"For the time will come when they [the elect] will not accept sound teaching . . .. And they shall not pay attention to the truth, and shall turn it away, and shall be turned instead to fables" (2.Tim.4:3-4 Para.).

Many who fellowshipped in the congregations of the early church would not accept sound teaching. They sought out teachers who would teach things that were pleasing to them and things that did not require their obedience to the Father's laws, precepts, and principles. In order to deceive the gullible and the spiritually lazy, these teachers replaced truth with error and taught mysticism and other philosophies that appeal to human nature.

The answers to the perplexing questions concerning the demise and disappearance of the early church are only answered in part by the warnings of Jesus and the apostles. Additional answers are found hidden in the prophecy of Zechariah. Matthew, Mark, and John all record Jesus quoting Zechariah's prophecy, which foretold the scattering of Jesus' disciples after his death:

"All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered abroad" (Matt.26:31 KJV). See also Mk.14:27; Jn.16:32.

This is an extremely important prophecy because the rest of the prophecy, which Jesus did not quote, allows us to understand why the apostolic church ceased to function and exist as a powerful entity:

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd [Jesus], and against the man that is my fellow, says the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep [the disciples] shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand upon [against] the little ones [the Father's elect children]" (Zech.13:7 KJV).

The 'little ones' mentioned here are the Father's elect, which are noted in many scriptures as being 'little ones'' (See Matt.8:12, 18:3-10, 19:13-14; Mk.9:42). Why would the Lord of hosts turn against the 'little ones'? And why did Jesus omit this portion of the prophecy?

The reason for the rejection of the 'little ones' is that they would reject the "Faith Once Delivered" and cease to be zealous students and stewards of truth. The reason that Jesus did not quote the rest of Zechariah's prophecy, is because it was a different prophecy, which would be fulfilled at a different time. Zechariah's prophecy begins its fulfillment during the apostolic church age and will continue until shortly before Christ's return.

Along with the demise and disappearance of the early church and its central governing structure, its educational system is also fractured and splintered into the haphazard system we see today. During the centuries that followed the early churches' demise, individuals and congregations were influenced by many counterfeits of the Father's truth and way of truth. Moreover, much of what is taught as truth today is false and was not taught or practiced by the early church.

One of the aspects and beliefs of the pseudo-Christianity that is pervasive within congregations of the Father's children is that disciples and stewards are people that have been baptized, received the holy spirit, financially support the church, and assemble with others of like mind, fellowship with them, and listen to sermons.

One individual aptly sums up the basic philosophy taught within many congregations of the Father's children during this age in the following four words: pray, pay, stay, and obey.

Although many see nothing wrong with this philosophy, it is not what Christ meant when he said, "Go and enroll students in all the nations." The biblical definition of what it means to be a student of truth and a steward within the Sovereign Father's earthly family of king-priests is much more than what has been commonly taught for decades within the various congregations of the Father's elect.

The reason for a lack of the vital knowledge and understanding of the meaning of discipleship and stewardship is that the educational system of the early church has been replaced with that of false Christianity and its concept of discipleship and stewardship. The only way for the true meaning of discipleship and stewardship to be reestablished within the Father's earthly family is to institute the biblically based educational and organizational system of the early church along with all of the laws that governed this system.

Knowledge and Understanding

You are not given perfect knowledge and understanding of the Father's laws, precepts, and principles and the mysteries that are hidden within the Bible at the instant you receive the holy spirit. You must be educated in the things of the spirit, and this educational process takes time and effort. This is one of the reasons that the apostle Paul instructed the evangelist Timothy to "Earnestly study to show yourself approved to God a worker unashamed" (2.Tim.2:15 Para.). See also 1.Thes.4:10-12; 2.Pet.3:13-18.

One who is newly adopted into the Father's family is not expected to immediately know and understand everything contained within the Bible. Moreover, you are not expected to know everything about the Father and his Son during this lifetime. However, it is the Father's will that we grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding in order for us to fulfill the goals he has for us individually and collectively.

Did the early church study what is commonly called the New Testament today? The answer is no. They did not have these writings in the format in which we have them today. The early church studied the law and the prophets and the writings set forth prior to the advent of Christ, as well as the writings of the apostles as they were made available to them. See Acts 1:20, 7:42, 15:13-31, 24:14, 28:23; 2.Tim.3:13-17.

You must diligently study the entire Bible if you are to have a depth of knowledge and understanding about the Sovereign Father and our Savior, the Father's plan of salvation for humanity, what it means to be a student of truth and the way of truth, what it means to be a steward in the Father's family, and how to gain his approval as a steward in his earthly family.

King Solomon, to whom God gave great knowledge and wisdom, gave the following advice to a righteous person:

"The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness" (Pro.15:14 KJV).

"The heart of the righteous studies how to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things" (Pro.15:28 KJV).

"The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge" (Pro.18:15 KJV). See also Pro.4:5-7,16:16; Psa.119:103-105.

Solomon's observations on this subject are worthy of careful consideration because of the current doctrinal chaos and lack of unity within the Father's family. Solomon also gave the following advice about trusting one's own intellect in spiritual matters:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil" (Pro.3:5-7 Para.).

If we rely on our own intellect to provide knowledge and understanding into the Father's truth and way of truth and his hidden mysteries, we will fail miserably. The prophet Isaiah recorded this about the great difference between God's thoughts and ways and ours:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa.55:8-9 Para.).

Even though we are of the new creation, our thoughts and ways are not always in harmony with our Heavenly Father's simply because we are still subject to the human perspective and thought process. Our Father's thoughts are from his perspective; therefore, his thoughts are so far above our own that we cannot begin to comprehend the difference until we begin to think like him.

How are we to overcome the obstacle of our human perspective and thought process in order to think like the Father, live in harmony with his ways, and fulfill our functions and responsibilities within his earthly family? In order to do this, we must diligently seek to be educated in his thoughts and his ways and practice them to the best of our ability (Heb.5:14). Only then will we begin to know what and how he thinks, the greatness of his plan for us and humanity, and how to become a responsible and profitable steward in his family.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The apostle Peter gave this important instruction to those who are to learn and practice truth and the way of truth:

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1.Pet.2:1-3 NIV).

Just as a mother's milk gives an infant certain protection from disease and sustains its rapid development during its first few months of life, pure spiritual nourishment helps a child of God grow in God's truth and way of truth. Moreover, pure spiritual milk not only nourishes and sustains you in the early stages of your spiritual development but also helps you to grow into and maintain spiritual maturity.

