“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Jesus teaches His disciples about the process of restoring a believer who sins against you … “if your brother or sister sins (against you)” is…
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 “Now no condemnation” is an interesting contrast with the preceding vivid description of sinfulness. Here Paul depicts…
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders” means that our life before unbelievers should put a…
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Regardless of difficult circumstances, a Christian always has grounds for “rejoicing”. Christian joy is not based on circumstances, but on a growing awareness of God and the certain future of eternal life with…
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other” is in the context of reconciliation to each other (confession should be mutual). God directs us to confess our…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Corporate prayer and worship were the first of the practical issues Paul describes…
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 This verse is part of the Lord’s response to specific prayer…
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 The believer who is constantly “praying” will be “joyful” in hope and “patient” (or enduring) in affliction. Here is what that life of looks like in specific detail. It is a life that follows Christ’s example. Of course, we all fail to live…
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 “Confidence in approaching God” produces assurance in prayer and an active concern…
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God” is simply saying that only people who are saved by their faith and trust in Christ…