“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 “Not ashamed of the gospel” implies that the Gospel is foolishness to the world, which may ridicule or persecute Christians, but Paul (and…
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 In this verse Paul clearly proclaims the Incarnation, the fact that God became a man bodily. The description “bodily form” means Jesus…
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:21 The word of God that has been implanted in the believer’s heart should be received with a teachable spirit—without resistance, disputing, or questioning. Receiving God’s Word in…
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10 Jesus’ obedience to God the Father is a central theme of the Gospel of John. Christ loves believers unconditionally. As believers obey Christ’s Word and abide in His love,…
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11…
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 The phrase “it is written” is used by Jesus often to emphasize the Word of God. Here, Jesus quotes Moses’ explanation to Israel of why God had let them hunger…
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 “Arm” in Israelite culture was an image of strength. God would begin His answer to Jeremiah’s prayer by restating his words in the form of a rhetorical question later…
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 These two verses form a doxology (or praise)…
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.” Psalm 138:2 The term “bow down” means that wherever they were, ancient Israelites faced in the direction of the temple in Jerusalem…
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 Psalm 18 is attributed to David. The text of this psalm is also found in 2 Samuel 22 with some variations. The superscription indicates that this psalm was David’s hymn of celebration to…