils of this world, how should we relate to it? We must guard our thoughts! Thoughts dictate our behavior (Proverbs 4:23). We must continually have our thoughts in obedience to Christ. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
We will become like the things to which we subject our minds. What we see and hear is what we become. So we must guard ourselves from the evils or entrapments of this world. “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 12:2).
Separate from the World
Christians must separate themselves from all things that are not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, etc. We must separate ourselves from people or things that are dishonest, perverse and use profanity (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). When we first become Christians we may still have many friends who are not. We might be determined to convert them. If they are not receptive, we must separate ourselves from them; especially if they do not respect our new lifestyle. This separation does not mean we should mistreat them, but stop running with them to do the same things they do. The Bible says, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:1-4).
Our friends and even co-workers can drag us down and into conversations that do not uplift Jesus’ principles of Christian living. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).
The music we listen to and the television shows or movies we watch should be free from immoral words and images. If we would be embarrassed to invite Jesus into a conversation or event, we should not be a part of it either. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
When it comes to watching television, movies, and the music we listen to, it should not have or promote the following standards: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness [immoral], lasciviousness [insatiable desire for usually sexual pleasure], Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance [contention], emulations [fervent envy], wrath [anger manifested], strife, seditions [division], heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings [disorder], and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). The word “do” is not just an outward action by someone but is also something “to occupy one’s self with, be engaged in, busy one’s self about.” (The New Analytical Greek Lexicon, by Wesley J. Perschbacher #4238)
We should only listen to music which praises God; “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear [revere], and shall trust in the Lord” (Psalms 40:3).
The decisions we make about how we conduct ourselves shouldn’t be based on feelings or what others’ feel is morally acceptable. That changes daily! Our decisions should be based on scripture. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26).
Many things are becoming socially acceptable; such as living together without being married, gay marriage and its lifestyle. It is considered a hate crime to speak out against it. We do not condone any misconduct towards an individual that does not believe as we do. Everybody has the freewill to choose their own beliefs. God loves everyone and does not want anyone to be lost. We should love all mankind and pray for them. “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20). Unfortunately, sin has skewed the minds of many people into thinking evil things are okay. But God says; “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25).
Jesus clearly states that Christians who represent Him do indeed owe something to others. He warns that Christians who disregard their influence over others and their responsibility to be good examples for others and thereby lead people astray will not enter the kingdom (Matthew 5:19).
“These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:11, 12).
God wants you to be an example of what it means to follow Jesus. May Jesus live in you in every part of your life, so that people will recognize Jesus in you. If you have not accepted Jesus to live in your heart, invite Him in now, and believe that He comes in because He promised (Revelation 3:20). You must be born again! (John 3:7). “…choose you this day whom ye will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
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Letters from our Readers

“I have a booklet written by you titled, Understanding the Personality of God. Could you tell me how I could get more of these, and any others you might have? Also, do you have anything in Spanish?”
Alabama
(We have this book and many others in English and Spanish. We will print a sample list of publications in an upcoming issue of Present Truth.                           Editor)

“Hello, I would like to have extra newsletters sent to me monthly. If possible, send 50. I share with my friends. I would like 15 copies of each of these: ‘Moved with Compassion’ - August 2017, ‘You Must be Born Again’ - June 2017, ‘Walking with God’ - August 2010, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven’ - April 2010.”
Puerto Rico
(We are more than happy to send you extra copies each month. Currently we send over 350 to eighteen different people who have requested extras. I pray that they will bless many people. Thank you for your request and willingness to bless others.       Editor)

