Tag: mercy

Foolish Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     Many Jews thought the good news of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they thought he would be a conquering King, bringing signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, and how could a common criminal be a savior? Greeks also considered the gospel foolish, and did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods, and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory.
     The good news of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many people today. Our society worships power, influence, wealth, and other futile things. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
     The message of Christ’s death for sins also sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness, but Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death. He will save us from eternal death, and give us everlasting life, if we trust him as our savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life, but their attempts will not work. The foolish people, who simply accept Christ’s offer, are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

– Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1997-1998)

To Know God… To See Him One Day

Psalm 17

   We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess. When we put riches at the top of our value system, their power, pleasure, and security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. We think we will be happy or content when we get riches, only to discover they don’t really satisfy, and the pleasures fade away. The true measurement of happiness, or contentment is found in God’s love, and in doing his will. You will find true happiness if you put your relationship with God above earthly riches

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 964)

Word Is Bond

Psalm 33:4

A person’s words are measured by the quality of his or her character. If your friends trust what you say, it is because they trust you. If you trust what God says, it is because you trust Him to be the God he claims to be. If you doubt His words, you doubt the integrity of God himself. If you believe God is truly God, then believe what He says!

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 979)

Get To Work

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Often, we are so concerned about what we could be doing for God somewhere else, we miss great opportunities right where we are. Paul said, when someone becomes a Christian, he should usually continue with the work he has previously been doing – provided it isn’t immoral or unethical. Every job can become Christian work when you realize, the purpose of your life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Christ. God has purposely placed you where you are, so look carefully for opportunities to serve him there.

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 2007)

What Is Love?

2 John

The love Christians should have for each other, is a recurrent theme throughout the New Testament. Yet, love for one’s neighbor, is an Old Testament command, first appearing in Leviticus 19:18. There are many ways we can show love, including avoiding prejudice and discrimination, accepting people, listening to others, helping those in need, giving to the less fortunate, and keeping our opinions of others to ourselves. Just knowing God’s commandment to love is not enough. We must put it into practice, in order to truly satisfy God’s will for our lives.

(Inspired by Life Application Study Bible)

No Middle Ground

1 John 5:14-21

Those who reject walking in obedience to God, by default, align themselves with the will of satan. There are many people who have good intentions and oftentimes do good deeds, but all things done outside of the will of God, are equivalent to filthy rags. There’s no straddling the fence when it comes to Good vs. evil. Either God will be the source of one’s life choices and moral compass, or the devil will rule and abide in their hearts.

When God leads a man’s heart, living in a world of sin can become a bit easier to understand and navigate through. On the contrary, when we live outside of God’s will, we open ourselves up to all kinds of evil, and inevitable deception. The enemy hates mankind, and will do whatever is in his power to keep men from drawing close to God. Men and women all over the world, are distracted by things that seem appealing, but are strategically placed to turn their focus from the truth. God loves all men, and wishes that no one perish, but despite all the time, patience, and love He bestows to man, many will fail to enter God’s eternal kingdom.