We cannot judge the hearts and motives of others. Yet, there are biblical principles and practices that define the lifestyle of Christian leaders, as well as Christians in general.A rich young man asked Jesus how he could have eternal life. Jesus responded, “‘If you [...]
Yes and no. God gave us a free will to make decisions. We mature as we reap the consequences. For example, “He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles,” Proverbs 21:23. If we say whatever we want, [...]
Many preachers tell their congregations that if they tithe (give 10 percent), they will be blessed by God. These preachers say Malachi 3:10 applies to Christians. “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me [...]
The New Testament's Greek words translated as “patience” include the thoughts of cheerful endurance, waiting, perseverance, resilience and steadfastness. Romans 5:3-4 connects suffering to patience: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces patience (endurance), and patience (endurance) produces character, and character produces hope.” [...]
The parable of the talents illustrates the individual responsibility of every Christian to serve God. Christian living is much more than saying, “I accept Jesus.” We are to demonstrate our salvation by service through our works. (James 2:17-26). Remember that Jesus, himself, was called [...]
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble-minded) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Greek word translated “poor” has the significance of utter destitution, extreme poverty. Thus, a full appreciation of our own spiritual destitution is essential in order to receive the divine grace [...]
As Christians, we have the assurance that “all thing are working together for our good.” (Romans 8: 28) Therefore we must “with faith” endure whatever circumstances the Lord permits us to experience. We have His word that He knows and will provide the things [...]
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap," Galatians 6:7. If no one interferes with God's law, the person refusing to work will have bad consequences. The natural consequences will motivate that person to [...]
Galatians 5:1,18: (NLT) “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law [...]
SOME Christian writer has well said: "Wherever there has been a faithful following of the Lord in a consecrated heart, several things have sooner or later inevitably followed. Meekness and quietness of spirit become in time the characteristics of daily life. A submissive acceptance [...]
This is a very heartbreaking situation, which grieves our souls. Jesus, Himself, sacrificed marriage and children in order to fulfill His ministry. God’s will for Jesus was to die as the ransom price for Adam. He was to remain unmarried without natural children. Surely, [...]
Growth in the spirit results from obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 (NASB), “Samuel said, ‘Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of [...]
If by chastise, punishment is meant, the simple and blunt answer is No! We are not to chastise our brethren since we are not their parent. Only the Lord, our mutual Father, has the right and responsibility to chastise a brother or a sister. [...]
Summary: Forgiveness is dependent upon our faith in God’s word. A Christian embraces the truths in God’s word. We remember, “without faith it is impossible to please God,” (Hebrews 11:1). Consequently, we study the Bible, have faith in the scriptures, and apply it. In [...]
When God created Adam and Eve, they were created in His image. (Genesis 1:26, 27.) They had God’s perfect laws of love and justice written in their hearts. The Apostle Paul explains that all mankind (including Gentiles) knows right from wrong. “Indeed, when Gentiles, [...]
In Leviticus 18, God commanded Israel to set aside one tenth of all they had to be offered to Him. When Israel began to inherit the promised land, God designated different geographical locations for each tribe. The tribe of Levi, however, was not given [...]
Procrastination and laziness can be related. When people procrastinate their responsibilities, there is a tendency to choose pleasure (television, naps, etc.) over work. King Solomon addressed this issue in Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV). “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! [...]
Yes, fear is tormenting. But, dear one, God does not want you to fear. Instead, remember 1 John 4:16 (NIV), “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love.” When we believe this [...]
A Christian is a follower of Jesus. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,’” Matthew 16:24.In order to do this, a person must first recognize he [...]
“God is love,” 1 John 4:8. Also, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” (John 3:16). He gave the most precious gift He had, his son. Love has an element of sacrifice, putting the interest of others first. “It [...]
