Ignoring Grace

In the hectic downtown of one of Asia’s great cities, I marveled at the busy sidewalks filled with people. There seemed to be no room to move in the crush of humanity, yet it also seemed that everyone was moving at top speed.

My attention was drawn to the soft, almost mournful sound of a single trumpeter playing “Amazing Grace.” The crowds appeared oblivious to both the musician and the music. Still, he played—sending a musical message of the love of God out to whoever knew the song and would think about the words as he played.

I thought of this experience as a parable. The music seemed to be an invitation to the masses to follow Christ. As with the gospel message, some believe in God’s amazing grace and choose the narrow way. Others ignore His grace, which is the broad way that leads to everlasting destruction. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

Jesus died so that “whoever calls” on His name (Rom. 10:13) can find forgiveness in His grace.



Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see. —Newton

Christ believed is salvation received.



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Looking and Learning

As an umpire stood behind the plate at a girls’ softball game, he heard a player’s mother start chanting: “We want a new ump! We want a new ump!” Soon, other parents took up the chant. The ump smiled, then turned toward the crowd and yelled, “I want new parents! I want new parents!” The heckling died away.

It’s important for parents to set a good example, because their children are watching them. Christian parents can encourage good habits and behavior by doing things like:

• Praying for and with them—so they learn how to talk with God. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it” (Col. 4:2).

• Reading and teaching them the Bible—so they learn God’s truth. “Teach [God’s commands] diligently to your children, . . . talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:7).

• Telling them about Jesus—and leading them to faith in Him. “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

The best way to set a good example for our children is to live out our faith in front of them. While they’re looking—they’re learning about what matters most.



Take stock of yourself and consider your child—
Your time and your thoughts are his due;
How would you reply to the Lord should He ask,
“What kind of parent are you?” —Anon.

Children may not inherit their parents’ talent,
but they will absorb their values.



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Upside Down

If you were to ask me who I am, I’d tell you that I’m a follower of Jesus. But I have to admit, at times following Him is a real challenge. He tells me to do things like rejoice when I’m persecuted (Matt. 5:11-12); to turn the other cheek (vv.38-39); to give to someone who wants to take from me (vv.40-42); to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, and do good to those who hate me (vv.43-44). This kind of lifestyle seems very upside down to me.

But I’ve come to realize that He’s not upside down—I am. We have all been born fallen and broken. Being twisted by sin, our first instincts are often wrong, which inevitably leaves a big mess.

We’re like toast slathered with jelly that has fallen upside down on the kitchen floor. Left to ourselves, we can make a pretty big mess of things. Then Jesus comes along, like a divine spatula, scrapes us off the floor of our sinful ways, and turns us right side up. And as we follow His right-side-up ways, we discover that turning the other cheek keeps us from getting caught in a brawl, that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that dying to self is life at its best.

After all, His ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8), and I’ve come to realize that His ways are always best!



When we’re transformed and made brand-new
We see things differently;
What once seemed right we now abhor,
And wrong we clearly see. —Sper

What may seem upside down to us is right side up to God.



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Like A Hypocrite

Ray Stedman told about a young man who had stopped attending the church Ray was pastoring. The young man said that when he was at work he would sometimes lose his temper and treat co-workers poorly. Then, when Sunday rolled around, he didn’t want to go to church because he felt like a hypocrite.

Stedman told his young friend, “A hypocrite is someone who acts like something he isn’t. When you come to church, you are acting like a Christian. You are not a hypocrite at church.” Suddenly, the young man realized where he was being a hypocrite. He recognized that the answer was not in avoiding church but in changing the way he was at work.

The term hypocrite is from a Greek word that means “play-actor.” It means we pretend to be something we aren’t. Sometimes we forget our true identity as believers in Jesus. We forget that we are accountable to God. When we do that, we live the way we “once walked” (Eph. 2:2) and thus are hypocrites.

Let’s not let our old ways make us act like someone we’re not. Instead, through God’s grace, let’s live in a way that shows we are “alive together with Christ” (v.5). That’s a sure cure for hypocrisy.



Consistency! How much we need
To walk a measured pace,
To live the life of which we speak,
Until we see Christ’s face. —Anon.

It is the inconsistent Christian who helps the devil the most.



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No More Struggles

Fay Weldon went through what she thought was a near-death experience in 2006 when an allergic reaction stopped her heart. She retold her experience to Elizabeth Grice of the London Daily Telegraph. She said that a “terrible creature” tried to pull her through pearly gates, while doctors tried to pull her back. Later, she said, “If that was dying, I don’t want to do it again.” It’s “just more of the same. More struggle.”

