Verbatim Word with Justin Gerry: Recent Episodes
Justin Gerry
BIBLICAL TRUTH IN A DAILY CONTEXT. No matter who you are, there is always room in our lives for more of the Bible. Join Justin Gerry as we study God's Word together in a way that brings greater understanding, deeper insight, and practical application that can benefit any listener.
Justin grew up on Maui before venturing onto the mission field. He planted and pastored a Calvary Chapel church in Slovenia for 14 years. Justin and his wife Erin currently live in Oklahoma where they teach in the public schools, lead small groups, mentor individuals, and guest speak at churches and retreats.
Fervent faith boils over. The critics in Corinth set out to bring Paul before the authorities, but God is faithful in his promise to deliver Paul in that city. God uses the fervent in spirit to proclaim Jesus' message.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 18:11-28 | PSALM 119:25, 107, 154 | EXODUS 14:14 | ROMANS 1:16,17 | MATTHEW 26:51 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1 | LUKE 9:23 | JAMES 4:8 | MARK 1:37-38 | PROVERBS 15:5 | DANIEL 5:1-29 | ISAIAH 64:6 | ISAIAH 55:1-7 | COLOSSIANS 2:9-10
In the second part of this message, we see that we can lose heart when we feel like we are not seeing any results in life. We can also lose heart when we are depending on our own resources or when we lose sight that God has a plan. Turning our eyes toward Jesus can restore our hearts.
You don't know what you have until it's gone. Keeping our heart as believers is key to our Christian faith. In Part 1 of losing heart, we see that we can lose heart if we forget the promise that the Lord will return.
There's nothing to fear. The Lord speaks to Paul in the wicked city of Corinth and exhorts him to stick close and press through the fear.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 18:1-11 | GENESIS 3:10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 4:19 | JAMES 4:13-15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:23 | ROMANS 1:1 | TITUS 1:1 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 | MATTHEW 6:25-26 | 1 CORINTHIANS 16:19 | ROMANS 16:3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12-15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:3-5 | PSALM 34:4 | JOHN 14:25-27 | ISAIAH 41:10 | JAMES 4:7-8 | 1 JOHN 4:17-19 | PROVERBS 10:9
No matter where you dwell, the Lord has His eye on you. He seeks to reveal Himself to those He has created. Paul tells those in Athens about the "unknown" God who desires to be known.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 17:16-34 | MATTHEW 8:20 | ROMANS 3:23 | ROMANS 3:10 | JOHN 14:6 | MATTHEW 10:30 | PSALM 139:4 | JOHN 15:26 | REVELATION 9:20 | JOHN 18:10 | ROMANS 1:16,17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25 | TITUS 3:5 | ROMANS 1:18-32 | JOHN 1:11-14 | LUKE 12:48 | PSALM 14:1 | JOHN 3:16-20 | JOHN 12:47-48 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-5 |
Hit the road, Jack. From place to place, the gospel ruffles the feathers of some and brings life to others. Paul and Silas keep faithfully moving as the Lord leads to seek and to save the lost, a work that He alone can do.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 16:35-17:15 | PROVERBS 18:13 | JAMES 1:19 | 1 SAMUEL 16:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:7 | JAMES 4:8 | PSALM 63:1 | 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6-10 | GENESIS 6:5 | GENESIS 11:1-9 | LUKE 10:1 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:14 |
Praise Him in the trial. Paul and Silas set a woman free, only to be bound in prison as a consequence. As they worship in the midst of their hardship, God moves mightily to set both them and others free, as well.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 16:16-34 | ISAIAH 42:1-7 | ISAIAH 55:8-9 | ZECHARIAH 4:10 | PHILIPPIANS 1:1-6 | PSALM 46:10 | JOHN 10:10 | JOHN 8:44 | COLOSSIANS 2:13-15 | MATTHEW 4:8-10 | EPHESIANS 6:11-13 | MARK 5:1-20 | LUK 16:13 | JOHN 16:33 | JOB 2:9 | HEBREWS 13:8 | JOB 1:20-22 | JOHN 4:23 | EPHESIANS 4:31-32
The Lord provides a new team for Paul with the introduction of Silas, Timothy, and Luke. They experience some recalculating on the second missionary journey as the path changes as they walk by faith, each one learning along the way important lessons God intends.BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 16:1-15 | DEUTERONOMY 24:5 | MARK 6:30-32 | PSALM 18:31 | MATTHEW 10:25 | LUKE 6:40 | PHILIPPIANS 2:19-21 | PSALM 16:6 | ROMANS 8:28-30 | ESTHER 4:13-14 | EPHESIANS 2:10 | JAMES 4:13-15
Stronger still. The message goes forth that the gospel is enough, and the new Gentile converts do not lead to keep the Old Testament law to be saved and live in a right relationship with God. Meanwhile, Paul and Barnabas hit a rut in the road as they seek to strengthen others in the faith.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 15:22-41 | LUKE 10:1 | ECCLESIASTES 4:9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | 1 PETER 4:19 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:25-26 | LEVITICUS 17:14 | DEUTERONOMY 12:23 | 1 PETER 1:15 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-7 | ROMANS 14:19 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-7 | ACTS 13:13 | ACTS 11:25 | GALATIANS 6:1 | JAMES 3:17 |
What's it worth? The question arises in the early church as to whether Jesus' free gift of salvation is really free. Some begin preaching about adding to the work of the cross in order to be saved. Paul and Barnabas journey to Jerusalem to seek God's will on the matter.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 15:1-21 | ROMANS 6:23 | EPHESIANS 2:8 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:23-24 | PROVERBS 26:21 | PROVERBS 27:15 | PSALM 51:12-13 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | EPHESIANS 1:13 | ROMANS 8:9 | PROVERBS 11:14 |
It can be hard to bounce back after getting knocked down. But God's grace is sufficient. Paul and Barnabas press thru to the end on their first missionary journey, and the name of Jesus is magnified.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 14:1-28 | ROMANS 3:23 | TITUS 3:5 | JOHN 14:6 | MATTHEW 10:34-36 | MARK 6:17-29 | JOHN 15:18-20 | EZEKIEL 3:17-19 | JOHN 5:5-8 | ACTS 3:6 | ISAIAH 42:8 | GENESIS 3:5 | PROVERBS 22:2 | JAMES 4:10 | PSALM 138:3 | PSALM 34:4 | HEBREWS 12:2
Get back up again. Paul shares in the synagogue at Antioch that both the death and the resurrection of Jesus were foretold. Since Jesus was raised, we can be justified and saved.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 13:27-52 | MATTHEW 5:3 | ISAIAH 55:1 | ROMANS 3:12 | ROMANS 3:23 | JOB 2:9-10 | JAMES 5:11 | GENESIS 50:20 | JOHN 5:39-40 | JOHN 19:30-34 | MATTHEW 27:22-26 | MATTHEW 28:11-15 | LUKE 24:2 | JAMES 1:2-4 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-7 | ACTS 1:3 | HEBREWS 10:4 | JOHN 1:29 | MATTHEW 11:28-30 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | ROMANS 1:16-17
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Walking with Jesus well requires the art of listening. As Paul preaches in the synagogue at the next stop on their first missionary journey, he recalls Israel's history in which listening to God is a recurring theme.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 13:12-26 | PSALM 81:13 | ROMANS 14:4 | PSALM 103:7 | PROVERBS 3:5-6 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26 | ROMANS 10:17 | GENESIS 11:28 | ISAIAH 51:4 | EXODUS 2:23-25 | PSALM 78:27-31 | DEUTERONOMY 8:7-20 | ROMANS 2:5 | 1 SAMUEL 1-3 | 1 SAMUEL 8 | 2 SAMUEL 7:12-13 | LUKE 1:5-25 |
And they're off! Paul and Barnabas head out on the first recorded missionary journey. They step through the open doors presented to them, but not everyone welcomes them with open arms.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 13:4-14 | ECCLESIASTES 9:11 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 | ROMANS 10:1 | LUKE 18:17 | JOHN 8:36 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14 | MATTHEW 7:13-14 | JOHN 8:44 | 2 JOHN 1:7 | ROMANS 10:3-4 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | EPHESIANS 5:8 | 1 JOHN 3:8 | EXODUS 34:6 | HEBREWS 12:1 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:7-8 | HEBREWS 12:12-13 |
A new wave of reaching the world begins. The Lord calls upon those who are faithful. The Holy Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul away from Antioch, directing them to step out and take the gospel forward.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 13:1-4 | JOHN 3:3-7 | 1 PETER 2:2 | HEBREWS 10:24-25 | 1 CORINTHIANS 4:2 | COLOSSIANS 4:17 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 | MATTHEW 25:21 | JOHN 19:30 | LUKE 23:26 | EPHESIANS 4:11-13 | ROMANS 16:21 | MATTHEW 13:8 | JOHN 4:23 |
Somebody is watching. The Lord sees the threat to the Christians as Herod uses them as political pawns to gain influence in the region. But the praying church witnesses a miraculous answer to their intercession, and God has the final word with Herod.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 12:1-45 | 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 | HEBREWS 4:13 | PSALM 91:11-12 | ROMANS 8:29 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 | JOHN 15:18-19 | MATTHEW 2:16 | MARK 9:1-13 | ACTS 5:17-20 | LUKE 11:1 | ROMANS 8:26-27 | JOHN 14:27 | PHILIPPIANS 4:7 | PROVERBS 17:28 | EXODUS 2:23-25 | LUKE 22:42-44 | HEBREWS 12:2 | PHILIPPIANS 3:20 | COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 | JOHN 16:24 | COLOSSIANS 4:12 | JOHN 7:2-5 | ROMANS 2:4-6 |
Not every mission is impossible. The church in Jerusalem is shocked to find out that Peter ate with Gentiles when sharing the gospel. But the Holy Spirit is moving the believers to take the message of Jesus into new territory. Jesus calls his followers to have a missions mindset.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 11:1-30 | JOHN 1:1-2 | JOHN 1:14 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 | ROMANS 14:1-13 | PSALM 34:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 | MATTHEW 3:11 | MARK 1:8 | ROMANS 8:14-18 | JAMES 1:5 | GENESIS 12:3 | PSALM 22:7 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 | ROMANS 10:15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27 | LUKE 10:2 | ROMANS 1:16 | HEBREWS 11:6 |
The work of Jesus knows no boundaries. Peter is divinely directed to go to the home of an unlikely candidate for the gospel. He observes that power of the message of the cross knows no prejudice.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 10:1-48 | ROMANS 1:18-32 | ROMANS 2:1-16 | EPHESIANS 2:12-13 | MARK 7:15 | ROMANS 14:14-18 | EXODUS 4:15 | MARK 13:11 | JOHN 5:24 | JOHN 6:29 | ACTS 15:11 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | LUKE 19:10 | JAMES 2:1-9 | JOHN 16:7-8 | MATTHEW 3:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11 | JOHN 8:11 | ROMANS 4:14 | REVELATIONS 5:9
Take a look around you. It's a sphere of influence the Lord has appointed to you. Peter makes the trek to Lydda then Joppa where he discovers Jesus has expanded his sphere for the gospel.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 9:20-32 | JOHN 1:35-42 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 | MATTHEW 18:20 | ACTS 3:6-10 | 1 KINGS 8:19 | 1 CHRONICLES 22:8 | 1 CHRONICLES 27:25-34 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12-18 | JOHN 15:2 | JOHN 3:30 |
Strong enough? Saul faces new challenges as he begins to follow Jesus. The Lord is gracious to offer strength in the moment and opportunities to grow stronger for what is to come.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 9:20-31 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10 | MATTHEW 6:26 | GENESIS 1:29 | PSALM 145:15-16 | HEBREWS 4:15 | LUKE 7:33-34 | 2 PETER 1:3 | LUKE 24:44-45 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5 | MATTHEW 25:14-30 | GALATIANS 1:13-17 | 1 SAMUEL 17:33-37 | ISAIAH 40:31 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | JAMES 4:6 | 1 PETER 5:5 | PHILIPPIANS 3:4-8 | ECCLESIASTES 4:12 | MARK 6:2-5 | REVELATION 3:7-11 | EPHESIANS 3:14-21
You want me to do what, Lord? Ananias is among the scared disciples in Damascus anticipating the impending persecution as Saul is headed their way. Instead, God calls upon him to be a gracious tool to be used in Saul's story of being called to serve Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 9:10-19 | MATTHEW 28:18-20 | JEREMIAH 1:5 | MATTHEW 10:20 | GENESIS 3:10 | ACTS 1:4 | ZECHARIAH 4:1-7 | GALATIANS 2:2-3 | LUKE 11:9-13 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 |
