The Power Of The Cross Sermon Preached By Brother Bob At Pleasantview Baptist Church

 

The Power Of The Cross Sermon Preached By Brother Bob

At Pleasantview Baptist Church In Columbus Ohio On 2/25/24

     Brother Bob had the honor of preaching for Pastor Brandon Wilson on 2/25/24 at Pleasantview Baptist Church in Columbus Ohio. You can left click the two youtube links below to hear the sermon titled The Power Of The Cross. Notice in the picture above that you have two choices in this life. You can choose the narrow strait way to heaven where you have to believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again, confess that Jesus is God, and repent, making a decision to stop sinning to get saved or you can choose the broad easy wide way to hell that ends in misery and eternal damnation. Jesus told us at Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

     Study the above picture and notice that with Jesus and your faith daily in Jesus crucified you can climb any mountain and overcome any obstacle to get to God's peaceful kingdom. Don't choose the broad wide gate with the fading pleasures of this sinful world that leads to the fire of hell's torment. I pray in Jesus name that the two youtube sermon links below bless people everywhere with great peace, strength, and joy. Send these free youtube sermons everywhere to bless people. Jesus bless you.

     I have enjoyed writing this bible study. I pray it blesses multitudes in Jesus name with great strength, peace, and joy all over this earth. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUvRcp-Ti5s

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1wvNhJ13V0&t=169s

Bible Paradoxes

 

Bible Paradoxes

1) Christians Can Have Peace In The Midst Of Trouble

     What is a paradox? A paradox is not a pair of two doctors. A paradox is a self contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. Jesus' life involved many paradox impossibilities that are true. Jesus was born from a virgin's womb and rose from an empty tomb. A sealed womb couldn't keep Him out and a sealed tomb couldn't keep Him in. Jesus came from a borrowed womb and left a borrowed tomb. 

     Isaiah 66:9 speaks about the sealed womb saying Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. Matthew 27:66 speaks about the sealed tomb saying So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 28:2 says And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 

     Jesus told us that last is first, giving is receiving, dying is living, weakness is strength, losing is finding, least is greatest, poor is rich, and serving is ruling. These paradoxes can't be understood by our minds. We must by faith believe with our hearts that bible paradoxes are true to get blessed with peace. 

     Our first bible paradox is christians can have peace in the midst of trouble. Jesus said at John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. With Jesus you can have peace that passeth all understanding. Philippians 4:7 says And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

     If you daily keep your eyes on Jesus by reading and studying God's Word that is Jesus, you will have peace to overcome this troubled world. Remember peace with Jesus is better than all the billions of dollars and material possessions in this world. Right now get saved and choose the peace of Jesus. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 

Bible Paradoxes

2) Christians Should Bless Their Enemies That Curse Them

     Our second bible paradox is christians should bless their enemies that curse them. Romans 12:14 says Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Jesus said at Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to those which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Remember love (charity) removes sin and creates peace. 1 Peter 4:8 says And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves (blessing everyone even your worst enemies with kindness): for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 says See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

     To get strength to bless your enemies and those that persecute you, look to Jesus daily. Hebrews 12:3 says For consider Him (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Be like Jesus and when you get persecuted say Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Be like Jesus who ignored the mocking at the cross and took time through His suffering (carrying the sins of everyone) to bless a thief with eternal life. The thief told Jesus at Luke 23:42 Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Daily obey Romans 12:18 that says If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 

Bible Paradoxes

3) Christians Should Rejoice In The Midst Of Trials

     Our third bible paradox is christians should rejoice in the midst of trials. James 1:2 says My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. 1 Peter 1:6 says 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 honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 

     Be like Brother Bob and when you suffer for Jesus through trials, find the nearest Walmart bathroom and leap for joy. Hallelujah, Brother Bob is not suffering for stealing, cheating, lying, or harming anyone. I go through trials for Jesus' sake (leaving millions of dollars, all my Jewish relatives, cars, homes, and everything for Jesus) and rejoice while Jesus refines me and makes me more precious than gold so that the true Brother Bob can be found unto praise, honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus told us at Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

     If you need strength to rejoice in the midst of trials, remember and say the following three scriptures. Romans 8:18 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. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

     Remember Job's wise advice to help you rejoice in the midst of trials at Job 23:8 that says Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I can not perceive Him: On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him: But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Hebrews 13:5 says Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Bible Paradoxes

4) Christians Should Be Joyful In The Midst Of Sadness

     Our fourth bible paradox is christians should be joyful in the midst of sadness. Note all the paradoxes experienced by christians listed by Paul at 2 Corinthians 6:8 that says By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 

     Paul also lists more paradoxes experienced by christians at 2 Corinthians 4:8 that says We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. Through all these promises, the Lord Jesus promises to give us joy to overcome sadness.