“This is just a quick note to say, ‘Thank you for the Bible study we did together on December 2.’ After reading through Understanding the Personality of God I stopped at page 38 to claim the promise of Revelation 3:20. I have been taught that every conversion recorded in the book of Acts follows the same five-step process: 1) Hear, 2) Believe, 3) Repent, 4) Be baptized, 5) Share. Therefore, the scripture in Revelation 3:20 is not directed at those who are receiving the gospel message for the first time. Rather it is a call to reclaim faith which has been neglected and in danger of being lost. A reading in context makes this abundantly clear. Nevertheless, I know it applies to me. Like the church at Laodicea I have been lukewarm. Like them, it was necessary that God rebuke and chasten me. At the right moment He used you to bring His word of truth and open my heart… I want to publish a book… I would like to have you pray for me in this work. I also want you to write the chapter on ‘The Biblical View of God’ and I will write ‘The Biblical View of Baptism.’”
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Canada
“We trust that you are well by the grace of God. Just to give you an update on how your work is being a blessing here in South Africa. We have just finished our second print run of books. Our first run was 100 x Christ in You and 100 x God’s Love on Trial. We have just printed our second run which consisted of 100 x Christ in You, 200 x God’s Love on Trial, 50 x Understanding the Personality of God, 50 x Answering Objections. All these books are handed out free of charge to whoever shows interest. Please see the attached photo. Already many have stated that these books have been a great blessing. We praise the Lord for your commitment and work. May our Lord continue to bless you as you are a blessing to others.”
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Kids’ Korner

To complete much of the items in Kids’ Korner, please download the PDF version of this newsletter.

Bible Word Search
Find the underlined words…
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:6, 7).
WKMHEHUDQSIAGAVOYYYW
EEXMZHOAYOVXLTSPIRIT
FJHGUHEVUNDSLOGTXPBS
CHOAOTSAFSERVANTHBHC
XCLLITXEROGRFAKDEOXH
BQGANDBDXTRUABBAIRUR
PCATSITWHRSTTTNQRTEI
PZOIZQIHPCNVHQIAXRIS
NFIANTEERYRTEXTMAGVT
ABHNTTRRDOGYROHYVDBU
GWUSYOOEQFUGIAEPOFCY
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BECAUSEOGODMHUGMYYRM
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Encouraging Thoughts
Always
Make Good
Choices

Make a Difference
Be Happy!

Always look
On the
Bright side
Of Life

Never
A failure
Always
A lesson

Every
Day
Is a New Start

Be Trusting
Be Enthusiastic
Be Valuable
Be Trustworthy
Be Tender
Be Thoughtful
Be Humble
Etc.

Don’t be the same.
Be Better!

If you want to fly,
Give up everything
That weighs you down

Bible Study Crossword – Personality of God - Part 3
(The King James Version is required.)

To complete this crossword, please download the PDF version of this newsletter.

› “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the ____, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1_Corinthians 8:5, 6—7 Across
› “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first ____ of all?” Mark 12:28—3 Across
› “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is ____ Lord:” Mark 12:29—6 Down
› “And thou shalt ____ the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30—2 Down
› “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy ____ as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31— 5_Across
› “And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the ____: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:” Mark 12:32—4 Down
› “And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt ____ and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33—10 Down
› “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the ____ of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.” Mark 12:34—12 Across
› “Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is ____: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God.” John 8:54—9 Across
Note: When the Jews said, “God” Jesus said they were referring to His “Father.” Therefore, when the scribe of Mark 12 said “there is one God; and there is none other but he,” He was referring to “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:14).
› “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the ____,” Hebrews 1:1—11 Across
› “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his ____,” Hebrews 1:2— 1_Down
› “…whom he hath appointed ____ of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” Hebrews 1:2—8 Down

Note: If you or your children would like to participate in preparing Crossword Bible studies, send us a Bible study in the format above, with one word missing and replaced with a blank ____. Put the missing word at the beginning of the paragraph followed by a colon: (Make sure that you do not use the same word twice). Make sure each verse is relevant to the study and provide approximately 20 verses). If you send this to us we may be able to include it in an upcoming issue of Present Truth.

Bonus
How many times can you find the word “Motivation” in the first article? ______
Answers for the Last Issue: Justification 21
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