Often the process of dying is a struggle. But death itself need not be feared by the believer in Christ—for it will bring us to heaven. In Revelation, John gives a wonderful description of what eternity with God will be like (21:1-4). He sees the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. The city of Jerusalem was a physical sign of the people of God and was described as the place where God dwells (Ps. 76:2). The New Jerusalem, on the other hand, will not be made by human hands. It will be a place where God lives with His people eternally, and it will be a place of “no more”—no more pain, sorrow, and sickness.

We don’t know very much about eternity, but we do know that for the Christian, whatever our emotional and physical struggles are now, they will cease then. Life with God will be better by far.



Think of a land of no sorrow,
Think of a land of no fears,
Think of no death and no sickness,
Think of a land of no tears. —Anon.

Heaven’s delights will far outweigh earth’s difficulties.



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Tags: Death, Eternity, Heaven, Sorrow
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The Jewish Roots Of Christianity DVD
Today, the religious traditions of Judaism and Christianity seem worlds apart—but it hasn’t always been that way! In this 3-part DVD, The Jewish Roots of Christianity, you will experience the rich heritage of the Christian faith, which is grounded in the…

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Still True Today

The Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland, has an extensive collection of ancient Bible fragments dating back to the second century AD. One fragment on display is a piece of Acts 17:16.

The message that ancient fragment displays, however, is as contemporary as today’s newspaper. It reads, “While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.” Paul was angered by the proliferation of idols in ancient Athens, and I am convinced he would be upset with us today.

Some idols that we see in today’s world are different than the ones in Paul’s day. Whether it’s wealth, fame, power, athletes, entertainers, or politicians, contemporary idols abound. As always, our spiritual enemy, Satan, seeks to lure us away from the Savior to the false worship of idols. Christians are not immune, and thus we must guard our hearts against self-righteous anger toward unbelievers who seem to worship everything but God.

We must also be drawn by Christ’s love to reach out to those who don’t know Him. Then, like the believers at Thessalonica, they may turn “to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9).



The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee. —Cowper

An idol is anything that takes God’s rightful place.



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The Outcast

His face was grimy, his hair long and dirty. Beer stained his clothing and perfumed the air around him. When he stepped into the church building, the Sunday worshipers ignored him. They were stunned when the man approached the pulpit, took off his wig, and began preaching. That’s when they realized he was their pastor.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to be friendly and shake hands with the people I know and those who pre-sent themselves well.

James issued a serious warning for people like me. He said, “If you show partiality, you commit sin” (2:9). Favoritism based on appearance or economic status has no place in God’s family. In fact, it means we have “become judges with evil thoughts” (v.4).

Fortunately, we can guard against preferential treatment by loving our neighbor as ourselves—no matter who our neighbor may be. Reaching out to the homeless man, the hungry woman, or the heartbroken teen means we “fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture” (v.8).

In a world that keeps the outcast at arm’s length, let’s show the love of Christ and embrace the one who needs our care the most.



Forgive me, Lord, for prejudice—
Remove its subtle lie;
Oh, fill my heart with Your great love
That sent Your Son to die. —D. De Haan

True Christian love helps those who can’t return the favor.



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Nature Abhors A Vacuum

According to the ancient philosopher Aristotle, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Aristotle based his conclusion on the observation that nature requires every space to be filled with something, even if that something is colorless, odorless air.

The same principle is at work in our spiritual lives. When the Holy Spirit begins to convict us of sin, the idea of starting a self-improvement plan immediately comes to mind. We put forth our best effort to defeat our worst habits. But every attempt to get rid of unclean thoughts, attitudes, and desires is destined to fail because getting rid of one creates a vacuum in our souls. As soon as we empty ourselves of one vice, others move in to take its place, and we end up just as bad or worse than when we started.

Thinking about vacuums helps us to understand the importance of what Paul was saying to the Ephesians when he prayed that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith and that they would “know the love of Christ . . . that [they] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (3:19).

The only permanent solution to the problem of sin in our lives is to replace it with the love of Jesus, which fills the vacuum. The more we are filled with His love, the less room there is for any evil thing.



Father, thank You for Your Spirit
Fill us with His love and power;
Change us into Christ’s own image
Day by day and hour by hour. —Anon.

We don’t need to put our house in order before Jesus comes in;
He puts it in order after we let Him in.



