Get on God’s side by reading and praying.

Ezra 7:10

From reading God’s law, Ezra knew what he had to teach the people and what they were doing wrong.

Acts 8:34-35 - The Ethiopian started by reading God’s word and Philip started teaching him based on what the Ethiopian had read.

Surround yourself with people who will help.

Ezra 7:28

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - the advantage of having a companion who will help

II Corinthians 7:5-7 - Paul was comforted by the arrival of Titus.

Learn your lesson from last time.

Ezra 9:13-14

Acts 8:9-24 - Simon tried to return to his old ways when he tried to buy the power of God from the apostles, but Peter refused and rebuked him.

Acts 5:27

Hebrews 9:23 - Why is “sacrifices” plural here? This may be a figure of speech to compare the many sacrifices of the Old Testament with the one sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible often uses the plural form of a ord to include the singular. This may also be referring to Jesus’ sacrifice in combination with either God’s sacrifice in sending Him or our own personal sacrifices that we must make to follow Christ.

Hebrews 9:27 - Christians should not be afraid to die. If we are serving God like we should, we would be much better off in heaven.

See I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Hebrews 9:28 - The second time that Jesus comes, it will not be to save men. It will be as a judge.

Hebrews 10:1-2 - We do not have to feel the guilt of our sins once we have been forgiven.

Hebrews 10:9 - God took away the first covenant when He established the new covenant. We are no longer bound by the laws, sacrifices, and ceremonies of the first law.

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges that God has given His children. (I Timothy 2:5

He speaks to us through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2.

His children speak to Him through His Son. (I Timothy 2:5

“The Man, Jesus Christ” made this possible.

He is mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6.

Elements of acceptable prayer

To Deity (Colossians 1:3

Through our mediator, the MAN Jesus (I Timothy 2:5

In faith (James 1:6-7

If it be God’s will (I John 5:14

With the spirit and understanding (I Corinthians 14:15

With the right motives (James 4:3

Be forgiving (Mark 11:25-26

Be a doer of His will (I John 3:22

Pray frequently

Romans 12:12 - Continue instant in prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 - Pray always.

I Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.

Luke 11:1-8 - Be importunate in prayer.

But how and whose prayer is answered?

How?

We can only know that which is revealed.

In spiritual things (Luke 23:34

In physical things (James 5:17-18

Whose?

I Peter 3:12 - If one is not a Christian, he is void of all spiritual blessings, including prayer and hope of eternal life.

Matthew 13:3-23 - parable of the sower, or of the soils

Do I make the effort to understand the Word?

It is out responsibility to make an effort to understand God’s Word.

Acts 17:1-4 - Many were persuaded after listening to Paul.

Acts 17:5-8 - The wrong attitude to God’s Word is on display.

Acts 17:10-12 - The people of Berea show the proper attitude.

Acts 17:30-31 - What is our attitude to these kinds of passages about what we must do?

Do I let the word take root?

Matthew 13:20-21

I Timothy 4:15-16 - We must always move forward in our faith.

Colossians 2:5 - Paul rejoiced in the steadfastness of their faith.

Do I let the world and wealth choke the world?

Luke 12:15-21 - the dangers of preoccupation with wealth

Do I hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit?

John 6:66-68 - Peter’s confession of faith

Romans 3:23-24 - We all need God’s grace

Romans 6:3-4 - If we are going to be good soil, we must be receptive to the fact that we must be baptized so that we can walk in newness of life.