Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Hebrews 8:7-13 (NLT)
Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.
32 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
34 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
Hebrews 8:7-13
7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.
8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.
9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord.
10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already.
12 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Our Victory Given Through Christ
On the Cross (John 12:31-33; Colossians 2:15 and Hebrews 2:14)
John 12:31-33
31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.
32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
Colossians 2:15
15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Hebrews 2:14
14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
In His Ascension (Ephesians 1:20-21 and Philippians 2:9-11)
Ephesians 1:20-21
20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
In His Return (I Corinthians 15:24-28 and Revelation 19:11-16)
I Corinthians 15:24-28
24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.
25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.
26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)
28 Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.
Revelation 19:11-16
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.
12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself.
13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.
14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.
15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
God Gives Us the Victory (Romans 7:25; and I Corinthians 15:55-57)
Romans 7:25
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
I Corinthians 15:55-57
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We Can Do All Things in Christ (Philippians 4:13)
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
God will Crush Satan Under Our Feet (Romans 16:20)
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Victory Over Sin Through the Spirit (Romans 8:9-13 and Galatians 5:16-18)
Romans 8:9-13
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit
gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly
fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
John 12:31-33
31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.
32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
Colossians 2:15
15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Hebrews 2:14
14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
In His Ascension (Ephesians 1:20-21 and Philippians 2:9-11)
Ephesians 1:20-21
20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In His Return (I Corinthians 15:24-28 and Revelation 19:11-16)
I Corinthians 15:24-28
24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.
25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.
26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)
28 Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.
Revelation 19:11-16
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.
12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself.
13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.
14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.
15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
God Gives Us the Victory (Romans 7:25; and I Corinthians 15:55-57)
Romans 7:25
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
I Corinthians 15:55-57
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We Can Do All Things in Christ (Philippians 4:13)
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
God will Crush Satan Under Our Feet (Romans 16:20)
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Victory Over Sin Through the Spirit (Romans 8:9-13 and Galatians 5:16-18)
Romans 8:9-13
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit
gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly
fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
Monday, November 26, 2012
God Provides Protection
The Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11,13)
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The Armor of Light (Romans 13:12)
12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
God as Our Shield (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29 and Psalms 115:9-11)
Genesis 15:1
1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Deuteronomy 33:29
29 Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.
Psalms 115:9-11
9 O house of Israel, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The Belt of Righteousness (Isaiah 11:5)
5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:16)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The Breastplate of Righteousness (Isaiah 59:17 and Ephesians 6:14)
Isaiah 59:17
17 He Put on Righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Ephesians 6:14
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
The Breastplate of Faith and Love (I Thessalonians 5:8)
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
The Willingness to Run and Spread the Good News (Isaiah 52:7 and Ephesian 6:15)
Isaiah 52:7
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Ephesian 6:15
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17 and I Thessalonians 5:8)
Ephesians 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I Thessalonians 5:8
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
The Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)
Ephesians 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The Armor of Light (Romans 13:12)
12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
God as Our Shield (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29 and Psalms 115:9-11)
Genesis 15:1
1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Deuteronomy 33:29
29 Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.
Psalms 115:9-11
9 O house of Israel, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield.
The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The Belt of Righteousness (Isaiah 11:5)
5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:16)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The Breastplate of Righteousness (Isaiah 59:17 and Ephesians 6:14)
Isaiah 59:17
17 He Put on Righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Ephesians 6:14
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
The Breastplate of Faith and Love (I Thessalonians 5:8)
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
The Willingness to Run and Spread the Good News (Isaiah 52:7 and Ephesian 6:15)
Isaiah 52:7
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Ephesian 6:15
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17 and I Thessalonians 5:8)
Ephesians 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I Thessalonians 5:8
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
The Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)
Ephesians 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
How Christians Fight
Depending on God (Psalms 18:29, 32 and Psalms 27:1-2)
Psalms 18:29, 32
29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
Psalms 27:1-2
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Being Dedicated to Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:4 and I Peter 5:10)
2 Timothy 2:4
4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
I Peter 5:10
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Standing Firm in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10-14)
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Holding On to the Faith (I Timothy 1:18-19 and I John 5:4-5)
I Timothy 1:18-19
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles.
