Romans 5:1-2 ESV “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” What does it mean to be justified? It … Continue reading Do We Rejoice in our Sufferings?
Examine Yourselves! Test Yourselves!
2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” How to Examine Ourselves Back when I was in school I used to have to take … Continue reading Examine Yourselves! Test Yourselves!
Look Out for the Evildoers
Philippians 3:2 ESV “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh." A “dog” is often a symbol of a false teacher, and figuratively speaking is a spiritual predator who feeds off others. So, a “dog” is anyone who uses manipulation, trickery, lies, fear tactics, and … Continue reading Look Out for the Evildoers
Are we Making the Best Use of our Time?
The Apostle Paul gave instructions to the church on what their faith in Christ should and should not look like. He told them that they must no longer live like the ungodly who, with their hardened hearts, have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity, for that is not the … Continue reading Are we Making the Best Use of our Time?
Are You Being False to the Truth?
James 3:13 ESV “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” So many people today are teaching and/or living a gospel other than the gospel taught by Jesus and by his New Testament apostles. Many of them are claiming the blessings of … Continue reading Are You Being False to the Truth?
They Serve Their Own Appetites
Romans 16:17-20 ESV “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the … Continue reading They Serve Their Own Appetites
Have no Fear of Them
1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make … Continue reading Have no Fear of Them
Follow the Truth, Not the Lies
Philippians 3:17 ESV “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Be very careful who you imitate. Paul had an excellent reputation of being a godly man who followed Jesus Christ with his life in purity of devotion to him. He did … Continue reading Follow the Truth, Not the Lies
Setting Our Minds on the Right Things
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses … Continue reading Setting Our Minds on the Right Things
He Has Borne Our Griefs
Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like … Continue reading He Has Borne Our Griefs
Run With It 