Posted on March 16, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Extravagant Grace

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Extravagant Grace

March 16, 2021

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

In his book, PROOF: Finding Freedom through the Intoxicating Joy of Irresistible Grace, Timothy Paul Jones shares a story about taking his adopted daughter to Disney World for the first time. This little girl joined his family at 8 years old, after another family dissolved her previous adoption. For reasons unknown, that first family would take their biological kids to Disney World, but leave their adopted daughter behind with family friends. By the time she was adopted into the Jones family, she had heard all about the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” but had never experienced it herself.

When her new parents shared their plans to take a family trip to Disney World, a peculiar thing happened. For months leading up to the vacation, Jones’ wrote that his daughter started acting out in a variety of ways. Her behavior was rebellious and even cruel. One evening when he was about to correct her she looked at him and asked, “You aren’t going to take me to Disney World, are you?”

You see, this little girl had learned many years before that she could not earn her way there. She had tried to be good, and when her previous family left her home, she reasoned it was because she wasn’t good enough. So this time she was living in a way that distanced her far from the Magic Kingdom. Her dad reassured her that she was part of the family, so she was going on the trip no matter what.

Jones shared a beautiful moment that happened the night after the family’s first day in the Theme Park. Back at the hotel as he tucked his daughter in bed he asked her how her first day at Disney World was. She thought for a moment and then said, “Daddy, I finally got to go to Disney World. But it wasn’t because I was good; it’s because I am yours.”

This is the message of God’s amazing grace. This is the Gospel. God’s grace isn’t something we can ever earn. God’s grace pursues us when we are His enemy. When we rebel with dark, untrusting hearts…testing limits and pushing against God’s love, still He calls us. Still He loves us…not because we are good, but because we are His.

Dear Lord, thank you that I don’t have to be “good enough” to earn your love and grace. Help me to live in the freedom that comes with that truth, and to rest in the fact that you were perfectly good so I don’t have to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Topics: Grace

Bible Reference

1 John 4:10

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168
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Posted on March 15, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

10 Warnings that The Bible Talks About?

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10 Warnings in the Bible We Don’t Take Seriously Enough

Lynette KittleiBelieve Contributors
20193 Apr

Although the Bible warns us of attitudes and activities to stay away from, how seriously do most Christians follow biblical counsel?

God’s cautions are for our good, and ignoring His guidance and commands opens us up to being misled. To help us keep our feet on the path that leads to life, below are 10 biblical warnings Christ’s followers should take more seriously.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Tom Morelnull

1. Resist Being A People PleaserIn this age of Social Media, it’s so easy to get caught up in gaining others’ “likes” and “shares,” and dwell too much on being accepted rather than speaking God’s truth.If our goals are to be popular and well-liked, maybe we need to consider the following promise:“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. This is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19)Having “haters” doesn’t necessarily mean we are on the right track, but if we are committed to speaking truth instead of flattery, not everyone is going to respond with praise and affection. All over the world, believers are persecuted and rejected because of their commitment to sharing about the life of Jesus.Whatever you face in your context, instead of shrinking back, or pleasing others out of fear, find encouragement and boldness knowing we all are in good company with Jesus.Photo Credit: Unsplashhttps://dc7fa9cae5cab1d6058d531a1395ea39.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
2. Be Very Careful How You LiveWith so many voices and opinions bombarding our thoughts today, us humans can be swayed off-track without even realizing the direction we are headed. Ephesians 5:15warns to, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”How we choose to live matters. The daily choices we make add up to a lifetime, so in making daily choices it is good to consider how we might look back at our decisions twenty years from now, and how they may affect our life overall.Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”Focusing more on God’s truth, rather than what the world says is truth, will renew our minds, transform our thoughts, and lead us to follow His will for our lives.Photo Credit: Thinkstockhttps://tpc.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
3. Make Sure to Test the SpiritsMany people are quick to jump on board of new ideas and trends. Yet consider the following words: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).So how do we test the spirits? Often, our own feelings and understanding can lead us astray as Proverbs 16:25 describes, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”Instead, Scripture urges us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”(Proverbs 3:5,6).By turning to God’s word to see what is written concerning a new idea or trend, along with praying and asking God to reveal the truth to us, we can test the spirits.Photo Credit: Getty Images null
4. Let Go of Empty WordsWhy are words so important? Does it really matter what we say?Jesus explained why they do matter, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).So what exactly is an empty word? “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).Ephesians 5:4 goes on to explain in more detail, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.”Even if we have spoken empty words in the past, going forward we can commit to choosing our words carefully. As Colossians 4:6 encourages, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”Like David, we can commit our words to God. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer”(Psalm 19:14).Photo Credit: Thinkstock/Bruno Montenyhttps://dc7fa9cae5cab1d6058d531a1395ea39.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
5. Put Aside RevengeAs Christians, how do we handle being lied about, wronged, mistreated, or cheated out of things such as promotions, positions, or belongings that should have rightfully been ours?Do we follow current social protocol, such as going online to expose the injustice and spread the word of what the offender did to us? Or do we submit the wrong to God and trust Him to make things right?Scripture urges, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22).Jesus is the ultimate example of trusting God, as described in 1 Peter 2:23: “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”In suffering, we can look to Christ and follow His steps as our example in walking through it (1 Peter 2:21).Photo Credit: Thinkstocknull
6. Use Your Influential Power WiselyHas anyone ever introduced you or pushed you to try certain activities with the potential to lead you astray and away from God?If so, consider what “Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come’” (Luke 17:1).Stressing the seriousness of leading others astray, Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).It’s important for us to be extremely careful how we influence others, understanding God’s warning concerning leading others astray. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to encourage one another and build each other up.Likewise, Hebrews 10:24 say, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Photo Credit: Thinkstocknull
7. Say “No” to Imitating EvilIn today’s society, it’s not uncommon to see individuals take on the look, sayings, and behaviors of popular celebrities, book, and movie figures of less than honorable character—dressing like they dress, adopting their mottos as their own, and taking on their overall personas.Maybe it just seems like a harmless, fun thing to do, but look at what 3 John 1:11 has to say about it. “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 1:11).Although it’s easy to get caught up in the charm and likeability of clever and rebellious characters, Scripture warns us to, “Reject every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).As 1 Peter 2:21 urges, when looking for a role model in life, follow Jesus’ example. Photo Credit: Aaron Amat/Thinkstocknull
8. Keep Your Vows to GodSome Christians may believe that since we live under grace, we’re not obligated to keep our vows to God because we’re already forgiven, He’ll understand, and it doesn’t really matter to Him.Yet, Deuteronomy 23:21 states, “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.”From breaking marriage vows to promising God various things in times of crisis, many individuals rationalize not keeping their word to Him.Still Numbers 30:2 urges, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”God is faithful and keeps His word to us. Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”When tempted to break your word to God, ask Him to help you to be faithful, as He is faithful to you. Photo Credit: Thinkstocknull
9. Avoid Sexual Sin1 Corinthians 6:18 warns to, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”Unfortunately, even Christians are caught up in viewing pornography, participating in a hook-up society, and playing around with adulterous temptations. Online sites and phone apps make it easier than ever to be tempted and offer endless opportunities to pursue sexual sin. Yet, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 explains, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality.”As God’s word encourages, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).If you struggle with sexual sin, ask God to help you resist its temptations. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”Photo Credit: Thinkstocknull
10. Refuse to Call Evil GoodThe Bible warns in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”Our current day society, including more and more churches, is in the process of calling things good that God has called evil. As governments are creating new laws in the land, renaming and legalizing sinful practices, many are churches joining in by changing doctrines to support the culture.Ephesians 5:11-12 warns, “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.”By looking at what the Bible says and seeking God for wisdom and understanding, we can resist calling what is evil, good, and instead pursue a life that is “acceptable and pleasing to him” (Philippians 4:18), so that we may produce good fruit and grow in our love and knowledge of our Father. Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has an M.A. in Communications from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.Photo Credit: Thinkstock