Anyone can change. Saul approaches Damascus with great zeal to destroy the church, only to be met with a blinding light as he encounters Jesus, loud and clear. No one would have anticipated such a dramatic change of heart, but nothing is impossible with God.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 9:1-9 | MATTHEW 5:44 | JAMES 1:2-4 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-18 | ROMANS 5:8 | 1 PETER 4:3-7 | ROMANS 12:2 | JOHN 14:6 | PSALM 51:4 | ROMANS 10:9-10 |
In a sea of humanity, God sees each individual. Philip leaves Samaria for the desert, where God has an appointment for him to share Jesus with an Ethiopian.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 8:26-40 | GENESIS 6:8 | EZEKIEL 22:30 | MATTHEW 10:40 | LUKE 21:18 | REVELATION 20:12 | 1 SAMUEL 3:1-21 | COLOSSIANS 4:2-4 EPHESIANS 6:18-20 | ECCLESIASTES 3:7 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-20 | JOHN 15:16
Opportunity knocks. When great things happen in Samaria after the gospel comes to town, a man names Simon wants to get in on the action. A visit from the apostles exposes his ulterior motives. While opportunities may arise, God looks at the underlying motives those who seek them.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 8:9-25 | PROVERBS 31:16 | 1 SAMUEL 16:7 | MATTHEW 10:2-4 | MATTHEW 13:55 | JOHN 6:71 | MATTHEW 26:6 | LUKE 7:36-40 | MATTHEW 27:32 | HEBREWS 4:13 | EXODUS 7:11-13 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | LEVITICUS 19:26 | JAMES 4:7 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | ISAIAH 14:12-14 | GENESIS 3:5 | MARK 16:16 | JEREMIAH 17:10 | JEREMIAH 20:12 | JAMES 2:19-20 | JOHN 14:6 | JOHN 4:4-41 | ACTS 1:5 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:23-24 | PSALM 139:23-24 |
In the wake of Stephen's martyrdom, the first believers begin to scatter. God uses this new dynamic to direct the gospel into new areas where it is yet to be heard. Christians, likewise, may be moved strategically to share the message of Jesus in places where it will be fruitful.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 8:1-8 | ACTS 1:8 | JOHN 14:18 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:9 | GALATIANS 1:13 | JOHN 15:8 | ACTS 2:42 | MARK 9:1-6 | ECCLESIASTES 3:11 | MATTHEW 28:19-20 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:2-3 | JEREMIAH 1:7 | JOHN 12:23-26 | REVELATION 22:2 |
Looking out for #1. The religious leaders could only see the reality they had created and were ignoring all that God had done to point them to Jesus. Stephen seeks to glorify God with his life, even to the very end.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 7:37-60 | GENESIS 3:5 | 1 TIMOTHY 1:8 | GALATIANS 3:23-24 | MATTHEW 11:28-30 | EXODUS 32:1-24 | 1 SAMUEL 15:24 | AMOS 5:25-27 | PSALM 34:8 | JAMES 1:14-15 | JOHN 2:18-22 | JOHN 3:30 | GENESIS 1:31
A good neighbor is hard to find. Israel's history was peppered with visits to Egypt, their neighbor to the south. Stephen reminds his critics about their time as a nation in Egypt from the days of Joseph through the days of Moses. He draws parallels to their current actions in rejecting Jesus in hopes that they might instead turn to be saved.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 7:9-36 | PROVERBS 27:10 | LEVITICUS 19:18 | JOHN 14:27 | EPHESIANS 1:3-6 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | ROMANS 10:9 | NUMBERS 11:5 | ROMANS 6:6-7 | EXODUS 11:1-3 |
Never forget where you came from. As Stephen defends himself, he points back to their origins as a nation to get them to see that God has had a plan all along - since the days of Abraham - to draw them into a deeper relationship with Himself. His hope is that they will see that Jesus should be embraced and not rejected.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 7:1-8 | ROMANS 4:13-16 | REVELATION 2:1-7 | LUKE 10:38-42 | ROMANS 4:19-21 | PSALM 25:7 | HEBREWS 8:12 | ROMANS 5:1 | JOHN 4:37-38 | DEUTERONOMY 6:10-12 | JOSHUA 24:32 | ROMANS 3:7-8 | ROMANS 6:1-2 |
Repetition reinforces. When the Lord begins to work through a disciple named Stephen, the religious leaders push back, and things look all too familiar. God's people had a history of missing things the first time around, but He is gracious to repeat, as needed.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 6:8-7:3 | ISAIAH 6:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-27 | 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 | JOHN 15:20 | PHILIPPIANS 3:10 | 2 PETER 3:9 | GENESIS 3:12 | PROVERBS 18:22 | GALATIANS 3:24-25 | MATTHEW 5:17 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | EPHESIANS 2:8 | MARK 14:61 | ISAIAH 53:7 | MARK 4:38 | ROMANS 12:14 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16 | ROMANS 10:14 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 | MARK 16:15 | HOSEA 1:2 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | ZECHARIAH 12:10 | JOHN 19:37 |
Take a seat at the table. Conflict arises in the early church when the Hellenist widows complain about being overlooked in the daily distribution. But the Lord raises up faithful servants to take the ministry to the next level, freeing up the apostles to thrive in their gifts. The whole church benefits as a result of each one using their gifts as God has appointed.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 6:1-15 | PSALM 23:5 | PHILIPPIANS 2:14-15 | LEVITICUS 5:15-17 | ZECHARIAH 1:3-4 | 2 CHRONICLES 33:10-11 | 2 CHRONICLES 26:30-31 | JOHN 15:2 | COLOSSIANS 3:23 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:6-10 | 1 TIMOTHY 5:22 | 1 SAMUEL 30:20-25 | SONG OF SOLOMON 2:4 | REVELATION 19:9 |
Everyone needs some good advice from time to time. The Lord releases the apostles from detainment and advises them to keep sharing the truth. The religious leaders try to stifle the message, but Gamaliel advises them to let go and let God have His way.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 5:17-42 | ISAIAH 9:6 | EXODUS 8:32 | EPHESIANS 4:26 | PROVERBS 3:5-6 | GENESIS 22:1-3 | HEBREWS 11:17-19 | LUKE 4:4 | PROVERBS 29:25 | ISAIAH 55:1-7 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 | MATTHEW 24:14 | MATTHEW 13:24-30 | NEHEMIAH 8:10 | LUKE 12:11-12 |
A church on every corner. But the world longs to see a church that reflects the work of Jesus in transformation and power. The first church was attuned to the leading of the Spirit and the needs of others. People will be drawn when Jesus is moving in and through His church.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 4:32-5:16 | ACTS 20:28 | ROMANS 12:6-8 | MATTHEW 6:26-24 | 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 | NUMBERS 18:20 | DEUTERONOMY 10:9 | JEREMIAH 32:6-15 | HEBREWS 4:13 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:8 | MATTHEW 6:1-4 | ROMANS 6:23 | ROMANS 2:4 | 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-6 | JAMES 2:20 | PHILIPPIANS 2:12 |
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. When our sense of security is shaken, where do we turn? Peter and John return to the disciples and share about all they experienced after the healing of the lame man at the temple. Together with the other believers, they pray to God for grace to move forward.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 4:23-31 | PSALM 61:2 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 | EPHESIANS 6:18 | GENESIS 1:1-31 | PSALM 100:4 | 1 SAMUEL 17:34-37 | JOHN 14:26 | PSALM 2:1-12 | GENESIS 11:1-11 | DANIEL 2:31-45 | ACTS 20:24 | HEBREWS 12:26-27 |
Oh, the matchless name of Jesus. With the name of Jesus at the forefront of their lips, Peter and John face the opposition of the religious leaders. But in spite of the pressure to remain silent, they cannot refrain from testifying to all that they have seen and heard.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 4:1-22 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | JOHN 10:10 | MARK 4:14-15 | MARK 8:33 | ISAIAH 55:10-11 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:19 | DEUTERONOMY 13:1-5 | JAMES 1:5 | JOHN 14:18 | PSALM 46:1 | 1 PETER 5:5 | MATTHEW 12:24 | JOHN 7:41 | MARK 13:11 | MATTHEW 7:23 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | ROMANS 13:1 | JAMES 2:19 | PSALM 81:10 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:12 |
Nothing to be surprised about. God's plan to send a Savior was foretold for generations through the prophets. Those at the temple the day that a lame man was healed should have been anticipating the Lord's work in their day.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 3:18-26 | MARK 6:5-6 | MATTHEW 13:58 | 1 SAMUEL 23:2 | 1 SAMUEL 30:8 | 2 SAMUEL 2:1 | 2 SAMUEL 5:23 | 2 SAMUEL 21:1 | PSALM 22:16-18 | ISAIAH 53:5-7 | AMOS 8:9 | JOB 2:10 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:12 | JOHN 1:10-11 | JOHN 14:6 | DEUTERONOMY 18:15-18 | EPHESIANS 2:5, 8-9 | ROMANS 3:21-23 | 1 PETER 1:10-12 | 2 PETER 1:19-21 | ROMANS 1:16 |
The crowd is paying attention. All those at the temple are intently watching and listening to Peter's explanation of the healing of the lame man. The gospel is too important for anyone to ignore.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 3:9-21 | MATTHEW 5:43-45 | LUKE 17:11-19 | 1 PETER 5:5 | LUKE 22:34 | JOHN 21:3 | JOHN 15:5 | DEUTERONOMY 6:7 | PSALM 145:4 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:2 | MATTHEW 5:3 | HEBREWS 11:6 | HEBREWS 13:8 | ACTS 2:21 | ACTS 4:12 | ROMANS 8:28 | ROMANS 13:11
Jesus meets us in the daily. Peter and John encounter a lame man on their way to the temple. The man's life, their ministry, and the world will never be the same.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 3:1-8 | JOHN 15:4 | ZECHARIAH 4:10 | LUKE 16:10 | MATTHEW 6:5-15 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 | GENESIS 22:1-19 | GENESIS 2:18 | GENESIS 7:9 | MARK 6:7 | ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 | COLOSSIANS 4:12 | ISAIAH 55:8-9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | PROVERBS 23:4-5 | MATTHEW 6:19-20 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | MARK 8:36 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:10 | PSALM 119:72 |
Things in this world don't quite line up. Jesus stepped in so that we might be saved. The impact this had upon the first believers changed them and the world in which they lived.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 2:40-47 | EPHESIANS 2:8 | ROMANS 3:23 | ACTS 4:12 | JOHN 4:35-38 | PROVERBS 25:11 | MARK 4:1-9 | LUKE 15:7 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | 1 PETER 2:2 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4 | GALATIANS 6:2 | 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25 | HEBREWS 4:16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 | HEBREWS 12:14 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19 | MATTHEW 6:19-21 |
He is risen, indeed! The cross of Jesus was followed by the resurrection - the exclamation point that declared us to be free indeed! As Peter shares with the crowd their mistake in putting to death the Savior that God had sent, he points out the victory the Father had in the end that is also ours in Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 2:22-41 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14, 17 | JOHN 5:39 | JOHN 1:29 | JOHN 5:36 | JOHN 15:24 | ROMANS 1:18-21 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | EPHESIANS 1:4 | 1 PETER 1:20 | GENESIS 3:15 | GENESIS 22:1-14 | HEBREWS 11:17-19 | ROMANS 6:8-14 | JOHN 11:25; 43-44 | LUKE 22:50-51 | JOHN 16:8 | ROMANS 6:3-5 |
It was the moment they had been waiting for. The Day of Pentecost had fully come. The disciples and the church stepped into a new era as followers of Jesus became Spirit-filled believers.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 2:1-21 | NUMBERS 28:26 | LEVITICUS 22:15-23 | JOHN 1:29 | ROMANS 1:16 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20 | ZECHARIAH 12:10 | MICAH 4:1-7 | PSALM 133:1 | LUKE 12:48 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 | ROMANS 1:9-12 | MATTHEW 18:20 | LUKE 11:10-13 | ACTS 8:4-17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31 | PSALM 128:3 | JOHN 14:26 | JAMES 5:14 | MARK 14:70 | EPHESIANS 5:18 |
Some people just can't sit still. We are to busy about our Father's business until He sends Jesus back for us. The disciples were to wait for the promised Holy Spirit in order to get the green light to begin their ministry. Not all that we get busy with has eternal value in the end.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 1:9-26 | PSALM 46:10 | PSALM 127:1 | JOHN 16:5, 28 | LUKE 24:49 | 2 PETER 3:3-14 | MARK 9:3 | HEBREWS 1:14 | HEBREWS 13:2 | COLOSSIANS 2:18 | DANIEL 7:13-14 | ZECHARIAH 14:1-4; 9 | PHILIPPIANS 3:20 | JAMES 5:16 |
The action of the gospel continues as Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. The filling will be the necessary element that will bring success in what the Lord had for them to fulfill their calling and to be His witnesses in any sphere that He would send them.