Add These Things

After the apostle Peter's greeting in his second letter, he said this about things that must be added to one's spiritual make-up:

"Diligently add to your faith virtue; to virtue knowledge; to knowledge temperance; to temperance patience; to patience godliness; to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2.Pet.1:5-8).

You cannot add to what you do not already possess. You cannot come to understand the essence of these godly attributes if they are not clearly explained to you.

Of all of the causes of doctrinal chaos and lack of unity among the congregations and scattered members of the Father's earthly family during this age, the single most damaging is the lack of a clearly defined and structured educational system to guide a newly adopted son from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity.

A major cause of a dysfunctional educational system within the scattered congregations of the elect is that many who lead the Father's children are not seeking to improve their spiritual knowledge, add to it, or perfect the basic truths that they currently understand. Because these spiritual leaders hesitate to venture into areas of study that are challenging or uncomfortable and do not attempt to broaden their knowledge of the things of God, most of those they teach and serve also stand still in their spiritual growth. They just hold on to what they have and do not add to or perfect their spiritual knowledge.

Going over and over the same basic knowledge that one has already learned does have its advantages. However, if this is all that is taught, it does little to expand one's knowledge of the Father's truth and way of truth and limits growth in the grace and the knowledge of the Father and his Son.

Regardless of whether or not one has the opportunity to be taught by a knowledgeable spirit-filled teacher within the Father's earthly family, each person is personally responsible to extend the boundaries of their spiritual education in order to grow in spiritual maturity and to equip themselves to fully carry out their personal responsibilities and functions within the Father's extended family.

In many of Paul's letters, he spoke of the necessity for a person to become educated in the things pertaining to one's calling. To the Colossians and Philippians he said the following:

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col.1:9-10 KJV).

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Phil.1:8-9 KJV).

Notice that all of the godly qualities and knowledge that Peter and Paul mention must be learned, some of which take more effort to learn than others. The only way that a person can follow these instructions of Peter and Paul is to be a willing, dedicated, responsible, and teachable student of the Father's truth and way of truth. Notice also that some of the reasons for being educated in these things is to have the intellectual tools to help you live and perfect a righteous lifestyle and be able to perform good works.

THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE

The fundamental issue that each person who is called to salvation during this age must come to grips with is whether or not to perform the Father's will in their life to the best of their ability and put forth a diligent effort to hold in check the old nature.

When all is said and done, the tests and trials of this life are over, and you stand before the Father and his Son to be judged for what you have done with the opportunity that you were given, the fundamental issue that will determine whether or not you are granted immortal life along with rewards and positions of authority in the Kingdom of God will be how you have performed the Father's will during your physical life.

What does knowing the Father's will and performing it have to do with discipleship and stewardship? It has everything to do with being a student of truth and a steward of your functions and responsibilities in the Father's earthly family, because you cannot adequately fulfill either without knowing the Father's will for your life.

THE FATHER'S WILL

Jesus said that he came to do the will of his heavenly Father and to be an example of how to please him. If you want to know and understand the Father's will and how to please him, you must first look to the Father's teachings through Christ and the apostles:

"All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won't collapse, for it is built on a rock. But those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who builds his house on the sand. For when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it will fall with a mighty crash" (Matt.7:24-27 LBP). See also 1.Jn.2:5-6; Phil.2:5; 1.Tim.6:17-19; 2.Pet.3:18.

"I, of myself can do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me" (Jn.5:30 KJV Para.). See also Jn.6:38.

The scriptures clearly show that the Father's will (i.e., his purpose) for his earthly children is no secret, and it can and must be known and understood if one is to grow toward spiritual maturity.

How do you determine and understand the Father's will well enough to be able to set the correct course throughout your life, and how do you gain the knowledge and understanding to make correct spiritual decisions?

Ancient Israel relied on the priests and the prophets to reveal the Creator God's will to them, but during this age, there is no central authority on earth governing and clearly and concisely teaching the Sovereign Father's truth to his family of king-priests who are scattered throughout the nations. Because of this current situation, you must rely on the written word of God and the guidance from the holy spirit to reveal the Father's will to you. See Jn.14:26.

Be Wise

How important is it to know, understand, and do the Father's will in your life?

Knowing, understanding, and doing the Father's will is important to being a productive and beneficial member and citizen within the Father's earthly family and holy nation of king-priests.

The apostle Paul said to the Ephesians concerning doing the Father's will, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Eph.4:1 NIV). See also Col.1:9-10; 1.Thes.2:12; 2.Thes.1:11; Rev.3:4.

To know, understand, and do the Father's will is vitally important to your salvation; because, if you do not do what you know and understand to be the Father's will for your life, you are not truly a member of the Father's family in mind and spirit. Concerning his Father's will, Jesus said, "Whoever does the will of God, that person is my brother, and my sister, and mother" (Mk.3:35 KJV).

The following warning of Jesus clearly shows the result of not knowing, understanding, and doing the Father's will in your life to the best your ability:

"Not everyone that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of the Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out devils and in your name done many wonderful works? But, I will say to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work lawlessness" (Matt.7:21-23 KJV Para.). See also Rom.12:2.

These are people who sincerely thought they were living in obedience to God and were worthy of eternal life. However, the path that they chose is actually in opposition to God's way of life. Although these people have done great works, they have missed the mark and their efforts have been in vain, because they have been practicing lawlessness. They have either never been on the path of righteousness or they have veered off of it and onto a path that has led them away from God.

Because it is the Father's will that we live in harmony with his laws, it should be obvious that to avoid the violation of these laws you must first be educated in what is lawful and what is not. This is one of the reasons the educational system was instituted within the Father's earthly family and one of the reasons that you must be a perpetual student of truth.

Jesus said that only those who do the Father's will can be granted entry into his Father's heavenly realm, family, and kingdom. Therefore, it is essential to know what the Father's will is and how to perform it in regard to being a student of his truth and a steward of the functions and responsibilities that he has assigned you as a member of his earthly family.

You must be doing the Father's will to the extent of your understanding of his will; otherwise, you are a worker of lawlessness, which is rebellion against his will. Anyone in rebellion against God will have their life terminated in the Lake of Fire. This is the second death from which there is no return.