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Posted on March 15, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

What is The Meaning of Palm Sunday?

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What Is the Meaning of Palm Sunday and Why Celebrate it?

Compiled & Edited by| BST Editorial Staff202112 Mar

Perhaps your church has children wave palm branches down the aisles of the congregation. Or maybe they use burn palm branches from year’s past to create crosses on foreheads during Ash Wednesday. No matter what the case, many Christians celebrate a holy event known as Palm Sunday. This event commemorates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, right before his death. Although the people cried “Save us, now” and greeted him with anxious expectation, by Friday, they would crucify him. And a week after he enters Jerusalem, he resurrects.null

In this article, we’ll explore what the holiday means and why we celebrate it.

What Is the Meaning of Palm Sunday?

The various Gospels hold accounts of what happened on Palm Sunday. Let’s take a look at Matthew’s account.

Matthew 21:1-11: “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives,Jesus sent two disciples,saying to them,“Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfillwhat was spoken through the prophet “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you,gentle and riding on a donkey,and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.A very large crowd spread their cloakson the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosannato the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosannain the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophetfrom Nazareth in Galilee.”

Palm Sunday remembers when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as foretold in a prophecy found in the Old Testament in Isaiah and Zechariah. The people wanted an insurrectionist to topple Rome. Jesus did come to defeat an enemy, but not the one they had in mind. Instead, he came to defeat the enemy of sin that ensnares every man and woman.null

What is Palm Sunday? According to Crosswalk, “Palm Sunday was the first day of Holy Week leading up to the Jewish holiday of Passover. Jesus rode on a donkey through the town of Jerusalem on His way to conquer death and bring us life through His sacrifice on the cross.” —Emma Danzey

Jesus served as our sacrificial Passover lamb when they lead him to his death the Friday of that week.

What Do Palm Branches Represent?

So why did the people wave palm branches and place them at the feet of Jesus’ colt? No doubt in Palestine, where Jesus ministered, they had plenty of palm trees scattered throughout the land. But do these trees mean anything in particular?

According to Bible Study Tools, the branches and trees actually have a significant meaning. People didn’t just grab whatever leaves they could find for no reason.

“Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9). “Rising with slender stem 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen.” The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., “the land of palms.”

The Jewish people wanted victory, victory over the Romans who had invaded their land. Jesus did come to enact a victory, but not quite the one they had in mind.

When we use palm branches in our services, we can remember how Jesus had conquered death in order for us to have a chance to have salvation through him.null

How Do Christians Celebrate this Holiday?

So how do Christians celebrate this holiday? It depends on which church you attend. Not every church will do something in particular for this day on the church calendar. Some may do as little as putting up a few decorative palm branches or dedicating a sermon to discussing Jesus’ triumphal entry.

Others may have children wave palm branches down the aisles, sometimes singing a song that has the word “Hosanna!” the same phrase used by the Israelite people when Jesus entered Jerusalem.

Many of us, this year, also find ourselves at home watching Livestream services, to limit our exposure thanks to COVID-19. This Crosswalk article has some great ideas for how to celebrate Palm Sunday at home.

“Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures on Palm Sunday is recorded in all four New Testament Gospel Accounts: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. We can draw close to God by reading the truth of His Word. Scripture promises, where two or more are gathered, He is with them! Scripture also says, when we seek Him with all of our hearts, we will find Him. God is … close! When Jesus rode into the city on Palm Sunday, He was God the Son coming close to us. Because of His sacrifice, He remains with every believer through the Holy Spirit. Reading the story of Palm Sunday aloud, or in private, is an intimate way to draw close to God and celebrate.” —Meg Bucher

No matter how you celebrate, many Christians often use palm branches or read from the passages of the Triumphal Entry, to recognize and celebrate Palm Sunday.null

When Is Palm Sunday?

When is Palm Sunday this year? Palm Sunday always falls a week before Easter Sunday (or Resurrection Sunday). For this year, it falls on March 28, 2021. We’ve also highlighted some upcoming dates for future years.

April 10, 2022

April 01, 2023

March 24, 2024

April 13, 2025

Palm Sunday Prayers

“Lord God, I give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless. passion and death, And I am distracted by many things. Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in your name the one who opens the gates of righteousness the one who answers when we call. I bless you, Lord, for shining your light upon me, and for sending your son to us, in human frailty. To walk the road we walk. Open my eyes that I may see him coming and may praise him with a pure heart. And may walk in the way of his suffering and share also in his resurrection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”—Rachel Marie Stone

“Dear Jesus, I plead for You to give me Your grief over the people who have missed You and rejected You. This Easter, remind me just how much I need You. Help me see Your grace. Grant me that divine combination of sorrow and tenderness that points people to the cross and to new Life. Dear God, give me Your heart for my world, to see the desperate need for salvation we all have. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” —Amy Carrollnull

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Posted on March 15, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

What are you Under?

Touching Liveswith James Merritt

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What Are You Under?

March 15, 2021

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14

I have an important question for you today. How do you see yourself before God? The way we live is determined by 1) What we think about God; and 2) What we think about ourselves in relation to God. In Romans 6:14 the Apostle Paul writes that sin is no longer the master of anyone who has been saved by faith in Christ. Why isn’t sin a Christian’s master? It is because our position has changed. God has moved us from under the law to under grace.

What does “under the law” mean, though? Being under the law means that lawkeeping, or obedience, is the way a person tries to achieve righteousness before God. When a person is under the law, he is seeking to earn favor with God by doing the right things. But this is a catastrophic position for any human being. It only takes about 15 minutes with a toddler to realize that the law cannot be perfectly kept. And the only way to be righteous under the law is to obey it completely. One broken law ruins everything. Being under the law only proves that we need some other way to be right with God.

Under grace, Christ Himself is all of our righteousness. We receive His righteousness as a gift by God’s grace through faith and not by works. This is the opposite of being under the law. Being under grace means that Christ’s righteousness has been credited to us. Under grace we know that the basis of our right standing with God is Christ’s work on our behalf. He was born, lived under the law, and fulfilled it completely. Then He took our punishment as lawbreakers on the cross so that God’s wrath could be satisfied. He took our place, so that through faith we could be united with Him in His death and resurrection. This faith union moves us from under law to under grace. We are dead to sin and alive to God.

If we try to achieve any of our righteousness before God in our own strength, Christ will be of no advantage to us. Christ will either be all of our righteousness, or none of it. Trying to provide some of our own perceived righteousness alongside Christ’s righteousness does nothing except to nullify His grace. My prayer is that we as Christians would grasp the fullness of the gift of being under grace.

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son to die for me so that I could be seen under grace rather than under the law. Help me to live in this reality and this truth, that your grace has covered my sins, and therefore I don’t have to be perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Topics: Sin

Bible Reference

Romans 6:14

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

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Posted on March 15, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Hebrews 10:35

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Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

Hebrews 10:35(NASB)

Verse Thoughts
The book of Hebrews is not for unbelievers, but for those that are maturing in the Christian faith… and it has been beloved by countless generations of believers. Hebrews contains a wealth of spiritual truths to help us in our spiritual growth, but we must never forget that it was originally written to early Jewish Christians who had to come to terms with the fact that ‘in Christ’ we are no longer under law but under grace.

As a result, Hebrews quotes many Old Testament passages and we find many references back to the oracles of God, and much that is written by these holy men of God, provide some serious warnings against developing legalism in the Body of Christ. We are warned NOT to fall into the same spiritual snares as Israel.

Much of the content of the book of Hebrews draws parallels between the pre-Cross dispensation of Law and the post-Cross dispensation of the grace of God – and the lessons that the Church can learn today from studying Israel’s past failure, are of paramount significance in these closing days of history. I encourage us to explore the experiences of Israel – to avoid their mistakes, to learn from their successes, to gain strength to endure, and to press on for the high toward the goal of our calling – to press on unto perfection.

There are some very specific warnings to heed, a great many words of encouragement and strength, and some important lessons for all Christians to learn within Israel’s past history. Born-again believers who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, are warned of the consequences of drifting from the truth of God’s Word and the danger of failing to enter God’s promised rest.

We are cautioned of the peril of not pressing on to maturity and warned against developing an attitude of indifference – while in this passage we are counselled of the danger of wilful sin and warned about throwing away our trust in God – our faith in His Word. “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence,” we are implored, “which has a great reward.”

There are five very specific warnings in Hebrews, and this one cautions against carelessness in our spiritual walk. We are warned not to drift from the faith or doubt God’s goodness. We are not to distort the truth, despise the Lord, or deny Him the right to govern our lives. We are not to shrink back from the courageous profession of our faith, but to be bold and stand firm on the truth of the glorious gospel of God, for which we will receive great recompense of reward.

We are to be faithful in every circumstance of life so that God is honoured through our testimony. We are to walk in spirit and truth as we die to our own desires and seek to do His perfect will for our live. All warning passages caution us against spiritual negligence, but all are followed by words of helpful, spiritual encouragement.

