YCCM Part 2 A WAY OF LIFE CHAPTER 6 DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: A WAY OF LIFE

YCCM Part 2 A WAY OF LIFE 

CHAPTER 6

DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: A WAY OF LIFE 

"Accountability is the first measure of faith and love of God and Christ; for our Saviour said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15-31 (KJ21)

He also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." 
Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

How would you measure your faith and love for your Father and His Son when you argue, fight or harm your brother? If you instill fear and hatred into others or stir up strife by cursing, insulting, instigating, intimidating, bullying, ridiculing, verbally abusing, spreading gossip, slander, and all manner of denigration, can you be called a child of God? 

If you continue to discriminate against, hate and oppress others, can you be called a child of God? If you join the ranks of those who take pleasure in terrorism, torture and all forms of violence, can you call yourself a child of God? And what peace has anyone in the rebellious and stubborn? If you are not a child of God, then, you serve another and the wicked shall be cut off!

How many Believers today can beckon to others, saying in truth,  "Come, follow me and see how I follow Jesus and obey God?" --Mishael 

Chapter 6 

DELIVERING the MESSAGE : A WAY of LIFE  

The Battle 

As we talk to nonbelievers or those who question our beliefs, they are processing information and memories in their mind. As we depart the TRUTH unto them, uncovering and dispelling the lies in which they have become enslaved, we ignite a battle between the spirit and the soul (self). However, internal and external forces, or spirits of Darkness, may also interfere. These same factors are present to affect the outcome in all of our relationships and conversations. 

1. As we speak, the person may be searching for a frame of reference--something relative in their mind, in which to compare the new information. They may not be able to relate, because, they have been taught differently, experienced something contrary,  or, simply have not been exposed to the subject and have no frame of reference.

For instance, without having a sample for the person to taste or see, you try to describe to someone who has never seen or heard of a caramel latte, how deliciously it tastes. They have never had caramel or seen a machine that can make espresso; for all they know, you are making it up.

If they trust you to be honest with them, you have a better chance of convincing them, that this delightful and delectable beverage actually exists for human consumption.  But, how do you gain their trust?

2. As they listen, they may be locked in a spiritual battle, because the enemy confounds their mind, or stirs up pride inside of them to resist the information you are feeding them.

3. Perhaps, they have formed an opinion about you because of your appearance or something they've heard about you. Or, this is someone you have had a disagreement with in the past. Is it worth talking to them? 

4. They may be chained to a spirit of rebellion to keep them in bondage and ignorance, so that their ears will not hear you. 

5. REMEMBER, our Father desires none of His sheep to perish. Even the lost, He sends the Shepherd out to find. However, is this someone He has chosen to hear? Are they ready for what you have to say? Is it God's Will that you talk to them?

Now, What if:

• They are a person who is likely to believe anything, because they are desperately in need of something better to believe in? 
• They feel that agreeing with you will please you? 
• They are so insecure, they just want to fit in and try to make people like them? 
• They are just listening to you to go and gossip about you?
• They pretend to listen, because being around you will give them status and prestige and others will notice them?
• They are looking for knowledge to make them feel superior to others?
• They just don't like coffee or disapprove of drinking coffee for personal or religious reasons. 

We could spend time speculating and continuing to add to the list, but afterwards, will you feel it is worth sharing your love of caramel latte, if they're really not interested and have other motives for being there?

IS IT ABOUT US?

All of this analyzing falls into the category of self-thinking. What does it have to do with reaching the hearts of others? Will knowing their motives help us tell the Truth better? Is it so important to know or get past their motives? Or, is it fear and pride that motivates us to find out? 

Is it about US or delivering the message? Do we need to SELL the Truth? Is it even POSSIBLE to sell the Truth? Peter and John didn't seem to think so. They were appalled when Simon, the magician, tried to buy God's Holy Spirit! (Acts 8:1-40)

From the accounts of Jesus' Disciples, we know that many of the people who followed Jesus had some of these same motives. Moreover, they also wanted to see: signs from Heaven; watch Jesus perform miracles of healing; and hungry crowds swarmed Him to produce more food, as He had for the thousands, whom He fed fish and bread.