In the end of this age, there will be many of the Father's children who truly know the Father's will concerning their lives, but for some reason they will refuse to do what they know they should do. To these unfaithful servants Jesus gives the following warning:

"And that servant, who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself, and did not perform according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes" (Lk.12:47 para.).

These are individuals who talk the talk of righteousness, but do not walk the walk of a truly righteous person who is interested in learning truth and the way of truth in order to practice it.

When the warnings in Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 12:47 are viewed in the context of being a student of the Father's truth and way of truth, your stewardship, your functions and responsibilities within the Father's family, and the punishment of the six churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the seriousness of knowing, understanding, and performing the Father's will to the best of your ability should motivate you to action. See Revelation, chapters 2 and 3.

GOD'S WILL CAN BE KNOWN

If we do not know the Father's will, we cannot be expected to do what he wants us to do; therefore, he gives us an understanding of his will. Moreover, it does not take much study into the Bible to know and understand what he wants us to do with our life here on earth.

Just as the ancient Israelites could come to know and understand the Creator's God's will through the study of his written word, the Father's earthly children can also know and understand his will this way. Although the Sovereign Father has intentionally hidden much of his awesome purpose from most people, his will for his earthly children is made known to them if they make a diligent effort to search for it.

The apostle Paul said the following about your ability to know and understand what the Father's will is for you:

"See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, you do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph.5:15-17 Para.) See also Col.1:7-10.

"Therefore, don't you be conformed to this world: but you be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom.12:2 KJV Para.). See also Dan.12:4,10; Eph.1:9-11; 1.Pet.1:12; 1.Jn.2:17.

Yes. The Father's will can be known and understood by those whom he has called to salvation, because knowing and understanding his will is a part of one's calling. Each person whom the Father has called to salvation during this age must know and prove what his will is for their life. Concerning God's will, King David said, "Teach me to do your will; for you are my God: Your spirit is good; lead me into the land of righteousness" (Psa.143:10 KJV).

David understood that he had to be taught to do God's will, and that he had to be led by the Creator God--the teacher--in order to know how to be righteous.

In order to be mentally equipped to serve and please the Father, you must be a diligent student of his truth and way of truth so that you will know what he expects of you and how to accomplish what is expected.

Because knowing and understanding the Father's will is vitally important to those he calls to salvation, he has provided two easily understood methods through which his children can receive help to gain this knowledge and understanding. These two methods are communicating with him and studying and meditating on his truth and way of truth that is contained in the Bible.

BUT HE THAT DOES NOT BELIEVE

Mark records the following much overlooked and misunderstood warning given by Christ along with the instruction to proclaim the Gospel and enroll students in the truth and way of truth:

"You go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that has faith and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be damned" (Mk.16:15-16 Para).

Many view this warning as meant only for those who dismiss the good news message when they hear it. Although there is much truth to this viewpoint, there is a serious warning here for those who initially have faith in the message, accept the opportunity of salvation, receive the indwelling of the holy spirit, and then do not follow through with their commitment to the Father.

Being a member of the Father's family and a pupil of Christ is much more than just simple belief. True belief includes a lifetime commitment to fulfilling the functions and responsibilities of your calling. A major part of this commitment is becoming conversant with the Father's truth, his way of truth, and his rules of conduct for members of his family and then diligently performing your responsibility as a member of the Father's earthly family.

BEING A DEDICATED AND RESPONSIBLE STUDENT

Being a Follower of Christ

Being a follower of Christ and a student of truth goes far beyond a profession of faith, asking forgiveness of your sins, being immersed in water, and receiving the holy spirit. These things are just the prerequisites to becoming a follower of Christ and a student of truth as a member of the Father's earthly family. Being a follower of Christ and a student of truth does not stop at baptism.

Receiving the indwelling of the holy spirit and being adopted into the Father's earthly family is only the beginning of a journey through life that will bring you to the point of spiritual perfection and being transformed into an immortal spirit-being in the Father's Heavenly Kingdom and Family.

Beyond the point of adoption into the Father's family is the ongoing process of spiritual growth and the fulfilling of your functions and responsibilities within the Father's earthly family. See Rom.12:1-2; 2.Tim.2:15; 2.Pet.3:17-18.

There seem to be at least three phases of being a student of truth that must operate concurrently throughout one's physical life.

• The first phase is the beginning of one's tenure as a student in which the Father's foundational laws, precepts, and principles are being learned and put into practice.


• The second phase is that of an apprentice student whose task is to put into practice and perfect what is being learned through practical application over time.


• The third phase seems to be that of a student teacher who is still learning, but is able to educate others in what they have learned.

Christ Pleased His Father

Matthew records that, when Jesus was baptized, a voice from the sky said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt.3:17) and at the mount of transfiguration, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; you listen to him" (Matt.17:5).

The apostle John records the following single most important reason that the Sovereign Father was pleased with his earthly son:

Why was the Father pleased with his son? It was because his son lived in harmony with his laws, precepts, and principles and did the things that were expected of him as a son.

Clearly, it is impossible to please the Father unless you live in harmony with his truth and his way of truth and perform the functions and responsibilities that he has called you to perform. However, it is impossible for you to do what he expects if you do not know and understand his laws, precepts, and principles. This is the reason that one of the functions of the holy spirit is that of a teacher of truth (Jn.14:25-26; 16:12-15). It is also the reason why one of the more important functions and responsibilities in the Father's earthly family is that of a teacher and an instructor in the Father's truth and way of truth (1.Cor.12:28-29).

If we also want the Father to be pleased with us, we must also do the things that please him. We must not only learn his laws, precepts, and principles but also perfect them in our life and perform the functions and responsibilities of our calling.

If you are serious about pleasing the Father and moving forward in your spiritual life, you must be a willing, dedicated, responsible, and teachable student of the Father's truth and way of truth. Being a willing, dedicated, and responsible student is much more than just acquiring knowledge for the sake of knowledge alone. Having perception and being aware of the meaning of a fact, an event, or a set of circumstances is something very different from understanding. Academic knowledge of the Bible is important, but understanding the meaning of this knowledge is much more important.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul speaks of individuals who have a form of godliness but are far from being godly. Paul said that these individuals are continually acquiring knowledge but are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2.Tim.3:1-10). The point is that knowledge for knowledge's sake alone is not profitable to one seeking to gain spiritual insight into the Father's mind-set.

