“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 For answers to be received favorably, it will depend not only on the content but also on the manner in which they are offered. Often it is not so much what we say but the way we say it that…
“…so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 As people die once, so “Christ died once” – not like the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical system. But…
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and…
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to…
“In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:4 “In God I trust” are words of abiding confidence, even in times of distress. These words are also an Old Testament basis for the apostle Paul’s confidence expressed in Romans 8:31. “What…
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18 “Lord’s love” is from a Hebrew word that means “loyalty” to one’s community; and, is the most common term…
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 “Rejoice … mourn” are simply practical words recognizing that because believers are a body, when one hurts, everyone feels the pain; when one is joyful, everyone can rejoice. Christians cannot be indifferent to the suffering or joy of their fellow believers. Although Paul…
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 This verse is part of Paul’s farewell address to the church leaders of Ephesus and he…
“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…