Of course, it didn't please Jesus and it tired Him, but He was on a mission for His Father. He had to listen to God and continue His Journey, which had an end and a purpose. 

If He would have ceased speaking to the multitudes of people, we wouldn't have heard about His life-changing parables, sermons and miracles. 

People may have ulterior motives for being around you, or tolerating you, but, should we allow that to stop us from delivering God's message? NO, this is exactly what Satan wants you to do! He wants you to think of all types of past failures, scenarios and excuses not to give others OPPORTUNITY to meet Jesus. 

If they refuse to believe you at all, the battle should be in THEIR mind, NOT YOURS! The mind may reject to believe what it hears, but the spirit records and brings back to memory. 

The Pharisee and Sadducee could not relate to what Jesus preached. What man doesn't understand, he often condemns. Therefore, they claimed that He was a blasphemer, a false prophet, and that He had changed the laws given by Moses. Any man who did so was cursed and had to be serving Satan. 

Unbeknownst to them, the Son of God was not just ANY man and by the hand of God, He was about to change EVERYTHING. Yes, the law would remain, but how man would come to obey the law would be a miraculous gift from God! 

Many confuse the laws of God with traditions, rituals and practices. Also, God handed down many ordinances, which governed the Jews in how they were to live during that time, because of their disobedience, hard-heartedness and inability to have perfect love for their brother. Such is the nature of man, without having been born again to rest and abide in the Father and Son. 

God would not have us forget what He has done for us. Therefore, our heritage is important to us because it connects us to God.  However, seeking identity outside of Christ can fill us with pride in self that separates us from our brother and Christ. 

When heritage is steeped in religion, it ties us to the physical world and keeps us under the law, preventing us from surrendering all and connecting to God, who is a Spirit. 

We must remember that Jesus fulfilled ALL the law and the prophecy!! We must also remember that the law was created to serve man. Man was NOT created to serve the law! 

A NEW COVENANT was made because the NEW MAN through the sacrifice of Jesus, The Christ, would rest and abide in the righteousness and holiness of The Almighty, who created the law and who is The Word. This was done by the hand of God--not man and cannot be undone. Who will curse God and not be condemned!? 

We must look beyond religion, race, creed, nationality and ethnicity; and those things which would DIVIDE us and have us cling to the flesh and the world! We have become ONE and must now find our identity in Christ Jesus, who is The Truth, The Way and The Life! 

This continues to be a stumbling block for many, because of pride in self and because the world won't let them forget what they are; the color of their skin and where they came from, but now...

Now, we are able to conquer the things of this world. We have access to the Living Word, along with God's Holiness and Righteousness, through His Holy Spirit, which no longer places us under the law! BORN AGAIN, we are kept from sin by abiding in the Father and Son. 

God's Holy Spirit is the FOUNDATION upon which Jesus built His Church. He is our teacher, reminder and comforter. Due to the fulfillment of the law, NO MAN can erase God's statutes and commandments, or the Living Word of God--JESUS!

Just as no man can call unclean, that which God has purified through the blood of JESUS!!!

We must come to believe that it is INDEED FINISHED because of JESUS! And what a GLORIOUS FINISH IT IS! 

Father, I LOVE your Word and the TRUTH therein! PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME AND THE GOODNESS YOU HAVE BESTOWED UPON US!!!

Jesus is the cornerstone of the church 

(Ephesians 2) and the Head of the Body-of-Christ. He is the NEW ADAM--NEW MAN, in whom we are perfected and justified; our High Priest; King of Kings; Chief Shepherd; Counselor; Intercessor and more. Like our Father, He is the embodiment of I AM; He will be what and that which He will be. Praise Jehovah! 

Satan wants us to find loopholes and gaps, fine print, amendments, footnotes and addendums, when God has signed, sealed and delivered the NEW COVENANT complete, without fault. 