In his letter to the elect at Rome, the apostle Paul urged them to present themselves as a living sacrifice acceptable to God, which was for them a logical act of worship. He also urged them not to copy the lifestyles of their time but to be transformed by the renovation of their mind in order for them to prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom.12:1-2).

The only way that Paul's instructions to the elect at Rome can be followed is through putting forth the time and effort in thoughtful study of the Father's truth and way of truth and asking the Father to grant you understanding of his truth in order to serve him and be the kind of person he wants you to be.

GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE

In the apostle Peter's opening and closing statements of his second letter, he makes the following statement concerning grace and knowledge:

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2.Pet.1:2). At the end of this letter, Peter gives the following instruction: "But grow in grace, and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . ." (2.Pet.3:18).

There are a number of fundamental concepts in what Peter said in the beginning and ending of his letter that are extremely important to being a dedicated, responsible, and teachable student of truth and the way of truth.

In order to gain a partial understanding of why Peter spoke of grace and knowledge in verses 2 and 18 and what it means to our responsibility as a student of truth and the way of truth, we need to examine the meanings of some of the Greek words in Peter's greeting and his instruction at the end of his letter.

The English word 'grace' in verses 2 and 18 is translated from the Greek word 'charis', which can mean 'that which affords joy', 'pleasure', 'delight', 'sweetness', 'charm', 'loveliness', 'grace of speech', 'good-will', 'loving-kindness', 'favor', and 'what is due to grace'. This word can also mean the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine influence, divine influence upon the heart, the reflection of divine influence in one's life, and a token or a proof of grace.

A key to understanding the meaning of 'charis' in verse 2 and 18 is that, in verse 2, 'charis' is to be 'plethuno' (i.e., multiplied) and in verse 18 'charis' is to be 'auzano' (increased). In both verses, 'charis' is to be enlarged through knowledge and insight into the Father and Christ.

Regardless of the nuance of its usage in the scriptures, all 'charis' (all grace) that is bestowed upon us or becomes a part of our character has its origin with our Heavenly Father and his son our Savior. See 2.Jn.3; Rom.1:7-9; 1.Cor.1:3 ; 1.Tim.1:2; Tit.1:4.

The primary purpose for the educational system within the Father's family is to teach his children his truth, his way of truth, and his rules of conduct that we must practice in order to acquire the attitude, behavior, and character that he and his son have. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Peter would open and close his letter of encouragement and warnings with the instruction to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In a conversation with the Pharisees Jesus said, "You neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should have also known my Father" (Jn.8:13-19). And in a conversation with his disciples about his going back to his Heavenly Father and his death and resurrection, Jesus explained to them that, if they would have had an intimate knowledge of him, they would have known what the Father was like, because he was a reflection of his Father. See John 14:1-11.

It is through having an intimate knowledge and understanding of Christ's attitude, behavior, character, and teachings that we are able to know what the Farther is like, because Christ is a reflection of his Heavenly Father. Therefore, it seems that the apostle Peter used the word charis to indicate the increase of divine influence that should be reflected in our life.

The increase of a godly attitude, behavior, and character in your life are the result of allowing the Father, his son, and the holy spirit to influence your life. It is also evident that, in order to become more like our Father and our Savior, we must cultivate these godly qualities to increase them in our lives.

An important point to note is that Peter says grace must be multiplied and increased through the knowledge of the Father and Jesus our Lord (verses 2 and 18). This is important because it reinforces the necessity to be a willing, dedicated, responsible, and teachable student in order to learn and practice the attitude, behavior, and character of the Father and Christ.

Have The Mind of Christ

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul said in reference to their attitude and behavior during their journey through the experience of life, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ" (Phil.2:5).

How can you think like Christ if you do not have an intimate knowledge of his life and his teachings? The answer is that you cannot.

Foremost in the minds of the apostles was the need for their brothers and sisters in the faith to have spiritual knowledge and a clear understanding of the necessity to become a spiritually mature member of the Father's family in order for them to fulfill his purpose for calling them to salvation during that age.

Almost the totality of the writings of the apostles is centered around encouraging and urging their brothers and sisters in the faith to become educated in the things that will help them conform to and practice a holy lifestyle while developing a godly attitude, behavior, and character though acquiring godly knowledge and understanding.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH EDUCATION

Over the centuries, the many tools that the Father has provided to facilitate spiritual growth within his family have mostly fallen into disuse by the majority of his elect. There are over twenty-one separate authorizations and responsibilities given through the holy spirit by God the Father and administered to his earthly children through Jesus Christ for the edification of the Father's family and the performance of its work. See Rom.12:3-8; 1.Cor.12:8-10, 28-30; Eph.4:11-14.

A lack of a true understanding of what it means to be a student of truth and a steward within the Father's earthly family has made it virtually impossible for the gifts of the spirit to be accessed or used in a major way within the Father's family. This lack of understanding has resulted in doctrinal chaos, the lack of unity, and the general lack of spiritual power that exists among the congregations and scattered members of the Father's family during this age.

In order to eliminate this doctrinal chaos, lack of unity, and lack of spiritual power, each member of the Father's family must truly come to understand their responsibility to be a student of truth and a steward of their function and responsibility within the Father's family.

There is no excuse for one whom the Father has called to salvation to not fulfill their obligation and opportunity to become educated in the discipline of holiness, successfully live a righteous lifestyle, and obtain immorality. The apostle Peter says the following to all who have been called to salvation:

"Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the favor that is brought to you by the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, do not pattern yourselves after the ignorance of your former desires. But as he who has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of behavior; Because it is written, You be holy; because I am holy" (1.Pet.1:13-16 Para.).

The instruction is clear. Those who are members of the Father's family must be holy as he is holy. The only way you can be holy as he is holy and practice a holy lifestyle is to first know and understand what it means to be holy. In order to acquire this spiritual knowledge and understanding, you must be a willing, dedicated, responsible, and teachable student of the Father's truth and way of truth.

One of the gifts of the spirit that each person is provided at the moment they receive the Father's holy spirit is a sound mind: "God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2.Tim.1:7 KJV). A person with a sound mind is able to learn and understand the things that are being taught to them through the guidance of the holy spirit.

The Father would not have called you to salvation if he had not had confidence that you would be able to succeed when given the tools for success. Each person who receives the holy spirit also receives the tools with which to be successful. Therefore, success is assured if these tools are used for their intended purpose.

