When writing to the church in Corinth, Paul referred to them as those who had been sanctified, perhaps to remind them of how they were falling short of their calling. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together […]
Outside of John 3:16, Psalms 23 might be the most popular passage in the Bible. Many have committed it to memory. Preachers have used it to comfort those who are going through trials and tribulations, suffering from some terrible illness, or even dying. For some, the words of this Psalm, or portions of it, have […]
Most Christians understand the importance of prayer. We are repeatedly exhorted to pray in the New Testament. Paul exhorts us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This does not mean that we are to literally pray nonstop, but rather that we should consistently maintain the practice of praying. Prayer is easy. It only takes […]
No one has forgiven more trespasses and sins than our heavenly Father. His willingness to forgive accentuates His merciful nature and long-suffering when it comes to His dealings with us. As long as our repentance is sincere after we sin, and we ask God for forgiveness, He will indeed forgive us. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) […]
Hebrews 11 is filled with people who had a type of faith that was willing to suffer, sacrifice, and surrender to God. At the top of the list was Abraham. He was willing to do anything for God, even sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV) 17 By faith Abraham, when […]
Paul once referred to Abraham as” the father of all who believe…” It is obvious, therefore, that we should emulate his faith. Like Abel, Enoch, and Noah, Abraham proved his faith by his willingness to obey God. Hebrews 11:8 (ESV) 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place […]
There are those today, even in certain religious circles, who would deny the resurrection of Christ. The Jesus Seminar, a controversial group that is supposed to look at the New Testament historically, claims that there is no evidence that the resurrection of Christ took place. They say the passages in the New Testament that refer […]
As Christians, we are involved in a war with the devil. The language of the New Testament affirms this to be true. Paul told Timothy that “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). All Christians […]
The story of Noah gives us a classic example of an obedient faith. Hebrews 11:7 (ESV) 7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes […]
What kind of faith do you have? This is an incredibly significant question. The kind of faith that we have will determine where we spend eternity. As the Hebrews writer says, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith cannot be faked. Certain characteristics are always shown by saving faith. In our […]