When we look at the statutes in Deuteronomy, they magnify the lack of self-control, holiness and righteousness that required Moses to for lack of a better term...micro-manage the Israelites, until his father-in-law advised him to have others help. Thereafter, a political and judicial system was infused into the culture of the Jews which would lead to the Pharisee and Sadducee who governed the Jews through the laws of Moses and their own statutes and doctrine. 

Still, there are those who want to cling to the law and that which could not justify and cleanse man to be transformed into the newness of life in Christ Jesus. We still cannot comprehend the gift God has given to us and the sacrifice He made. We still think it's all about US! 

As One, we now exists in the flesh, in the world, but also we are aware of our existence on a spiritual plane with God, keeping our mind on heavenly things. Satan will try to keep us tied to earthly things and ideas that prevent us from operating in the spirit, being attached to Christ Jesus--The Vine, and producing good fruit.

Pride, fear, love of the world, and self, prevented many Jews from accepting Jesus. They refused to let go of living under the law, tradition, rituals, false doctrine, pride, fear, slave mentality, hatred and a lack of faith and trust in God. Things tied them to the world, when God offered them something better--a free ticket to abundant and eternal life, compliments of Jesus, who paid the price for ALL! 

As Jesus' Disciples, we have been commissioned to spread the Good News of the Kingdom. No, it isn't all about us. It's about GOD--serving Him and one another! 

Will we allow things to keep us tied to the world or will we pick up our cross and follow Jesus? Will we trust Jesus to guide and mature us as we spread God's Word and message? Will we carry God's Holy Spirit to convict and draw repentance, inspiring others to believe in Christ Jesus and our Father who sent Him, that they may come to enjoy abundant and eternal life?

We cannot let self creep into our conversation, if we are to help change others. We are constantly reminded of the world in which we live, because we are Spiritual Beings covered by flesh. Remember, although, we live in the world, we are not OF the world. This is why we must keep our eyes on Jesus, or we will sink. 

My counseling friend gave me this picturesque analogy about sinking...

"A ship sinks, not because of all the water around it, but, because of the water it takes in." 

In this case, we can say that, self, is the water. Letting self in will surely cause you to sink and fail, when you face darkness within others. Thinking about past hurt and offenses, motives, what-ifs and self-preservation, causes us to fail before we begin. We must seek healing before we can heal others. 

Like many people, I sometimes let too many people into my ship (my life), causing me to become overwhelmed with caring for them and being involved in their concerns. I set myself up for failure, if I don't lighten the load and make time for taking care of myself and my time alone with God. How can I help lift up others, if I am down myself?

Although, we are Spiritual Beings, we are all human form, and our body and mind tire. Satan loves to catch us at our weakest. Jesus knew the importance of rest and prayer for the human body and mind and often went off to Himself. 

On the other hand, we can experience the opposite, especially if we are tired, or clinging to the world. Then, when communicating with others, too often, we are more concerned with our best interests and not the best interests of others. Is this carrying your cross? We cannot say, Father, I will do your will, if it is in my best interests to do so. Or, I will only speak to those with the right motives. Woe be it, that someone is denied the opportunity to hear the Word of God, because of our fears, prejudices and insecurities. 

Until one comes under the mind of Christ, with a changed heart, they only know that they are thirsty. They know not what they thirst for, until they have drunk from the Fountain of Living Water--Jesus. Yes,they may search for Truth, Holiness and Righteousness, but until they have tasted it, they do not know what it is, but search to fill a void and a starving spirit. 

We too, have a journey's end, yet the hour or day is unknown to us. "We must work, for the night is coming."

If we allow Satan, he will stir up doubt, pride, fear and all kind of negative feelings to prevent us from changing someone's life, especially, those close to us. He will feed us a lie that sounds like the truth and make us think it came from God. Why can he do this? Because we fail to abide in Jesus and think we can approach others in the flesh (self).  

