Preparation
#49 (Serving God
Acceptably)
Brian Kocourek
HEBREWS
Acceptably, Serving
God acceptably. What does that mean to serve God acceptably?
WHY I AM A HOLY
ROLLER 53-0830A E-43 Brother and sister, there's an eternity before us. And
it behooves you today to set up and take notice to remember what you're
listening to, and to--how you're serving God. And is it possible that a man
could be wrong and yet sincere? Yes, sir, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man."
I CORINTHIANS 13:1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of
angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling
cymbal. 2 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, I am
nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed
[the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
¶ Charity suffereth
long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no
evil; 6 Rejoiceth
not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all
things. 8 ¶
Charity never faileth: but whether [there be]
prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease;
whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall
be done away. 11 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.
12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the
greatest of these [is] charity.
JOHN
HEALING LINE 53-0907E E-40 As I do to God's people, I am serving God.
"Insomuch as you have done it unto the least of these My little ones, you
have did it onto Me." Is that right? Listen, here's a lovely thing, as you
serve one another, you're serving God. See? The love of God is in every
Christian heart. And be kind to one another. Forgive one another. If you don't
see the Scriptures just alike, well, you believe anyhow and--and pray for the other
person and just love one another. You'll find there's no greater evidence of a
Christian in the world, than love.
ROMANS 13:8 Owe no man any
thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery,
Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly
comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:
therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.
LAW 55-0115 E-17 I can only serve Him as I
serve His people. You can only love Him as you love each other. I can only love
Him as I love you and you love me. And together we love God. And we become His
children, in that I serve you, you serve me. And that's we're serving God.
Jesus said, "Insomuch as you have done unto the least of these little
ones, you have did it unto Me." So if we want a blessing, let's be a
blessing to someone else, and a blessing will return. Like casting your bread
upon the water, it'll return. And that's true. In all walks of life you'll find
that. You usually reap just as you sow. So let's do good. Talk good and be
kind. And people talk about us, we'll say good things and kind things. And good
things will come our way, if we'll give them out.
I THESSALONIANS 4:9 ¶ But as
touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves
are taught of God to love one another. 10
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye
may have lack of nothing. 13 ¶ But I
would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,
that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall
not prevent them which are asleep. 16
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: 17 Then we which are alive
[and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I JOHN
DISCERNMENT OF
SPIRIT 60-0308
46 Now, we notice when He was
here on earth, how He went about doing good. I noticed another thing that comes
in my mind. Did you notice when David was rejected as king? He went out of the
city, and a little Benjamite, Benjamite,
which was supposed to have been a brother to him, should've been sorry because
he was rejected, but what... He was a crippled man. And he drug along there
with his crippled condition, throwing dirt on David, and calling him all kinds
of bad names, and cursing him in the Name of the Lord, cursing King David in
the Name of the Lord, this little old crippled-up Benjamite.
Watch the Spirit of God and the spirit of the Devil working. 47
Now, if you notice, he was crippled. It represents the spiritual crippleness of the people today that would make fun of the
true Spirit of God in Christ manifesting Itself. That was the Spirit of Christ
in David being rejected as a king. And today, when the people make fun of the
people who has received the Holy Spirit and trying to achieve something to draw
Methodists and Pentecostals, and Baptists and Pentecostals, and Presbyterians
and all together as a unity, as a Body of Christ, and they see the Spirit
working, and say, "Well, look, that's a Pentecostal. Away with him. I know
one went off with another man's wife. I know this one got drunk. I know this
one did this. I know this one did that." All that, but they're big enough
to hide their own things; they can hide it. But David was exposed. Why? He had
the Spirit of Christ in him. That guard said, "Shall I take the head of
that dog that would curse my king?"
49 Watch the Spirit of Christ
in David, "Let him alone, for the Lord has told him to curse me." Do
you catch that? "Let him alone; the Lord has told him to curse me."
Instead, today we want to get up our fists and fight him (See?), chop his head
off, "Yeah, get him out; he don't belong to us." "Let him alone;
the Lord has told him to curse me." That little cripple running along
there, throwing dirt on David... That's what they do today on the Spirit of
Christ. "They're a bunch of holy-rollers. Why, they're a bunch of this.
There's nothing to them. There's nothing to Divine healing. There's no such a
thing as Angels. There's no such a thing as prophets." All those things,
"The days of miracles is past," throwing dirt. But let them alone.
But when David returned in power (Hallelujah.), when he come back as full king
of
ROMANS 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth
to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord;
and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we
are the Lord's.
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 64-0823M 981-Q-274 274. Dear Brother Branham: My wife and I were
separated. She is suing me for a divorce. She is not a Christian, and I believe
the Message and want her to be saved (Isn't that nice? That's real Christian
spirit. See?) and believe. What must I do? We also have two boys. (Signed their
name.) Brother, look, let me tell you, she's going to sue you for a divorce;
that's Satan. See? You shouldn't do that, but if you're a Christian and done
nothing in the world to hinder that woman, then it's Satan doing that. He's
only trying to tear you up. Now, if she is one of God's elected, she will come
to Him. If she's not, she's not worth worrying about. Then if it does... If you
worry, it'll break your health down, and that's what Satan wants to do. He's
working, I know, at you. So you just commit the whole thing to God and go right
on serving God just as happy as you can be. God will take care of the rest of
it. "All that the Father has given Me will come to me." Get down on
your knees; I'll pray with you or anything. I'll pray over the matter. Just
say, "Lord God, I love her; she's the mother of my children," (if she
is) and say, "I--I--I just commit the whole thing to You, Lord. I want
them saved; You know I do; but I can't go no further. She's going to divorce me
anyhow. I haven't done nothing; if I have, reveal it to me; I'll go make it
right. I will do anything." Then commit it to the Lord and just let it
alone then, just let it alone. Go right on living just the same as--as nothing
had ever happened. And God will take care of the rest of it.
