Louise continues today on how to teach “baby” Christians to grow up as Christians, fully in the Words and principles of Scripture.
She uses Proverbs as one of the principal instruction “manuals” for Christian living.
Ephesians 4:13 also quoted. On becoming mature Christians.
Ephesians 4:13
New International Version
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Love is the glue which holds everything together. This is one of the major teachings, and, while it looks simple, it is difficult to do unless you read and understand Scripture thoroughly.
Louise tells the story of Dr. Kenneth Hagin facing members of his congregation in a loving, but, strong fashion. He was honest and frank, something often lacking from those who instruct and teach on Christianity these days.
Pastor Louise begin with Proverbs, chapter 3, New International Version
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a] 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.[b] 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. 19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. 21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. 32 For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. 33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
Louise talks today about the importance of the need to grow spiritually. When growing up she had no feeling of responsibility to grow up as a Christian.
She just went through the motions, church, Sunday School, etc.
A very good book by Kenneth E. Hagin, Growing Up Spiritually, is the book she refers to in this lesson.
Actions as a Christian do have consequences.
What you did in your life before today is in the past. You can’t change it. But, you can change and adapt to God’s principles and instructions from this day on.
Check out anyone teaching on Christianity in Church, Small Groups, Sunday School, with the word of God. What you may have learned—denominational teaching—may not conform to actual Scripture.
This is especially true with “baby,” or new, Christians. Much of this lesson moves through Louise’s exhortation to make your learning and teaching conform to Scripture, especially after being born again, but, then, equally important, following through with the actual teachings in Scripture.
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
We need to seek God’s counsel and discover what God wants for us, like what to do today? For example.
The Jews tested God, but you really don’t want to test God!
Louise tells the story of the Hebrews doubting God when Moses was dealing them to take them out of Egypt. In Book of Exodus.
Hebrews 3:12 Paul admonishes Jews not to judge God.
Hebrews 3:12
New International Version
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
People had become unteachable.
There is a heart of evil and unbelief today.
We need to rest in the finished works of Jesus when he went to the Cross, not on our own being and/or merits.
We have to learn in how to rest in the peace of God, to maintain the study the word of God daily and walk in total obedience to what the Holy Spirit is teaching us.
Bible Study With Louise Clayton 