BIBLE VERSE References: ACTS 1:1-8 | LUKE 1:1-3 | 1 JOHN 4:19 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7 | 1 JOHN 4:18 | GALATIANS 4:15 | GALATIANS 6:11 | GALATIANS 3:26-29 | MATTHEW 3:16 | MARK 1:10 | LUKE 3:22 | JOHN 1:32 | JOHN 14:16 | JOHN 14:12 | LUKE 11:13 |
On your mark...get set...GO! Jesus charges His followers to go into all the world to spread the message. He promises to accompany them each step of the way.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 16:14-20 | JOHN 20:14-16 | MATTHEW 28:9 | LUKE 24:34 | LUKE 24:13-16 | 2 PETER 1:2-4 | JOHN 1:12 | PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 | ACTS 16:16-18 | ACTS 2:4 | ACTS 28:3-8 | ACTS 19:11-12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:4 | ROMANS 8:26 | MATTHEW 28:19-20 |
Time to make an appearance. A new day dawns, and the resurrected Jesus shows Himself to those who followed Him. He is the risen Lord, and this fact changes everything.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 16:1-14 | ROMANS 4:25 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 | PSALM 139:14 | LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | HEBREWS 11:6 | 2 KINGS 6:17 | LUKE 24:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20 | ROMANS 6:18 | ACTS 14:15 | COLOSSIANS 1:18 | LUKE 24:13-35 | TITUS 2:13
When will it be your turn? As we remain faithful to what the Lord has for us in our lives, we will find opportunities in which He calls us to step up and step out in faith. The women who witness the crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea find it is their turn to be used in key ways after Jesus death on the cross.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 15:40-47 | JOHN 19:25-27 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:11-13 | GALATIANS 3:28 | GENESIS 1:27 | LUKE 8:1-3 | JOSHUA 1:7 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:7-8 | EZEKIEL 22:30 | JOHN 19:39 | JOHN 3:1-17 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8 | JOB 1:21 | ECCLESIASTES 5:15 | JOHN 15:1-8 | MATTHEW 25:34-40 | PSALM 20:4 |
Timing is everything. As the events of the crucifixion come to a head, God's long-awaited plan of salvation falls into place right on schedule. We can trust God's timing to usher in the fullest of blessings.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 15:33-39 | JOHN 1:29 | PROVERBS 2:13 | JOHN 8:12 | EPHESIANS 5:8 | 1 JOHN 1:6 | MALACHI 4:5 | LUKE 1:17 | MATTHEW 17:4 | REVELATION 11:3 | GENESIS 16:1-16 | ROMANS 15:22-29 | ACTS 28:11-31 | LUKE 23:46 | PSALM 31:5 | JOHN 10:17-18 | JOHN 19:31-34 | ACTS 4:12 | GALATIANS 2:20 |
You can't sit on the sidelines forever. As Jesus makes His way to the cross, the myriad of bystanders views the events through a variety of lenses.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 15:16-39 | PSALM 22 | ROMANS 16:13 | EPHESIANS 5:25 | 1 PETER 3:1 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:5 | ACTS 16:29-34 | AMOS 5:21-23 | JOHN 4:23-24 | ACTS 6:7 | JOHN 9:39 | HEBREWS 9:27 | MATTHEW 22:8-13
Whose to blame? Pointing fingers usually leads us back to finding ourselves the one to be at fault. Jesus is bound and delivered to Pilate amid growing resentment from the religious leaders and the crowds. When the people demand a guilty man named Barabbas be released, Jesus becomes the scapegoat for all those deserving of blame.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 15:1-15 | LEVITICUS 16:6-22 | 2 SAMUEL 12:1-13 | MATTHEW 26:53 | ACTS 4:1-20 | MATTHEW 16:18 | LUKE 11:15-32 | COLOSSIANS 1:5-6 | LUKE 23:2 | EXODUS 14:14 | LUKE 23:4, 14 | JOHN 18:38 | JOHN 19:4-6 | HEBREWS 12:2 | JEREMIAH 17:9 | JEREMIAH 31:31-34 | HEBREWS 8:12 | HEBREWS 10:17 |
We can really make a mess of things. Jesus' trial before the religious leaders is anything but clean. But Jesus stays in the center of the Father's will despite what His accusers do. Peter keeps his distance and denies the Lord three times.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 14:53-72 | JOHN 18:12-24 | PSALM 23:1 | JOHN 10:11, 14 | 1 PETER 2:25 | 1 PETER 1:15-16 | LEVITICUS 10:6, 21:10 | JOHN 2:19.21 | PHILIPPIANS 4:7-8 | 1 JOHN 2:1-2 | JOHN 8:36 | PROVERBS 26:4-5 | ECCLESIASTES 3:7 | ISAIAH 53:7 | JOHN 5:18 | ROMANS 8:28 | ISAIAH 61:3 | PSALM 51:1-18
Watch your step. Jesus prepares His disciples for what will not be their most glorious moment as they forsake Him and flee. But He provides them with a plan of restoration even before they stumble.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 14:27-52 | ZECHARIAH 13:7-6 | JOHN 2:23-25 | PSALM 139:1-4 | ROMANS 5:8 | 1 PETER 5:8 | REVELATION 12:10 | GENESIS 3:7 | ROMANS 5:20 | HEBREWS 10:29 | ROMANS 6:1-18 | PROVERBS 16:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:12 | LUKE 22:31-32 | GENESIS 50:20 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5 | LUKE 22:51 | ACTS 12:12 | JUDE 1:24-25
The stage is set. The nation prepares to celebrate the Passover and Jesus gives it new meaning in anticipation for what He is about to do on the cross. God is faithful to prepare the way for His people.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 14:12-26 | EXODUS 12:1-23 | JOHN 1:29 | JOHN 3:15-17 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | HEBREWS 2:1-3 | JOHN 14:6 | PSALM 23:5 | COLOSSIANS 1:5-6 | HEBREWS 11:2, 6 | JOSHUA 24:13 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 | PSALM 41:9 | ZECHARIAH 11:12-13 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21 | 1 CORINTHIANS 11:26-29 | JOHN 14:2-3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 11:26 | EPHESIANS 2:10
What's it worth to you? Much of what we do in life comes down to what we value most. A woman shows her devotion to Jesus shortly before he is betrayed, but some criticize the extravagance of what she offers to Him. As believers, what are we willing to offer to Him?
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 14:1-11 | EXODUS 5:1 | JUDGES 16:1-31 | 1 JOHN 1:6-9 | JOHN 11:57 | MATTHEW 7:26-27 | JOHN 12:1-11 | LUKE 10:38-42 | MATTHEW 6:2-16 | JOHN 4:23 | ROMANS 12:2 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:2 | JOHN 17:12 | MATTHEW 25:21 | MATTHEW 5:29 |
Keep your eyes on the horizon. Jesus tells us to be anticipating His return. One day He will break through the darkness of this world with the brightness of His coming.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 13:24-37 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 | DANIEL 2:32-45 | ISAIAH 13:9-11 | EZEKIEL 32:7-8 | AMOS 8:9-10 | LUKE 23:44 | ZEPHANIAH 1:14-15 | ACTS 8:7-11 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:17 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:9 | HOSEA 9:10 |
The smallest things can set off something so much bigger. God knows the future, and we'd be wise to take heed. Jesus tells His disciples about things yet to come, and one trigger in particular that will set off a chain of events leading to His promised return.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 13:14-23 | DANIEL 11:31 | DANIEL 12:11 | 2 THESSALONIANS 2:3-8 | 1 JOHN 2:18-22 | 1 JOHN 4:3 | 2 JOHN 1:7 | REVELATION 11:7 | REVELATION 6:1-2 | DANIEL 12:4 | 1 JOHN 2:18 | 1 JOHN 2:22 | 1 JOHN 4:3 | 2 JOHN 1:7 | GALATIANS 1:8-9 | DANIEL 3:1-29 | ISAIAH 43:1-2 |
Nobody said it would be easy. Jesus speaks of the hardships to come for those desiring to live for Him and proclaim His message. He promises that the Holy Spirit will be with us in the most difficult and challenging trials we may face.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 13:9-13 | MARK 8:34 | PHILIPPIANS 2:3 | MATTHEW 6:31-33 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:1,16 | ACTS 20:22-24 | PHILIPPIANS 1:21 | MARK 10:32 | JOHN 15:20 | COLOSSIANS 1:24 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18 | PHILIPPIANS 1:18 | REVELATION 14:6 | JOHN 15:26 | ACTS 1:8 | JOHN 7:37-39 | 1 JOHN 4:1 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1 | REVELATION 20:4 |
The journey can get bumpy. Not only do we face rough spots in our own lives, but Jesus said the world as a whole will experience challenges until He returns. There will be deceptions, conflicts, earthquakes, and assorted other troubles that will cause us to cry out for God along the way -- and lead us to anticipate His return.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 13:3-8 | MATTHEW 12:6 | EXODUS 7:14-12:36 | JOHN 14:26 | MATTTHEW 24:3 | HEBREWS 13:8 | MATTHEW 6:11 | JOHN 16:33 | REVELATION 16:18-20 | REVELATION 12:9 | REVELATION 19:20 | 1 THESSALONIANS 3:12-13 |
Everyone worships something. In Jesus' final week of his earthly ministry, he teaches lessons about worship while at the very temple itself. God does not dwell in temples made with human hands, and believers of Christ themselves are temples of the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 12:35-13:2 | JOHN 1:14 | JAMES 4:8 | 2 SAMUEL 7:1-14 | ACTS 17:16-31 | MATTHEW 18:20 | JEREMIAH 23:5 | JEREMIAH 33:15 | REVELATION 5:5 | REVELATION 22:16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 | GALATIANS 5:16 | MATTHEW 5:16 | GENESIS 4:3-16 | HEBREWS 13:15-16 | MATTHEW 6:1-4 | LUKE 12:48 | 2 CORINTHIANS 8:14 | JOHN 4:23-24 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 | 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1 | REVELATION 21:22
Always be ready. What we believe will come under attack, and we are wise to be prepared to give a defense. The critics confront Jesus, hoping to trap Him. But He graciously loves them and points them to the truth.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 12:13-34 | 1 PETER 3:15 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | MATTHEW 10:16 | JOHN 6:51-68 | ROMANS 13:6-7 | TITUS 3:1 | ACTS 4:18-19 | GENESIS 1:27 | ROMANS 12:1-2 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20 | DEUTERONOMY 25:5-10 | RUTH 4:1-12 | ROMANS 5:8 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | PROVERBS 26:4-5 | 1 JOHN 3:2 | JOHN 3:16 | DEUTERONOMY 6:4-5 | LEVITICUS 19:18 | ROMANS 7:6 | 1 CORINTHIANS 8:1 | JOHN 13:35 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 | PROVERBS 27:17 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | JOHN 15:26 |
We have all dealt with rejection. Jesus confronts the fact that the nation had rejected God's authority. While He has come as their long-awaited Messiah, it is their move as to whether they will accept Him.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 11:27-12:12 | EPHESIANS 5:15-16 | ECCLESIASTES 3:1 | PSALM 127:2 | MARK 2:27 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:17 | PROVERBS 28:1 | MATTHEW 28:18-20 | JOHN 3:2 | JOHN 8:47 | ROMANS 1:18-32 | MATTHEW 3:7-11 | HEBREWS 2:1 | ISAIAH 5:1-7 | 1 SAMUEL 8:7 | ISAIAH 53:1-12 | JOHN 1:11-12 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27-29
Spiritual life is meant to endure in all seasons. As Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, He confronts a fruitless nation that is trying to hide behind religious activity. When we draw away from God to other things, signs of withering will soon follow.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 11:12-26 | GENESIS 2:8 | GENESIS 3:24 | JOHN 15:5 | EXODUS 12:1-13 | JOHN 1:29 | JOHN 1:36 | JOHN 12:1-11 | HEBREWS 4:15-16 | JEREMIAH 29:17 | HOSEA 9:10 | JOEL 1:7 | GENESIS 3:7 | JEREMIAH 2:13 | JOHN 2:13-17 | JOHN 15:6, 8 | PSALM 92:13-14 | PSALM 1:1-3 | JEREMIAH 17:7-8 | PSALM 32:1-5 | EPHESIANS 4:31-32 | ROMANS 5:8 | ROMANS 6:23 | ISAIAH 35:6-7 |
Right on time. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on schedule to fulfill prophecies made long before. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives in a bigger picture He has in view.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 11:1-11 | GENESIS 1:14 | PSALM 72:5 | GENESIS 3:15 | JOHN 2:4 | JOHN 7:30 | JOHN 8:20 | ZECHARIAH 14:4 | ISAIAH 46:9-10 | JEREMIAH 25:11 | DANIEL 9:1-5 | ZECHARIAH 9:9 | MATTHEW 21:1-17 | REVELATION 19:11 | ACTS 16:30-32 | ROMANS 10:9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 | LUKE 19:39-42 | DANIEL 9:20-27 | EZRA 1:1-4 | EZRA 5:13-17 | (EZRA 6:6-12 | EZRA 7:11-26 | NEHEMIAH 2:1-8 | JOHN 1:29 | MATTHEW 25:13 | PSALM 90:12 | PSALM 31:14-15 |
Sometimes you've got to take what you can get. A blind man begging on the road outside of Jericho asks Jesus to have mercy on him. He gladly receives his sight and sets off to follow the Messiah on His final trek into Jerusalem where the cross awaits.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 10:46-52 | JOHN 12:8 | MATTHEW 5:3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | EXODUS 23:17 | DEUTERONOMY 16:16 | JOSHUA 6:1-27 | MATTHEW 1:5 | JOHN 1:12 | DEUTERONOMY 6:10-12 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 | 2 SAMUEL 10:5 | JUDGES 3:13 | 1 KINGS 16:33-34 | EPHESIANS 4:16 | REVELATION 3:17 | 2 SAMUEL 7:1-29 | ISAIAH 42:6-7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12 | LUKE 11:10-13 | EPHESIANS 4:25 | JOHN 21:7 | ISAIAH 64:6 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | PHILIPPIANS 3:13 | JOHN 4:28-30 | ACTS 19:19 | ACTS 27:32 | JAMES 4:2-3 | JOHN 14:13-14 | JOHN 16:24 | 1 JOHN 5:14 | JAMES 1:7 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | 1 PETER 1:6-9 |
It all comes down to perspective. Jesus heads to Jerusalem where He will make the ultimate sacrifice, and only He truly understands all that awaits. Seeking God's perspective brings clarity as we navigate through life in this world.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 10:32-45 | ISAIAH 55:9 | HEBREWS 12:1-2 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 | PHILIPPIANS 1:12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | ROMANS 12:1-3 | COLOSSIANS 1:9-10 | JOHN 5:39-40 | 2 KINGS 6:15-17 | 1 PETER 2:9 | LUKE 14:7-11 | ACTS 12:2 | REVELATION 1:9 | LUKE 22:42 | PSALM 16:5-6 | EPHESIANS 2:4-9 | ROMANS 14:10 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-10 | LUKE 19:17 | GENESIS 1:31 | GENESIS 3:5 | ISAIAH 14:13-14 | 1 JOHN 2:16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:14
Packing light for the journey. Jesus challenges his disciples to leave behind anything that is unnecessary - attitudes, commitments, choices, and stuff - that would deter them from receiving all that eternity has to offer.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 10:13-31 | NUMBERS 20:11-13 | EPHESIANS 1:6 | ISAIAH 61:10 | JEREMIAH 31:34 | HEBREWS 4:13 | PHILIPPIANS 2:13 | ROMANS 8:29 | HEBREWS 12:1 | PSALM 139:23-24 | PROVERBS 22:6 | ECCLESIASTES 3:11 | JOHN 14:6 | GALATIANS 3:21 | JAMES 2:10 | MATTHEW 5:27-28 | ROMANS 3:23 | EXODUS 20:1-17 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:10 | MATTHEW 6:26 | PSALM 145:16 | JOB 1:21 | MATTHEW 5:3 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | MATTHEW 6:19-21 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:52 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:17
Till death do us part? Marriage is a blessing that God has designed. Jesus holds up to the light the complicated issue of divorce in a world in which commitment is truly lacking on all levels.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 10:1-12 | DEUTERONOMY 24:1-4 | HEBREWS 13:4 | GENESIS 2:22 | ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 | HEBREWS 3:12-13 | PSALM 127:1 | MALACHI 2:16 | 1 PETER 3:7 | MATTHEW 19:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:10-16 | ROMANS 7:1-3 | ROMANS 5:20 | JEREMIAH 3:20 |
No one likes to be left out. Jesus has made it possible for us to enter the inner circle. He draws us close to teach us, lead us, and correct us.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 9:30-50 | DEUTERONOMY 32:9-10 | JAMES 4:8 | JAMES 1:5 | JOHN 10:27 | HEBREWS 12:6-7 | ROMANS 2:4 | JOHN 16:8 | JOHN 10:14-16 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:19 | EPHESIANS 2:8 | ROMANS 10:3-4 | ROMANS 10:9 | MATTHEW 7:21-23 | MATTHEW 24:24 | ACTS 4:12 | JOHN 6:29 | ROMANS 9:10 | MATTHEW 8:12 | JOHN 14:6 | JOHN 3:16 |
Life is not always lived out on the mountaintop. In the valleys and the day-to-day needs that come our way, we need to draw upon the power that only Christ can give.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 9:14-29 | JAMES 4:7-10 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-6 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | JOHN 14:12 | JOHN 15:4 | JOSHUA 7:3-5 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5 | MATTHEW 17:18-20 | JEREMIAH 1:10 | EPHESIANS 6:12-13 | 1 JOHN 4:4 | ISAIAH 40:31 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:2 |
Seeing is believing. Jesus gives some key disciples a glimpse of His glory. The Lord will show us what we need in order to step forward in His will for our lives.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 9:1-13 | ROMANS 10:1-3 | MATTHEW 7:21-23 | HEBREWS 4:15 | EXODUS 19:3-6 | EXODUS 24:13-18 | 1 KINGS 17:1-7 | JUDE 9 | 2 KINGS 2:11 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:17 | REVELATION 11:3-13 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-10 | JOHN 16:12-13 | 2 PETER 1:16-18 | GENESIS 28:12-15 | EXODUS 33:18-23 | 2 KINGS 6:17 |
Our expectations do not always align with reality. When things turn out other than we anticipated, we can slip into denial. Jesus challenges His disciples to embrace Him as the Christ, and reveals to them all the implications of what that truly means.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 8:22-38 | 1 KINGS 19:12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 | MATTHEW 17:10-12 | ISAIAH 53:1-12 | PSALM 22:1-31 | ZECHARIAH 9:9 | 1 JOHN 5:1 | JOHN 14:6 | GENESIS 27:1-46 |
Sometimes you just have to do something. Jesus shows His heart of compassion for a Gentile crowd in the miracle of the feeding of the 4000. And God imparts His heart to us, as well, to reach those in this world who are in need. God's greatest act of compassion is seen in the cross of Jesus Christ.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 8:1-21 | ACTS 1:8 | ROMANS 3:23 | ROMANS 1:16-17 | JOHN 4:7-15 | JOHN 4:32 | LUKE 15:15-24 | PSALM 34:8 | MATTHEW 5:43-46 | MATTHEW 16:14 | DANIEL 2:44-45 | DEUTERONOMY 30:6 | LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 | ROMANS 5:8
You can't put God in a box. His ways are higher, His means are greater. Trusting the Lord each step of the way and seeking Him on our journey is what we are called to do.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 7:24-37 | MATTHEW 5:14 | LUKE 18:1-14 | JOSHUA 24:15 | MATTHEW 15:21-28 | EPHESIANS 3:20 |
Earthquakes occur at fault lines. Man's traditions and God's Word often clash when facing off against one another. The religious leaders call out Jesus' disciples for breaking tradition, but Jesus stands upon God's true heart behind the Father's commands.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 7:1-23 | JOHN 6:15 | EXODUS 30:19 | EXODUS 40:12 | 1 KINGS 22:5-8 | JOHN 12:47-48 | EXODUS 20:12 | EXODUS 21:17 | GALATIANS 3:21 | JAMES 2:10 | ACTS 10:9-16 | COLOSSIANS 2:12-13 | MATTHEW 12:33 | EZEKIEL 36:26 |
Where are you looking? The Bible tells us consistently to look up to the Lord. Doing so places our eyes on God for a clearer perspective.