19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
I John 5:4-5
4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Laying Hold of Eternal Life (I Timothy 6:12)
12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Being Good Soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3)
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Enduring Hardship (2 Timothy 2:3)
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Exercising Self-Denial (I Corinthians 9:26-27)
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Praying (Ephesians 6:18)
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Resisting the Devil (I Peter 5:8-9)
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Psalms 18:29, 32
29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
Psalms 27:1-2
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Being Dedicated to Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:4 and I Peter 5:10)
2 Timothy 2:4
4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
I Peter 5:10
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Standing Firm in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10-14)
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Holding On to the Faith (I Timothy 1:18-19 and I John 5:4-5)
I Timothy 1:18-19
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles.
19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
I John 5:4-5
4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Laying Hold of Eternal Life (I Timothy 6:12)
12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Being Good Soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3)
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Enduring Hardship (2 Timothy 2:3)
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Exercising Self-Denial (I Corinthians 9:26-27)
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Praying (Ephesians 6:18)
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Resisting the Devil (I Peter 5:8-9)
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
What Does God's Will Include? (NLT)
His Law in General (Romans 2:18 and I Peter 4:2-3)
Romans 2:18
18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.
I Peter 4:2-3
2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.
3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
His Word in General (Acts 20:27)
27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
Doing What is Good (I Peter 2:15)
15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.
Avoiding Sexual Immorality (I Thessalonians 4:3)
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18)
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:18
18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.
I Peter 4:2-3
2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.
3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
His Word in General (Acts 20:27)
27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
Doing What is Good (I Peter 2:15)
15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.
Avoiding Sexual Immorality (I Thessalonians 4:3)
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18)
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Principles of Victory
Success When Faithful to the Lord (Judges 7:1-25; I Samuel 17:41-50 and 2 Chronicles 20:20)
Judges 7:1-25
I Samuel 17:41-50
41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him,
42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy.
43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods.
44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.
45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!
47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.
49 Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword.
2 Chronicles 20:20
20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”
Defeat When Unfaithful (2 King 17:5-20 and 2 King 21:10-15)
2 King 17:5-20
2 King 21:10-15
10 Then the Lord said through his servants the prophets:
11 “King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols.
12 So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror.
13 I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down.
14 Then I will reject even the remnant of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies.
15 For they have done great evil in my sight and have angered me ever since their ancestors came out of Egypt.”
Judges 7:1-25
1 So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.
3 Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.
4 But the Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”
5 When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the Lord told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.”
6 Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.
7 The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”
8 So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.
9 That night the Lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them!
10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.
11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.
12 The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count!
13 Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”
14 His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”
16 He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.
17 Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do.
18 As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”
19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars.
20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape.
22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.
23 Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian.
24 Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim did as they were told.
25 They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders, killing Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. And they continued to chase the Midianites. Afterward the Israelites brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan River.
I Samuel 17:41-50
41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him,
42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy.
43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods.
44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.
45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!
47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.
49 Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword.
2 Chronicles 20:20
20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”
Defeat When Unfaithful (2 King 17:5-20 and 2 King 21:10-15)
2 King 17:5-20
5 Then the king of Assyria invaded the entire land, and for three years he besieged the city of Samaria.
6 Finally, in the ninth year of King Hoshea’s reign, Samaria fell, and the people of Israel were exiled to Assyria. They were settled in colonies in Halah, along the banks of the Habor River in Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
7 This disaster came upon the people of Israel because they worshiped other gods. They sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of Egypt and had rescued them from the power of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
8 They had followed the practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of them, as well as the practices the kings of Israel had introduced.
9 The people of Israel had also secretly done many things that were not pleasing to the Lord their God. They built pagan shrines for themselves in all their towns, from the smallest outpost to the largest walled city.