In this verse we are encouraged, therefore, not to throw away our confidence in Christ which has a great and lasting reward. How tempting it can be, to start to rely on our own abilities and resources, in preference to trusting the Lord and depending upon His provision. However, we are exhorted not to lean on our own, human understanding and trust in our own provision, nor are we to depend on others to the exclusion of our Heavenly Father.

We are not to become weary in well-doing or abandon the work that God has assigned us to do. We are to keep on keeping on… and are to occupy until the Lord comes, for we are promised that in due season we shall reap a great reward, if we patiently endure and do not faint.

Let us hold fast to that which is good and seek to do everything to the glory of God… so that our whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved complete and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ for His praise and glory.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word of truth and the warnings and encouragement that it contains for our spiritual learning and Christian maturity. I pray that I may be faithful to You in thought, word, and deed, and thank You for Your many precious promises which are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ in Christ Jesus my Saviour, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.

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Posted on March 14, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Love never fails

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Is It True that “Love Never Fails”?

Heather Adams| Contributing Writer202114 Mar

We are all born with a need to be loved, a longing to find someone who accepts us completely and who is worthy of our trust. Family, friendships and romantic relationships are important but can fill only some of that need. What we are truly looking for comes from just one source – our Heavenly Father.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul makes a simple but profound statement about God’s love:

“Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8a).

Paul reminds us here about the strength and power of God’s love, while offering us a challenge. For in chapter 13, he makes the case that while we can never love as fully as the Lord, we can learn to love more like Him.

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What Does It Mean That “Love Never Fails”?

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul is describing the deep and abiding love God has for His people, an affection that is unending and unbreakable. The Apostle’s words were no doubt influenced by Old Testament writers.

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3).

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:26).

Paul makes a beautiful observation about this in Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In chapter 13, Paul coaches his readers to reach for a new kind of love for each other, based on what God does for us. But we’re unable to create it in our own strength. Human love will always fail, because we are flawed, sinful people.

The closest we can come to God’s love is “agape,” which is defined as a selfless devotion to the good of others. And again, this is not something we can sustain, but must rely on God for. He will shape our hearts to love this way, and He will renew the desire when it starts to falter.

For more Bible verses about God’s love, click here.

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The Context of This Verse

This passage is part of a letter the Apostle Paul originally wrote to the church in Corinth, in about 55 A.D. The church was struggling to stay set apart from all the influences around them. Paul wanted to encourage them to stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word and the gospel of Christ.

In Chapter 12, Paul focuses on different giftings God gives the body of Christ. He issues a caution to treat all the gifts as important and equal for the building up of the church. He finishes with, “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts” (12:31).

Paul continues this thought into Chapter 13. His first sentence implies though that the gifts the church is using now are excellent, there is something even better to strive for: “And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (13:1). He then launches into a beautiful description of agape, that selfless love, and how it differs from what the world usually offers.

After the declaration Paul makes about God’s love in the first half of 13:8, he compares the supernatural gifts that the Corinthians valued to the preciousness of that true charity of heart, or agape love.

“But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8b).

Paul acknowledges the good that the prophecies, tongues and knowledge did to build up the church at that time. But he wanted to make the point that works of love had more lasting value for the world. The supernatural gifts given by God for the present will pass away when the eternal comes.

What This Kind of Love Looks Like

Paul writes almost poetically of agape-type love in verses 4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This kind of love leaves an imprint on the world around us. We might label works motivated by agape today as “serving the community” or “missions.” But these moments can happen anywhere on any day. They have to do with provision, caring, welcoming, blessing, encouraging and equipping others.

This type of love is active, and requires our time and energy. It calls us to look for needs around us, then to commit to doing what we can to make a difference. It demands creativity, determination and dedication. Most of all, our hearts need to be aligned with God’s heart.

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What Else Does the Passage Say about Love?

In Chapter 13, Paul makes the case that we can use all sorts of gifts and do many acts of service, but they are worthless without the motivation of God’s love. So before we can reach out to others in a meaningful way, we must receive His love ourselves.

Paul also relays a promise that Jesus will return and make everything complete. Then we will see that so many of the things of this world weren’t meant to last. If we live by that truth now, our ministry will take on a sense of legacy as well.

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears” (1 Corinthians 13:9-10).

What Else Does the Bible Say about Agape Love?

God gives us the ultimate example of complete and endless love.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

We, as followers of Christ, are called to reflect, as best we can, the pure grace that He and the Father have shown us.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us…We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:11-12, 19).

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).

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Why We Can Be Confident That God’s Love Will Never Fail Us

We can find a logical argument for the truth of this verse in the Bible. God calls Himself “I AM,” which implies an unending, unchanging nature – He was, is and will be.

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am’” (Exodus 3:14).

Scripture also says that love is actually part of God’s essence. Knowing Him will lead us to recognize that He embodies this quality.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

So, if we believe that God’s presence is continuous, and believe He loves us, then we can trust that His love is unfailing. We can rest in and rely on it.

But sometimes our own doubt or fear can make this truth hard to embrace. At those times, it’s helpful to remember how we’ve experienced God’s love. That can grow our level of confidence that it will always be there for us. Here are a couple of ways to refresh our memories:

Read and memorize passages about God’s love.
Keep a “God’s love journal,” writing about His goodness.
Share about how God has shown love to you, and listen to the stories of others.

“Love never fails” is such a well-known verse that people can miss the richness in the short phrase. But Paul believed that understanding and accepting this basic principle could have a powerful and lasting impact in the world. For when we fully receive and embrace God’s love, we can’t help but love others better. Then our hearts and God’s Kingdom will continue to be built up.

