Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13 NIV It can be tempting to look at the good or the bad things in the past and get stuck in reflection. Someone might feel...
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 WEB What do you believe about life after death? Do you think that once we die it is over? Do you think...
“Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.” Genesis 28:15 WEB Jacob had set out on a journey. He stopped after sunset and found a rock to lay his head on...
So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. Romans 14:19 WEB In Romans 14, Paul discusses things that cause conflict among those who have faith. He begins the chapter with an example of a man who has faith to eat anything. He compared...
I am he that lived, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18 KJV In this amazing passage from Revelation, John reveals the power Jesus has over life, death, judgment, and salvation. Christ is the only biblical figure that...
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, Ephesians 2:13-14 WEB Our sin separates us from God. In these passages, Paul is writing about how far from God the Gentiles...
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Psalm 27:8-10 NIV...
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 NIV Paul is announcing that he is dead to the world and the world is dead to him because of his belief in the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. At the...
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another Romans 12:10 WEB Paul had just appealed to the followers of Christ to have an honest and genuine love for one another. He is giving a list of commands, directing Christians to love with the...
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. Mark 12:30 KJV Jesus was asked which of the commandments is most important. This scripture from Mark was his answer. To the first...
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: Romans 10:8 NIV How close are you to the word? How well do you know the will of God? Paul had been quoting Deuteronomy 30:11-14 and concluded with this...
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin. Romans 4:7-8 WEB With these two statements, Paul quotes King David’s Psalm 32:1-2. Using these Old Testament words, Paul demonstrates that God’s willingness to...