The Holy Spirit

A short review of Jesus' and the apostles' teachings show that the indwelling of the holy spirit is capable of imparting knowledge, discernment, wisdom, and understanding to the Father's elect children. However, if you rarely study and meditate on God's word or rarely communicate with the Father through prayer, these attributes that are necessary to fulfill your calling cannot be acquired and their benefits cannot be realized.

Before his death and resurrection, Jesus told his closest students and companions these things about the spirit of truth that would come to teach them:

"But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me--and by the Comforter I mean the holy spirit--he [it] will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you" (Jn.14:26 LBP).

"I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when the spirit of truth, is come, it will guide you into all truth: for it shall not speak of itself; but whatever it shall hear, that shall it speak;. . ." (Jn.16:12-13 KJV Para.). See also 1.Cor.2:11, 1.Pet.1:12.

Why would Christ's followers need to be taught something more than what he taught them while he was with them? The answer is that they needed to know and understand more in order to have the knowledge and understanding to be able to perfect a godly attitude, behavior, and character, and to have the spiritual resources to be able to fulfill their calling and purpose for existence.

The importance of being taught the Father's truth, his way of truth, and his rules of conduct, and the practice of these things within his family should be self-evident. Without being instructed in these things and gaining insight into the attitude, behavior, and character of our Heavenly Father and his first-born son, no progress can be made toward the goal of spiritual perfection and maturity. Moreover, these things must be learned and internalized in order for the truth, the way of truth, our Heavenly Father, and our Savior to be represented correctly in our lives and to other people.

The holy spirit is a teacher and reminder of the things taught by Christ while he was human, as well as the things he taught as the Creator God. As the teaching function of the holy spirit is accessed and exercised, it conveys knowledge and understanding of the Father's truth, his way of truth, and the attitude, behavior, and characteristics that he and his first-born son have as apart of their being.

Paul also confirms that the Father's holy spirit has the power to transfer spiritual knowledge to his earthly children:

"It has been written, 'Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,' nor has it risen up in the heart of man, 'the things which God has prepared for those that love him. But God revealed them to us by his spirit, for the spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man within him? So also no one has known the things of God except the spirit of God" (1.Cor.2:9-11 Para.).

Notice that this transfer of knowledge and understanding is possible because each of the elect has been given the Father's holy spirit and the essence of Christ's mind as a part of their mental make-up.

"Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; so that we can know the things that are freely given to us from God. Which things we also speak, that are not the words that man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. However, the natural man does not receive the things of God's spirit; because, to the natural man they are foolishness. Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual can discerns all things, yet he himself cannot be understood by the natural man. Moreover, who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ" (1.Cor.2:12-16 Para.).

Clearly, the Father and Christ speak to us through the Bible and the holy spirit that resides within us; therefore, we should diligently study the Bible and ask for spiritual enlightenment so that we can know and understand the Father's will in order to do what pleases him.

It should be the goal of each individual to become conversant in the truth and way of truth in order to understand the deep meanings of the mysteries of God, to have a strong spiritual foundation, to know and understand our functions and responsibilities within the Father's family, and to be able to explain our hope of salvation to others. Why? Because this is what we are instructed to do as a member of the Father's family in order to fulfill the purpose of our calling.

Spiritual Growth

Although each newly converted person becomes Christ's pupil at baptism, the process of being taught spiritual laws, concepts, and principles cannot begin in earnest until you have surrendered every aspect of you life to the Father and understand that you have been called to participate whole-heartedly as an integral part of his family. Moreover, if you refuse to advance as a student of truth, you become unfruitful and can become an impediment to the progress of other family members.

A child of God cannot remain static in their spiritual growth for very long. You either go forward toward spiritual maturity and the fulfillment of the functions and responsibilities for which you are called during this age or you regresses toward your old behavior. See Jesus' admonition to the Ephesians and Laodiceans in Revelation 2:5-6 and 3:15-19.

Prerequisites For Knowledge and Understanding

The following are some of the prerequisites for the acquisition of spiritual knowledge and understanding that the scriptures clearly show as necessary:

• You must be seeking to know and understand the Father's will for your life.
• You must ask for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
• You must study the Father's truth and way of truth.
• You must be in obedience to the Father and his way of life.

If you fail to do these things, you will not gain spiritual knowledge and understanding. Other things that can cause a lack of knowledge and understanding are quenching the power of the holy spirit, rebelling against God, or allowing something or someone to take priority in your life above your commitment to the Father.

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to do the things that would promote spiritual growth and warned them not to restrain or suppress the power of the holy spirit in their life. See1.Thes.4:1-12; Lk.19:12-26; Lk.17:7-10:

"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the spirit. . ." (1.Thes.5:17-19 KJV).

If you become lazy and refuse to put forth the effort to pray, show gratitude to the Father, study, meditate, and yield your life to the Father, the power of the holy spirit becomes weak and useless within you. When this happens, you are in danger of losing the power of the spirit in your life. If this is not corrected, it will result in eternal death. However, when you exercise the holy spirit in a positive manner, you can grow spiritually and become a productive member in the Father's family.

A Beginning and Progress

Unless you become the best student of the truth and the way of truth that you can be, there is little likelihood that you will make much progress in the knowledge and understanding of things of the spirit or fulfill the functions and responsibilities for which you were called to perform as a member of the Father's family.

THE PROCESS

It is a given that those who proclaim the Father's good news message as evangelists, must clearly know and understand what they are talking about.

It is also a given that those who occupy an official function or responsibility of service to their brothers and sisters within the Father's family must be well versed and practiced in the Father's truth and way of truth before being allowed to fulfill an official position of service. See 1.Tim.3:1-16.

But, where do these individuals obtain the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom necessary to fulfill their functions and responsibilities within the church? These individuals learn these things through the process of being a willing, dedicated, and teachable students of truth.

The simple truth is that no one can learn the Father's will for their life or become conversant with his laws, precepts, and principles by osmosis. You cannot do what you are not equipped to do! If you desire to please the Father with your life and become a beneficial member of his family, you must put forth the time and effort to be a dedicated and responsible student of his truth and way of truth.

COMMITMENT

To those who are truly serious about their calling, Jesus leaves no doubt as to the type of commitment that must be made in order to truly follow his teachings as a student of truth:

"Anyone who comes to me must love me more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters, and yes, even more than his own life, otherwise he cannot be my pupil [Greek: disciple]. And no one can be my pupil who does not bear his own cross and follow me. . . whoever of you that will not forsake everything he has, cannot be my pupil" (Lk.14:26-27,33 Para.).