10 They set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles at the top of every hill and under every green tree.
11 They offered sacrifices on all the hilltops, just like the nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of them. So the people of Israel had done many evil things, arousing the Lord’s anger.
12 Yes, they worshiped idols, despite the Lord’s specific and repeated warnings.
13 Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees—the entire law that I commanded your ancestors to obey, and that I gave you through my servants the prophets.”
14 But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God.
15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them.
16 They rejected all the commands of the Lord their God and made two calves from metal. They set up an Asherah pole and worshiped Baal and all the forces of heaven.
17 They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the Lord’s anger.
18 Because the Lord was very angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land.
19 But even the people of Judah refused to obey the commands of the Lord their God, for they followed the evil practices that Israel had introduced.
20 The Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel. He punished them by handing them over to their attackers until he had banished Israel from his presence.
2 King 21:10-15
10 Then the Lord said through his servants the prophets:
11 “King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols.
12 So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror.
13 I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down.
14 Then I will reject even the remnant of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies.
15 For they have done great evil in my sight and have angered me ever since their ancestors came out of Egypt.”
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Victory for God's People (NLT)
God is the Source of Victory (Numbers 21:3; Deuteronomy 20:1-4; Joshua 11:7-8; 2 Chroncile 20:15-17; Psalms 18:29, 34-43 and Proverbs 21:31)
Numbers 21:3
3 The Lord heard the Israelites’ request and gave them victory over the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroyed them and their towns, and the place has been called Hormah ever since.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4
1 “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!
2 When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops.
3 He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.
4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Joshua 11:7-8
7 So Joshua and all his fighting men traveled to the water near Merom and attacked suddenly.
8 And the Lord gave them victory over their enemies. The Israelites chased them as far as Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward into the valley of Mizpah, until not one enemy warrior was left alive.
2 Chroncile 20:15-17
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Psalms 18:29
29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalms 18: 34-43
34 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
35 You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.
36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered.
38 I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet.
39 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
40 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me.
41 They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.
42 I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt.
43 You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me.
Proverbs 21:31
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Numbers 21:3
3 The Lord heard the Israelites’ request and gave them victory over the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroyed them and their towns, and the place has been called Hormah ever since.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4
1 “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!
2 When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops.
3 He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.
4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Joshua 11:7-8
7 So Joshua and all his fighting men traveled to the water near Merom and attacked suddenly.
8 And the Lord gave them victory over their enemies. The Israelites chased them as far as Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward into the valley of Mizpah, until not one enemy warrior was left alive.
2 Chroncile 20:15-17
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Psalms 18:29
29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalms 18: 34-43
34 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
35 You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.
36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered.
38 I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet.
39 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
40 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me.
41 They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.
42 I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt.
43 You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me.
Proverbs 21:31
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
What The Christian Walk Is (NLT)
Walking With God (Psalms 56:13; Micah 6:8 and Revelation 3:4)
Psalms 56:13
13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
Micah 6:8
8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Revelation 3:4
4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
Walking In God's Ways (Deuteronomy 5:33: Deuteronomy 10:12 and Joshua 22:5)
Deuteronomy 5:33
33 Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.
Deuteronomy 10:12
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
Joshua 22:5
5 But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Walking Before God (I King 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 7:17)
I King 2:4
4 If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’
2 Chronicles 7:17
17 “As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations,
Walking In Truth (Psalms 26:3 and 3 John 3-4)
Psalms 26:3
3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.
3 John 3-4
3 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.
4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Walking In The Light (Psalms 89:15; Isaiah 2:5 and I John 1:7)
Psalms 89:15
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
Isaiah 2:5
5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
I John 1:7
7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
Walking In The Name of of God (Micah 4:5)
Micah 4:5
5 Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.
Walking In The Fear Of God (Nehemiah 5:9)
Nehemiah 5:9
9 Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?
Walking In the Law Of God (Psalms 119:1)
Psalms 119:1
1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Walking In Love and Obedience (2 John 6)
2 John 6
6 Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.
