What God Said: A guide for personal progression as a new creature in Christ

By Mark Cox

What God Said is a guiding work to those who are new to the body of Christ and those who are well-established. Each chapter delves into the stages and nuances of life that each Bible follower has the ability to mature in as they intentionally put into practice the principles God has set in place. Every line is backed by a referenced scripture so that the reader may have the confidence to live a life declared by the word of God. The end result of reading this guide is life transformed by the renewing of one's mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publication Consultants
• Release date: May 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637470244

Mark Cox

Mark Anthony Cox is a self-help author with multiple published works to include his latest release, “Wisdom: To Know and to Grow”. This husband, father, veteran of the Armed Forces, CEO of the charitable nonprofit Family Charity of Alaska, and Politician is a community-minded citizen that has authored a guide that he has used in his own life to walk by faith and enrich his personal life and the lives of those around him. His greatest aspiration is to instill in his children and future generations that God rewards those who diligently seek him.

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Managing Relationships

Is it not God who said, it is not good for man to be alone (Gen 2:18)? It is this insight that reveals to us that we were created a community of people for a purpose and given responsibilities with every level we attain as we grow not only in age, but also in knowledge.

Children

Everyone is someone’s child, created by God and born out of a womb of their mother (Psalms 139:13). God said that you are a gift from him to your parents to help conquer their enemies, trials, and tribulations (Psalms 127:3-5). Children take pride in their parents (Proverbs 17:6). A true child is one who emulates their parents that walk uprightly before the Lord (Romans 8:14). Children are shaped and molded by their father in heaven (Isaiah 64:8).

A child’s duty is to obey their parents who do the will of the Lord (Colossians 3:20, Ephesians 6:1) this is how a child honors their parent (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3) and bring them the greatest joy (3 John 1:4). They also provide and care for needs that arise in their family especially for their parents (1 Timothy 5:4).

As a child you are known by what you do (Proverbs 20:11). The lack of instruction and discipline from your parents cause you to do disgraceful things (Proverbs 29:15).

As an obedient child open to discipline you grow in wisdom (Proverbs 15:20, Luke 2:52), in spirit (Luke 1:80), and become an outstanding person of your generation (Psalms 112:2).

Single

Being single does not mean you are alone. God said, I will never leave you or abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5). What it means is that you are unmarried for the time being and depending on your personal decision (1 Corinthians 7:8-9).

In the beginning, God made the woman and brought her to the man (Genesis 2:22) as a father does when he presents his daughter to the husband at the altar, but God never commanded them to be married.

The responsibility of single people is to keep their path pure. The only way to keep your path pure is to living according to the word of God; seeking him with all your heart, be willing to be taught his word, and consider his ways which will cause you to delight in his commands (Psalms 119:9-16). When you delight in the Lord, he gives you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4).

The concern of single people is to please the Lord. During this period of singleness, single people have an undivided devotion to Lord in both body and in spirit (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). They demonstrate self-control (Titus 2:6). This diligence to be faithful and obedient despite the internal and external obstacles God rewards (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 10:29-30).

God said that he would pour out his Spirit (his path, his way, and his character) on you not because you earned it, but because he chose you (Isaiah 44:1-3). His Spirit causes you to prophesy (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17, Acts 21:9). Prophesies are predictions in accordance with the word of God given to those who are taught and obedient to his word.

Brothers and Sisters

In the house of God, you are considered a brother or sister if you do the will of God (Matthew 12:50). As brothers and sisters, you were born for a time of need (Proverbs 17:17). God has given you gifts or talents that are not for yourself, but for serving one another (1 Peter 4:10). You spend time encouraging your brothers and sister by living in unity to God’s will and purpose (Hosea 2:1, Psalms 133:1).

The responsibility of brothers and sisters are to love one another as you have been shown love by Jesus Christ (John 13:34). God said, Do not hate your brother (or sister) in your heart (Leviticus 19:17). Therefore, to do anything less than love, honor, respect, and be merciful to your brother or sister is not the will of God.

Friends

Showing true and selfless love to one another makes you friends (1 John 4:11, Proverbs 17:17). The friends you have shape what you become and your quality of life (Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 22:24-25). You inherit the goodly friends of Godfearing parents and are an extension of their duty to nurture their friendship (Proverbs 27:10).

A friend makes you better and not brittle as you spend time together (Proverbs 27:17). Friends correct and warn you though it may hurt as a sign of their love to help you mature you before God (Proverbs 27:6, Psalms 141:5). A friend gives advice that has been proven to work in order to help you make the best choices (Proverbs 27:9). Whether you are rejoicing on top of the mountain or sulking in the valley, a friend meets you where you are at (Romans 12:15-16).

You choose your friends; you do not let people choose you as a friend (John 15:16). Friends do not withhold kindness just to spite you (Job 6:14), nor gossip and spread rumors (Proverbs 16:28). When friends separate it is due to repeated offenses (Proverbs 17:9). Enemies of God are not to be considered friends (James 4:4).

Married

To be married is to go from submitting to