Seek the Kingdom of God First

"Don't be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, how will we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these things. But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be supplied to you. Don't be anxious about tomorrow; because, tomorrow will take care of itself. . . " (Matt.6:31-34 KJV Para.).

Those who are serious about their calling should not be overly concerned with the things of this life; they should be concerned about the things that will last forever.

The apostle Paul told Timothy that anyone who is serious about doing a work for the Father cannot become overly involved with the cares of this physical life; therefore, you must be single-minded in your service to the Father. True discipleship and stewardship requires a total commitment to the Sovereign Father, Jesus Christ, and your calling:

"No one serving as a solider gets entangled with the affairs of this life, so that he can please the one whom he serves and those who compete in athletic events must follow the rules or they will be disqualified and not win the prize" (2.Tim.2: 4-5 Para.).

Summary

Every one of the Father's children is a disciple (i.e., a student) of his truth and way of truth. Some are in the beginning phases of their spiritual education, some are more advanced students, and some have advanced enough in their spiritual growth and maturity to become teachers of God's truth while continuing their responsibility as a student. Regardless of what level of spiritual maturity you have attained or what function or responsibility you perform as a member of the Father's family, you are to remain a student of the truth and the way of truth throughout your life.

Being a perpetual student of the Father's truth and way of truth is a lifestyle with a purpose. It is an active participation in a process of growing in favor with the Father, learning his truth and way of truth, and applying what is learned in your daily life. Discipleship is a dynamic activity; it is not static.

As true disciples with whom the Father has placed tremendous spiritual resources, we should be willing to learn and grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Moreover, a disciple should trust in their ability to successfully overcome the obstacles of this present life and become an immortal spirit-being in the Father's heavenly kingdom.

STUDENTS OF TRUTH

In chapters, four, five, and six of Paul's letter to the elect at Ephesus, he speaks of the Father's collective earthly family and how it should work together to accomplish the purpose for its existence. Paul also explains that the Father's elect should not think and behave like people without God's spirit. Moreover, he says that the elect should set aside the attitudes and behaviors of their past life that were in opposition to righteousness; instead, they should think and behave in a godly manner. See also Col.3:1-25, 4:1-6.

It is the transforming of your former thought process, attitude, and behavior into that which is godly that most of the commentary and instruction in the New Testament deals with. This process of transformation cannot be ignored if you desire to enter into the Father's heavenly kingdom as an immortal spirit-being. This process as shown throughout the Bible involves being both a student and steward of the Father's truth and way of truth within his earthly family of king-priests.

If you are truly serious about your salvation and being a viable productive member of the Father's earthly family, being educated in the Father's truth and way of truth and performing your role as a steward in his family are vital to your spiritual success.

Although this study explains the meaning of discipleship and stewardship and the importance of fulfilling these responsibilities within the Father's family, the following questions need to be answered in order to fulfill these responsibilities:

• How do you become educated in the Father's truth, his way of truth, and his rules of conduct for his family?
• What are the first subjects that you should study and apply in your life?
• How do you fulfill your personal obligation as a steward within the Father's family?

GOALS

Setting goals to become educated in the Father's truth and to become a productive steward in his family are obviously necessary if you are to progress spiritually. However, setting goals and accomplishing them are two very different things. It should also be obvious that, in order to make any progress toward accomplishing these goals, you must have an action plan. Without an action plan, little or no progress will be made toward accomplishing your goals. The following are some suggestions as to how to produce a personal action plan for spiritual success.

1. Let the Father know through prayer (and fasting if you feel the need) that you are serious about knowing and understanding his will for your life, growing in grace and in the knowledge of him, his son, his truth, and his way of truth, and serving him to the best of your ability. Ask the Father to provide you with spiritual knowledge, understanding, discernment, and gifts of the spirit that are necessary for you to fulfill his purpose for your life.

Will the Father hear and answer this type of commitment and request? Absolutely, he will. While speaking to a multitude of people, Jesus said the following about the Father's willingness to give good things to his children:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt.7:7-11 KJV). See also Jn.14:14, 15:7; Heb.4:16, Jms.3:16-18. Phil.2:12-13.

In this example, Jesus reveals a major key that will help unlock the great truths to be found in the Bible. A person must not only desire to have spiritual knowledge and understanding but also go to the Father and ask to be given this knowledge and understanding, and then diligently seek it by making a sincere effort to study and meditate on his words:

"Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled" (Matt.5:6 Para.). See also Psa.119:33-40; Jer.10:23-24.

The Father is more than willing to give knowledge and understanding of the things that will benefit those he has called to salvation. It is his desire to give us the spiritual nourishment that is necessary for spiritual growth. See 1.Pet.2:2.

2. Define your goals. What is the ultimate goal that the Father has for each individual he calls during this age of salvation? The Father's goal is for each individual he calls to become a member of his heavenly family and kingdom as an immortal spirit-being. Therefore, your primary goal should be the same (See 1.Cor.15:35-54; Rev.21:5-7). All other goals are merely an extension of this primary goal and should serve to accomplish it.

3. Develop a personal action plan for success and then put this plan into action. The following are three important reasons that you must develop a personal action plan for success:

• It is evident that during this age, no central authority exists on earth governing the Sovereign Father's family of king-priests scattered throughout the nations or teaching them his truth and way of truth clearly and concisely.
• There are many who teach within the congregations of the elect who are unqualified to teach truth for one reason or another. See Matt.7:15, 24:11, 24; 2.Pet.2:1-3; 1.Jn.4:1.
• Each individual the Father calls to salvation is totally responsible for their own spiritual success or failure. See Phil.2:12-16; Eph.4:21-24; Rom.12:1-2, 14:10-12; 2.Cor.5:10.

THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The Bible is the instruction manual for those who have been called to salvation and it contains all of the knowledge and understanding necessary in order for you to grow spiritually and succeed in the performance of your functions and responsibilities within the Father's earthly family. Therefore, before providing some tips on how to develop a personal plan for spiritual success, there are some important issues and concepts that need to be clarified concerning the Bible and its study.

Bible Contradictions

The first thing to firmly fix in your mind prior to studying the Bible is that God's written word is truth and there are no contradictions in what he has caused to be written.