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Heather Adams is an author, speaker, and singer living in Connecticut. Heather’s passion is to equip and encourage believers to seek more of God’s truth and to experience more of His joy each day. Her book, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is a practical, 30-day devotional about worship based on the writings of King David. Heather’s blog, Worship Walk Ministries, offers weekly Scripture passages and insights to ponder. A native New Englander, Heather is settling into her home in the South, trying out local foods and watching for the alligators that live nearby! You can connect with her on her website: heatheradamsworshipwalk.com

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What Does Isaiah 40:29 Mean?

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Isaiah 40:29 ◄ What Does Isaiah 40:29 Mean? ► He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Isaiah 40:29(NASB) Verse Thoughts Despite his blistering denunciation of the apostate ways of God’s chosen people and in spite of the prophet Isaiah’s grave warning regarding God’s impending wrath and the inevitable punishment that must follow God’s disobedient people, we discover that the Lord is gracious towards His chosen nation, Israel, and offers them beautiful words of comfort, encouragement, renewal, and pardon. Despite their rebellious ways, the prophet presents words of consolation and strength to the afflicted people of God. He is willing to forgive their sin and they are to be ready to receive their coming King. The day was to come when they would hear a voice in the wilderness, calling them to prepare the way of the Lord. In this beautiful passage of Scripture, the Lord graciously invites His people to prepare their hearts to receive the Lord into their midst and to hear His message of salvation, grace, reconciliation, and hope. God, in His long-suffering kindness, promised that He would send a messenger who would prepare the way of the Lord. He would come to prepare the hearts of the people. He would come to straighten the path for the arrival of the promised Messiah. The coming Saviour was to be the Seed of the woman as foretold in the garden of Eden. He would be the promised Seed of Abraham, whose faith was reckoned to him as righteousness. The people of God were to get ready to receive great David’s greater Son… the root and stem of Jesse. The same God Who created the world and brought His people out of Egyptian slavery, is the One Who is returning to save His people from their sin. The same God who breathed life into Adam and made a covenant with His people, Israel, is the same Holy One of Israel Who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of those that lack strength. The Lord promised to right every wrong and to exalt every valley that had been laid low. He vowed to make the crooked path straight. He pledged to feed His flock like a Shepherd and committed to gather His little lost lambs into His own loving arms. He reminded them that His ways are perfect, His counsel is sure, His justice is true, and His compassion and mercy is new every morning. Despite his blistering denunciation of the apostate ways of God’s chosen people in the early chapters of Isaiah, the prophet’s message from chapter 40 is one of enormous comfort and encouragement, for the Lord is a faithful and gracious God who gives strength to the weak and rest to the weary. He has promised that, “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” These words of Isaiah were indeed good tidings of great joy to the little, faithful remnant of Israel, but they are words of great comfort and succour to all who are weary and heavy-laden, both Jew and Gentile alike, for He sent Jesus to be the good Shepherd of the sheep, the Door of the sheepfold, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Light to all who would trust in His name for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Praise His holy name. My Prayer Heavenly Father, how I praise and thank You that You are a good and gracious God, Who is both long suffering and full of mercy, justice, comfort, and love. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient and that You have promised that those who wait on You and look to Jesus, will rise up with wings as eagles – as we rest in Your strength and trust in Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Isaiah 40:28 Next: Isaiah 40:31 ► Choose a Verse from Isaiah 40 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 Haggai 1:5 Revelation 22:16 Philippians 4:10 1 John 3:24 Follow us Isaiah 40:29 Further Study Isaiah 40:29 in the Parallel Bible Isaiah 40:29 in the Thematic Bible Isaiah 40:29 Cross References Isaiah 40:29 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Isaiah 40:29 Sermons Isaiah 40:29 Prayers Isaiah 40:29 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Our Secret Relationship Titus 2:10 John 6:63 Light And Shadow Obedience Developing Faith – Grace Thru Faith- study [2] Let Us Pray Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

