GUIDELINES FOR LIVING.
April 30th, 2026

The 3 Things We Truly Need.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

“I really need that!” How many times have you said those words even this week? Or perhaps it was your eight-year old who had been impressed with the commercials on TV who says, “I really need it, Dad!” And, of course, we quickly think of Philippians 4:19, which brings God into the process of canceling out our needs with His provision. But what constitutes a valid need, and how does a need differ from a want?

When can you legitimately apply the promises of answered prayer to what we think we need? How does God view our needs anyway? How different are our “needs” from Kallello Nugusu—he’s a Christian farmer in Ethiopia? When famine struck, he was forced to sell his two oxen to buy food to keep his wife and six children alive; but with the oxen gone, there was no way to plow his field, apart from drawing the plow through the sunbaked earth in a weakened condition physically. Eventually, there was no hope for a crop. When he was asked what he would do when the food was gone, he dropped his head and he said, “When my children cry because they are hungry, then it is very hard to be a father!”

It is one thing to acknowledge the needs of poverty and starvation, but something else to classify what we often think of as “needs” as legitimate items of concern which should not be overlooked, though, in the distribution of heaven’s blessings. In all honesty, we have to correct ourselves as we pray, and add, “No, Lord, I really don’t need it, but it would be nice to have it.” Valid needs constitute far less than most of us would be prone to admit.

Item #1: Physical needs or environmental needs. They include food, shelter, and clothing. But, of course, the spectrum of these needs spans the gamut from simplicity to extravagant. Whole wheat grains of rice have far more nourishment than meat or gourmet cooking; they cost far less too. Now, when it comes to clothing, few have the attitude of John Wesley, who wrote, “As for apparel, I buy the most lasting, and, in general, the plainest I can.”

Item #2: Your emotional needs. These are a valid matter of concern to the Lord. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul said, “God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind.” This past week, I’ve struggled to help a friend battling the monster of depression. There is no questioning the fact of need, and an area of hurt that needs healing. Yes, we can pray with confidence, saying, “This is a valid need.”

Finally, Item #3: Spiritual needs. It was because of a spiritual need long ago that Jesus Christ left heaven and was born in the manger of Bethlehem.

Philippians 4:19 says God will supply your needs, but few know much of the context of the passage or the historical setting. Philippi, in Northern Greece, was a mountainous area when Paul wrote, and the century before it had been the hub of a prosperous gold mining deposit. But eventually, the vein of gold ran out, and with it, the prosperity that gold brings. It was to Christians who had no gold that he wrote, “God, not gold in the hills, will be the supply of your needs.”

The promise is just as valid today, but it extends only to real needs, not wishes or desires. What happens when you defined “need” in a biblical context? Two things. There is immediate freedom from the bondage of things, and secondly, there comes the blessing of knowing that God was the one who met your needs. It is still true. He supplies our needs.

Resource reading: Philippians 4:10-19

Wisdom Nugget

Isaiah 43:1-4 KJV
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. [2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. [3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. [4] Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Luke 15:3-7 KJV
And He spake this parable unto them, saying, [4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? [5] And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. [7] I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

#faith #jesus #christian #hope #bible

Isaiah 40:3 NIV
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you're having a great day. Let's share these words that John the Baptist echoed whilst he was baptising at River Jordan. "Prepare the way for the Lord...". Long ago when land was plenty in our land, families that needed more land needed to clear thick forests in order to get it. This was in preparation for the land to be ready for farming. This was preparation. Our lives needs a similar preparation if we need God to settle in it. A good example given us was the Ethiopian Eunuch. This man used to travel a long way to Jerusalem from Ethiopia to worship God. He also went further to read Word of God though he did not really understand it. God sent him help through Phillip. Looking at Paul, he was very firm in doing his job of persecuting disciples of Jesus which at that time he thought was a good thing to do. Jesus Christ himself visited him giving him an overhaul of life to serve Him. I have not read or heard of a lazy person that God used in a mighty way. God uses people who're diligent in preparing their lives for great use. Now that you know Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior, it's your duty to prepare the way for the LORD as much as you're enabled. You must walk away from place of complaining and laziness as a believer and prepare your life for God's use. God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom. Shalom.

Isaiah 43:1-4 NKJV But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel; "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba on your place.
Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

To day is the Hollyday of resurrection of Jesus Christ in Ethiopia .