Walking In The Spirit (Romans 8:4)
Romans 8:4
4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit
Walking In The Paths Of The Righteous (Proverbs 2:20)
Proverbs 2:20
20 Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.
Walking As Jesus Walked (I John 2:6)
I John 2:6
6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Psalms 56:13
13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
Micah 6:8
8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Revelation 3:4
4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
Walking In God's Ways (Deuteronomy 5:33: Deuteronomy 10:12 and Joshua 22:5)
Deuteronomy 5:33
33 Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.
Deuteronomy 10:12
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
Joshua 22:5
5 But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Walking Before God (I King 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 7:17)
I King 2:4
4 If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’
2 Chronicles 7:17
17 “As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations,
Walking In Truth (Psalms 26:3 and 3 John 3-4)
Psalms 26:3
3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.
3 John 3-4
3 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.
4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Walking In The Light (Psalms 89:15; Isaiah 2:5 and I John 1:7)
Psalms 89:15
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
Isaiah 2:5
5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
I John 1:7
7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
Walking In The Name of of God (Micah 4:5)
Micah 4:5
5 Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.
Walking In The Fear Of God (Nehemiah 5:9)
Nehemiah 5:9
9 Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?
Walking In the Law Of God (Psalms 119:1)
Psalms 119:1
1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Walking In Love and Obedience (2 John 6)
2 John 6
6 Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.
Walking In The Spirit (Romans 8:4)
Romans 8:4
4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit
Walking In The Paths Of The Righteous (Proverbs 2:20)
Proverbs 2:20
20 Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.
Walking As Jesus Walked (I John 2:6)
I John 2:6
6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Monday, November 19, 2012
What The Christian Walk Is Not (NLT)
A) Not Walking According to the Sinful Nature (Romans 8:4 and Galatians 5:16-21)
Romans 8:4
8 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-21
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
B) Not Walking In The Way of Evildoers (I King 15:26,34 and Proverbs 4:14)
I King 15:26,34
26 But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.
34 But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of Jeroboam, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.
Proverbs 4:14
14 Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
C) Not Walking In Dark Ways (Proverbs 2:13)
Proverbs 2:13
13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.
D) Not Walking In Darkness (John 8:12; I John 1:6 and I John 2:11)
John 8:12
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
I John 1:6
6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
I John 2:11
11 But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.
E) Not Walking In The Counsel Of The Wicked (Psalms 1:1)
Psalms 1:1
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
F) Not Walking In Pride (Daniel 4:37 and Micah 2:3)
Daniel 4:37
37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
Micah 2:3
3 But this is what the Lord says: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time.”
Romans 8:4
8 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-21
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
B) Not Walking In The Way of Evildoers (I King 15:26,34 and Proverbs 4:14)
I King 15:26,34
26 But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.
34 But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of Jeroboam, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.
Proverbs 4:14
14 Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
C) Not Walking In Dark Ways (Proverbs 2:13)
Proverbs 2:13
13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.
D) Not Walking In Darkness (John 8:12; I John 1:6 and I John 2:11)
John 8:12
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
I John 1:6
6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
I John 2:11
11 But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.
E) Not Walking In The Counsel Of The Wicked (Psalms 1:1)
Psalms 1:1
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
F) Not Walking In Pride (Daniel 4:37 and Micah 2:3)
Daniel 4:37
37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
Micah 2:3
3 But this is what the Lord says: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time.”
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Reasons for Thanksgiving (NLT)
For God's Goodness and Love (I Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicle 20:21 and Psalms 118:29)
I Chronicles 16:34
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
2 Chronicles 20:21
21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”
Psalms 118:29
For God's Wonderful Deeds ( Psalms 75:1 and Psalms 107:8, 15, 21, 31)
Psalms 75:1
1 We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
Psalms 107:8, 15, 21, 31
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For God's Protection (Psalms 56:12-13)
Psalms 56:12-13
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
For Salvation (I Chronicles 16:35; Psalms 118:21 and Romans 7:24-25)
I Chronicles 16:35
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you.”