Posted on March 13, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

10 Sins that Christians must bring to light

Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources Toggle navigation 10 Sins Every Christian Must Bring into the Light Lynette Kittle iBelieve Contributors 2021 13 Mar It’s tempting to point fingers at a sinful world, but Christians can’t expect those who don’t know God to live by His ways, especially if we aren’t following them ourselves. 1 Peter 4:17, asks, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?” Sadly more and more pastors are reluctant to bring up the topic of sin in their sermons. Whereas making “mistakes” is more palatable to church goers, the topic of sinfulness is becoming an offensive topic — even more so, to suggest believers might have ongoing sin issues in their own lives. Still 1 Peter 4:18 urges us to consider, “And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’” Here are 10 sins every Christian must bring into the light in our own lives, if we ever hope an ungodly world to be transformed. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Boonyachoat 1. Failing to Love God Jesus instructs us in Mark 12:30 to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” However, instead of making God the most important One in their lives, many Christians fit Him in when it works best in their schedules, feeling He understands they’re busy, and is happy with whatever time they’re able to spare Him. But spending more time, energy, and effort on family, careers, and social lives, many Christians don’t realize that failing to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, is sin. 2. Walking in Unbelief Often unbelief is left unspoken about when it comes to sinfulness in a Christian’s life. Yet believing God is so vital to our growing and maturing as Christians, that it’s unwise to ignore it. Unbelief may start out as a questioning of something not understood about God or His word. Or it might come after experiencing a spiritual disappointment, such as a prayer that seems unanswered. Left unchecked, unbelief eventually turns a heart away from believing God’s word as truth. As Hebrews 3:12 addresses, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Because unbelief doesn’t stay dormant in a person’s heart and mind but starts to eat away at their faith in God, it’s important to bring it into the light. Photo Credit: © Getty Images/ChristianChan 3. Practicing Prayerlessness Ephesians 6:18 urges us, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” However, prayer is often pushed to the back burner of our priorities, limited to times of crisis, need, or lack, and often overlooked when things are going well in our lives. Social media, family relationships, work, and recreational pursuits seem to take prominence in our lives and have a way of distracting us from communicating with God. But communication with God is vital. Although some may think prayerlessness is not sinfulness, it’s time to examine our lives and see if we are living life disconnected from His voice. As Philippians 4.6-7 explains, prayerfulness also leads to experiencing God’s peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 4. Living Fearfully Too many Christians today are living fearfully, but 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, so we’re not to let fear lead us in making decisions based on its threats. Jesus addressed how fear is connected to our faith, asking his disciples when they were so afraid during a storm, if they had no faith? (Mark 4:40) Romans 14:23, explains how everything that doesn’t come from faith is sin. So rather than giving into the fearful “what ifs” in life, Proverbs 3:25 urges us to live fear-free. Because God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), we can live free from fear knowing God is with us no matter what we may face. Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Jupiterimages 5. Budding Roots of Bitterness Unfortunately many believers have had hurtful experiences with others, including spouses, family members, church leaders, and more. Over time, if theses hurts are left unresolved, bitterness takes root in a person’s heart. Like weeds destroy all fruitfulness in a garden, bitterness eventually spreads to every area of one’s life. Because it is so destructive in our lives, Hebrews 12:15 urges, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Likewise, Ephesians 4:31 urges us to get rid of all bitterness. 6. Wielding Wayward Words Whether it’s complaining, calling others out, or using coarse language, more and more Christians are less and less concerned about what comes out of their mouths, being more interested in coming across edgy and relevant than godly. However, Ephesians 5:4 explains how this type of speech has no place in our lives, and Colossians 4:6, urges us to, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Perhaps you’ve been surprised by things you’ve heard some Christians say? Maybe at times your own words have caught you off guard? If so, James 1:26 reminds us, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” Jesus pointed out how what goes into someone’s mouth isn’t what defiles them, but rather what comes out of their mouth (Matthew 15:10-11). Photo Credit: © Getty Images/fizkes 7. Looking for Recognition Sadly many Christians are looking for recognition from people rather than doing things for the joy of pleasing God. Self-promotion is the way of the world and social media offers everyone a place to seek recognition. But Proverbs 27:2, explains, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” Jesus warned of seeking our own recognition saying, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). It’s vital for each one of us to examine our motives in reaching out to others, whether we’re doing it to be seen and recognized by others, or if we are doing it to serve and please God. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full” (Matthew 6:2). 8. Cultivating Competitiveness Unfortunately many Christians are competing with others including their spouses, siblings, co-workers, neighbors, and more. But actively seeking to prove superiority over others leads to sinfulness (James 3:16). King Saul was competitive with David, fearful of the people loving him more. In hearing a song being sung about David, 1 Samuel 18:8 explains, “Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he though, ‘but with me only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?'”’ Tragically King Saul’s competitiveness led him to seek David’s life. As Ecclesiastes 4:4 explains, “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Rather than competing with each other, God calls us to love one another. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). Photo Credit: © Getty Images/zenstock 9. Reveling in Rebelliousness Rebelliousness is such a touchy subject because often Christians don’t want to consider the possibility that some of their thoughts, attitudes, and actions may be rooted in disobedience towards God. Yet many Christians are enjoying worldly behaviors and pleasing their own desires over yielding to God. Instead of submitting to His word and ways, they are justifying and rationalizing their choices, unwilling to bring them under the light of God’s truth. Still 1 Peter 1:14, 15 urges, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” 10. Entertaining Sexual Immorality Unfortunately a growing number of Christians are comfortable with sexual immorality, despite Ephesians 5:3 warning to not even have a hint of it in our lives. Many Christians enjoy viewing inappropriate sexual relationships, overlooking its sinfulness and justifying their indulgence of it because they love the characters and storylines, more than they love God. But 1 John 2:16 clarifies its origin, “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” Watching sexual immorality deeply affects our hearts and minds in adverse ways. If we think as believers we can watch it and remain unaffected, we are deceived. It affects how we think, live, make decisions, view sin, and most importantly, our relationship with God. Psalm 101:3 offers direction for our eyes. “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” When addressing “eye issues” related to sexual immorality, Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29) Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Gearstd Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV. MD: If You Have Toenail Fungus, Do This Immediately (Watch) TruthAboutFungus.com Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > 50,450 NEXT: How to Make Sense of Why God Answers ‘No’ to Our Prayers About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App California – Do Not Sell My Personal Information California – CCPA Notice

Posted on March 12, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Psalm 55:22 And What It Means to All People?

Psalm55:22 And What It Means to All People!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins March 12, 2021

Praise the Lord Everyone!! Praise the Lord!! How are you doing today? Fine, I hope. I would like to inform all of you that this is an essay that pertains to Psalm 55:22. I want to say that 1^st Peter 5:7 are similar.

The Bible verse says cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never let the righteous fall. 1^st Peter 5:7 says Cast your cares on Him because He cares for you. When I compare the two Bible verses, it specifically states that we are supposed to cast all of our burdens on the Lord. He really cares for you. The only difference is that Psalm 55:22 is expressed differently.

