“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 When Jesus came the first time, it was so that the world might be saved through faith in His sacrifice (death and resurrection). When Jesus comes again, He will come in judgment…
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” James 1:19 This conclusion of the introduction to the Book of James is that enduring trials leads to a crown of life and yielding to temptation can lead to physical death. Since…
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 There are at least four Greek words for love, not all of which are used in the NT. (1) The highest form of love is agape. This is a self-sacrificial love, which only God can exhibit perfectly. It involves an act…
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15:2 Paul calls us to avoid divisive judgmentalism, which is the opposite of peace. Instead, believers must strive to build up others in their faith. We are not to please ourselves at the expense of others. Rather, we are to…
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 “Freedom” is a central term occurring six more times in this Book as an adjective and once in verbal form. Our freedom in Christ, based on…
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 With repetition, Paul emphasizes the main point…
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 Obviously, believers differ in many ways, but Paul says we are…
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3”17-18 “Wisdom from heaven” is a Gift from God that makes us alive in faith and guides us to…
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 Believers will be rewarded or punished because “God is not unjust”. He will reward them for what they have done. Christians grow in maturity by…
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33 “Riches … wisdom … knowledge” … the wealth of God’s grace and glory, the wisdom of His purposeful actions in history to save, and His intimate knowledge of us are…