BIBLE VERSE REFERENCES: ISAIAH 40:21-22 | GENESIS 15:5-6 | PSALM 121:1-2 | LUKE 21:25-28
Back to square one. When the Lord repeats life lessons, we sometimes wonder why. The disciples entered a storm for the second time around. This retry had a unique purpose in Jesus' playbook.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 6:45-56 | LEVITICUS 23:3 | PSALM 121:4 | MARK 9:33-34 | JOHN 20:24-29 | PSALM 145:18 | MATTHEW 12:36 | 1 SAMUEL 17:34-37 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-3 | MATTHEW 14:27-32 | GENESIS 22:1-2 | JOHN 6:13-14 | PSALM 20:4 |
Jesus helps the disciples see their self-sufficiency and how it limits themselves and others from experiencing God's best. Where our resources end, we have a gracious heavenly Father who draws upon the unlimited storehouses of heaven to accomplish His will for His glory.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 6:30-44 | 1 KINGS 17:14 | EXODUS 17:16 | NUMBERS 20:8 | MALACHI 3:10 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:5-7 | JOHN 15:15 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 | EPHESIANS 3:20-21 | JOHN 14:18 | ISAIAH 64:6 | 2 KINGS 2:9
How tragic. Mark records the death of John the Baptist - a faithful servant who met an inglorious end. His witness for truth was partly to blame for his demise at the hands of those who pressed on in sin rather than repent and be saved.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 6:14-29 | ACTS 1:8 | ROMANS 5:8 | JOHN 3:19 | MARK 1:15 | MALACHI 4:5 | DEUTERONOMY 18:15 | JOHN 14:6 | JOHN 3:16 | JOHN 10:30 | ROMANS 5:12 | PSALM 51:5 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:3-5 | PROVERBS 3:12 | JAMES 1:14-15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 | JOHN 8:34 | ISAIAH 61:3 | JOB 13:15 | PSALM 116:15 |MATTHEW 25:21 | MATTHEW 7:23 | ROMANS 1:16 |
What is waiting in the wings? Jesus' ministry is met with unbelief when He returns home. He invites the disciples to step out and carry the message forward, challenging them to let go of self-sufficiency and trust Him wholly in faith.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 6:1-13 | MARK 1:12 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:4-5 | ZECHARIAH 4:10 | HEBREWS 4:15 | LUKE 2:41-52 | 1 SAMUEL 10:6 | JAMES 2:18 | HEBREWS 11:6 | ROMANS 10:17 | HEBREWS 4:12 | ISAIAH 55:10-11 | HEBREWS 11:7 | MATTHEW 24:37-39 | JOHN 3:17-18 | JOHN 12:47 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | JOHN 14:12 |
Some choices are more difficult than others. God's advice to us is always to choose life. Listen to the second installment of a two-part series.
God is the giver of life. Does He have the right to our lives? Listen to Part 1 of the two-part message.
Good things come to those who wait. Jairus' plan to bring Jesus home to heal his daughter was met with a delay. But though disappointed they did not reach her in time to heal her, God did something greater that would transform Jairus' home - and faith - forever.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 5:35-43 | GENESIS 11:10-12:1 | LUKE 3:23-38 | ACTS 1:10-11 | PSALM 86:15 | HEBREWS 4:16 | ROMANS 4:20-21 | MATTHEW 22:14 | ROMANS 6:23 | MATTHEW 8:8-13 | JOB 13:15 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-14 | JOB 7:16 | PSALM 78:39 | PSALM 90:12 | JOB 14:5 | PSALM 139:16 |
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In such moments we often get past ourselves and humbly approach Jesus. As a good Father, He lovingly sees our need and meets us.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 5:21-34 | JOHN 7:7 | JOHN 15:18-19 | 1 JOHN 3:13 | ACTS 8:3 | ROMANS 1:16 | MARK 8:38 | LUKE 8:43 | ISAIAH 55:1-3 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:5 | 2 PETER 2:1-3 | ACTS 8:17-22 | JOHN 1:12-13 | LUK 15:14-20 |
Boldly going where we have never been before. The disciples faced a new challenge as they ventured into the territory of a demon-possessed man. But God got the glory. There is no territory that is off limits to Him. And where Jesus goes, we are to follow.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 5:1-20 | ROMANS 10:9 | PROVERBS 16:9 | PSALM 23:5 | 1 PETER 5:8 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | LUKE 22:3-4 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14-15 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 | REVELATION 16:14 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7 | REVELATION 12:12 | EPHESIANS 6:11 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 | 1 JOHN 4:4 | MATTHEW 6:13 | JOHN 10:9-10 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | MATTHEW 28:18 | ISAIAH 55:9 | REVELATION 20:10 | MATTHEW 25:41 | LUKE 9:25 | ISAIAH 30:10-17 | JOHN 3:30
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. The Lord has much to say, but are we really listening? Jesus uses parables to show the importance of sharing the light of the gospel in greater measure, and trusting it to do its eternal work.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 4:21-41 | PSALM 115:3-8 | ISAIAH 9:2 | MATTHEW 4:12-17 | PSALM 19:1-4 | EPHESIANS 6:19-20 | ROMANS 10:14 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6-7 | PSALM 92:13-14 | HEBREWS 11:6 | GENESIS 1:3 | MATTHEW 4:4 |
God's truth is powerful, able to penetrate and transform any and every life. But the state of the soil of our hearts can have great implications on just how fruitful His Word is in our lives. Jesus tells and explains the parable of the sower with a desire to see us as fruitful as possible for God's glory.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 4:1-20 | COLOSSIANS 1:16 | JAMES 1:22-25 | JOHN 14:26 | MATTHEW 7:6 | ISAIAH 6:9-10 | MATTHEW 13:14-15 | LUKE 8:10 | JOHN 12:40 | ACTS 28:26-27 | JOHN 15:8 | 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6 | GENESIS 3:17-18 | GALATIANS 6:8 |
Don't get lost in the crowd. Jesus sees each individual's need and is the answer for every one of them. He has been faithful to call us into fellowship with Him and has made a way for us to do so.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 3:7-35 | GENESIS 1:31 | ACTS 9:5 | GALATIANS 1:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 | EXODUS 33:9, 11 | EXODUS 3:14 | MATTHEW 27:51 | PROVERBS 31:14 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | JOHN 14:12 | 2 PETER 3:9 | 1 JOHN 1:9 | JOHN 15:26 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:7 |
Stop squirming. God's got this. Sit still, and position yourself to see God come through.
BIBLE VERSE References: EXODUS 14:13 | 2 CHRONICLES 20:17 | JOB 37:14 | PSALM 4:4 | PSALM 46:10 | MARK 4:39 |
Sabbath was made for man. God's heart and desire is that we rest in Him, and all the Jesus has done for us.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 2:23 - 3:19 | EXODUS 20:8 | LEVITICUS 23:22 | MATTHEW 5:45 | JOB 5:10 | MATTHEW 25:14-30 | DEUTERONOMY 28:22-24 | MATTHEW 6:26 | EXODUS 23:11 | DEUTERONOMY 15:9 | 1 SAMUEL 21:1-5 | 1 JOHN 5:3 |
Jesus moved graciously in the world without being of the world. He sat with sinners without being brought down by them. The power of God's truth can bring change without needing to be diluted to the world's liking.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 2:15-30 | HEBREWS 4:13 | ROMANS 3:23 | 1 JOHN 1:9 | ROMANS 8:7 | 2 PETER 2:7-8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-13 | PSALM 40:1-3 | MARK 2:6-8 | GENESIS 3:7 | GENESIS 3:21 | JAMES 4:4 | MATTHEW 5:13 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:5 | JOHN 4:31-34 | ROMANS 14:4 | JOHN 3:17 | HEBREWS 13:8 |
Get up and get moving. Jesus extends the invitation to "arise" and move from the places where we have been. He forgives us and sets us free to step into newness of life.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 2:1-15 | 1 SAMUEL 3:1-12 | ISAIAH 40:22 | ACTS 12:5-19 | ROMANS 8:32 | MATTHEW 3:7 | JOHN 6:28-29 | ROMANS 6:4 | HEBREWS 10:3-4 | ROMANS 6:4 | EPHESIANS 5:8 | EPHESIANS 4:17-24 | EPHESIANS 5:14 | JOHN 8:36 | JOHN 16:12-13 | GENESIS 25:32-32 | ROMANS 6:4 |
Nothing in this world is more contagious than sin. Jesus has compassion on the sinner, and is able to make us whole, regardless of how infected with iniquity we find ourselves.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 1:40-2:12 | MARK 2:17 | JOHN 14:16 | LUKE 5:12 | ROMANS 6:23 | 1 SAMUEL 16:7 | LUKE 14:34 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:17 | PSALM 103:12 | EXODUS 4:6-7 | NUMBERS 12:10 | 2 KINGS 5:1-27 | LUKE 4:27 | LEVITICUS 14 | JOHN 9:2-3 | ACTS 6:7 | 1 JOHN 3:9 |
News travels fast. And as the ministry of Jesus begins, the word spreads quickly and many come to Him to meet their needs. The message of Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 1:21-45 | MATTHEW 24:14 | MATTHEW 28:19-20 | ROMANS 1:16-17 | GENESIS 1:3 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | 1 THESSALONIANS 2:18 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | 1 JOHN 4:2-4 | MATTHEW 25:41 | REVELATION 20:10,14 | COLOSSIANS 2:13-15 | JUDE 6 | 2 PETER 2:4 | REVELATION 20:1-3 | EXODUS 14:14 | EPHESIANS 6:10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:25-26 | HEBREWS 11:6 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | PROVERBS 3:5-6 | JOHN 15:8 | PSALM 107:2 | ECCLESIASTES 3:1,7 | REVELATION 12:10-11 | MATTHEW 10:27 | ACTS 4:17-20 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16 |
We can find we have many things pressing in life. But when it comes to following Jesus, there should be an urgency that leads us to action.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 1:14-20 | JOHN 3:30 | ESTHER 4:14 | EPHESIANS 5:15-16 | COLOSSIANS 4:5 | MATTHEW 11:11 | 1 PETER 4:3 | PROVERBS 3:5 | JOHN 1:35-42 | JOHN 2:11 | ROMANS 12:6 | JOHN 6:27 | ISAIAH 6:8 |
Every story has a backstory. The gospel has beginnings reaching back before Jesus began his public ministry. God does a work preparing the way for His message to make the biggest impact. He also prepares the messengers to be effective proclaimers of the truth of Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: MARK 1:1-13 | ACTS 12:12-14 | ACTS 12:25 | ACTS 15:37-40 | 1 PETER 5:13 | PROVERBS 22:6 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:11 | MALACHI 3:1 | ISAIAH 40:3 | ROMANS 5:20 | ISAIAH 9:2 | PSALM 13:1 | REVELATION 6:10 | LUK 1:5-45 | ROMANS 1:16-17 | ROMANS 3:10-12 | JOHN 16:8 | ACTS 16:30 | GENESIS 41:14 | EXODUS 4:27 | 1 SAMUEL 22:1 | ISAIAH 42:8 | ISAIAH 48:11 | HEBREWS 4:15-16 | LUKE 24:29 |
As we look at the second part of Jesus' first sign at the wedding in Cana, we see that at times Jesus' work is subtle and accomplished in faithful obedience, and that He is able to do much more than we can ever anticipate.