Next, it says that the Lord will sustain you, and he will not let the righteous fall. I want to say that I have casted all of my burdens to the Lord years ago. As I recall, I used to purchase sex from female prostitutes from June 22, 1986 to July 3, 2010. I have spent a total of 24 years inside of the streets of Dayton, Ohio. I also spent a total of 12 years in the streets of Charlotte, NC. I also spent almost 6 years in the streets of Toledo, Ohio. Most of my activities had taken place during the 1980s and 1990s.

I have a question to ask everyone. How do you cast all of your burdens on the Lord? Frankly, I have to submit all of my problems, habits, and tactics to the Lord. The definition of the word cast means to 1. To throw, fling or send; that is, to drive from, by force, as from the hand, or from an engine.

Further, I want to say that the definition that I am looking for means to submit as if to God, or a higher authority. What I am saying is that I am giving up old habits and problems to God. I know that this is something that we all need to work on a daily basis. It reminds me of taking a personal inventory in Alcoholics Anonymous. What I am doing is taking a personal inventory of ourselves. This is the 4^th step of recovery. The 10^th step says continue to take a personal inventory; when we are wrong promptly admitted it. This is a complete analysis of our behavior by writing it down on a piece of paper.

Moreover, I want to inform all of you that the word cares mean the following: Care [N]

In the Old Testament several Hebrew words are translated as “care” or a similar word (e.g., “worry” or “anxious”). In 1 Samuel 10:2, when Samuel anoints Saul as king, a series of signs are predicted by Samuel to prove God’s favor on Saul, culminating in the indwelling of God’s Spirit. The first sign is that two men will say to Saul, “The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has stopped worrying about them and is worrying about you” (NRSV).

The connotation of caring about something to the point of “worrying” about it is picked up in the New Testament. As in the Old Testament, the undertone can be positive or negative. In the New Testament, the principal utilization is negative. The most common Greek word that is translated “care” is the noun merimna [mevrimna] (or the verb merimnao [merimnavw]).

In Matthew 13:22 in Christ’s parable of the four seeds, the third person is represented by the seed that was choked out by the “cares of the world.” The enigmatic meaning of the parable is that preoccupation with the world depletes one’s devotion to God. Because the world is temporal, inordinate care for the world causes preoccupation with the result of not caring for eternal things; consequently, the Word does not become deeply implanted.

In Luke 21:34 believers are warned to be watchful of the Lord’s return and not to be “weighed down with … the worries of this life” (NRSV). In 2 Corinthians 11:28 Paul lists his sufferings as his glory in his defense against the “super apostles.” Besides his external sufferings, his care for all the churches and the subsequent heartache because of an intense concern for those he loved is Paul’s mark of true apostleship. It can be seen that care to the point of burden is intended.

Another Greek word for “care” is melo. It, too, can denote anxiety or earnest concern, depending on the context. In 1 Peter 5:7 both the verb melo and the noun merimna [mevrimna] are used: “Cast all your anxiety (merimna [mevrimna]) on him, because he cares (melo [ejpimelw'”]) for you” (NRSV).

Care to the point of anxiety is seen as harmful and as contrary to faith in God. Matthew 6:25 says, “Do not worry about your life.” It is necessary that a person gives basic attention to having food and shelter. The fact that the same words for “care” are also translated “anxiety” or “worry” shows that the derivation of anxiety could be a reasonable care turned awry. When one’s desires are inordinate with the result being a focus on temporal existence instead of eternal life, the consequence can be harmful. For example, the negative effects of anxiety can be seen in one’s health status. Too much stress can cause manifold health problems. Worry cannot add a single hour to our life span, according to Matthew 6:27, and therefore, it is a waste of time. Trusting in God when one cannot change a situation is biblical faith. Inactive, worrisome reasoning is diametrically opposed to the Jewish and Christian concept of faith.

Paul says in Philippians 4:6, “Do not worry about anything” (NRSV). The word merimnao [merimnavw] does not mean “do not ‘care’ about anything.” Rather, Paul wants the Philippians to “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” In other words, thankfulness, which is a part of faith, resolves the quandary of anxiety.

Finally, I want to end this essay by saying that I am still a work in progress. What is the definition of the word Work in Progress? A work in progress means

work in progress

noun

an unfinished project that is still being added to or developed. “the book itself is still a work in progress”
1. (in accounting) the total value of the materials and labor for unfinished projects. “the board had estimated the value of its work in progress” However, we are God’s Masterpiece. We are already a completed work. It is that behaviorally, we might not think so. There are times that we hinder or impede in our own progress. This means procrastination. I have casted all of my cares to the Lord. I am still a piece of work that needs to be handled with care!!!!

Posted on March 12, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33 · 2 Comments

How can Faith come by Hearing?

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How Can Faith Come by Hearing?

Lisa Baker| Contributing Writer202110 Mar

close up of hand held to ear listening, common lies of christian culture

An erroneous notion permeates Christian thought which has us believe we don’t always need words to preach the Gospel—that our deeds will speak what we don’t. But faith comes by hearing. It can onlycome by hearing (Romans 10:17). The Apostle Peter, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, spoke Scriptural truth as he quoted Joel and David and testified about what he had seen and heard from Jesus Christ. That large Jerusalem crowd he addressed heard him and, by his preaching, “about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).null

Paul, in addition to many other places, preached Christ to Greek philosophers at the Areopagus, keynoting on their altar “to the unknown God.” Some scoffed, some wanted further reasoning, and some “were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,” themselves becoming proclaimers of the Truth (Acts 17:1-4).

And what of the letters penned by Paul, the Gospel writers, and James, and Jude? Each letter was heard by its recipients as read aloud and by us as we read them.

The world also hears about Jesus through the pages of the Old Testament (e.g. Psalm 22 and prophecies throughout the major and minor prophets)!

How Can Faith Come by Hearing? What Does This Really Mean?