We must acknowledge that we are not alone and the only way to approach Darkness is as One with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Alone, we will fail.

Yes, people will try to discourage us. They look at: where you came from; who your parents are; the mistakes you have made in the past; what you struggle with now; and what they can get from you. 

However, when a violent storm comes upon us, we are all touched by it. It has no preference to whose house it will destroy. Darkness affects us all. What matters is, whether or not you choose to remain in Darkness. 

EXAMPLES 

LUKE 6:47-49

47] Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

[48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

[49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

THE BIGGEST REASON we have been unsuccessful in bringing in the lost and creating healthy, godly relationships is because we lack valid examples that people can follow--born again Disciples--Believers who walk-the-walk and not just talk-the-talk. 

I would not call them role-models, because that is a term that can be used very loosely to describe various roles in life. A Disciple strives to become just like his Master...Jesus. We need DISCIPLES, not church members. DISCIPLES are Christ's church and fruitful, connected members of Christ's Body.

Satan has plenty of examples to tempt people to join him. The problem remains that churches are not producing enough true disciples--qualified representatives to reflect Jesus. Instead of defeating the enemy, we have compromised and joined them. 

Yet, to say that no disciples are being produced in a church is not to have faith in God; for God always preserves a remnant, as He did when Obadiah, who greatly feared the Lord, took one hundred prophets to hide from Jezebel's slaughtering assassins.

There will always be unheard voices God hides until their time, who are examples of Jesus, ready to cry out to the masses, "REPENT! FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!!" I am witness to this, for I am one of them. 

The Great Commission is more than just a postcard in the mail, a recorded sermon on a CD or other works; for without faith, these things are in vain. Just as faith must produce works to be alive, to be alive, true faith must be a Way of Life--unyielding and refusing to compromise the Will and Way of God! HELP US LORD!!! Help our unbelief so that we may truly live and abide in our faith in Christ and thereby, conquer the world!

OPPORTUNITY 

Before Jesus sent His Disciples out to spread The Good News of the Kingdom, He told them to lodge in only one house, during the duration of their stay in that city. It was not just a mannerable custom, but there was a blessing for that house for their hospitality. 

The Disciples were not only giving them opportunity to be blessed by God, but they were blessed by having a relationship and interacting with a man who had been exposed to Jesus; who loved Jesus and was loved by Him. 

The Disciples could tell them many things about themselves and how they came to know Jesus and because the household could observe that they were ordinary men, who could do miraculous things, they had opportunity to believe in Jesus and go on to witness to others, who might believe, also. 

Jesus provided opportunities for people to see examples. OPPORTUNITY, that...is the key! God provides opportunities to get to know Him through Jesus! WE are the opportunity! Opportunity is a gift from God and with all gifts come accountability! 

We could call it 'planting seeds', as some do, but providing opportunity is so much more than speaking the Word to plant seeds. It is showing people how to LIVE the Word.

Jesus needed EXAMPLES! Something for people to sample and "Taste and see the GOODNESS of the Lord." (Psalm 3:8KJV) That's why He chose twelve men, perceived as being ordinary to do something extraordinary. God has given each one of us great potential and opportunity to change those around us. Not everyone will be changed and instead of planting a seed, in God's eyes, they have rejected Him. Even those who claim to be Believers and Christians reject God. Therefore, we are separating the sheep from the wolves in sheep's clothing. We can have no preference of men because of the station in life or race. We must dispel lies to help free those lost and in bondage and lead them to the Kingdom. This is part of the ministry of every Disciple. This is art of the example of Christ Jesus.

Today, we are able to read some of the Twelve Apostle's testimonies in the Bible, because, our Father knew we needed examples to prove to us that we are an extraordinary opportunity to bring opportunities to others! Those who say they cannot be changed must be given the opportunity to meet an extraordinary man named Jesus! 

Child of God, KNOW WHO YOU ARE and who you are in Christ! You are an OPPORTUNITY for others to meet and come to know Jesus; an opportunity to lead others into the Kingdom and change their life! 