STORACALS OF PROPHECY # 11
Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

A River of Life.

Naaman was a brave, rich, and famous commander for the armies of Syria who contracted leprosy, the most dreaded disease of Bible times. Leprosy meant isolation from loved ones and a slow, wretched death. A Hebrew slave girl who worked in Naaman's house said that if her master would only go to the prophet Elisha in Israel, he would heal Naaman of his leprosy. Willing to grasp at any thread of hope, Naaman made the long trip to Israel. With him was a small band of personal bodyguards and a king's ransom to pay for this miracle of healing. When Naaman finally stood before the humble house of the prophet, Elisha would not come out. Instead, he sent his servant with these simple instructions: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." 2 Kings 5:10. The prophet's command to wash implied that Naaman was dirty! Being told to wash seven times and in a muddy river, no less, was too much for the proud Syrian general. In a rage, Naaman spun his horse around and began riding home. But in order to reach Damascus, Naaman had to ride by the Jordan River. As he passed by, Naaman's servants urged him to try the prophet's advice. So he stopped his horse, slid down, and laid aside the armor that covered the awful evidence of his leprosy. Naaman slowly stepped down into the waters of the Jordan. Six times he plunged under the water with no results, but when he came up the seventh time, the leprosy was gone! His skin was as pure and healthy as a baby's. Just as Naaman experienced restoration, you too can have a healing new-birth experience!

1. What New Testament prophet used the Jordan River for baptizing, or cleansing?

Matthew 3:1, 5, 6. In those days came ________ the baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. ... Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The Gospel stories begin and end with the subject of baptism. Obviously this is a very important teaching to Jesus (Matthew 28:18, 19).

2. What glorious Bible ceremony symbolizes a "washing" from the leprosy of sin?

Acts 22:16. Arise, and be ___________, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The Bible ordinance of baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin from a person's life, as well as the new birth.

3. According to the Bible, how many different kinds of baptism are acceptable?

Ephesians 4:5. __________ Lord, __________ faith, ____ baptism.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: At least 15 different ceremonies are called baptism today, but according to the Bible, there is only one true baptism.

4. What does the word "baptize" mean?

Colossians 2:12. __________ with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The Greek word "baptizo" means "submerge," "plunge under," or "immerse." A person has not been baptized unless he has been completely submerged, or buried, in water. This word "baptizo" is always used in the Bible in reference to the sacred ordinance of baptism. The Greek words for "sprinkling" or "pouring" are never used.

5. Jesus is our example. How was He baptized?

Mark 1:9, 10. Jesus came ... and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up ____ of the water, he saw the heavens opened.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: John baptized Jesus by immersion in the same river where Naaman was cleansed from leprosy. Note that they were "in" Jordan (not on the riverbank) and that Jesus came "up out" of the water. This is why John was baptizing in "Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there" John 3:23. Christians are to follow the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21), who was baptized by immersion "to fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15.

6. How did Philip baptize the treasurer of Ethiopia?

Acts 8:38, 39. They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come __ out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip.

Answer : ____________________

7. What other truths are symbolized by baptism?

Romans 6:4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was ____________ up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Baptism symbolizes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. There is first death to sin, then burial of the old life of sin in the water, and finally resurrection from the water to a new life. Baptism by immersion fits the symbolism perfectly. The life of sin dies, then there is brief suspension of breath while the person being baptized is leaned backward into the water until the body is fully covered, or buried, in the water. Then the person is raised up out of the water, taking a fresh breath as a newborn baby, to live an entirely new life, symbolizing the resurrection. No other form of baptism fits this Bible symbolism. Some say they keep Sunday holy in honor of the resurrection, but this practice is never mentioned in the Bible.

8. How important is baptism?

Mark 16:16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be _______; but he that believeth not shall be damned [lost].

John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Baptism is clearly mandated by Scripture as essential. However, when baptism is impossible, as it was for the thief on the cross, Jesus gives that person credit for His baptism (Matthew 3:15).

9. What blessed ceremony can be compared to baptism?

Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have _____ on Christ.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Baptism is like the marriage ceremony. The Bible says, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name." Isaiah 54:5. As a woman takes her husband's name in marriage, so Christians take the name of Christ--thereafter to be called Christians. Both ceremonies must be based on love and commitment if they are to be meaningful. Baptism is as essential to the Christian life as a wedding is to a marriage.