     Notice that King David promised that joy would overcome sadness. Psalm 30:5 says For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And soon in the kingdom of God forever Revelation 21:4 says And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Finally rejoice and say the words of Jesus at John 16:22: And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Bible Paradoxes

5) Christians Should Deny Themselves Daily In Order To Live

In Other Words Loss Is Gain

     Our fifth bible paradox is christians should deny themselves daily in order to live. In other words loss is gain. Philippians 1:21 says For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Your worst enemy outside of the devil is yourself. When you look at yourself in the mirror every morning tell yourself "Now what are you up to today." Remember Jesus said at Luke 9:23 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

     Many people say "He who dies with the most toys wins." No, without Jesus, "He who dies with the most toys loses." Jesus said at Luke 12:15 Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Jesus also said at Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Everybody Is Either Philippians 1:21 or Philippians 2:21

Philippians 1:21: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain

Philippians 2:21: For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's

Are you living for Jesus and blessing others?

Or Are you living for yourself?

Choose to live for Jesus by blessing others (Matthew 25:40)

     Jesus is our greatest example of denying the flesh when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for us all. Because Jesus died on the cross, saved sinners can be blessed with eternal life. Jesus told us at John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat (representing Jesus who is the Bread of Life) fall into the ground and die (this occurred when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary), it abideth alone (if Jesus didn't die on the cross He would abide alone with no fruit and blessings): but if it die (Jesus' death on the cross), it bringeth forth much fruit (many blessings of saved believers in peace in the kingdom of God). John told us to follow Jesus' example at 1 John 3:16 that says Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He (Jesus) laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

     And Paul told us that a christian's loss is gain at Philippians 3:7 that says 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. And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. 

Bible Paradoxes

6) Christians Give To Receive

     Our sixth bible paradox is christians give to receive. Luke 6:38 says Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. In other words become a channel of blessing where every time you receive, you give the blessing to others by helping poor widows, orphans, and needy neighbors all around you. 

     James 1:27 says Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Proverbs 19:17 says He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. 

Click This Youtube Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cocRNNPjywA 

And Sing The Words Below For Make Me A Channel Of Blessing

Become A Channel Of Blessing Where When You Give You Will Receive

Is your life a channel of blessing; Is the love of God flowing through you

Are you telling the lost of the Saviour; Are you ready His service to do

Make me a channel of blessing today; Make me a channel of blessing I pray

My life possessing; My service blessing; Make me a channel of blessing today

Is your life a channel of blessing; Are you burdened for those who are lost

Have you urged upon those who are straying; The Saviour who died on the cross

Is your life a channel of blessing; Is it daily telling for Him

Have you spoken the Word of salvation; To those who are dying in sin

We cannot be channels of blessing; If our lives are not free from known sin

We will barriers be and a hindrance; To those we are trying to win

Bible Paradoxes 

7) When Christians Become Fools To The World For Jesus They Become Wise 

     Our seventh bible paradox promises that when christians become fools to the world for Jesus, they become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 says Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 1 Corinthians 1:21 says For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 

     The bible says that Jesus is wisdom at 1 Corinthians 1:30: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. I've told little children to daily read the KJV Word of God that is Jesus to become wise and get better grades in school. Every time the little children read their bibles every day, they got better grades in school.  

     You are a wise person if you preach about Jesus and the cross that the world considers foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it (the cross of Calvary where Jesus was crucified) is the power of God. The wisest man Solomon told us that we are wise if we win souls. Proverbs 11:30 says The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Tell everyone everywhere on this internet or anywhere you go how to be saved. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 

Bible Paradoxes

8) Christians That Are Last Become First

Where Christians That Are Humble Become Exalted

     Our eighth bible paradox is christians that are last become first where christians that are humble become exalted. Matthew 19:30 says But many that are first shall be last; and the last (that are few) shall be first. My friend Carl told me that when you get on a bus, let others on the bus before you. You'll eventually get on the bus and be blessed. Notice that many want to be first in this world by sinning and cheating and they will be last; but the few that are willing to be last in this world (blessing others) will be first with great joy, peace, and strength. 

     Matthew 7:13 says Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Finally 1 Peter 5:6 says Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Remember when you get your eyes off yourself and pray for others around you, then God will heal you. James 5:16 says Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N. Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.  

