THE HAPPY KEEPERS

Revelation 22:7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 22:7 (KJV).

Showing God’s favor toward those who count His Word as a treasure, and obey Him; and His disfavor toward those who reject its truths and disobey Him.
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” PROVERBS 13:13

The prophecy of this book of the Revelation is an unveiling of the glory of Jesus Christ. In reading the Revelation we can really only just catch a glimpse of His glory,but it should be enough to cause us to desire to draw closer to this marvelous, mighty, and Majestic Savior, Lord and King.
The Revelation of Jesus is not found only in this book. He is pictured, prophecies foretell His coming, and we see Him in His earthly ministry throughout all of scripture – in both the Old and New Testaments.
In four short words at the beginning of the text Jesus says, “Behold, I come quickly:” Can we take Jesus at His Word? We sure can. This word quickly does not necesarily have to do with time, but suddenness, or surprise. Jesus gave us these words that we might always be ready through the application of His Word.
The Word truly is a treasure to all who have the peace and joy in life that only Jesus can give.

These are THE HAPPY KEEPERS because…
…THEY PRACTICE THE TEACHINGS OF DECENCY AND MORALITY; “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thess 4:3-5 (KJV). It is the same standard which Jesus followed, and it is not to be shunned by followers of Jesus today or in any generation. God’s words and commandments and teachings stand forever. Jesus said, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” John 8:29 (KJV).
It Is The Standard Which Glorifies Him, and will throughout our whole lives. These standards are given to us for our protection, and benefit.

…THROUGH GOD’S WORD WE ARE TAUGHT TO DISCERN THE TRUE FROM THE FALSE. This is the responsibility of every believer. To abstain from all false teachers and their teachings. Listening to false teaching is about as bad as putting arsenic in water and thinking that is okay to drink. False teaching and doctrine can poison your thinking.
We are to hold on to the Word of God. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9 (KJV). If we are to live with the Word of God having an eternal impact in our lives we need to know the Word. When we know God’s Word the false teachers and teachings will be made known to us. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalms 119:9 (KJV). A false teacher’s or preacher’s lifestyle will show what they are. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16 (KJV). His, and nowadays, her view of Jesus will show their true heart. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 (KJV)
We Are Commanded To Rebuke False Teachers and Their Teachings. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 (KJV). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV).

…WE ARE TAUGHT WHO THE LEADERS IN OUR CHURCHES SHOULD BE. Though the following scriptures here do not mention anything dealing with church leadership, it does tell us the rewards of following all of scripture; “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalms 19:7-11 (KJV). These from God’s Word do have to do with church leadership; “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” 1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV).
This is how the Word of God should be to the pastor, deacon, and any one who loves Jesus: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV). The leader must be able to instruct others in the Word of God, and lead them into a closer walk with the Lord Jesus.
When Leaders – pastors or deacons – Are Not As God Instructs It Is Rebellion And Disobedience. It will cause problems and division among the people. It could cause some to fall away from the faith they were about to come to.

…WE ARE GIVEN GOD’S PLAN FOR THE CHURCH IN THE WORD. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47 (KJV).
We are to pray together and for one another. This brings us into the will of God. This will also unify us in His purposes for ourselves individually and for the church.
We are to fellowship. In fellowshipping together we discover one another’s needs. We also can encourage one another and how we need it as we go about our daily lives. It should be no bother to us to get together, pray, have a fellowship meal, talk about God, His Word, and how it helps us live life and get us through each day.
The word of God teaches us to be in unity. Unity does not mean UNIFORMITY. If there is uniformity that only means that someone is giving up something they believe in order to keep peace. Unity is realizing our differences of opinion, but seeing one cause and going on with it together.
It is also the call of God’s Word that each Christian bear fruit. There is the “Fruit of the Spirit of Galations 5:22-26 which is a part of every professing and possessing Christian.
It should be the practice of each local congregation to practice discernment when it comes to teachings that seem out of Christian character and witness, and warn those who might fall for something that seems to grab hold of emotion, and will not let go. We are to base our beliefs on what God teaches in His Word not on emotion of an experience.
The highest thing we can do as Christians and His Church is to glorify Jesus. That is what salvation is really all about. It is not about me. It is not about you. It is about Jesus. Worship Jesus. That is the highest work of the Church.

WHO ARE THE HAPPY KEEPERS? They practice the teachings of decency and morality taught in God’s Word. They, through God’s Word are taught to discern the true from the false. By the Word of God we are taught who the leaders of our churches should be. In God’s Word we are given God’s plan for the church.
Be THE HAPPY KEEPERS.