Jesus said of God's word, "Your word is truth" (Jn.17:17) and "The scripture cannot be broken" (Jn.10:35). God inspired the Bible to be written and it is impossible for God to lie (Heb.6:18; Tit.1:2); therefore, God's word will always be true (Rom.3:4).

The problem with seemingly contradictory scriptures is never with what God has inspired to be written; it is always with people's perspective or understanding of what has been written or with how it has been translated or interpreted from the original writing.

Consider this for a moment: If God is a God of truth who cannot lie and he has said that he inspired and instructed his prophets, servants, and apostles to record all that is his sacred word, there cannot be any errors, lies, or contradictions in his originally inspired written word.

Solving Contradictions

Seemingly unsolvable scriptural contradictions are normally the product of one or more of the following:

• An error in translation from the original language.
• An error in the interpretation of the original language.
• Insufficient research on the subject.
• Translated from an erroneous or incomplete copy of the original text.

Because the above conditions may exist, doctrine should never be established by using vague or difficult to understand scriptures. All major teachings of the Bible, such as those concerning God and his plan of salvation, should be expounded with clear concise statements that prove their validity to anyone whom God is calling to salvation.

Textual Errors

A major error that should be avoided when studying the Bible and related documents is the belief that the more ancient a manuscript or a document is, the more accurate it is. This is a very dangerous assumption to make. Just because a document is ancient, does not make it accurate. The test of accuracy is the test of truth and the continuity of truth. If an ancient writing does not conform to proven Biblical truth and departs from the overall theme and continuity of the Bible, it should not be used to establish doctrine.

Because no original writings of the scriptures are available and centuries have passed since their writing, all modern translations and interpretations of the original text contain some error due to one or more of the following:

• Additions or omissions due to private interpretation
• Justification by translators for false teaching
• Lack of attention to detail
• Lack of the correct linguistic information
• Poor scholarship

Truth Will Endure

God has promised that his truth will never be lost. Although there may be copy errors or translation errors of the original writings, the truth and the will of God can still be found and understood by those to whom he chooses to reveal it. See Jer.33:3; Lk.11:9-13; Jn.14:26; 16:12-13; 1.Cor.2:9-16.

The Bible Interprets Itself

Trying to justify preconceived ideas and beliefs are a major obstacle to gaining a correct understanding of any biblical subject. The proper approach to understanding the Bible should be an open-minded, unbiased attempt to understand what is truly written and not what a person thinks is written. However, this is very difficult to do because of the vast amount of false teaching about God and the Bible today.

Because of the way the Bible has been written, it will literally interpret itself if you are willing to collect all of the relevant facts and references and let the holy spirit guide your mind into truth.

Precept upon Precept

Those who think that the Bible sometimes contradicts itself have failed to understand that the Bible is a complex book, which must be studied as a whole if its mysteries are to be understood.

One of the most fascinating and inspiring aspects of the Bible's construction is the way various subjects are interwoven throughout its pages. Because of this, it is sometimes necessary to collect all of the references to a subject before you can begin to understand what is being taught:

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little" (Isa.28:10 KJV). See also Isa.28:9-13.

Continuity of Truth

There is a continuity of truth throughout the entire Bible which is very helpful in separating truth from error. Each specific teaching or doctrine of the Bible will conform to the overall theme and purpose of the entire Bible. If any teaching or doctrine is found to be in conflict with another, one or both of the teachings may be based upon false assumptions or incorrectly understood scriptures.

Acquiring Knowledge and Understanding

Many feel that a person must be highly educated or very intelligent to understand the Bible, but this is not true. All those whom the Father calls to salvation can understand what he has caused to be written for their inspiration, correction, and edification. Because the Father wants his children to succeed in their calling and to perform his will in their lives, he has provided a way for them to learn and understand his truth.

Among the many promises Jesus makes to those who believe in him, is that he will send the holy spirit as a teacher to guide them into truth. See Jn.14:26; 16:12-13.

One way that the holy spirit carries out teaching and guiding is through the written word of God. The acquisition of truth, spiritual knowledge, and understanding with the help of the holy spirit requires effort on the part of the one being called to study the Bible and related information.

Whom Shall God Teach?

"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts" (Isa.28:9).

Just as there is a physical growth process from infancy to adulthood, there is a spiritual growth process in the acquisition of spiritual knowledge and understanding. The more you learn and the more you practice what you have learned, the more spiritually mature you become and the more spiritual knowledge and understanding God can reveal to you. See Isa.66:1-2.

STUDY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

If you only study the Bible for information, very little understanding that is profitable for spiritual growth will be gained. However, your studies will become spiritually profitable if you study the Bible in order to do the following things:

• To understand the Father's plan for humanity
• To know the Father's will in your life
• To learn what the Father's expects of you
• To grow toward spiritual maturity
• To serve the Father's and his children
• To understand how to fulfill your particular calling

If you study the Bible for these reasons, the Father will honor your request for him to reveal the mysteries of the Bible that will benefit you and others with whom you come into contact.

Prerequisites and Requirements

The Bible itself reveals the prerequisites and requirements that are necessary to be successful in its study. The following are some of the major things that you must do in order to acquire more knowledge and a deeper understanding of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and their awesome plan for humanity:

• Ask the Father for spiritual knowledge and understanding.
• Have a serious desire to understand the things of God and study with an open mind.
• Make what is learned a part of your life.
• Meditate on God's law in order to improve spiritual understanding.
• Remember and practice the things which are already understood to be the truth of God.
• Remove obstacles to learning by putting away improper attitudes and behavior.
• Study to grow spiritually, to serve others, and to fulfill your calling.

Remove Obstacles to Learning

The Apostle Peter lists some of the things that hamper spiritual growth which should be replaced with a desire to understand God's truth and way of truth:

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1.Pet.2:1-2 Para.).

In order to gain understanding into the more difficult things of God, you must be practicing the basic truths of God in your life:

"But whoever keeps his [God's] word, in him truly is the love of God perfected . . ." (1.Jn.2:5 KJV).

Meditate on God's Word

"Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night" (Psa.1:1-2 KJV). See also Psa.119:115-148; 1.Tim.4:12-16.

There are tremendous blessings for those who perform the will of God in their life. The person who is being blessed loves God and his law (i.e., God's way of life) and is constantly thinking about both.

Prove all Things

"Test all things; and hold fast that which is good" (1.Thes.5:21 Para.). See also Rom.12:2.