In this bonus episode, we look at Jesus's first sign at the wedding in Cana/ We learn to invite Jesus into all parts of life and to obey whatever it is that He says to us to do.
Being obedient and faithful can feel sometimes leave us feeling stuck. But being stuck can sometimes be the result of being disobedient and unfaithful to the Lord. How do we know the difference?
Playing it safe. It's something that walking by faith will steer us away from. The disciples discovered this as they crossed the sea in the boat at the Lord's command, encountering a storm as they obeyed.
Peace always. That's the encouragement Paul has for the believers as he finishes his second letter to the Thessalonians. The Lord of peace can give us peace always, in every way we need it. We just need to remember where to turn.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:16-18 | PSALM 51:12 | PSALM 16:11 | PSALM 34:14 | EXODUS 14:14 | ROMANS 12:18 | 1 THESSALONIANS 3:12 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:14 | EPHESIANS 3:20-21 | ROMANS 15:33 | ROMANS 16:22 | PHILIPPIANS 4:9 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 | HEBREWS 13:20-21 | JOHN 14:27 | MARK 4:37-41 | LUKE 22:48-51 | MATTHEW 14:30 | EPHESIANS 2:11-14 | ROMANS 5:1 | MATTHEW 18:20 | PSALM 22:3 | ACTS 4:13 | ISAIAH 9:6 |
Careful about the company you keep. Paul challenged the Thessalonians to steer clear of the influence of those who were walking disorderly in the faith, and instead to stay in the lane Jesus had appointed for them and be busy about what God had called them to do.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-15 | MATTHEW 7:13-14 | PROVERBS 15:22 | MATTHEW 7:24-27 | ROMANS 12:2 | 1 KINGS 11:12 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | 1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11 | 2 PETER 3:3-9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:7-9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:9 | ACTS 20:35 | 1 TIMOTHY 5:13-15 | JOHN 9:4 | GALATIANS 6:9 | ROMANS 12:3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 |
When obstacles present themselves, we should not hesitate to pray in faith that the Lord would intervene. Paul asks them to pray that God would remove hindrances, allow the message run swiftly, and protect them from those who might get in the way.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-6 | HEBREWS 4:16 | EXODUS 20:17 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6: 2 | GENESIS 3:6 | 2 SAMUEL 11:2-4 | JOSHUA 7:20-21 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39 | JOHN 16:24 | JAMES 5:16-18 | MARK 4:14-15 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 | DANIEL 10:1-21 | 1 CORINTHIANS 16:9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 | ACTS 19:24-28 | LUKE 23:34
You've made the cut. You're on the team. Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica to stand fast, to hold on, to be established in their faith, reminding them they are on the winning team and that their victory is secure in Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 2:13-17 | GENESIS 2:18 | JOHN 3:19 | ROMANS 10:10-13 | MATTHEW 15:2-3 | COLOSSIANS 2:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 | GALATIANS 5:1 | PHILIPPIANS 4:1 | 1 THESSALONIANS 3:8 | JEREMIAH 17:7-8 |
Are we too late? That's something the believers in Thessalonica were concerned about, fearing they had missed the Lord's return and were now enduring the Great Tribulation. Paul writes to dispel the lies and ground them once again in truth -- that two things had to happen before the Day of Christ would come.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12 | JOHN 14:2-3 | LUKE 12:40 | MATTHEW 24:37-42 | MATTHEW 24:21 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:16-17 | REVELATION 19:11, 14-15 | MATTHEW 24:36 | DANIEL 12:11 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 | MATTHEW 24:12-13 | LUKE 18:7-8 | GENESIS 3:1 | REVELATION 6:1-2 | DANIEL 9:26-27 | 1 JOHN 2:18 | 1 JOHN 4:3 | LUKE 24:29 | REVELATION 19:11-21 | MATTHEW 3:16 | ROMANS 1:18-32 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | JOHN 8:44 | EPHESIANS 6:14 | MATTHEW 4:1-11 |
Pressure can crack, strengthen, or transform. Paul repeats some key principles in his second letter to the Thessalonians as he encourages them in their continuing challenges, as they remain under pressure.
BIBLE VERSE References: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-12 | LUKE 22:31-32 | GENESIS 50:20 | GENESIS 40:12-23 | JAMES 1:4 | ACTS 4:20-31 | 2 KINGS 2:9 | LUKE 22:31 | 1 PETER 4:17-19 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:12 | MATTHEW 5:10-12 | MATTHEW 10:22-23 | LUKE 21:36 | 2 PETER 3:9 | ROMANS 12:19 | HEBREWS 9:27 | PSALM 34:8 | PSALM 27:13 | HEBREWS 13:15 |
We could all use a simple reminder every now and then. Paul closes out the letter with some of the basics, encouraging the believers in Thessalonica to maintain the good things that are keeping them grounded and growing in their faith.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-28 | COLOSSIANS 1:24 | 1 PETER 1:6-7 | 1 PETER 4:13 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-3 | PSALM 100:4 | LEVITICUS 7:11-15 | JOB 2:9-10 | JOB 1:21 | PROVERBS 4:23 | JOHN 14:26 | JOHN 15:26 | JOHN 16:7 | ACTS 2:17-18 | GALATIANS 3:3 | JUDGES 16:20 | EPHESIANS 2:8 | JOEL 2:25 | EPHESIANS 5:26 | DEUTERONOMY 6:7 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:1 |
Take care of one another. It's a message that Paul has for the church in Thessalonica, with all the challenges that they were facing. Learning to graciously esteem each other would bring Jesus glory and allow Him to work in their midst.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-15 | MARK 10:42-45 | EPHESIANS 5:23 | 1 PETER 2:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:18 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 | LUKE 19:17 | LUKE 17:7-10 | PHILIPPIANS 2:3 | MATTHEW 21:9 | MARK 13:13-14 | ROMANS 12:18 | MATTHEW 26:31 | EXODUS 28:15-30 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:24-28 | PSALM 55:22 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:7 | EPHESIANS 4:14-16 | HEBREWS 10:24-25 | 1 SAMUEL 15:23 | HEBREWS 13:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 | GENESIS 2:18 |
It can be tempting to hit the snooze button in the morning, but that's not something the Christian can do when it comes to the Lord's promised return. Though there may be some mystery surrounding it, Paul reviews some of the important principles of watching and waiting, lest we be asleep and not ready. Instead, it should bring hope and comfort as we look toward that Day.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11 | MATTHEW 24:42 | MATTHEW 25:13 | MATTHEW 25:1-13 | MATTHEW 24:45-51 | 1 PETER 1:17-19 | MATTHEW 24:4-8 | EPHESIANS 5:8 | 1 PETER 2:9 | 1 JOHN 1:7 | MARK 14:38 | 2 PETER 3:3-4 | 1 JOHN 3:2-3 | EPHESIANS 6:10-19 | REVELATION 6:15-17 | MARK 15:34 | PHILIPPIANS 3:14 | LUKE 21:34-36
The work of Jesus will abound in the life of the believer. Paul encourages them to increase more and more in holiness, in love, and expectation of Jesus' return.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-18 | GENESIS 2:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18-20 | EPHESIANS 4:15-16 | 2 THESSALONIANS 3:11 | 1 TIMOTHY 5:13 | EPHESIANS 4:28 | ACTS 20:35 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-52 | GENESIS 1:20 | DEUTERONOMY 30:8-10
We can't do it all...and we don't have to. There is freedom in yielding to God the things that He can and will do best. Paul trusts Jesus to work in the lives of the Thessalonians since his influence and ability are limited.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 | ACTS 18:9-11 | MATTHEW 26:39 | EXODUS 4:22-23 | JOHN 1:12-13 | ACTS 9:5 | HEBREWS 4:15 | MARK 1:41 | MARK 5:19 | MARK 6:34 | MARK 8:2 | JOHN 13:35 | 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-3 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3 | JOHN 16:7,8 | ACTS 1:6-9 | PHILIPPIANS 1:6 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 |
Our lives get shaken up every now and then. What do we cling to in those times? Only Jesus offers a firm foundation that cannot be moved, and God can supply all that we need to bring us through those afflictions by faith.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-10 | MATTHEW 5:41 | MATTHEW 9:35-36 | ACTS 17:11-15 | MATTHEW 7:24-27 | 1 PETER 1:6-7 | JOHN 15:16 | MARK 4:16-17 | HEBREWS 12:26-28 | JEREMIAH 12:5 | MARK 14:37-38 | GENESIS 3:5 | JOHN 10:10 | PROVERBS 25:25 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 |
What is your crowing achievement? For Paul, it was introducing people like the Thessalonians to Jesus. And while the work may be hindered at times, it will all be worth it in the end.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13-20 | LUKE 19:10 | HEBREWS 9:27 | LUKE 15:7,10 | LUKE 9:51-56 | MATTHEW 24:12 | JEREMIAH 7:16 | EXODUS 8:32 | EXODUS 9:12 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | GENESIS 50:20 | MATTHEW 5:44 | JONAH 3:10 | HEBREWS 1:1-2 | ACTS 8:3 | 1 PETER 4:14 | MATTHEW 28:19-20 | JEREMIAH 17:9 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | MATTHEW 6:19-20 |
Not everyone will be supportive in your call to be a voice for the gospel. Paul had those in Thessalonica that may have sought to cancel him and the impact of the gospel. But Paul knew that he had been approved by God to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 | GALATIANS 3:24-25 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 | ISAIAH 55:10-11 | MARK 7:5-15 | LUKE 7:33-34 | MATTHEW 5:11-12 | ZECHARIAH 3:1-5 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-4 | JOHN 6:53-71 | 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 | ACTS 20:33-35 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 | JOHN 3:30 | JOHN 1:35-37 | GENESIS 3:1 | DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7 |
Make it known. That's something Jesus called His followers to do -- to testify of the powerful gospel. Our lives and our words should all be a part of declaring the good news.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5-10 | ACTS 1:8 | JOHN 15:26 | MARK 13:9-11 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-5 | JOHN 4:35 | MARK 16:20 | ACTS 2:43 | ACTS 5:12 | ACTS 6:8 | ACTS 14:3 | HEBREWS 4:12 | JOSHUA 4:21-24 | ACTS 2:17-21 | ACTS 17:5-9 | ACTS 16:22-23 | PHILIPPIANS 3:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | JOHN 8:36 | PSALM 115:4-8 | LUKE 12:43-46 | PSALM 107:1,2 | REVELATION 12:11 | ACTS 1:7-8
You never know when time is up. Life is full of deadlines, but some of the most important ones are not scheduled. Paul writes to the Thessalonians to encourage them in their new faith, pointing them to the eternal hope of the gospel.