Psalms 118:21
21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!
Romans 7:24-25
24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
For Daily Provisions (Matthew 14:19; 2 Corinthians 9:12 & I Timothy 4:3-5)
Matthew 14:19
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
2 Corinthians 9:12
12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
I Timothy 4:3-5
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth.
4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
For Faith, Hope & Love (Romans 1:8; Colossians 1:3-5; I Thessalonians 1:2-4 & 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
Romans 1:8
8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.
Colossians 1:3-5
3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people,
5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.
I Thessalonians 1:2-4
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.
4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.
For God's Grace (I Corinthians 1:4)
I Corinthians 1:4
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.
For Healing (I King 17:16)
I King 17:16
16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.
For Victory Over Sin and Death (I Corinthians 15:57)
I Corinthians 15:57
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
For All People (I Timothy 2:1)
I Timothy 2:1
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
For Everything (Ephesians 5:20 and I Thessalonians 5:18)
Ephesians 5:20
20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:18
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
I Chronicles 16:34
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
2 Chronicles 20:21
21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”
Psalms 118:29
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalms 75:1
1 We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
Psalms 107:8, 15, 21, 31
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For God's Protection (Psalms 56:12-13)
Psalms 56:12-13
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
I Chronicles 16:35
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you.”
Psalms 118:21
21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!
Romans 7:24-25
24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
For Daily Provisions (Matthew 14:19; 2 Corinthians 9:12 & I Timothy 4:3-5)
Matthew 14:19
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
2 Corinthians 9:12
12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
I Timothy 4:3-5
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth.
4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
For Faith, Hope & Love (Romans 1:8; Colossians 1:3-5; I Thessalonians 1:2-4 & 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
Romans 1:8
8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.
Colossians 1:3-5
3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people,
5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.
I Thessalonians 1:2-4
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.
4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.
For God's Grace (I Corinthians 1:4)
I Corinthians 1:4
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.
For Healing (I King 17:16)
I King 17:16
16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.
For Victory Over Sin and Death (I Corinthians 15:57)
I Corinthians 15:57
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
For All People (I Timothy 2:1)
I Timothy 2:1
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
For Everything (Ephesians 5:20 and I Thessalonians 5:18)
Ephesians 5:20
20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:18
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Thanksgiving Is A Command
A Command in the Psalms (Psalms 75:1, Psalms 107:1; Psalms 118:1; and Psalms 136:1-3)
Psalms 75:1
We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
Psalms 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalms 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalms 136:1-3
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever
A Command in the Prophets (Isaiah 12:4 and Jeremiah 33:11)
Isaiah 12:4
In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!
Jeremiah 33:11
the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, for the Lord is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the Lord.
A Command in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:15, 17 and I Thessalonians 5:18)
Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Colossians 3:15, 17
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
The Command to Give Thank Offerings (Leviticus 7:12-15; 2 Chronicles 29:31 and Psalms 107:22)
Leviticus 7:12-15
12 If you present your peace offering as an expression of thanksgiving, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread made without yeast—thin cakes mixed with olive oil, wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of choice flour mixed with olive oil.
13 This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of bread made with yeast.
14 One of each kind of bread must be presented as a gift to the Lord. It will then belong to the priest who splatters the blood of the peace offering against the altar.
15 The meat of the peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the same day it is offered. None of it may be saved for the next morning.
2 Chronicles 29:31
Then Hezekiah declared, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, bring your sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings to the Temple of the Lord.” So the people brought their sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings, too.
Psalms 107:22
Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Psalms 75:1
We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
Psalms 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalms 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalms 136:1-3
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever
A Command in the Prophets (Isaiah 12:4 and Jeremiah 33:11)
Isaiah 12:4
In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!
Jeremiah 33:11
the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, for the Lord is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the Lord.