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Bible Scripture Inspiration Of Reliability Of Truth Vs. Error Christian Faith Belief General Information Relation To Works Trust Church Body Of Christ Purpose Service Worship Future Prophecy Christ's Return Eternity Heaven Hell Judgment God Attributes Authority Creator Existence Faithfulness His Love His Will Power Sovereignty Strength Trinity Holy Spirit Deity Enablement Filling Ministry Jesus Christ Birth Cross Death Deity Humanity Life Example Resurrection Role Of Savior Salvation Assurance Cost Of Doubt Election Eternal Life Grace Justification New Birth Predestination Security Sin Consequences Forgiveness Of Idolatry Repentance Temptation Spirit World Angels Devil Paranormal Satan Spiritual Warfare World Religions Judaism Worship God Jesus Christ
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Fear and Love

Someone shared with me her observation about two bosses. One is loved but not feared by his subordinates. Because they love their boss but don’t respect his authority, they don’t follow his guidelines. The other boss is both feared and loved by those who serve under him, and their good behavior shows it.

The Lord desires that His people both fear and love Him too. Today’s Bible passage, Deuteronomy 10, says that keeping God’s guidelines involves both. In verse 12, we are told “to fear the Lord your God” and “to love Him.”

To “fear” the Lord God is to give Him the highest respect. For the believer, it is not a matter of feeling intimidated by Him or His character. But out of respect for His person and authority, we walk in all His ways and keep His commandments. Out of “love,” we serve Him with all our heart and with all our soul—rather than merely out of duty (v.12).

Love flows out of our deep gratitude for His love for us, rather than out of our likes and dislikes. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our fear and love for God enable us to walk willingly in obedience to God’s law.



Lord, You are holy and Your thoughts are much higher
than mine. I bow before You. Thank You for salvation in Jesus.
I love You and want to obey You with all of
my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

If we fear and love God, we will obey Him.



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Categories
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Bible Scripture Inspiration Of Reliability Of Truth Vs. Error Christian Faith Belief General Information Relation To Works Trust Church Body Of Christ Purpose Service Worship Future Prophecy Christ's Return Eternity Heaven Hell Judgment God Attributes Authority Creator Existence Faithfulness His Love His Will Power Sovereignty Strength Trinity Holy Spirit Deity Enablement Filling Ministry Jesus Christ Birth Cross Death Deity Humanity Life Example Resurrection Role Of Savior Salvation Assurance Cost Of Doubt Election Eternal Life Grace Justification New Birth Predestination Security Sin Consequences Forgiveness Of Idolatry Repentance Temptation Spirit World Angels Devil Paranormal Satan Spiritual Warfare World Religions Judaism Worship God Jesus Christ
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When Someone Falls

It has become so commonplace to hear of the misconduct of a respected public figure that even though we may be deeply disappointed, we are hardly surprised. But how should we respond to the news of a moral failure, whether by a prominent person or a friend? We might begin by looking at ourselves. A century ago, Oswald Chambers told his students at the Bible Training College in London, “Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back . . . . Unguarded strength is double weakness.”

Chambers’ words echo Paul’s warning to be aware of our own vulnerability when we see the sins of others. After reviewing the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-5), Paul urged his readers to learn from those sins so they wouldn’t repeat them (vv.6-11). He focused not on past failings but on present pride when he wrote, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v.12).

The head shaken in reproach is a common response to public sin. More helpful is the head that nods, “Yes, I am capable of that,” then bows in prayer for the one who has fallen and the one who thinks he stands.



Blessed Savior, make me humble,
Take away my sinful pride;
In myself I’m sure to stumble,
Help me stay close by Your side. —D. De Haan

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. —Proverbs 16:18



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An Open Book

Because I’m a writer, occasionally a friend will say to me, “I want to write a book someday.”

“That’s a worthy goal,” I reply, “and I hope you do write a book. But it’s better to be one than to write one.”

I’m thinking of the apostle Paul’s words: “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ . . . written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3).

In his book The Practice of Piety, Lewis Bayly, chaplain to England’s King James I, said that “one who hopes to effect any good by his writings” will find that he will “instruct very few. . . . The most powerful means, therefore, of promoting what is good is by example. . . . One man in a thousand can write a book to instruct his neighbors. . . . But every man can be a pattern of living excellence to those around him.”

The work that Christ is doing in believers can result in an influence far greater than any book they might write. Through God’s Word, written “on their hearts” (Jer. 31:33), the Lord is displaying His love and goodness for all to see.

As a Christian, you may never write a book, but by living for God you will be one! You will be an open book, an “epistle of Christ” for all to read.



Oh, we would write our record plain
And come in time to see
Our unsaved neighbors won to Christ
While reading you and me. —Anon.

If someone were to read your life like a book,
would they find Jesus in its pages?