BIBLE VERSE References: 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-4 | JOHN 9:4 | ACTS 17:1-15 | 2 PETER 2:2 | MARK 4:4, 14-15 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-4 | EPHESIANS 6:10-18 | PHILIPPIANS 2:12 | JAMES 2:17, 20, 26 | PSALM 42 | PSALM 43 | PSALM 27:4 | PSALM 37:9 | PSALM 130:5 | ISAIAH 30:18 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 | MATTHEW 25:13 | JAMES 4:13-14 | PSALM 90:12 | JOHN 4:35
Sometimes it can be hard to let go of the past. Paul writes to Philemon, encouraging him to forgive someone who had done him wrong. God had worked in spite of the wrongdoing and blessing awaited if they could move beyond the hurts of yesterday.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILEMON 1:1-25 | PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 | JOSHUA 24:15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:12-14 | JOHN 21:15-17 | EPHESIANS 4:25 | JAMES 1:20 | LUKE 13:34 | ROMANS 5:8 | ROMANS 8:28 | ROMANS 6:1-2 | ROMANS 6:15-18 | ROMANS 5:20 | PHILIPPIANS 3:13 | MARK 11:25-26 | ISAIAH 54:17 | HEBREWS 10:24-25 |
Look around you. Who is in your circle? As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians, he reflects on those whom the Lord has placed in his life during this delicate and important season.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 4:7-18 | PROVERBS 27:10 | EPHESIANS 4:16 | MARK 8:35 | GALATIANS 5:22-23 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:13 | JOHN 8:29 | ACTS 20:4 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:12 | PROVERBS 17:17 | MARK 14:32-42 | MARK 6:7 | ECCLESIASTES 4:9 | PHILEMON 1:16 | JOHN 21:1-3 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | ACTS 19:29 | ACTS 13:13 | ACTS 15:36-41 | PHILEMON 1:23 | PROVERBS 27:17 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:10 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:10 | LUKE 15:16 | MATTHEW 18:20 | PSALM 55:22 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 |
Connecting to God, so we can connect the world to Him. It's a divine blueprint that cannot be forsaken. Paul asks the Colossian believers to pray for open doors despite the unfavorable circumstances in which he finds himself.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 4:2-6 | MARK 1:35 | MARK 6:46 | LUKE 22:39-40 | MATTHEW 6:6 | LUKE 5:16 | ACTS 1:14 | ACTS 2:42 | ACTS 16:25 | ACTS 9:40 | ACTS 28:8 | ACTS 8:15 | ACTS 4:23-31 | ACTS 13:3 | ACTS 6:4 | 1 JOHN 5:14 | JOHN 16:24 | ACTS 25:12 | ACTS 27:24 | MATHEW 6:5 | JAMES 5:16-18 | ISAIAH 5:20 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 | ACTS 18:9-11 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-2 | ACTS 4:12
Working as unto the Lord. Learning to serve Jesus professionally is part of our calling. Paul reminds us that the believer can see our work as a stewardship from God to be used for His glory.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:22 - 4:1 | GENESIS 3:19 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:20-24 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 | GENESIS 39:2, 21 | ACTS 1:8 | PROVERBS 22:29 | LUKE 17:7-10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 | MARK 9:41 | MARK 6:31-37
We each wear many hats. How do we bring glory to God in all the various roles we play? Paul begins by outlining God's design for the most important roles we have been assigned -- those in the family.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:18-21 | 1 TIMOTHY 2:14 | GENESIS 3:16 | GENESIS 1:27 | 1 TIMOTHY 2:12 | 1 PETER 3:1-6 | GENESIS 3:12 | HEBREWS 12:14-15 | DEUTERONOMY 7:6-8 | PROVERBS 4:23 | JOHN 14:15 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-2 | DEUTERONOMY 21:18-21 | 1 SAMUEL 15:23 | HEBREWS 12:6 | PSALM 127:3 |
Our lives can have many components. But in whatever we do, we should do it in the name of Jesus. His Word dwelling in us will guide us in how to live.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:16-17 | ROMANS 8:11 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:14 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19 | EPHESIANS 4:19 | JOHN 8:31 | JOHN 15:7-8 | MARK 4:1-20 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:15-18 | LUKE 24:27 | ACTS 8:4 | COLOSSIANS 1:6 | PSALM 119:25 | JOHN 4:23-24 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | ACTS 1:8 |
It's the stuff of nightmares to leave the house without being properly dress. As followers of Christ, we should be even more concerned that above all else we put on love. Being clothed in love will fill us with peace and thanksgiving, no matter what life throws our way.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:14-15 | 1 PETER 4:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-4 | ACTS 1:8 | JOHN 13:35 | GALATIANS 5:22 | JOHN 3:16 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-15 | EPHESIANS 3:17-18 | MATTHEW 24:12 | PSALM 46:1-3 | LUKE 10:38-42 | ISAIAH 9:6 | PHILIPPIANS 4:7 | ROMANS 12:18 | 1 PETER 3:10-11 | PSALM 100:4 | LUKE 17:11-19 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:9 | LUKE 6:35
The believer is privileged to have a new identity in Christ. Living out our faith calls for us to put on a different approach to life and relationships than the world around us. As we do, we can truly bring Christ to this needy world.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 | PHILIPPIANS 2:12 | ISAIAH 45:2-4 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:13 | DEUTERONOMY 7:6 | 1 PETER 2:9 | 1 JOHN 4:19 | ROMANS 5:8 | LUKE 9:52-56 | JOHN 8:1-11 | JOHN 2:1-10 | LUKE 21:18 | GENESIS 3:5 | ROMANS 3:23 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27 | 1 PETER 5:5 | 1 SAMUEL 24:1-22 | MATTHEW 18:22 |
Life transitions can kick us out of our comfort zones and cause us to seek the Lord. It's during these times that we need His wisdom, and to trust that He is preparing all that is needed to see us through to the other side.
A new life in Jesus allows us to put on holy living, and be freed from the corrupt nature. Paul guides the Colossians on how to put to death the old man, and to put off the old ways when we are tempted to choose them. We have the freedom to put on the new man, created in the image of Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:5-11 | EXODUS 21:12-17 | GALATIANS 2:20 | MATTHEW 10:28 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:26 | GENESIS 2:17 | ROMANS 6:6-14 | ROMANS 13:14 | MATTHEW 5:29-30 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18 | ROMANS 1:26-27 | EXODUS 20:17 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | JOHN 16:8 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | PSALM 66:18 | PROVERBS 1:28-29 | ISAIAH 1:15 | MICAH 3:4 | HEBREWS 4:16 | JOHN 8:36 | MARK 11:15 | ROMANS 12:19 | ROMANS 12:20 | ISAIAH 53:7 | JAMES 3:10-12 | HEBREWS 12:1-2 | 1 JOHN 3:2-3 | EPHESIANS 5:26-27
In what direction is your life headed? Paul challenges the believers to set their minds heavenward and to seek things that are not necessarily on this Earth. It's this future and hope that should be at the forefront of our lives today.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 | 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 | PHILIPPIANS 2:12 | MATTHEW 7:24-27 | JAMES 1:23-25 | LUKE 15:18 | MATHEW 28:5 | 1 PETER 5:8 | REVELATION 9:6 | MATTHEW 6:33 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16 | ROMANS 2:12 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24 | MARK 12:30 | MATTHEW 16:24 | GALATIANS 2:20 | GENESIS 19:15-28
It's important not to lose our balance. Following Jesus will always lead us on a path right down the middle of God's will. Beware of going to extremes that can push us off course.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 2:11-23 | GENESIS 17:7-10 | DEUTERONOMY 10:16 | DEUTERONOMY 30:6 | GALATIANS 5:6 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | 1 SAMUEL 16:7 | JAMES 2:10 | ROMANS 14:5-8 | ACTS 20:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 16:2 | ROMANS 14:4 | 1 JOHN 4:1 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-22 | 2 PETER 2:1-2 | PSALM 139:14 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 | PSALM 51:17 | ISAIAH 30:21 | JOHN 14:5-6
Staying in the game is important. Paul warns the Colossian believers to beware, lest they be cheated of all that Christ has for them. Looking to Jesus to fill us and make us complete is key to not being caught up in all the distractions of this world.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 2:8-23 | ACTS 4:13 | JOHN 14:18 | PSALM 46:1 | PROVERBS 13:12 | GENESIS 3:24 | REVELATION 2:7 | REVELATION 22:2, 14 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 | 1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 | REVELATION 22:1-6 | ROMANS 8:38-39 | EPHESIANS 1:20-21 | EPHESIANS 3:9-10 | EPHESIANS 6:11-12 |
Each of us would be wise to press in and hear what God's still, small voice is calling us to be a part of in His Kingdom. Paul was invested in seeing others grounded in the faith. It was a burden given to him by the Lord, and one that he was faithful to obey.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 2:1-7 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:24 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | 1 KINGS 17:8-17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 | EPHESIANS 6:10 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:28 | ISAIAH 19:1 | EZEKIEL 12:10 | PSALM 55:22 | EZRA 4:4 | PROVERBS 9:10 | PROVERBS 8:11 | PROVERBS 16:16 | DEUTERONOMY 5:32-33 | JEREMIAH 17:7-8 |
Most people will only give until it begins costing them. Paul reminds the believers that they may pay greatly in proclaiming their faith, but the dividends are far greater than anything they might endure. Christ will dwell in them and work in them to fulfill God's call upon their lives.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:24-29 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:17 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | JOHN 19:30 | JOHN 15:18 | MATTHEW 5:11 | MATTHEW 10:22 | 1 JOHN 3:1, 13 | LUKE 6:22-23, 26 | 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6 | 1 PETER 3:15 | LUKE 24:13-27 | ACTS 15:11 | JOHN 14:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 | MATTHEW 28:20 | EPHESIANS 1:13-14 | HEBREWS 12:3-11 |
Stand on solid ground. Paul reminds the Colossians of the firm foundation they have in who Jesus is and His finished work. It's in Him that God sees us as holy, blameless, and above reproach.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:19-23 | PHILIPPIANS 1:2 | JOHN 1:1,14 | COLOSSIANS 2:9 | ACTS 5:3-4 | ISAIAH 64:8 | JOHN 1:3 | COLOSSIANS 1:15-17 | JOB 33:4 | JOB 26:13 | 1 THESSALONIANS 1:10 | JOHN 2:19 | JOHN 10:17 | ROMANS 8:11 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16 | COLOSSIANS 1:27 | JOHN 14:17 | 1 KINGS 8:27 | MATTHEW 28:20 | PSALMS 139:7-10 | 1 JOHN 3:20 | JOHN 16:30; 21:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:10-11 | ISAIAH 41:4 | ISAIAH 44:6 | ISAIAH 48:12 | REVELATION 1:17 | JOHN 8:32 | EPHESIANS 2:13 | GENESIS 22:7-13 | JOHN 1:29 | ROMANS 8:19-22 | REVELATION 21:5 | DEUTERONOMY 32:10 | REVELATION 12:10 | PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 | ROMANS 8:31 |
Don't forget from where you came. Paul reminds the Colossians that Jesus delivered them from a life of darkness and conveyed them into His Kingdom. While the cares and priorities of life may demand attention, Jesus alone should remain at the top of the list in all things.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:13-18 | PSALM 18:2 | PSALM 40:17 | PSALM 70:5 | 1 JOHN 5:18-19 | JOHN 8:42-44 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-6 | JOHN 10:10 | ACTS 8:39-40 | ROMANS 5:8 | JOHN 14:7-9 | 1 JOHN 5:12 | GENESIS 27:1-40 | ROMANS 1:25 | EXODUS 20:5 | EXODUS 34:14 | DEUTERONOMY 4:24 |
Walking as a Christians cannot be done in our own strength. Paul prays for the Colossian believers as they seek God's will and take steps to fulfill it. He rejoices that God has qualified them to partake in the inheritance that awaits the faithful believer.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:9-12 | 1 SAMUEL 12:20-24 | EXODUS 17:9-13 | PROVERBS 3:5,6 | MARK 1:17 | JOHN 12:26 | REVELATION 2:2-4 | ACTS 1:8 | ACTS 9:17 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10 | EPHESIANS 4:14 | ECCLESIASTES 3:11 | LUKE 23:34 | MATTHEW 18:21-22 | LUKE 9:54 |
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. The gospel was meant to be heard and responded to. Paul reminds us of how powerful the pure gospel is to those who truly hear.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:3-7 | MATTHEW 11:15 | ROMANS 10:17 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4 | LUKE 15:10 | MATTHEW 22:35-40 | 1 JOHN 4:20-21 | PROVERBS 25:25 | REVELATION 12:11 | MARK 5:18-20 | ROMANS 10:14 | MATTHEW 28:18-20 | MARK 4:3,9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3-4 | GENESIS 3:9-10|
God has a will. And so do we. And we wrestle with whose will will prevail -- His will or ours. But there is blessing for the saints who surrender to the will of God.