A Command in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:15, 17 and I Thessalonians 5:18)
Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Colossians 3:15, 17
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
The Command to Give Thank Offerings (Leviticus 7:12-15; 2 Chronicles 29:31 and Psalms 107:22)
Leviticus 7:12-15
12 If you present your peace offering as an expression of thanksgiving, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread made without yeast—thin cakes mixed with olive oil, wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of choice flour mixed with olive oil.
13 This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of bread made with yeast.
14 One of each kind of bread must be presented as a gift to the Lord. It will then belong to the priest who splatters the blood of the peace offering against the altar.
15 The meat of the peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the same day it is offered. None of it may be saved for the next morning.
2 Chronicles 29:31
Then Hezekiah declared, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, bring your sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings to the Temple of the Lord.” So the people brought their sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings, too.
Psalms 107:22
Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Physical Healing of the Bible (NLT)
A) Medical Care Used
2 King 20:7
7 Then Isaiah said, “Make an ointment from figs.” So Hezekiah’s servants spread the ointment over the boil, and Hezekiah recovered!
Luke 10:34-35
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.
35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
I Timothy 5:23
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
B) Miracles Performed:
By God Directly
Genesis 20:17
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.
By Prophets
I King 17:17-24
17 Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died.
18 Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?”
19 But Elijah replied, “Give me your son.” And he took the child’s body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed.
20 Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?”
21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.”
22 The Lord heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived!
23 Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!”
24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
2 King 5:1-14
1 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid.
3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”
4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said.
5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.
6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”
7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house.
10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!
12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”
14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
By Jesus
Matthew 4:24
24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.
By Followers of Jesus
Acts 5:15-16
15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.
16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 28:8
8 As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
By Agents of Satan
2 Thessalonians 2:9
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
Revelation 13:3
I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.
C) Spiritual Gifts of Miracles and Healing
I Corinthians 12:9-10, 28
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
2 King 20:7
7 Then Isaiah said, “Make an ointment from figs.” So Hezekiah’s servants spread the ointment over the boil, and Hezekiah recovered!
Luke 10:34-35
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.
35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
I Timothy 5:23
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
B) Miracles Performed:
By God Directly
Genesis 20:17
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.
By Prophets
I King 17:17-24
17 Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died.
18 Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?”
19 But Elijah replied, “Give me your son.” And he took the child’s body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed.
20 Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?”
21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.”
22 The Lord heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived!
23 Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!”
24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
2 King 5:1-14
1 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid.
3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”
4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said.
5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.
6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”
7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house.
10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!
12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”
14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
By Jesus
Matthew 4:24
24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.
By Followers of Jesus
Acts 5:15-16
15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.
16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 28:8
8 As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
By Agents of Satan
2 Thessalonians 2:9
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
Revelation 13:3
I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.
C) Spiritual Gifts of Miracles and Healing
I Corinthians 12:9-10, 28
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Human Elements That Play a Role in Healing (NLT)
Faith (Matthew 13:58; Mark 5:14 and Luke 18:42)
Matthew 13:58
58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Mark 5:14
14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened.
Luke 18:42
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”
Prayer (James 5:14-16)
14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Intercession (Numbers 12:10-15 and I King 13:6)
Numbers 12:10-15
10 As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,
11 he cried out to Moses, “Oh, my master! Please don’t punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed.
12 Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.”
13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “O God, I beg you, please heal her!”
14 But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had done nothing more than spit in her face, wouldn’t she be defiled for seven days? So keep her outside the camp for seven days, and after that she may be accepted back.”
15 So Miriam was kept outside the camp for seven days, and the people waited until she was brought back before they traveled again.
I King 13:6
6 The king cried out to the man of God, “Please ask the Lord your God to restore my hand again!” So the man of God prayed to the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and he could move it again.
A Cheerful Heart (Proverbs 17:22)
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Positive Words (Proverbs 16:24)
24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Matthew 13:58
58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Mark 5:14
14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened.