This statement is in the context of a person doing the Father's will in their life. Paul refers to the testing or examining of what you are doing in your life and comparing it against the righteous standards of behavior that the Father has established. Notice that Paul says to "Hold fast that which is good". You can only know what is good if you understand the word of God. Therefore, you must study the Bible in order to fulfill Paul's instruction.

The kind of true enduring belief that the Father desires for his children to have is based in the knowledge and understanding of him and his ways. The only place this kind of knowledge and understanding is available is in the Bible.

The Bible was written to be understood; it is not a book of theory, philosophy, or meaningless stories; it is a logical factual presentation of the things that God wants his children to know, understand, and practice.

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

An action plan containing goals for spiritual success is a valuable tool that can help you maintain focus on your goals to grow in the Father's truth and to perform your stewardship within his family. The following are some tips on how to develop a personal plan for spiritual success, some important subjects to make a part of your study plan, and some important attitudes and behaviors to cultivate as you learn and practice the Father's truth and way of truth:

THE STUDY PLAN

Regardless of how you structure your action plan for learning and understanding the Father's truth and will for your life, a high priority should be given to reading the entire Bible from cover to cover at least once.

There are many translations of the Bible and each has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. Some help clarify difficult scriptures and concepts, while others do the opposite--they introduce heretical teachings. Because there is no totally accurate translation of the original text, the admonition of Paul to Timothy becomes very important to those who are serious about building a strong spiritual foundation based upon the word of God:

"Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2.Tim.2:15).

No Original Text Available

When reading the Bible, it is important to remember that there are no original copies of the various writings which comprise the Bible available for use by Bible scholars or the general public. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm or deny what was originally written with physical evidence. What we have today are copies of the originals and translations of these copies.

The King James Version

The King James Authorized Version of the Old and the New Testaments, written in early modern English in 1611, was translated from the Masoretic text and the Received text. From the historical evidence and the continuity of truth that is revealed through both the Masoretic text and the Received text, it appears that both of these are reference works through which God is conveying his truth and his will today.

Because of the King James Versions' archaic language, it is helpful to have some modern translations along with Greek and Hebrew dictionaries in order to help clarify difficult passages. The New International Version and the Living Bible can sometimes be helpful in translating concepts that are difficult to understand because of the language of the King James version. You may also find it helpful to purchase a narrated version of the Bible to listen to while reading, while traveling, or while being unoccupied with other endeavors.

Topical Studies

Many people take one scripture (sometimes out of context) and build an entire teaching around it. However, the Prophet Isaiah tells us that God's truth is scattered throughout his written word (Isa.28:9-13) and that these truths, concepts, and principles are built one on the other. Therefore, it seems logical that you must perform a search of the entire Bible in order to gain a thorough understanding of a subject. Personally, I have found that topical studies are the best way to understand the teachings contained in the Bible.

GOD'S LAW

A short review of the first five books of the Bible clearly reveal that God is a God of law. The agreement with the twelve tribes of national Israel contains 613 to 759 plus statutes, judgements, and commandments, depending on who is doing the counting. The special agreement that the Sovereign Father has with his earthly family of king-priests also contains laws and instructions that govern their relationship with him, their relationship with brothers and sisters in his holy family, and with other people.

A study of the law with the goal of understanding both the letter and the spirit of the law will give insight into the minds of the Sovereign Father and our Savior, their character, attitude, and behavior. Moreover, these laws reveal how one who is attempting to live a holy lifestyle should think and behave.

Love Toward God

The first laws given to national Israel were the Ten Commandments. Matthew and Mark both record that Christ said the whole law was held together by just two commandments-- love for God and love for neighbor:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is similar to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt 22:37- 40 KJV). See also MK.12:28-34.

If you truly have love and respect for your heavenly Father, you will want to please him with your life by following Jesus' example of a righteous life. The Father said of Christ at his baptism, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt.3:17).

The scriptures show us that love and respect for the Father are expressed through one's attitude and behavior toward him and obedience and respect for the law he has set in place to govern the lives of his children. Regarding his behavior toward the Father, Jesus said, "For I do always those things that please him" (Jn.8:29).

Concerning the expression of godly love, the apostle John said , "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1.Jn.5:2-3).

All of God's law for mankind hinge on the two basic themes of love for God and love for neighbor, but there are many overlapping concepts and principles contained within this body of law which explain and expound upon these two basic themes.

ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS

The scriptures instruct the Father's children to subdue and keep in check their old nature which is in opposition to the holy nature imparted through the indwelling of the holy spirit. See Rom.6:6-12; Eph.4:21-24: Col.3:9-10.

The apostles Peter and Paul list a number of righteous attitudes and behaviors that need to be cultivated and become a part of your character and a number unrighteous attitudes and behaviors that need to be discarded. Many of these altitudes and behaviors are noted in the following scriptures and are worthy of careful study: 1.Pet.2:1; Rom.13:11-14; 1.Cor.13:11; Eph.4:21-32; Col.3:3-15.

Cultivate charity, forgiveness, honesty, humility, kindness, longsuffering, meekness, mercy, peace, tenderheartedness, and truthfulness.

Discard anger, bitterness, blasphemy, drunkenness, envy, evil desires, extortion, filthy speech, fornication, guile, hypocrisy, idolatry, inordinate affection, lying, malice, rioting, theft, uncleanness, and wrath.

Added to the list of attitudes and behaviors to be discarded are things that are clearly in opposition to a righteous lifestyle, such as some personal associations, habits, hobbies, as well as religious holidays, festivals, and celebrations that belong to this world's religions. See 1.Pet.1:15-16; Deut.12:30-32; Jer.10:1-15.

Rules of Conduct

Although, it is important to become conversant with all aspects of the Father's truth, there are some basic rules of conduct that apply within his family which need to be clearly understood and practiced if you are to grow spiritually and become a viable and beneficial member of his family. These rules of conduct and the philosophy behind them are set forth in the Bible as the standards of acceptable and unacceptable attitudes and behaviors for all members of the Father's family.

Each of these rules are clearly spelled out in many scriptures and should be among the first things you learn and make a part of your lifestyle as a member of the Father's earthly family. Without knowing and understanding these rules of conduct, it is virtually impossible to be a good steward of the functions and responsibilities that you have been called to perform. Moreover, these rules also reveal how to express love (i.e., an outgoing concern) for family members and produce peace and harmony within the family. The