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Categories: Archives, Christian Life, Ministry And Outreach, Relationships

Tags: Example, God's Love, legacy, Sharing the Gospel, Testimony
About Our Daily Bread
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Since 1956, Our Daily Bread has been the favorite devotional used by millions of people around the world. Now you can enjoy the timely stories and life applications found in its pages. Spend time in God’s Word and find deeper meaning…

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Categories
Basics Of Faith
Bible Scripture Inspiration Of Reliability Of Truth Vs. Error Christian Faith Belief General Information Relation To Works Trust Church Body Of Christ Purpose Service Worship Future Prophecy Christ's Return Eternity Heaven Hell Judgment God Attributes Authority Creator Existence Faithfulness His Love His Will Power Sovereignty Strength Trinity Holy Spirit Deity Enablement Filling Ministry Jesus Christ Birth Cross Death Deity Humanity Life Example Resurrection Role Of Savior Salvation Assurance Cost Of Doubt Election Eternal Life Grace Justification New Birth Predestination Security Sin Consequences Forgiveness Of Idolatry Repentance Temptation Spirit World Angels Devil Paranormal Satan Spiritual Warfare World Religions Judaism Worship God Jesus Christ
Bible Study
Application Effect Power Promises Understanding Difficult Passages New Testament Old Testament Ways To Study Meditation Memorization Reading
Christian Life
Archives Attitudes Compassion Conscience Contentment Courage Courtesy Encouragement Gratitude Hope Humility Joy Kindness Meekness Obedience Patience Peace Pride Thankfulness Character Choices Christlikeness Decisions Honesty Hypocrisy Integrity Priorities Purity Self Control Self Images Thinking Wisdom Church Life Attendance Fellowship Involvement Leadership Membership Unity Emotions Anger Bitterness Depression Disappointment Discouragement Doubt Envy Fear Grief Guilt Happiness Hopelessness Joy Lifestyle Issues Aging Freedom Legalism Money Morality Possessions Recreation Rest Sex Sexuality Social Concern Speech Work Our World Current Events Environment Holidays Human Governments Nature Personal Crisis Addiction Anxiety Burdens Comfort Death Grief Loneliness Perserverence Pornography Protection From Sorrow Stress Suffering Tests Trials Worry Worry Anxiety Relationships Relating To God Care Sin Backsliding Confession Conviction Of Guilt Inherited Worldliness Worship Expressions Of God Sunday Worship
Life Stories
Historical New Testament Paul Old Testament Joseph Rahab
Ministry And Outreach
Life Stories Ministry Missions Service Serving Commitment Making Time For Rewards For Talents Sharing The Gospel Defending Your Faith Evangelism Inviting Others To Christ Missions Spiritual Gifts General Information Giving Hospitality Leadership
Relationships
Family Children Father Home Mother Parenting Youth Marriage Divorce Husband Wife Relating To God Blessings From Care Devotions Discipleship Disipline From Father Fellowship With Forgiveness From Growth Guidance Leading Love For Obedience Power For Living Praise To Prayer Presence Protection From Quiet Time Sanctification Submission Relating To Others Confrontation Criticism Forgiveness Of Hatred Judging Life Stories Love For Peacemakers Peer Presures Testimonies Women

Driving in the Dark

I’ve always thought that I could get through just about anything if the Lord would tell me what the outcome would be. I believe that “all things work together for good” in the end (Rom. 8:28), but I’d do a lot better in dark times if I knew exactly what the “good” would look like.

But God usually doesn’t show us where He is taking us. He just asks us to trust Him. It’s like driving a car at night. Our headlights never shine all the way to our destination; they illuminate only about 160 feet ahead. But that doesn’t deter us from moving forward. We trust our headlights. All we really need is enough light to keep moving forward.

God’s Word is like headlights in dark times. It is full of promises we need to keep us from driving our lives into the ditch of bitterness and despair. His Word promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). His Word assures us that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give us “a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11). And He tells us that our trials are there to make us better, not bitter (James 1:2-4).

So the next time you feel as if you’re driving in the dark, remember to trust your headlights—God’s Word will light your way.



The Word of God provides the light
We need to see the way;
It shows us what we need to know
So we won’t go astray. —Sper

You won’t stumble in the dark
if you walk in the light of God’s Word.