Luke 18:42
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”
Prayer (James 5:14-16)
14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Intercession (Numbers 12:10-15 and I King 13:6)
Numbers 12:10-15
10 As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,
11 he cried out to Moses, “Oh, my master! Please don’t punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed.
12 Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.”
13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “O God, I beg you, please heal her!”
14 But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had done nothing more than spit in her face, wouldn’t she be defiled for seven days? So keep her outside the camp for seven days, and after that she may be accepted back.”
15 So Miriam was kept outside the camp for seven days, and the people waited until she was brought back before they traveled again.
I King 13:6
6 The king cried out to the man of God, “Please ask the Lord your God to restore my hand again!” So the man of God prayed to the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and he could move it again.
A Cheerful Heart (Proverbs 17:22)
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Positive Words (Proverbs 16:24)
24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
God is the Ultimate Healer (NLT)
Deuteronomy 32:39
Look now; I myself am he! There is no other god but me! I am the one who kills and gives life; I am the one who wounds and heals; no one can be rescued from my powerful hand!
Psalms 103:3
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Jeremiah 30:17
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord. “For you are called an outcast—
Look now; I myself am he! There is no other god but me! I am the one who kills and gives life; I am the one who wounds and heals; no one can be rescued from my powerful hand!
Psalms 103:3
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord. “For you are called an outcast—
‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Relationship of Believers to Grace (NLT)
They Are Under Grace (Romans 6:14)
14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
They Stand in Grace (Romans 5:2)
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
They Are What They Are by Grace (I Corinthians 15:10
10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.
The Abound in Grace (2 Corinthians 9:8 and I Timothy 1:14)
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
I Timothy 1:14
14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
They Share in God's Grace (Philippians 1:7)
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
They May Approach God's Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16)
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
They Must Grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:18)
18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
They Must Not Receive Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1)
1 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.
They Can Fall Away From Grace (Galatians 5:4 and Hebrews 6:4-6)
Galatians 5:4
4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.
Hebrews 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
The Wicked Experience Grace ( Isaiah 26:10; Matthew 5:45 and Acts 14:17)
Isaiah 26:10
10 Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good. Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice of the Lord’s majesty.
Matthew 5:45
45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Acts 14:17
17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”
14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
They Stand in Grace (Romans 5:2)
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
They Are What They Are by Grace (I Corinthians 15:10
10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.
The Abound in Grace (2 Corinthians 9:8 and I Timothy 1:14)
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
I Timothy 1:14
14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
They Share in God's Grace (Philippians 1:7)
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
They May Approach God's Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16)
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
They Must Grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:18)
18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
They Must Not Receive Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1)
1 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.
They Can Fall Away From Grace (Galatians 5:4 and Hebrews 6:4-6)
Galatians 5:4
4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.
Hebrews 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
The Wicked Experience Grace ( Isaiah 26:10; Matthew 5:45 and Acts 14:17)
Isaiah 26:10
10 Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good. Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice of the Lord’s majesty.
Matthew 5:45
45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Acts 14:17
17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”
Monday, November 12, 2012
What Happens To Believers Through Grace? (Continued)
What Happens To Believers Through Grace? Continued:
I) They Receive Many Good Things (Romans 8:32)
J) The Receive Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6 and Ephesians 4:7-12)
K) They Receive Encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
L) They Receive Help In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:16)
M) They Are Able To Bear Up Under Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9)
N) They Have Hope (2 Thessalonians 2;16)
O) They Are Glorified In Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:12)
I) They Receive Many Good Things (Romans 8:32)
32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
J) The Receive Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6 and Ephesians 4:7-12)
Romans 12:6
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Ephesians 4:7-12
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.
10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
K) They Receive Encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,
L) They Receive Help In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:16)
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
M) They Are Able To Bear Up Under Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through
N) They Have Hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,
O) They Are Glorified In Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:12)
12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
I) They Receive Many Good Things (Romans 8:32)
J) The Receive Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6 and Ephesians 4:7-12)
K) They Receive Encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
L) They Receive Help In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:16)
M) They Are Able To Bear Up Under Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9)
N) They Have Hope (2 Thessalonians 2;16)
O) They Are Glorified In Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:12)
I) They Receive Many Good Things (Romans 8:32)
32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
J) The Receive Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6 and Ephesians 4:7-12)
Romans 12:6
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Ephesians 4:7-12
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.