BIBLE VERSE References: COLOSSIANS 1:1-2 | GENESIS 32:24 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | ACTS 19:1-10 | PHILEMON 23 | HEBREWS 1:4-11 | GENESIS 1:27 | REVELATION 4:11 | GENESIS 2:16,17 | GENESIS 3:6 | ACTS 2:21 | ROMANS 10:13 | ROMANS 5:8 | ISAIAH 57:15-21 | LUKE 22:42 | PSALM 40:8 | ROMANS 12:2 | 1 PETER 4:2-3 | 1 JOHN 2:17 | COLOSSIANS 1:22-23 | MARK 3:31-35 | 2 PETER 3:9 | MATTHEW 6:10 |
Paul's desire was that God would be glorified in and through him. He trusted that could occur regardless of his circumstances as he allowed his life to be used for God's glory. He knew that this was possible with a little bit of grace for himself and all the saints.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 4:20-23 | PSALM 19:1 | EXODUS 16:10 | EXODUS 24:16 | HEBREWS 1:3 | MARK 13:26 | ISAIAH 43:1-7 | ISAIAH 14:12-15 | GENESIS 11:1-8 | ISAIAH 42:8 | JOHN 3:30 | ROMANS 3:23 | ROMANS 4:19-20 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 | 1 PETER 4:10-11 | MATTHEW 5:13-16 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-15 | PHILIPPIANS 1:6 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:17 |
God shall supply all of our needs. But trusting that sometimes requires faith. Paul rejoices that God has provided for him once again and encourages the believers to turn to God for all of their needs.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20 | PSALM 145:15,16 | MATTHEW 5:44-45 | ROMANS 8:32 | ACTS 20:35 | ACTS 16:9-10 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:7-9 | ACTS 18:3-4 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:14 | 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10 | 1 TIMOTHY 5:3-16 | EXODUS 20:17 | PROVERBS 23:5 | HEBREWS 13:16 | MALACHI 3:8-10 | 1 TIMOTHY 6:9 | HEBREWS 13:5 | EPHESIANS 1:3 | MATTHEW 6:20 |
We all know what it is like to be anxious. And in our world today, there seems to be more and more to be anxious over. Paul prescribes a cure for our anxiety in these verses as he has learned from experience how to find the peace of God in turbulent times.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-9 | MATTHEW 6:25-24 | PSALM 94:19 | PSALM 61:2 | MARK 5:25-34 | PROVERBS 12:25 | MARK 4:39 | JOHN 14:27 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4-5 | PSALM 34:4 | ROMANS 8:32 | JOHN 8:36
Three things are eternal: God, His Word, and people's souls. Paul longs for the fellowship of the believers and desires that others might know Jesus to spend eternity together in the Kingdom.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5 | MATTHEW 23:37-39 | LUKE 14:15-24 | LUKE 15:7 | ACTS 16:9 | 1 THESSALONIANS 2:8 | LUKE 11:17 | HEBREWS 12:14-15 | REVELATION 3:5 | REVELATION 13:8 | REVELATION 17:8 | REVELATION 20:12 | REVELATION 21:27 | REVELATION 22:19 | PSALM 51:12 | EPHESIANS 1:13-14 | MATTHEW 18:6
Take the road less traveled. Paul reminds the believers that many are walking away from Christ instead of toward Him. We will be influenced by those we walk with in life.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 3:15-21 | 1 PETER 2:2-3 | ROMANS 3:10 | ROMANS 3:23 | ROMANS 6:23 | ROMANS 5:8 | ROMANS 10:9-10 | ROMANS 10:13 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-2 | MATTHEW 7:13-14 | PROVERBS 14:12 | PROVERBS 16:25 | ROMANS 5:10 | MARK 8:36 | REVELATION 21:8 | LUKE 9:56 | JAMES 4:4 | ROMANS 5:6 |
Reach for the prize. Paul had no regrets about leaving the past behind to pursue Christ wholeheartedly. His one desire was to know Jesus more.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14 | ACTS 9:1-20 | MATTHEW 7:21-23 | 1 PETER 4:3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:7 | LUKE 18:29-30 | LUKE 23:34 | ROMANS 4:24-25 | ROMANS 6:12-14 | MATTHEW 16:24 | JOHN 15:18 \ ACTS 9:16 | MATTHEW 26:69-75 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 | JEREMIAH 29:11 | ROMANS 3:8 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | JOHN 8:1-12 | HEBREWS 11:13-16 | MATTHEW 25:21 | GENESIS 19:26 |
Nothing is more valuable than knowing Christ. Paul reflects on all that he possessed of value in the world's eyes, and how willing he was to abandon it all for the sake of Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 3:1-7 | MATTHEW 13:44 | JOSHUA 1:8 | ACTS 16:25 | NEHEMIAH 8:10 | GALATIANS 5:22-23 | MATTHEW 23:27 | GALATIANS 5:9 | 2 PETER 2:1 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:19 | ROMANS 9:6 | JOHN 3:3 | LUKE 12:48 | 1 JOHN 2:15-16 | EPHESIANS 2:8-9 | ACTS 7:58-8:1 | ACTS 9:5 | ROMANS 4:4 | ISAIAH 64:6 |
Life is full of risks. But those involved in following and serving Christ are worth it. Paul talks about Timothy and Epaphroditus, and the examples they are as dedicated service to the Lord and His people.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 | ACTS 28:30-31 | JAMES 4:13-15 | 1 CHRONICLES 11:16-19 | ESTHER 4:13-5:2 | COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 | LUKE 16:10 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:6,10 | ACTS 16:1-4 | ACTS 14:19-20 | EPHESIANS 6:10-20 | MARK 16:15-18 | ACTS 28:1-6 | ISAIAH 54:17 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13 | JOHN 11:35 | GALATIANS 2:20 | LUKE 14:26 | REVELATION 12:11
Working out our salvation. It takes some effort on our part to fully realize the full extent of all that Christ has made available to those who are saved. God commits to do an inward work that might make us look more like His Son, bringing Him pleasure as we are conformed to the image of Christ.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 2:12-19 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | MARK 10:21 | EPHESIANS 2:8,9 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 | ROMANS 8:29 | ROMANS 14:11,12 | GENESIS 22:1-19 | MATTHEW 23:28 | PROVERBS 4:23 | EZEKIEL 36:26 | GENESIS 17:1 | DEUTERONOMY 18:13 | COLOSSIANS 1:21-22 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:2 | DEUTERONOMY 6:8 | NUMBERS 15 |
Following Jesus will cause the believer to begin to think differently about life and eternity. Jesus found purpose in leaving the throne of heaven to come to this earth to die for mankind. While the world my not understand this, we are called to share the humble, sacrificing mind of Christ.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 | ROMANS 12:2 | 1 CORINTHIANS 4:10 | MARK 5:15 | 1 PETER 4:2-4 | JOHN 3:16 | ISAIAH 52:13 - 53:12 | HEBREWS 12:2 | HEBREWS 4:14-16 | HEBREWS 7:25 | ACTS 1:9-11 | MATTHEW 23:11-12 | JOHN 17:4-5 | MARK 9:41 | JAMES 2:19 | HEBREWS 9:27 | ROMANS 10:9 | MATTHEW 27:46 |
Who's most important? Paul challenges us to esteem others to be better than ourselves. He points us to the resources Christ has given us to make achieving unity a possibility.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 | LUKE 11:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:11-13 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3-4 | LUKE 2:25 | MATTHEW 18:21,22 | 1 PETER 4:8 | MARK 1:35 | LUKE 22:50-51 | MATTHEW 5:39 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 | ROMANS 1:12 | EPHESIANS 4:18 | ROMANS 12:2 | ROMANS 5:8
What do you live for? What purposes or plans or perspectives motivate you? For Paul, he found purpose in magnifying Christ -- whether by life or by death.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 1:19-30 | GENESIS 2:17 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13 | EPHESIANS 3:1 | HEBREWS 13:3 | PSALM 139:16 | JOB 14:1,5 | MATTHEW 6:27 | REVELATION 9:6 | PSALM 90:12 | JOB 13:15 | 2 CORINTHIANS 11:23 | ACTS 14:19,20 | JOHN 12:25 | 1 JOHN 2:15 | GALATIANS 2:20 | PSALM 116:3 | DANIEL 12:2 | MATTHEW 22:13 | MATTHEW 25:46 | 2 THESSALONIANS 1:9 | REVELATION 20:10 | ROMANS 3:10-12 | NUMBER 6:24-26
Every cloud has a silver lining -- or so they say. But finding that silver lining often depends on the perspective from which you view it. Paul talks about the eternal perspective of his trials and hardships, and the opportunities God has granted him through all he has endured.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 1:12-18 | ACTS 9:15-16 | GENESIS 50:20 | ROMANS 8:28-30 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 | ACTS 28:30-31 | ROMANS 1:16 | LUKE 8:5 | LUKE 10:16 | MARK 13:11 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-8 | 1 PETER 1:6-7 | PSALM 12:6
Grace is available to us all. That is something Paul was confident of as he reflects on all he has endured. This understanding leads him to intercede for the believers to abound in a love that pleases God, but not necessarily the world, and in a fruitful Christian witness that is authentic to those who are watching.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 1:7-11 | JOHN 1:17 | EXODUS 34:6 | 2 CHRONICLES 30:9 | NEHEMIAH 9:7 | PSALM 86:15 | JOEL 2:13 | MATTHEW 14:24-33 | 1 PETER 3:7 | HEBREWS 12:13-14 | HEBREWS 4:13 | HEBREWS 4:16 | MARK 15:38 | GALATIANS 5:22-23 | JEREMIAH 17:7-8
Some memories fade...others do not. For Paul, he was clinging to the joyous memories he had of fellowshipping with the believers in Philippi -- those precious people who had come to know God as he did. He saw the consistent thread of prayer as the foundation of their fellowship, and was confident that God would be faithful to them, even in his own absence.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 1:3-6 | ACTS 9:1-22 | ROMANS 3:23 | MATTHEW 7:21-23 | PSALM 63:1 | 1 PETER 2:25 | ACTS 16:12-40 | ACTS 18:2 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 | MATTHEW 10:28 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6 | ISAIAH 49:14-16 | HEBREWS 8:12 | HEBREWS 10:17
Ever doubted you were where you were supposed to be? Paul had seen the Lord faithfully direct and redirect in ways that were only apparent later down the road. It's in a season of reflection that Paul rejoices in God's grace in his life and in the lives of his dear friends in Philippi.
BIBLE VERSE References: PHILIPPIANS 1:1-8 | ACTS 28:30-31 | EPHESIANS 5:16 | PSALM 46:10 | PSALM 121:4 | ACTS 5:19 | ACTS 16:26 | ISAIAH 61:1 | MARK 13:11 | HEBREWS 13:3 | ACTS 16:6-10 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 | ACTS 15:39-41 |
The Lord is steadfast, and He calls us to be, as well. Consider the word steadfast in Scripture on this final bonus episode of Season 1.
Where does your help come from? The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him!
Repetition reinforces. And as a good teacher, the Lord repeats lessons in our lives, as well.
No man is an island. Following Jesus means being a part of a fellowship of believers. We are called to pray for one another, serve one another, and reach out to one another as ambassadors of Christ.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 6:18-24 | MATTHEW 26:36-46 | DANIEL 10:10-13 | LUKE 18:1 | ACTS 28:30-31 | EXODUS 4:10-12 | JEREMIAH 1:4-10 | MATTHEW 10:19-20 | ECCLESIASTS 3:7 | PROVERBS 25:11 | ACTS 20:22-38 | ACTS 20:4 | COLOSSIANS 4:7 | TITUS 3:20 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:12 | 1 CHRONICLES 27:25-34 | PROVERBS 18:24 | PROVERBS 27:10 | PROVERBS 27:17 | ECCLESIASTES 4:10 |
It's a battle out there. Paul exposes the source and nature of many of the struggles we face in this life. Standing firm in our faith and in all that Christ has given us is key to our victory.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 6:10-18 | GENESIS 17:1 | EXODUS 14:13-14 | EPHESIANS 2:10 | EPHESIANS 4:1 | EPHESIANS 4:17 | EPHESIANS 5:2 | EPHESIANS 5:8 | EPHESIANS 5:15 | MATTHEW 5:13-15 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-4 | ACTS 19:19 | JOHN 8:44 | GENESIS 3:1 | REVELATION 12:10 | MARK 4:15 | MATTHEW 4:1-11 | 1 PETER 5:8-11
Being faithful is the highest calling. In this portion of Scripture, Paul challenges the servant and master, the employee and the employer, to do all things as unto the Lord. And when we are faithful in the little things, there will be blessing.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 6:5-9 | GALATIANS 4:1-7 | GALATIANS 3:24-25 | LUKE 1:1-4 | ACTS 1:1 | GENESIS 39:2-4 | 1 CORINTHIANS 7:20-24 | PHILEMON 1:8-16 | ROMANS 1:1 | GENESIS 39:2-5 | GENESIS 39:21-23 | MATTHEW 25:19-21 | LUKE 16:10-11 | GENESIS 41:41-45 | MARK 10:42-45 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 |
The thread of society begins in the home. It's in the closest relationships we have that the Lord teaches us more about Himself and our need for Him. The responsibility to raise the next generation to recognize and obey the voice of God is never to be neglected.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 6:1-4 | PROVERBS 25:11 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 | ACTS 8:26 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 | GENESIS 4:10 | ROMANS 3:23 | GENESIS 2:18 | GENESIS 1:28 | ISAIAH 5:20 | ECCLESIASTES 10:16 | ISAIAH 3:4, 12 | LUKE 23:24 | GALATIANS 6:9 | 1 PETER 1:24-25 | PROVERBS 22:6 | PSALM 145:4 | NUMBERS 6:24-27
Among all the institutions in society, God has a his eye upon the home. It is the place where we are called to live out our Christian faith most successfully. Fulfilling our roles in marriage within the home takes the example of Christ and a renewed dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 5:22-33 | MATTHEW 12:34 | PSALM 128:3 | GENESIS 1:27 | GENESIS 3:1 | GALATIANS 5:22-23 | EXODUS 29:7 | 1 SAMUEL 16:13| JOHN 1:32 | LUKE 11:9-13 | 1 SAMUEL 10:6 | ROMANS 12:18 | HOSEA 1:2-3 | PHILIPPIANS 4:19 | MATTHEW 10:27 | JOSHUA 24:15 | PSALM 68:6 | PSALM 113:9 |
Time is short. Paul challenges us to consider our lives and to be purposeful in how we live and what we do with the time we have been given. He exhorts us to live soberly and to be filled with the Holy Spirit in all things.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 5:15-21 | MARK 14:37-50 | LUKE 12:16-20 | PSALM 90:12 | JAMES 4:13-15 | PROVERBS 29:18 | GENESIS 9:20-27 | PROVERBS 20:1 | PROVERBS 23:29-33 | ACTS 2:13-15 | MATTHEW 3:11 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:11 |
From dark to light. That's the path that Jesus has set us on. We have been awakened to a new life in Him, called to shine for Him in this world.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 5:8-21 | JOHN 3:23 | PSALM 107:14 | 1 PETER 2:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 | 1 JOHN 1:7 | HEBREWS 3:12, 13 | PSALM 34:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6 | GENESIS 2:15-17 | MATTHEW 5:14-16 | JOHN 1:4-11 | ISAIAH 26:19 | ISAIAH 60:1 | EPHESIANS 2:1,5 | MATTHEW 25:1-13
We are faced with many choices of who we want to imitate. Paul encourages us to imitate God in all areas as His dear children. By the example of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live differently than the world around us. *NOTE: This episode may contain content that is more appropriate for mature listeners. Parents may wish to preview this episode before allowing children to listen.*
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 5:1-7 | JOHN 13:35 | LEVITICUS 2:1 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 | ACTS 19:24-27 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15-19 | GENESIS 2:24 | GENESIS 4:1 | HEBREWS 13:4 | EXODUS 20:17 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-6 | GENESIS 2:18 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11 | ROMANS 8:1 | REVELATION 2:1-7
Outward change must first begin inwardly. As Paul looks in greater detail at the process of putting off the old man and putting on the new, He reminds of the role of the Holy Spirit in making us truly more like Jesus.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 4:25-32 | ZECHARIAH 8:16 | JOHN 17:17 | LUKE 11:24-26 | PSALM 4:4 | PSALM 37:8 | JOHN 2:15 | NUMBERS 20:10-12 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | 1 JOHN 4:4 | JOHN 8:44 | JOHN 10:10 | JAMES 4:7 | MARK 5:1-19 | GENESIS 2:15 | GENESIS 3:18 | 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10-12 | COLOSSIANS 3:23 | JAMES 3:8-12 | MATTHEW 12:33-37 | EPHESIANS 1:13 | JAMES 1:20 | ROMANS 2:4 | EZEKIEL 36:26 |
Watch where you step. The believer is called to walk in a new way, differently than we did in the world we were saved from. Jesus has made provision for us to put off the old man and put on the new.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 4:17-24 | HEBREWS 5:12-14 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:20 | MATTHEW 4:19 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 | JOHN 3:3-7 | 1 PETER 1:23 | PSALM 23:3 | PSALM 119:105 | PSALM 97:6 | ROMANS 2:14-15 | ISAIAH 9:2 | JOHN 15:1-6 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22 | JOHN 5:11-12 | JOHN 11:25, 43 | GENESIS 2:25 | GENESIS 3:7 | GENESIS 3:21 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17
Where do you fit? Each one of us has been gifted by God to supply something in His Kingdom. We grow as we use our giftings and benefit from the gifts of others.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 4:7-16 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:7,11,12 | LUKE 23:46 | JOHN 19:30 | REVELATION 20:13-15 | LUKE 16:19-31 | MATTHEW 1:17 | PSALM 13:1-6 | JOHN 3:13 | ACTS 1:8-9 | ACTS 2:1-21 | GENESIS 2:15 | COLOSSIANS 1:16 | ACTS 2:40-41 | ACTS 8:26-40 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 | HEBREWS 10:24
The calling and vocation of the believer is to walk in a way that brings Christ glory. God has provided the model to show us what that life looks like and the means for us to live that way. It's by His Spirit that the church can fulfill its unified purpose.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 4:1-6 | MATTHEW 11:28-30 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-2 | MATTHEW 4:19 | GENESIS 12:1-3 | JOHN 1:37-42 | ACTS 9:20 | ACTS 16:14-15 | ACTS 16:27-32 | JOHN 14:6 | JOHN 7:38
It just might be the most neglected resource we have -- prayer. Praying is a tremendous privilege of the believer. Its power is truly transformative and it works deep in the heart and lives of the believer. We are edified, and God is glorified, when we take time to pray.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 3:14-20 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 | MATTHEW 6:11 | ROMANS 8:29 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6-7 | ROMANS 12:2 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 | 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 | 2 TIMOTHY 2:13 | JOHN 16:23-24 | PSALM 16:11
Following God can be a daunting challenge. But it is not meant to be an impossible challenge. God has set forth clear indicators of how we can determine the ways in which He wants us to go.