I CORINTHIANS 16:13 ¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit
you like men, (be a man) be
strong. 14 Let all your things be done with
charity. 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house
of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits
of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the
saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to
every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth. Addicted
= devoted
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14
Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my
affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the
beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated
with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your
account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full,
having received of Epaphroditus the things [which
were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a
sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
II CORINTHIANS 8:1 ¶ Moreover,
brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of
Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the
abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their
liberality. 3 For to [their] power, I
bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; 4
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive
the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And [this they did], not as we
hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
God. 6
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
finish in you the same grace also. 7
¶ Therefore, as ye abound in
every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence,
and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I
speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to
prove the sincerity of your love. 9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was
rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be
rich. 10 And herein I give [my] advice: for this is
expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be
forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing [of it];
that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also
out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it
is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath
not. 13 For [I mean] not that other men be eased,
and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality,
[that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that
their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be
equality: 15 As it is written, He that
[had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no
lack. 16 ¶ But thanks [be] to God, which put the same
earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but
being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have sent with him the brother,
whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19 And not [that] only, but who was also
chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered
by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should
blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in
the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother,
whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more
diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you. 23
Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired
of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew
ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our
boasting on your behalf.
II CORINTHIANS 9:1 ¶ For as touching the ministering to the
saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2 For I know the forwardness of your mind,
for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year
ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain
in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with
me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this
same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I
thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto
you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the
same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness.
6 ¶ But this [I say], He which soweth
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7
Every man according as he purposeth in his
heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound
toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound
to every good work: 9 (As it is
written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness
remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth
seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed
sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all
bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving
to God. 12 For the administration of
this service not only supplieth the want of the
saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your
professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal
distribution unto them, and unto all [men];
14 And by their prayer for you,
which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15
Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.
II TIMOTHY 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed
of my chain: 17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out
very diligently, and found [me]. 18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find
mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at
Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
PSALMS 19:14 Let the
words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
PROVERBS 10:32 The lips
of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked
[speaketh] frowardness.
PROVERBS 11:1 ¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD:
but a just weight [is] his delight.
PROVERBS 21:3 ¶ To do justice and judgment [is] more
acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
ROMANS 12:1 ¶ 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. 2 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 14:17 For the
kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another.
EPHESIANS 5:8 For ye were
sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9
(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable
unto the Lord.
peripateo {per-ee-pat-eh'-o} -- walk
-- be occupied 1a) to make
one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities 1b) to regulate one's life, to conduct one's
self; to pass one's life
PHILIPPIANS 4:15 Now ye
Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed
from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and
receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and
again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire
fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound:
I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things
[which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet
smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to
God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 ¶ Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for
ever and ever. Amen.
I TIMOTHY 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all
men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty. 3 For this [is] good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth. 5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
I TIMOTHY 5:3 ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that
is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and
desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth
in supplications and prayers night and day.
I PETER 2:5 Ye also, as
lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
I PETER 2:19 For this
[is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering
wrongfully. 20 For what glory [is it], if, when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well,
and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God. 21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he
was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but
committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:
DEUTERONOMY 10:17 For the
LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a
terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: 18 He doth execute the judgment of the
fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in
giving him food and raiment. 19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were
strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt
thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. 21 He [is] thy
praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible
things, which thine eyes have seen.
I CORINTHIANS 8:1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we
know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth
up, but charity edifieth. 2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet
as he ought to know. 3 But if any man
love God, the same is known of him.
I CORINTHIANS 16:14 Let all your
things be done with charity. 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house
of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits
of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the
saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves
unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us],
and laboureth.
COLOSSIANS 3:12 ¶ Put on
therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so
also [do] ye. 14 And above all these
things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in
your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do]
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
II THESSALONIANS
1:3 We are bound to thank God
always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you
all toward each other aboundeth; 4
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your
patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 ¶
[Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye
may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God
to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us,
when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 In
flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified
in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our
testimony among you was believed ) in that day. 11 ¶
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you
worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good
pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to
the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I TIMOTHY 1:5 ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out
of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:
I TIMOTHY 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being
deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in
childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
I TIMOTHY 4:12 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.
II TIMOTHY 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he
shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work. 22
¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but
follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord
out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and
unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
TITUS 2:1 ¶ But speak thou the things which become sound
doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave,
temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be
sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 [To be] discreet,
chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of
God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober
minded. 7 In all things shewing
thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing]
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech,
that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you.
I PETER 4:7 ¶ But the
end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent
charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without
grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, [even
so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God. 11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth:
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
agape
{ag-ah'-pay}
-- love -- charity --
good will, benevolence
EPHESIANS 1:13 In whom ye
also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your
salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 ¶
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not
to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the
riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19
And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who
believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
I PETER 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the
truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye]
love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23 Being born again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
anupokritos {an-oo-pok'-ree-tos}-- unfeigned -- without dissimulation -- without hypocrisy -- undisguised, sincere