Written on June 13, 2010 by admin
Once you receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior, not only do you obtain the privileged gift of eternal life, but you immediately acquire a great responsibility. You have been entrusted with the message of the gospel and are responsible for what you do with it in your life. In the end, we know that what we have done on this earth for Christ will be examined before the Almighty God and displayed before the rest of the world.
The question we must all ask is this: Will what I am doing for Christ and His kingdom stand the test of tiem? In view of this question, those who have done much with what God has given them will be greatly rewarded.
Let us take some time to see from the Scripture what God has to say on this topic.
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Written on June 6, 2010 by admin
One noticeable change that takes place in a believer’s and new believer’s life is the inner joy he or she receives. In fact, it is listed as one of the “fruit of the Spirit” that should be evident in a believer’s life – (Galatians 5:22)
This joy is different from fleeting and temporary “happiness” that is usually dependent upon “good things” happening in one’s life.
While sorrows will come a believer’s way, the Holy Spirit gives him an inner joy and peace that cannot be taken away. Let us search from the Scripture some of the ways in which we can experience God’s joy in our lives.
1. Studying God’s word helps us to experience His joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
2. Knowing and trusting in God is the only source fo joy (1 Peter 1:8)
3. Sharing our faith results in joy (John 4:36-42)
4. Overlooking petty issues frees us to experience joy (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
5. Knowing whom you belong to and what the future holds brings true Joy (Romans 15:13)
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Written on May 30, 2010 by admin
We cannot find peace outside of the word God has given us. Unfortunately, some people are caught up in the “pursuit of peace” – elsewhere in the word.
Earlier, Jesus Christ has promised us that true peace which the world cannot give. In John 14:27 Jesus Christ said, “Peace I leavve with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.
Now, let us hear further what the Bible says about peace and what we should do to get it.
1. Peace begins when we relinquish control of our lives to God. (Matthew 11:28-30)
2. Perfect Peace builds upon total trust. (John 16:33)
3. Our peace continues as we follow the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:5-8)
4. God’s peace needs to rule in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15)
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Written on May 23, 2010 by admin
As we (Christians) become knowledgeable about God’s word, we will be able to detect teachings and concepts that are contrary to Scripture especially now that counterfeit truth is out there.
Christians are therefore encouraged to search the Bible (Scripture) daily (in addition to prayers) for the real truth in order not to fall prey to false teachings.
The following Scripture passages will expose the devil’s counterfeits thereby keeping us alert.
1. Beware of Satan’s clever imitations. (Matthew 13:24-30)
2. Recognize Satan’s strategies. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
3. Understand the difference between the True Gospel and a false gospel. (1 John 4:1-3)
4. Use God’s Word to evaluate someone’s teachings. (Acts 17:11)
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Written on May 16, 2010 by admin
When a preson truly comes to jesus Christ, this relationship will dramatically transfom his or her life. We may see this transformation more immediately in the lives of some than others. For those whose lives are characterizes by pronounced bad habits, the change in lifestyle will show others that something profound has indeed happened within that person’s life. For others who may not be known for pronounced bad habits, the change may not be as outwardly pronounced, but it is significant.
Remember, all of us were separated from God by sin, which was dealt with and atoned for the cross of Jesus.
Our conversion will show itself in both “fruit and work”. This concept of “bearing fruit” is used often in scripture to describe the results of someone’s commitment to Jesus Christ. If we do not bear fruit, then it is apparent we have not really come to know Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Bearing fruit is not an option . It is the natural result of a person coming into union with God.
Let us see from the Bilbe – the in-depth of “faith and works”.
1. Our lives should show that God is at work in our hearts.(Romans 7:1-4.
2. We must combind faith with works.(James 2:10-25).
3. God saves us for a purpose.Ephesians 2:8-13).
4. Our walk should match with our talk.(Matthew 7:21-23).
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Written on April 18, 2010 by admin
There will be times in your Christian walk when youw ill feel emotionally “down.” you may think that God has forgotten about you. Or you might become discouraged as you see others who have professed faith in Jesus Christ lose interest in spiritual things and fall away. You may begin to wonder whether you are next on the Devil’s “hit list.” But God will not allow you to be hit with more than you can handle spiritually. In fact, it is during times of trouble that you will actually be strengthened, not weakened.