10. What command did Jesus give to His people just before His ascension?

Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, _________ them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Peter followed this command when on the day of Pentecost he told the penitent people, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 2:38.

11. What biblical qualifications must precede baptism?

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, _______ , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

A. Understand Jesus' teachings (Matthew 28:19, 20)
B. Believe all of Jesus' teachings (Mark 16:16)
C. __________ of past sins (Acts 2:38)
D. Believe with all your heart (Acts 8:37)
E. Agree to turn from sin (Luke 3:7, 8; Romans 6:5, 6)
F. Accept Christ as your personal Saviour and experience the new birth (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3, 5)

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Since an infant cannot comply with any of the above steps, obviously it is not scriptural to baptize a child until he is old enough to comprehend the gospel.

12. Where did all of the counterfeit forms of baptism originate?

Mark 7:8. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the _________ of men.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Baptism by immersion was the only form of baptism practiced during Bible times and for centuries after the cross. But then, misguided men introduced other forms of baptism for the sake of convenience. Thus, God's sacred ordinance of baptism was distorted and its rich symbolic meaning obscured.

13. What does the Bible say about those who put the teachings of men before the truth of God?

Matthew 15:9. But in ______ they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Answer : ____________________

14. But doesn't the baptism of the Holy Spirit replace baptism by immersion?

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be ___________ every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: No! Notice that while Peter was preaching (Acts 10:44-48), the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening, many of whom had not been baptized. But even though they had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter insisted that they be baptized in water as well.

15. Is rebaptism ever proper?

Acts 19:2-5. They said unto him, We have not so much as __________ whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they ________ this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: One day when Paul was preaching in Ephesus, he found 12 men who had been baptized by John the Baptist, but who had never heard of the Holy Spirit. So upon receiving this substantial new light, they were rebaptized. Likewise, if a person has completely lost his Christian experience, he should be rebaptized upon returning to the Lord. Rebaptism is also appropriate if a person was not baptized in the biblical method.

16. Is baptism connected with joining a church?

Acts 2:41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were ________ unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord __________ to the church daily such as should be saved.

Colossians 3:15 Ye are called in one body.

Colossians 1:18 He is the head of the body, the church...

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The Scriptures are unequivocal. All of God's people are called into one body, which is the church, and we enter it by baptism. After birth, a baby must be placed in a family for nurturing, protection, and growth.

17. If I refuse baptism, whose counsel am I refusing?

Luke 7:30. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of ______ against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Answer : ____________________

18. When Jesus was baptized, what did His Father say?

Mark 1:9, 11. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. ... And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well ___________.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: When any of God's children repent of their sins and are baptized, He is well pleased.

19. Would you like to begin preparing for the sacred rite of baptism so God can say of you, "Thou art my beloved son [or daughter], in whom I am well pleased"?

Answer : ____________________

Supplemental Study

The Model Baptism
Jesus was not baptized because He needed cleansing from sin, for He was sinless (1 Peter 2:22). This is why John the Baptist was so perplexed when Jesus came to the Jordan River, asking to be baptized by him. John said, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" Matthew 3:14.

So why was Jesus baptized? There are three main reasons. First, He was baptized in behalf of those who cannot be baptized themselves. Sometimes when people accept the Lord in prison or in a hospital, circumstances do not allow them to be baptized. Jesus gives them credit for His baptism. The thief on the cross was one example (Luke 23:43). Second, Jesus was baptized as an example, that we should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). And third, Jesus was baptized so we can, by studying His experience, know what to expect by faith.

To illustrate, let's take the following verses word by word and see what we can expect from our baptism. Matthew 3:16 and 17 reads: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

"The heavens were opened" = We receive access to God.

"He saw" = Our spiritual eyes are now opened, giving us new understanding and perception.

"The Spirit of God" = We recognize His leading.

"Descending like a dove" = Peace gently enters our hearts.

"A voice from heaven" = We will begin to hear that still, small voice.

"My beloved son" = We are adopted into His royal family and become citizens of a different country.

"I am well pleased" = God gives us complete acceptance and forgiveness.

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

Enjoying the KJV Bible and all the forgotten books of the Bible as well as Dead Sea scrolls and the Ethiopian Bible so much to learn
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