A UNIQUE WAY OF TEACHING 

Jesus' parables were a constructive way of teaching right from wrong, as opposed to the law which said you must do this and you cannot do that;
which for many stirs up pride, rebellion and anger. 

Jesus opened doors for those who had ears to hear and planted seeds that depending upon conditions, might have a chance to grow later. Most importantly, God provided opportunity for everyone to see a perfect man, even those who were decidedly against Jesus.

His parables were thought-provoking, but it required a different type of thinking.  It required thinking that measured things like faith, love, mercy, kindness and forgiveness. It was thought which measured treasures of the heart. He knew that His words angered and divided many, just as they do today among false Believers who pollute and dilute the Word of God. Still, Jesus, The Vine, was preparing those who could hear to bear good fruit. 

THE PEACEMAKER

As one reads the Apostles accounts of traveling and ministering with Jesus, we don't find Jesus arguing or fighting with anyone, but, speaking Truth. Those who saw it as argument and debate were confused by what they were used to seeing the Pharisee and Sadducee do or blinded by their hardened heart. There is no need to bicker and quarrel, when you know who you are and who you represent. You simply speak Truth in love nd hope for it to grow within hearts. The Disciples argued amongst themselves, because they were yet to discover who they were in Christ. 

Jesus did not quarrel with anyone or put up a fight. He knew who He was and who He represented because He was not ALONE! He was filled with the Peace of God's Holy Spirit! The Father was in Him and He was in the Father. He also knew what His mission was and remained focused, unswayed and obedient to His Father. 

When you are presented opportunity, to change someone's life, KNOW without DOUBT that you are NOT ALONE. There is no need for you to do a system check or test, because we have God's promise that He will never leave us alone. It is OUR responsibility to abide in Him. Within Him, we will find peace and be able to impart peace to others. 

LISTENING

HOW does all of this affect listening to others? It makes us better listeners. Listening is vital in communicating to produce and maintain good relationships. If you are a good listener you will hear the lies that have blinded others and placed them into bondage. We must dispel Satan's lies in whatever FORM we find them. The form could be spiritual, sexual, cultural, educational, political, physical, etc. Satan does not restrict his territory and left alone, the lies infiltrate and take shape in other areas of life. 

As you may have heard me mention before and I cannot emphasize it enough.  Satan cannot create! He only mimics God. Therefore, dispel the lie of the separation of church and state. It is IMPOSSIBLE to undo what God has ordained! For God created Divine Order for man. That order is patterned after the hierarchy in HEAVEN, where God is the Supreme Leader, Authority, and Judge. There are levels of Angels to serve Him and others. 

God has created the order of governing man in likeness to that of Heaven. "On earth as it is in Heaven." God is a god of order, not chaos. It is evil in the hearts of men that has corrupted politics, caused division, and created hatred and chaos. Man has allowed the adversary to corrupt politics and God's Divine Order. Communication has been disrupted and those with hardened hearts have joined Satan to try and overthrow God, and use man to destroy himself by rejecting the Will and Way of God. We must get back to listening to God and one another. 

We know that there are people who for one reason or another are good at talking and others who are better listeners. 

I've heard people say that listening is an art or skill that some master. Given that we have ears capable of hearing and we all like to be heard, why is this so? Why is it that people don't want to take time to listen to one another? Why must we be taught how to listen?

It all goes back to being made perfect in love. Love is kind, patient and long-suffering. Those who have not been made perfect in love cannot love others as they love themselves. 

Again, Jesus fulfilled ALL the law. Through Him, we are able to obey the commandments our Father gave to His children that have been handed down to us. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor,  as He loves us.

Think about how much better past relationships and conversations would have been, if we had been better listeners. Use the new information constructively. Try not to think in terms of "would have, should have, could have, " which only puts guilt and shame upon you, which are not of God. 