How To Avoid A Fall Learned From Peter's Mistakes

 

How To Avoid A Fall

1) Don't Be Too Self Confident And Forget Jesus

     The first way to avoid a fall is don't be too self confident and forget Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Remember Jesus said at John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. In other words without Jesus we can do nothing. Determine today to obey 1 Corinthians 10:31 that says Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Let people everywhere see Jesus and not you in everything we do to fulfill 1 Corinthians 1:31 that says That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 

     Don't be like Peter and be too self confident and experience a fall that led to a thrice denial of Jesus. Peter's self confidence is stated at Matthew 26:33 that says Peter answered and said unto Him (Jesus), Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. Note that all the disciples including Peter were too self confident and eventually forsook Jesus. Mark 14:50 says And they all forsook Him (Jesus), and fled.

     Peter's self confidence led to a fall and thrice denial of Jesus. Peter even began to curse like a sailor denying that he ever heard of Jesus. On his third denial before a damsel in the palace, a maid on the porch, and Malchus (the man who remembered that Peter had injured his ear healed by Jesus), the cock crew twice, Peter denied Jesus thrice, and you had a preachin' chicken and a chicken preacher face to face. Unlike Peter, deny yourself daily (Say to that man or woman you see in the mirror every morning Now what are you up to today), take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus. Jesus said at Luke 9:23 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

     Notice how anointed the above picture is where Peter is weeping bitterly after the rooster crowed because Peter thrice denied Jesus after he warmed himself by the fires of this fading world. Matthew 26:69 says Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew, And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

     Instead be like John the Baptist and say John 3:30: He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. Then rejoice and say Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Remember one person plus Jesus equals victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Be like Jonathan and his armourbearer at Michmash believing that there is no restraint to save by many or by few. 1 Samuel 14:6 says And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. 

Don't Be Too Self Confident Like Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar

And Experience A Fall

     Don't be too self confident like Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar and experience a fall. Goliath's self confidence by mocking little David led to his fall. Goliath's fall is recorded at 1 Samuel 17:50 that says So David prevailed over the Philistine (Goliath) with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. David got the victory over Goliath because he fought Goliath in the name of the Lord.

     Nebuchadnezzar's self confidence by boasting about his power over everything led to his fall. Nebuchadnezzar's pride turned him into a creature that ate grass as oxen, where his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. But after Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and honored God, his understanding returned and he became king again. 

     Rejoice and read how King Nebuchadnezzar repented and became a humble child of God exalting the Lord Jesus. Nebuchadnezzar got saved and I look forward to meeting him in heaven. Jesus said at Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Nebuchadnezzar learned that being humble and blessed with the Lord Jesus is better than the shame that follows pride. 

     Daniel 4:33-37 says The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured Him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. 

     Daniel 4:35-37 goes on to say And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors, and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.

How To Avoid A Fall

2) Don't Neglect Prayer

     The second way to avoid a fall is don't neglect prayer. Don't be like Peter and fall, failing to pray, while you become lazy and sleep too much. At the Garden of Gethsemane Peter fell asleep, failing to protect Jesus because he forgot to pray. Matthew 26:40 says And He (Jesus) cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Comparing Two Bible Stories To Learn About Prayer

A Blessed Revelation Preached By Dr. William P. Grady

In the Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus was awake and the apostles were asleep

In the boat during the storm

Jesus was asleep and the apostles were awake

The moral of these two stories:

If you can stay awake in the prayer meeting

You can sleep through the storm

     Unlike Peter, stay awake and keep praying daily to avoid a fall. Proverbs 20:13 says Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 23:21 says For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Get out of the bed early and pray every morning to avoid a fall and experience victory in your life. Jesus said at Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.   

     Don't let the cares of the world make you neglect prayer and fall. Remember the warning at Luke 21:34 that says And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

     Instead be like Hezekiah and pray daily to avoid a fall. When Hezekiah received threatening letters from Sennacherib, Hezekiah prayed and spread out the threatening letters to God. God heard Hezekiah's prayers and in one night only one angel killed 185000 enemies and caused Sennacherib to flee where his own sons killed him. 

     2 Kings 19:35 says And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore an five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

     Like Hezekiah, Jesus told us at Luke 18:1 And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Wake up everyone and keep praying to avoid a fall. Let's all obey Galatians 6:9 that says And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (remember according to Luke 18:1 we faint not and reap blessings when we always keep praying).

Organizing Or Agonizing

There's nothing wrong with organization

But we also need some agonization in prayer

Unfortunately most churches overorganize and underagonize in prayer

Every person that accomplished anything for God was a person of prayer

DL Moody and Charles Finney had great revivals with thousands saved 

Because hundreds of people prayed while Moody or Finney preached

Preachers preach better when they have prayer warriors praying  

while they preach anointed sermons

How To Avoid A Fall

3) Don't Doubt And Fail To Make A Decision About Jesus

     The third way to avoid a fall is don't doubt and fail to make a decision about Jesus. You're either for or against Jesus. Remaining neutral and failing to make a decision about Jesus is a rejection of Jesus. Jesus said at Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Jesus has nothing to do with lukewarm people who neither accept or reject Jesus. 