When we think of hearing, our first impression is it comes by auditory means. Yet hearing means more than with our ears. Hearing implies speaking, yet the impartation of a message by any means of direct communication (e.g., reading) can be considered speaking (1 John 5:13). Can a deaf person come to faith? By all means. They do not hear with their ears, but they hear with their intellect and with their hearts as they watch either sign language or read the Bible, and, as we all do, they make a decision based on its truth. Has anyone in this day and age heard Moses, Matthew, or Jesus with their ears? No, yet when read, it is as if they are speaking to us (the writers in the Bible were moved by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:21)). They spoke in ages past, yet we still “hear” their voices today (Hebrews 1:1, John 17:20).null

Faith is always used in the New Testament to mean “faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual.”

We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe with our hearts that He was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9). As an outpouring of the change in us, our obedient task is to speak to others about the transformation God made in our lives.

Not only does our faith come by hearing(Galatians 3:2), but when we speak of our faith/the Gospel, others hear what we say (or write, or sign) and they, in turn, may come to faith by what they hear us say (Romans 1:16-17, 1 Timothy 4:11-16). This author was saved through reading a fiction series with an overt Gospel message. As I read, it rang as true in my heart as if Jesus were speaking directly to me. As we hear the Word through reading (and sign language), we can listen and respond in faith.

What Does the Bible Say about Faith?

In today’s society, there is a current misunderstanding of faith because of worldly “wisdom” and distractions that seek to veil it. To address that, we need to delve into Scripture. Hebrews 11:1 is an oft-quoted passage on faith. Assurance and conviction are mentioned in the same verse. In the context of the passage, assurance means that which has a foundation and is firm. Can a man take a firm stature on shifting sand? No, but he can stand on Jesus, the Word of God (Ephesians 2:20). Jesus is the immovable Rock of our salvation (1 Corinthians 10:4). In the same Hebrews passage, conviction is defined as “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested.”null

By these definitions, we see faith as something to be grasped and possessed by the evidence given us, and that comes from the Bible (and speakers of it), the Spirit, and the Word (Jesus Christ).

Aside from the definition found above, faith is described in the Bible as:

Something by which the righteous shall live (Habakkuk 2:4)

Measurable (Matthew 8:26)

What Jesus expects of His followers (Luke 8:25, 2 Corinthians 1:24)

Able to increase or diminish (Luke 17:5, Luke 22:32)

Part of what sanctifies a person (Acts 26:18)

To be proclaimed (Romans 1:18)

A sign of righteousness (Romans 4:22)

That with which we are justified (Romans 5:1)

Coming by hearing… (Romans 10:17)

A guiding counsel for decisions (in tandem with the Spirit) (Romans 14:23).

Resting in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5)

A gift of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, as faithfulness)

Part of the armor of God (Ephesians 6:16)

Being a good servant of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 4:6)

And more…

Not only can we exhibit faith in God, but He also shows Himself faithful (Psalm 146:6, Deuteronomy 7:9, Isaiah 25:1,1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13, and 2 Corinthians 1:18). In this, we realize we, when we have faith, are displaying God’s character through us, His creation.

How Do We Get Faith?

Faith comes from God; it and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are said to be concurrent in conversion, for no one comes to Jesus except by the drawing of the Father to Him (John 6:44). God has chosen to move in this age of grace through His Holy Spirit. This is huge, and it underscores what Paul said in Ephesians 2:8 and Galatians 3:2. This is not of ourselves—it is wholly of God as He draws us to Himself. His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4) and therefore to faith. How do we get faith? We get it by hearing the good news (John 3:16, e.g.), and responding with belief and therefore trust in God.null

In Acts 8:26-40, Philip was led first by an angel and then by the Spirit to tell an Ethiopian eunuch what the Scriptures say about Jesus. As a result of hearing Philip expound the Scriptures, the eunuch came to faith and asked to be baptized as an act of obedience and acknowledgment that he believed with all his heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37-38).

God is the One who initiates our path to salvation by faith, and the Bible is replete with accounts of the apostles’ exposition of the good news, bringing many people to faith. A careful study of the four Gospels, Acts, Romans, and the Epistles will give the reader great examples of the many ways they proclaimed the faith.

What Is the Context of Romans 10:17?

The Apostle Paul wrote the epistle of Romans to the Christians located in Rome. His purpose, as stated in 1:15, was to “preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” The book of Romans is hailed by most biblical scholars as the great doctrinal exposition of the faith. It is Gospel-driven and includes practical implications for the life of a believer. Beginning in chapter nine, Paul speaks directly to Israel’s rejection of Jesus Christ as Messiah. Throughout the book, he poses thoughtful questions to lead his audience to the truth and the implications of the Gospel. He guides his readers from the Law to the “riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy which He had prepared beforehand for glory” (Romans 9:23), and he admonishes Israel for not seeking righteousness through faith. Paul continues in chapter 10 by saying, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved” (10:1). Paul recounts the words of Moses regarding righteousness, and Isaiah pertaining to unbelief (10:5-21). This passage includes one of the many high points of his exposition verses 8-9. That is where he declares salvation comes by hearing the word and confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. Since all Scripture is useful for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we may cling to that promise. That’s good news!null

Lisa Loraine Baker is a rock & roll girl who loves Jesus. She and her husband, Stephen, inhabit their home as the “Newlyweds of Minerva” with crazy cat, Lewis. Lisa is co-author of the non-fiction narrative, “Someplace to be Somebody” (End Game Press, spring 2022). She has also written for Lighthouse Bible Studies, and CBN.com,

This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture’s context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God’s Word in relation to your life today.

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