Instead, use the new information to bring you closer to God, repent and ask Him to teach you a new way of communicating through abiding in His Holy Spirit and Christ. Ask Him to help you be a better listener by making you perfect in love to truly care about what others have to say; pray for wisdom to understand their needs; and patience and guidance to help them. 

With His Perfect Love, we are able to see others with His eyes; to see others as a part of us; to see others as a part of The Body of Christ; to understand how we are dependent upon one another in the Body; and to have patience to listen to them and bear all Fruit. 

Through Communication of the Heart (Spirit), we can listen to the hearts of others. We refrain from speaking without thinking and being judgmental and saying things we cannot take back.

If we listen to the hearts of others and guide them in letting go of fear and pride, our discussions would not escalate into heated arguments. Instead of focusing on immediately solving a problem or proving who is right, we must focus on healing and producing fruit.

If we ask, God will give us discernment to guide us in our relationships with others. Guided by God's Holy Spirit, we can become spiritually aware of people, places and things both spiritual and carnal, making us better listeners and able to have wisdom in decision-making.

We know that Jesus was a good listener. He took time to allow others to ask Him questions and He listened to the conversations of His Disciples. It was important for Him to know what was in their hearts and minds, as well as to observe how they interacted with one another; for He was teaching them to become more like Him.

I'M NOT PERFECT: BEING IN CHRIST PERFECTS ME

What you do and say in the sight of men, has an effect on how they receive you as Jesus' Ambassador. They remember how you treated them when they did not agree with you. They remember how you treated them when they didn't understand. They saw what you did when someone cursed and threatened you. They saw how you responded when someone tried to seduce you. They watched you as you helped someone in need. They watched as you didn't take more than you needed. They observed you talking to the woman that everyone shunned. They saw the love and patience you had for a child.

Remember that EVERYTHING you do affects those around you.

But, then, you made a mistake and lost your job. They watched you even closer. What would you do?

People will wait and watch for you to fall, so that they can disqualify you and refute everything that you said, in order to continue living sinful lives themselves. 

Still, fall as we sometimes do, our FAITH allows us to continue praising God throughout our circumstances. We can be thankful that because of Jesus, we know how to get up! 

We have a Holy Spirit who reminds us who we are in Christ, who enables us to rise above our circumstances, because of our FAITH in Jesus and our Father above! 

When others see you continue to stand upon the principles of holiness and righteousness and then, be able to get up PRAISING GOD, they are more likely to go, "Hmmm, maybe it's worth giving Jesus a try."

Jesus perfects us, that we may bear Good Fruit.  Those without Christ, who believe they are achieving things on their own, work in vain. They are dependent upon the things of the world and need the laws of men to feel just, holy, and righteous.  But, we cannot produce Good Fruit, unless we are attached to the VINE, Yeshuah, Jesus-- The Christ! 

We can do nothing without the help of Christ. With Christ, NOTHING is impossible, which is within the Will of God! We can live a lifetime trying to do good, but, only what we do for Christ will last. MEANING, and this very important, what you do abiding in Him and His Love for others, that is the Will of God, will last, endure, to be counted as holiness and righteousness.

SUMMARY 

As Disciples, we are examples of Christ in the world. We must reflect Christ to bring about change to others. 

Discipleship is a way of life, in which to reach others and give them an opportunity to meet Jesus. In order to do that, we must be born of water and the Spirit, stripped of self and no longer of the world. 

Being perfect in love allows us to communicate with the heart (spirit) of another, looking beyond their faults to see their needs. We also mature in listening to others, when we are made perfect in love.

As Disciples,  we are PEACEMAKERS able to carry our cross to usher in peace, because we rest and abide in Jesus, Who IS our peace, and being One with God's Holy Spirit and attached to The Vine, we humbly bear good fruit.

"Look and Live," my Brothers and Sisters. "Look to Jesus--NOW and live!"