     Jesus said at Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Right now stop doubting and being lukewarm. Instead receive Jesus today and get saved. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 

     Don't be like Peter and follow Jesus afar off with doubt while you choose the pleasures of this fading world. Matthew 26:58 says But Peter followed Him (Jesus) afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Peter was close to Jesus when things were going good and Lazarus was raised from the dead and when 5000 were fed with just two fishes and five loaves of bread. But when trouble arose and Jesus was led to be crucified, Peter followed afar off. 

     Note that Peter didn't completely quit. Peter just followed Jesus afar off. Like Peter a lot of christians stay close to Jesus when things are going good. But when troubles arise, these same christians follow Jesus afar off, failing to attend church while they neglect to read their bibles. Unlike Peter, keep preaching, reading your bible, and attending church in the good and the bad times. Remember Jesus is the Word so in order to receive perfect peace daily keep your mind stayed on the Word Jesus to overcome trouble. Isaiah 26:3 says Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee (Jesus and the Word of God): because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.  

     Don't isolate yourself when you face troubles and follow Jesus afar off. Instead continue to attend church and fellowship with your brothers and sisters to overcome trouble. Fellowship is important because Jesus said at Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Remember one person can only put 1000 devils to flight. But two people praying together can put 10000 devils to flight with a prayer 10 times more powerful. Deuteronomy 32:30 says How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

     Ecclesiastes 4:9 says Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him (the devil), two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. One ant can push a crumb, but ten ants can push the crumb better and faster. Crooked sticks seem to straighten themselves out when they are tied in a bundle. A singing congregation sounds fine, but I wouldn't want to hear them one at a time

How To Avoid A Fall

4) Don't Fear People's Opinion About Your Belief In Jesus

     The fourth way to avoid a fall is don't fear people's opinion about your belief in Jesus. Remember Proverbs 29:25 says The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Right now say Hebrews 13:6: So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

     Remember the wise words of Jeremiah 17:5 that says Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. 

     Don't be like Peter who denied Jesus because of the fear of man. Luke 22:58 says And after a little while another saw him (Peter), and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. Unlike Peter, don't be ashamed of Jesus. Confess Jesus everywhere. 

     When you are in the perfect will of God, no person or anything can harm you. Jesus told us at Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Remember Jesus' words at Matthew 10:28 that says And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him (Jesus) which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

How To Avoid A Fall

5) Don't Associate With Evil Companions

     The fifth way to avoid a fall is don't associate with evil companions. Proverbs 13:20 says He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not he knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. In other words evil communications with evil companions will stop you from witnessing Jesus to lost sinners who have no knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The result will be lost sinners who failed to get saved because they did not hear the Word of God and ended up in the lake of fire. 

     Now christians are in the world but they are not of the world. We need to witness to lost sinners who are drunkards, drug addicts, criminals, and prostitutes. But witness to these sinners in public places like restaurants, Walmart, or at church. Don't witness to these lost sinners though when they are committing crimes at their personal homes. But the Holy Spirit will tell you when these sinners get delivered and when it's a blessing to visit their homes and lift up the Lord Jesus. 

     Don't be like Peter who associated with evil companions by warming himself by the fading fires of this world enjoying the temporary pleasures of sin that end in misery. Luke 22:55 says And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. Wow Peter warmed himself by the enemy's fire. Peter got his thrill the same way sinners in the world got their thrill.

      Don't be like Peter and get your thrills the same way the world gets its thrills (warming yourself by the world's fire). In other words when you get your thrills the same way sinners in the world get their thrills (smoking pot, drinking beer, fornicating, cursing, and wasting all day texting on your cellphone and posting gossip on facebook) you're falling away from God. Remember James 4:4 says Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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. 

     It's easy to float downstream with the world's current. But decide today to live for Jesus and go upstream against the world's current. You know that you are growing with Jesus when you become less like the world. An old Japanese missionary used to say that the duty of every christian in any age is to discern the spirit of the age and then to go diametrically opposed to it. 

Choose To Live For Jesus Instead Of Worldly Pleasures Avoiding A Fall

Click This Youtube Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vwqOgexx3A

And Sing The Words Below To The Hymn I Am Resolved

Written By Palmer Hartsough 1896

I am resolved no longer to linger charmed by the world's delight

Things that are higher; Things that are nobler; These have allured my sight

I will hasten to Him; Hasten so glad and free

Jesus greatest highest; I will come to thee

I am resolved to go to the Saviour; Leaving my sin and strife

He is the true one; He is the just one; He has the words of life

I am resolved and who will go with me; Come friends without delay

Taught by the bible; Led by the Spirit; We'll walk the heavenly way

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.