James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This passage in the book of James is instructing us to …
Ezra’s prayers: a lesson for the Christian and the church
When we read through the book of Ezra, we learn a great deal about prayer and right living for God. The prayers offered up in the book of Ezra teach us valuable lessons for personal prayer, the conduct of each Christian, and the corporate church. The book of Ezra is about the return from exile …
Accursed is the one who does not love God (1 Corinthians 16:22)
1 Corinthians 16:22 “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!” This passage appears at the end of the book of 1 Corinthians. It is a crucial and critical passage that we can sometimes miss or overlook and do not notice. Studying this passage a little deeper will …
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13)
Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” When we read this …
“Love” with knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9-11)
Philippians 1:9-11 “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise …
Motives for the gospel (envy, rivalry, or goodwill)? – Philippians 1:12-18
Philippians 1:12-18 talks about the advance of the gospel and demonstrates that mere men cannot extinguish the light of the gospel of God. The preaching of the gospel is of utmost importance because the gospel is God’s power for salvation. God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith and declares the righteous …