Giving all Praise, Honor and Glory to God,
Your servant, 
Mishael 

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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions. Try to apply them to your family and public life

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:

https://fssw-followers.weebly.com

https://fsasw.blogspot.com

1. Ask yourself what is causing your ship (life, relationship/s, ministry) to sink or why it sank in the past. What did you allow into your ship to make you take your eyes off of Jesus? 
2. Think of a time when you were trying to explain your beliefs to someone and they didn't understand or believe you? How did you feel? What were your reactions? 
3. Did you abide (rest) in Christ?
4. Did the discussion turn into an argument? Why or why not? Did it change the heart and mind of the other person?
5. Did you seek wisdom and guidance from God's Holy Spirit? 
6. Did arguing change how you felt about the person during that time? How so? When your feelings towards the other person changed did the argument get worse?
7. Did you care then, if the other person was changed for the better? Was the argument more about proving who was right? 
8. How do you think arguing made the other person feel about you and your beliefs?
9. Apply one of the fruits from God's Holy Spirit to the situation. Changing the tense of the word, if needed, replace the word argue (argued, arguing, argument) from one of the questions or answers above with a fruit of God's Holy Spirit. How could it change the results of the discussion? (Galatians 5:22-23(KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance (self-control) : against such there is no law.)
10. If a person is in bondage, will arguing help to bring them out? What could you do instead to change their heart? 
11. What are you doing to the people around you when you argue and fight? (i.e., children, spouse, neighbors, co-workers, parents, family, congregation, youth ministry, nonbelievers, struggling believers, lovers of the world, etc.) 
12. Are you held accountable for changing people?
13. When you give an account of something, you must have accountability. Jesus said He obeyed His Father. Who were the Disciples accountable to? As Christ's Ambassadors, who are we first accountable to? How should this affect our relationships and conversations? 
14. What can you do unceasingly to keep you connected and accountable?
15. Accountability is our first measure of faith and love of God and Christ; for our Father said, "If you love me, you will obey me."  He also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."  How would you measure your faith and love for your Father and His Son when you argue, fight or harm your brother? 
16. Have you conquered the world or are you still OF the world, led by your flesh?
17. Who has won the battle? 

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REFERENCED SCRIPTURE 

John 14:15-3121st Century King James Version (KJ21)

15 “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever”

17 even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him. But ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while and the world seeth Me no more, but ye see Me. Because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

21 He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him.”

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said unto Him, “Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make Our abode with him.

24 He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My sayings. And the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.

25 “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, ‘I go away and come again unto you.’ If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, ‘I go unto the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30 “Hereafter I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.

31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Acts 8:1-40

[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

[6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

[8] And there was great joy in that city.

[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

[25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Ephesians 2(KJ21)

1 And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

3 Among these also we all had our manner of living in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love wherewith He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved),

6 and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God—

9 not by works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them.

11 Therefore, remember that ye, being in times past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by those who are called the Circumcision in the flesh so made by hands—

12 remember that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

13 But now in Christ Jesus, ye who once were far off have been brought nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us,

15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might make in Himself one new man out of the two, so making peace,

16 and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.

17 He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were nigh;

18 for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore, ye are strangers and foreigners no more, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

20 Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

21 in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord,

22 in Whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.'

1 Kings 19 

[1] And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

[2] And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

[3] And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

[4] For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

[5] And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.

[6] So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

[7] And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

[8] And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

[9] And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

[10] As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

[11] And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

[12] And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.

[13] Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

[14] And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.

[15] And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

[16] So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

[17] And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?

[18] And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

[19] Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

[20] So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.

[21] And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

[22] Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

[23] Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

[24] And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

[25] And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

[26] And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

[27] And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

[28] And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

[29] And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

[30] And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

[31] And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

[32] And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

[33] And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.

[34] And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.

[35] And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

[36] And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

[37] Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

[38] Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

[39] And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

[40] And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

[41] And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

[42] So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

[43] And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

[44] And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

[45] And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

[46] And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

Psalm 34(KJV)

34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in theLord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lordheard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek theLord shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of theLord.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lordheareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.