Overview

            The Bible is a book about character. Ponder that fact for a moment. Consider this fact as well: The Bible is commonly referred to as God’s instruction manual for mankind. The Holy Bible is filled with information we can use to live righteous lives. Much of this information is found in the Old Testament and then amplified by the epistles of the New Testament.

            Many will argue that the redemption of man through Jesus Christ is the central theme of the Bible. Indeed it is; however, many ignore the theme of godly character that coincides with the theme redemption. In fact, there would be no need for redemption if there was no issue of sin, manifestations of ungodly character. Both godly and ungodly character has consequences. Jesus tells us we must keep His commandments if we are to enter into life (Matt 19:17). God’s commandments, not just the commonly known 10, show us how to have godly character and avoid sin, ungodly character. Faith and repentance which is turning away from sin to follow God’s commands, has the consequence of eternal life. The consequence of an ungodly life of sin is death (Rom 6:23).

            Therefore, it becomes incumbent upon every believer to study the word of God to glean the pages for understanding and instructions in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).

            In my search of the scripture, I have found no greater example of godly character than Jesus Christ; however, not much is recorded about His temptation in all points (Heb 4:14-15). (I recommend that all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ study what is recorded about His life in the 4 gospel accounts thoroughly.) The second greatest example of godly character is found in David the son of Jesse. The Bible tells us that David was prepared by God to be a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22, 1 Sam 16:1, 1 Sam 13:13-14). Though David sinned as all men do, he had impeccable character.

            It is a shame that the life of David is boiled down to one event, namely his encounter with Goliath. Though this event describes an amazing act of courage by David, there is much more to be learned by studying the rest of his deeds.

            Much of my life I have struggled with my own character. In order to overcome many of my flaws, I have spent a significant amount of time studying the boldness of the apostles, the ministry of Jesus Christ and the life of King David. Most of the changes made in my life are a consequence of studying these subjects often times while fasting for 2 or 3 days. I write these things not to portray myself as some highly accredited bible scholar for I am not. In fact, I do not have a theological degree of any kind neither have I attended a seminary school. I can only assert that my understanding of godly character comes from experience and god’s blessings of understanding His word through diligent study.

            The purpose of this book is to encourage all those who claim to be worshipers of the self-existent God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to live lives that glorify our Father in heaven (Matt 5:16). Secondly, I wish to strengthen the resolve and conviction of the church of God because great tribulation, the time of Jacob’s trouble is fast approaching. Faith is shown by works (James 2:18) and works are a result of character. We will all need great faith and godly character for the days ahead (Eph 6:13). And though we must pray to be counted worthy to escape (Luke 21:36). God does require us to exhibit righteous character (Rom 6:12-14).

            Thirdly, I desire in the depths of my heart to be of service to God, I have no physical wealth in which I can use for the service of God. All I have is my body and the abundant spiritual knowledge the Lord God has blessed me with. Consequently, I desire to take the spiritual wealth gifted to me and share it with others, for it would be selfish to do otherwise.

            Lastly, I believe it is God’s will that in my 30th year of life, I am now spiritually strong enough to produce such a book. I believe God has inspired me to take on this task. If this belief is presumptuous, I pray for His forgiveness.

My Humble Advice

            I must humbly encourage you to read this book alongside your Bible. This book will serve no real purpose in your life if you refuse to study the verses for yourself. This book is not for entertainment purposes. As a person who has been involved in the education of students for over 10 years, it is my inflexible purpose to guide someone into the discovery of knowledge not to have anyone blindly believe me. When consuming spiritual knowledge, we must all be like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11).

            Additionally, I would like to encourage you to make and implement a plan to reread this book. Information is seldom retained in one sitting. I recommend that you deliberately attempt to apply the lessons from David’s life to your own. Pray diligently for guidance and the wisdom to take steps toward living a godly life. Remember, it is God’s intention that we become perfect (Matt 5:48).

            As you apply true repentance to your life, allow no one to discourage your efforts. “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt 24:48)

I pray that you find strength and encouragement through reading this book. The years ahead will be more perilous than anyone can imagine (Mark 13:19). I write this not to scare you, but to awaken you to the reality of prophecies written about the end. But if we have faith that is visible by our actions as the apostle James declares, we can have full assurance in God’s promise to protect the faithful from the tribulation that will come upon the whole world (Rev 3:10). (The previous statement is not a promotion of a belief in rapture. Prophecy in the Old and New Testaments does not teach a rapture; however, protection is mentioned in several verses pertaining to this time.)

            Rest assured, that the issue of salvation is an issue of character and conduct. We will not enter into eternal life if we deceive ourselves into thinking we can sin deliberately without consequences (Rom 6:15-18). We must become servants of righteousness, doers of the word (James 1:22).

            Duly note that the promise of protection from the Great Tribulation is not a promise of an easy life. Our faith must be tried in order to build righteous character in us. (James 1:2-4)

            Remember, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matt 10:22 and repeated in Matt 24:13)