10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
K) They Receive Encouragement (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,
L) They Receive Help In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:16)
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
M) They Are Able To Bear Up Under Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through
N) They Have Hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,
12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What Happens to Believers Through Grace?
A) They Are Chosen (Romans 11:5)
B) They Are Called (Galatians 1:15)
C) They Believe (Acts 18:27)
D) They Are Justified (Romans 3:24 and Titus 3:7)
E) They Receive Righteousness (Romans 5:17)
F) They Are Saved (Acts 15:11 and Titus 2:11)
G) They Are Redeemed (Romans 3:24)
H) They Are Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
A) They Are Chosen (Romans 11:5)
So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
B) They Are Called (Galatians 1:15)
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased
C) They Believe (Acts 18:27)
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
D) They Are Justified (Romans 3:24 and Titus 3:7)
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Titus 3:7
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
E) They Receive Righteousness (Romans 5:17)
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
F) They Are Saved (Acts 15:11 and Titus 2:11)
11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
G) They Are Redeemed (Romans 3:24)
and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
B) They Are Called (Galatians 1:15)
C) They Believe (Acts 18:27)
D) They Are Justified (Romans 3:24 and Titus 3:7)
E) They Receive Righteousness (Romans 5:17)
F) They Are Saved (Acts 15:11 and Titus 2:11)
G) They Are Redeemed (Romans 3:24)
H) They Are Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
A) They Are Chosen (Romans 11:5)
So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
B) They Are Called (Galatians 1:15)
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased
C) They Believe (Acts 18:27)
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
D) They Are Justified (Romans 3:24 and Titus 3:7)
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Titus 3:7
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
E) They Receive Righteousness (Romans 5:17)
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
F) They Are Saved (Acts 15:11 and Titus 2:11)
11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
G) They Are Redeemed (Romans 3:24)
and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
H) They Are Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Saturday, November 10, 2012
How Can We Receive Grace?
A) We Must Accept Christ (John 1:14, 16; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 1:6-7)
John 1:14, 16
14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Ephesians 1:6-7
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
B) We Must be Humble (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6)
Proverbs 3:34
34 The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
James 4:6
6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”
C) We Cannot Earn it by Good Works ( Romans 11:6; 2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 11:6
6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
2 Timothy 1:9
9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
D) We Cannot Earn it by Keeping the Law (Romans 6:14 and Galatians 2:16)
Romans 6:14
14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Galatians 2:16
16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
John 1:14, 16
14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Ephesians 1:6-7
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
B) We Must be Humble (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6)
Proverbs 3:34
34 The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
James 4:6
6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”
C) We Cannot Earn it by Good Works ( Romans 11:6; 2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 11:6
6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
2 Timothy 1:9
9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
D) We Cannot Earn it by Keeping the Law (Romans 6:14 and Galatians 2:16)
Romans 6:14
14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Galatians 2:16
16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Friday, November 9, 2012
Grace Comes As A Gift
From God (Ephesians 2:8 and I Peter 5:10)
Ephesians 2:8
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
I Peter 5:10
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
From the Father (Psalms 84:11 and James 1:17)
Psalms 84:11
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
From Christ, the Son (John 1:17 and I Corinthians 1:4)
John 1:17
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 1:4
4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
From the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 12:10 and Hebrews 10:29)
Zechariah 12:10
10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Hebrews 10:29
29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Ephesians 2:8
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
I Peter 5:10
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
From the Father (Psalms 84:11 and James 1:17)
Psalms 84:11
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
From Christ, the Son (John 1:17 and I Corinthians 1:4)
John 1:17
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 1:4
4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
From the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 12:10 and Hebrews 10:29)
Zechariah 12:10
10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Hebrews 10:29
29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
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