As you read your Bible, you will come across words like endurance and perseverance. These words are often used when the Bible compares the Christian life to a race. The race referred to is a marathon, not a fifty-yard dash. Because the Christian life is a long-distance run, you need to pace yourself, to persevere, and most of all, to finish the race.
Look up the following passages that describe how and why you need to persevere through the inevitable struggles of life.
1. Perseverance produces results. (Luke 8:15)
2. Life’s trials will make you stronger. (James 1:2-4)
3. Christ endured great pain for us (Hebrews 12:1-3)
4. God honors those who persevere (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
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Written on April 11, 2010 by admin
Purity is another word for Holiness. Purity is wholesome thoughts, a sincere desire to do what is right, and a commitment to obey God’s Word. Jesus Christ pointed to the importance of purity in Matthew 5:8 that says: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” In using the word “heart”, Jesus was saying that the center of our being – our will, our emotions, and our thought processes need to be cleansed of sin.
The Bible texts below examine the idea of purity and how it affects us as followers of Jesus Christ.
1. Don’t place yourself in the way of unnecessary temptation. (James 1:14-15)
2. Guard the content of your thoughts. (2 Timothy 2:22)
3. Beware of the sins of the heart. (Matthew 5:27-30)
4. Avoid adulterous relationships. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)
5. If you fall, ask God to forgive you and purify your heart and desires. (1 John 1:9)
6. Keep an eternal perspective. (2 Peter 3:10-11)
7. Live to please God (Romans 8:5-8)
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Written on March 28, 2010 by admin
One of the great principles of the Christian life is forgiveness. Jesus modeled this principle for us when he was hanged on the cross and prayed for the very people who had put him there (Luke 23:34). His words were so powerful and unexpected that it brought about conversion of one of the thieves hanging on a cross next to him.
Because Jesus completely forgave us, he wants us to follow his example by forgiving others.
Scripture says: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children” – (Ephesians 4:32 & 5:1).
The Bible gives us several important characteristics of the forgiveness we should have for others.
1. Forgiveness first comes from God – (Mark 11:25).
2. Forgiveness knows no limit – (Matthew 18:21-35).
3. Forgiveness is not selective – (Matthew 5:43-48).
4. Forgiveness breaks down walls – (Colossians 3:12-15).
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Written on March 21, 2010 by admin
“The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commanent greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). These are the two most important commandments because if you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you will want to do what pleases him. In the same way, if you really love others as much as you love yourself, you will be concerned for their welfare and will treat them accordingly. Before you can effectively love God, however, you must first realize how much he loves you. Scripture explains that God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners who had no relationship with him (Romans 5:8). The more we realize this wonderful truth, the more our love for God will grow. The Bible correctly recognizes that our love for God comes as a result of his loving us first (1 John 4:19). These Scripture passages explore some different ways of the love we should have for God and for others.
1. God should be the greatest love of our life (Matthew 22:37-38).
2. Christ love sets the standard (Ephesians 5:1-2).
3. Love surpasses all spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
4. Our love for God prepares us for service (John 21:15-17).
5. Our love for others mirrors the condition of our heart (1 John 2:9-11).
6. Our love should grow (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
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Written on March 14, 2010 by admin
According to the Bible, we have two options from when it comes to deciding where one will spend his or her life after death. One option is heaven. The other is hell. While there seems to be an increased belief in a place called hell, most people don’t believe that they are heading there. Instead, they believe that hell is reserved for only the most hardened of criminals and other “evil” elements of our society. But God’s Word judges people by a different set of criteria (Romans 3:22-23).
While God clearly says that those who reject the salvation offered through his son, Jesus Christ, will spend eternity in this place of torment, he repeatedly gives each person ample opportunity to choose life-abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven (2 Peter 3:9).
If you haven’t made that choice yet, or if you have decided and want a better understanding of what your unbelieving friends will have to face, consider these facts about hell from the pages of Scripture.
1. What is hell like? Hell is a place of unending, isolated torment (Luke 16:19-31).
2. Who will go to hell? Those whose names are not written Book of Life are destined to everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:11-15).
3. What is the worst punishment of hell? Hell’s worst punishment is everlasting separation from God’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
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