Share Driving In The Dark with your friends:

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Categories: Archives, Basics Of Faith, Christian Life, Relating To God

Tags: Bible, Guidance, Leading, Promises, Protection, Trust, Understanding
About Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Bread is published and distributed in more than 40 languages worldwide by RBC Ministries offices around the globe… Read More »



Special Offer
Get Our Daily Bread At Home
Since 1956, Our Daily Bread has been the favorite devotional used by millions of people around the world. Now you can enjoy the timely stories and life applications found in its pages. Spend time in God’s Word and find deeper meaning…

Read More »





Calendar
January 2011 S M T W T F S
« Dec Feb »
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31



Search Archives
Select Month January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003 December 2002 November 2002 October 2002 September 2002 August 2002 July 2002 June 2002 May 2002 April 2002 March 2002 February 2002 January 2002 December 2001 November 2001 October 2001 September 2001 August 2001 July 2001 June 2001 May 2001 April 2001 March 2001 February 2001 January 2001 December 2000 November 2000 October 2000 September 2000 August 2000 July 2000 June 2000 May 2000 April 2000 March 2000 February 2000 January 2000 December 1999 November 1999 October 1999 September 1999 August 1999 July 1999 June 1999 May 1999 April 1999 March 1999 February 1999 January 1999 December 1998 November 1998 October 1998 September 1998 August 1998 July 1998 June 1998 May 1998 April 1998 March 1998 February 1998 January 1998 December 1997 November 1997 October 1997 September 1997 August 1997 July 1997 June 1997 May 1997 April 1997 March 1997 February 1997 January 1997 December 1996 November 1996 October 1996 September 1996 August 1996 July 1996 June 1996 May 1996 April 1996 March 1996 February 1996 January 1996 December 1995 November 1995 October 1995 September 1995 August 1995 July 1995 June 1995 May 1995 April 1995 March 1995 February 1995 January 1995 December 1994 November 1994 October 1994 September 1994 August 1994 July 1994 June 1994 May 1994 April 1994 March 1994 February 1994 January 1994

Languages
Chinese (Traditional)
Chinese (Simplified)
French
Indonesian
Portuguese
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Mail
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Go!

Popular Topics



Categories
Basics Of Faith
Bible Scripture Inspiration Of Reliability Of Truth Vs. Error Christian Faith Belief General Information Relation To Works Trust Church Body Of Christ Purpose Service Worship Future Prophecy Christ's Return Eternity Heaven Hell Judgment God Attributes Authority Creator Existence Faithfulness His Love His Will Power Sovereignty Strength Trinity Holy Spirit Deity Enablement Filling Ministry Jesus Christ Birth Cross Death Deity Humanity Life Example Resurrection Role Of Savior Salvation Assurance Cost Of Doubt Election Eternal Life Grace Justification New Birth Predestination Security Sin Consequences Forgiveness Of Idolatry Repentance Temptation Spirit World Angels Devil Paranormal Satan Spiritual Warfare World Religions Judaism Worship God Jesus Christ
Bible Study
Application Effect Power Promises Understanding Difficult Passages New Testament Old Testament Ways To Study Meditation Memorization Reading
Christian Life
Archives Attitudes Compassion Conscience Contentment Courage Courtesy Encouragement Gratitude Hope Humility Joy Kindness Meekness Obedience Patience Peace Pride Thankfulness Character Choices Christlikeness Decisions Honesty Hypocrisy Integrity Priorities Purity Self Control Self Images Thinking Wisdom Church Life Attendance Fellowship Involvement Leadership Membership Unity Emotions Anger Bitterness Depression Disappointment Discouragement Doubt Envy Fear Grief Guilt Happiness Hopelessness Joy Lifestyle Issues Aging Freedom Legalism Money Morality Possessions Recreation Rest Sex Sexuality Social Concern Speech Work Our World Current Events Environment Holidays Human Governments Nature Personal Crisis Addiction Anxiety Burdens Comfort Death Grief Loneliness Perserverence Pornography Protection From Sorrow Stress Suffering Tests Trials Worry Worry Anxiety Relationships Relating To God Care Sin Backsliding Confession Conviction Of Guilt Inherited Worldliness Worship Expressions Of God Sunday Worship
Life Stories
Historical New Testament Paul Old Testament Joseph Rahab
Ministry And Outreach
Life Stories Ministry Missions Service Serving Commitment Making Time For Rewards For Talents Sharing The Gospel Defending Your Faith Evangelism Inviting Others To Christ Missions Spiritual Gifts General Information Giving Hospitality Leadership
Relationships
Family Children Father Home Mother Parenting Youth Marriage Divorce Husband Wife Relating To God Blessings From Care Devotions Discipleship Disipline From Father Fellowship With Forgiveness From Growth Guidance Leading Love For Obedience Power For Living Praise To Prayer Presence Protection From Quiet Time Sanctification Submission Relating To Others Confrontation Criticism Forgiveness Of Hatred Judging Life Stories Love For Peacemakers Peer Presures Testimonies Women