On this special end-of-the-year episode, we look at the principle of being led by God. How does He lead us? How do we figure out what He wants us to do? We'll consider the topic as seen in Scripture with pratical application.
Nothing is quite as humbling as the gospel. Paul drew close as Jesus continually humbled him. And through the process, He could use him more greatly, in which ever ways He saw fit.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 3:8-13 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:9 | 1 TIMOTHY 1:15 | ROMANS 1:16 | LUKE 10:2 | JOHN 4:35 | JOHN 13:3-5 | LUKE 2:49 | ROMANS 8:38-39 | EPHESIANS 6:12 | HEBREWS 2:9 | HEBREWS 1:14 | 2 PETER 2:4 | DANIEL 2:47-48 | JAMES 4:6 | JAMES 4:10 | MATTHEW 18:3 | ROMANS 5:3 | MICAH 6:8
Everyone loves a good mystery, especially when the mystery is solved. The mysteries of God's plan of salvation for mankind were fully revealed by the Spirit once Jesus' accomplished His work on the cross. The Spirit continues to give us revelation to the things of God as we faithfully draw closer to Him.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 3:3-7 | LUKE 24:25-27 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:5 | GENESIS 12:3 | GENESIS 22:18 | ISAIAH 49:6 | ISAIAH 60:3 | JOEL 2:23 | ACTS 2:21 | ROMANS 10:13 | JOHN 3:16 | JOHN 5:39 | JOHN 14:26 | JOHN 16:12-13 | 2 PETER 3:15-16 | DANIEL 12:4 | LUKE 10:13 | 2 KINGS 6:16-17
You can't give away something that is not first yours. Paul had received the grace of God, and it became clear to him to whom he was supposed to extend grace. We often do not need to go too far to discover who is in need of His grace.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 3:1-2 | ACTS 17:2 | ROMANS 10:1 | ACTS 13:46 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16 | ROMANS 1:16,17 | COLOSSIANS 4:3 | JEREMIAH 1:7 | 1 JOHN 3:16 | JOHN 15:1-5 | MATTHEW 18:21-35
When we belong to Jesus, we have new rights and responsibilities as citizens of His Kingdom. We develop and invest in new relationships as we become members of God's household. We have new roles and callings as we are fit together with other members of the Kingdom to fulfill God's plans and purposes in this world and the next.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 2:19-22 | PHILIPPIANS 3:20 | JOHN 18:36 | JOHN 18:10 | MATTHEW 26:53 | ROMANS 13:1 | ACTS 5:29 | MATTHEW 1:1-17 | GALATIANS 6:10 | HEBREWS 10:24-25 | JOHN 14:2-3 | PSALM 68:6 | PSALM 118:22 | PSALM 21:42 | 1 PETER 2:7 | JOHN 14:6 | 1 CORINTHIANS 12:28 | LUKE 19:17 | 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9-16 |
It is a divided world. From individuals, to denominations, to cultures, and people groups -- division is something well-ingrained in the human experience this side of Eden. The Gospel, though, is a message of reconciliation that breaks down the walls in even the most polarized situations.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 2:11-18 | GENESIS 17:14 | GENESIS 12:2 | JONAH 4:1-3 | GENESIS 25:23 | DEUTERONOMY 4:5-9 | DEUTERONOMY 7:6-11 | 2 CORINTHIANS 2:15 | ACTS 21:26-31 | MARK 15:38 | HEBREWS 4:16 | 1 PETER 4:3 | 1 PETER 1:13 | PSALM 14:1 | PSALM 53:1
Jesus is saving us a seat. God is the giver of life, and we were made alive with Christ, through the power of His resurrection, to be restored to a place of fellowship with Him for eternity without end. And with that hope in mind, we can live today for the purposes for which we were created.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 2:5-10 | MATTHEW 27:51-53 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:19-20 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15 | ROMANS 1:16,17 | LUKE 10:38-42
You cannot appreciate where you are unless you remember from where you came. Paul reminds us of our lives before Christ, when we were dead in our sin. And yet it's from those depths that Jesus pulled us out to give us a future and a hope.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 2:1-5 | ROMANS 3:23 | ACTS 19:1-27 | 2 PETER 2:7-8 | GENESIS 18:16-33 | GENESIS 2:17 | JOHN 3:3-8 | GENESIS 6:8 | GENESIS 22:2 |
Knowing about God and living for God are two different things. Paul prays for believers that they might truly grasp the deep things of the Lord in tangible ways that transform their lives. Only then can we grasp the magnitude of all He has done for us and fully walk with HIm.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 1:15-23 | JOHN 13:35 | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 | ACTS 9:1-19 | MATTHEW 15:36 | MATTHEW 26:27 | PSALM 100:4 | 1 SAMUEL 12:23 | HEBREWS 4:16 | ISAIAH 35:5 | MATTHEW 11:5 | MATTHEW 15:30-31 | MATTHEW 21:14 | MATTHEW 23:16-26 | JOHN 9:39-41 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13 | LUKE 6:39 | 1 KINGS 19:12 | 1 PETER 1:3 | JOHN 14:2-3 | JOHN 14:12
The Holy Spirit is committed to the work of salvation. He empowers us to share our faith and seals those who believe the message. He Himself becomes the guarantee for those who have placed their trust in Jesus and will faithfully guide us through to the other side as we await Jesus' promise to receive us into His Kingdom.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 1:13-14 | ACTS 18:19-21 | DEUTERONOMY 16:16 | ACTS 8:26-40 | ACTS 19:8-10 | ROMANS 1:18-21 | MATTHEW 7:6 | ACTS 19:15-17 | ACTS 1:8 | JOHN 16:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13-14 | ROMANS 10:12-15 | MATTHEW 13:45-46 | LUKE 24:29 | REVELATION 2:1-7 | HABAKKUK 2:3 | 1 JOHN 4:19
The best things in life are not always free. It cost the Father the precious blood of His Son to redeem us from sin and restore us to Himself. In spite of the events or challenges or whims of the world, Gad has a secure plan to call His children home.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 1:7-12 | ROMANS 3:23 | 1 PETER 1:18-19 | MATTHEW 6:19-20 | JOHN 1:29 | MATTHEW 26:6-12 | MATTHEW 28:19-20 | GENESIS 11:1-9 | PSALM 2:1-4 | PSALM 14:1 | JOHN 3:18 | MATTHEW 8:12 | MATTHEW 22:13 | MATTHEW 24:51 | MATTHEW 25:30 | JEREMIAH 1:5 | LUKE 21:25-28
God's plan for salvation is so simple and profound at the same time. It reaches back to before we stepped onto the scene and stretches far beyond our existence into eternity. But for those who have found salvation in Jesus Christ, the security of all God has promised should bring confidence and praise for His gracious gift.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 1:3-6 | ISAIAH 14:12-15 | JUDE 1:6 | LUKE 10:18 | ZECHARIAH 3:1-5 | JOHN 8:59 | LUKE 4:28-30 | GENESIS 1:11 | GENESIS 1:24 | GENESIS 3:18 | MARK 15:17 | MATTHEW 20:1-16 | PROVERBS 3:5-6
Our whole perspective can change with gaining a new point of view. We begin a new study in the book of Ephesians in which we are given a a fresh view of who God is, who we are, and the realities and truths of the universe that we so easily forget. The author of the letter, Paul, reminds the believers of the true nature of blessing, and how fortunate we are to be recipients of God's goodness.
BIBLE VERSE References: EPHESIANS 1:1-3 | NUMBERS 13:17-14:10 | ACTS 9:15 | ACTS 28:16-30 | JEREMIAH 29:11 | ROMANS 8:38-39 | ACTS 19:1-27 | MATTHEW 9:36 | MATTHEW 14:14 | MATTHEW 18:27 | MARK 1:41 | MARK 6:34 | ROMANS 5:8 | ACTS 10:34 | ACTS 17:26 | GALATIANS 3:28 | JOB 1:20 | MATTHEW 5:44-45 | LUKE 6:35 | REVELATION 21:3-4 | REVELATION 22:5 | LUKE 14:16-24
In Part 2 of Single-Minded, Justin speaks about learning to obey and trust God in a challenging time in his personal journey and ministry. God is faithful, and wants us to trust Him in and through every season. Justin wraps up this encouragement to singles and those who minister to them in the church, with perspective and application that can be applied to any and all, regardless of their relationship status.
BIBLE VERSE References: GENESIS 21:14-21 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:16,17 | GENESIS 24:10-28 | JOHN 4:28
What does true satisfaction look like? And how do we know when we have found it. In Part 1 of Single-Minded, Justin shares a teaching he gave years ago, the night he met his future wife. Nothing in this world apart from God can truly fulfill us. Whether you are married, single, divorced, or widowed, God has a desire to satisfy your deepest needs.
BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 4:5-42 | GENESIS 21:9-20 |
It's important to follow through until the end in life, and giving up or checking out too soon can mean missing out on what is most crucial. Paul wraps up his letter to the Galatian Christians with a reminder of the key takeaways from all he has written. He points out how believers should relate to the world around us, and encourages them to faithfully endure until the end so they might enjoy the full blessings of God in His Kingdom.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 6:11-18 | 2 THESSALONIANS 3:17 | GALATIANS 4:15 | MATTHEW 10:27 | JEREMIAH 20:9 | MARK 4:4,15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:23-24 | JOHN 16:1-2 | MATTHEW 10:33 | MATTHEW 5:10 | JEREMIAH 9:23-24 | ROMANS 12:1-2 | LUKE 17:32 | MATTHEW 8:21-22 | GALATIANS 2:20 | JOHN 17:16 | HEBREWS 11:9-10, 13 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | COLOSSIANS 1:13 | REVELATION 21:1-5 |
It's universally understood that you reap what you sow. But what does this look like in the Body of Christ and in the life of the believer? Paul encourages the Galatian believers to consider how they can be sowing into the lives of one another to bear fruit for the Kingdom as well as to take inventory of what they are sowing into their own lives.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 6:6-10 | NUMBERS 18:30-31 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:9-14 | ACTS 6:1-7 | 1 SAMUEL 30:21-31 | MARK 5:24-34 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | JAMES 1:12-16 | LUKE 21:7-8 | MATTHEW 4:1-11 | GENESIS 12:7 - 13:4 | PHILIPPIANS 4:10 | ROMANS 3:12 | PSALM 37:3
Belonging. It is something we all desire at our core. When Jesus forgives us by His grace, He also adopts us into His family. Serving one another in the church is not always easy, but Paul reminds the Galatians how important it is that they bear one another's burdens in times of need.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 6:1-5 | GENESIS 2:18 | 1 CORINTHIANS 11:21 | MARK 14:8 | GENESIS 3:7 | ECCLESIASTES 4:10 | PROVERBS 18:1 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:12 | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26 | MARK 12:38 | MARK 1:19 | MARK 2:1-12 | PROVERBS 18:24 |
How hard can it be to grow fruit? It might be easier said than done. But through the resurrection power of Jesus, His Spirit can bring life to those who once lived according to the carnal nature of the flesh. Paul encourages the believers in Galatia that they, too, can bear the fruit of the Spirit for which they can take no credit.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 5:22-26 | JOHN 11:25 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:55 | ROMANS 8:11 | EZEKIEL 37:1-10 | JOHN 13:35 | ROMANS 8:31 | ACTS 16:22-25 | JOHN 14:27 | MARK 4:37-39 | MARK 15:44 | ACTS 1:4-8 | ACTS 4:31 | GALATIANS 3:2 | JOHN 3:30
What exactly does the flesh look like? Paul helps the Galatians by giving them a practical list to help them differentiate between the flesh and the Spirit. Digging through the list may surprise you, as we discover just how common our flesh manifests itself in our day-to-day lives. *NOTE: The first 19 minutes or so of this episode may contain content that is more appropriate for mature listeners. Parents may wish to preview this episode before allowing children to listen.*
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 5:19-26 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22 | EPHESIANS 2:1-5 | DEUTERONOMY 22:13-19 | HEBREWS 13:4 | 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-8 | MATTHEW 16:1 | JOSHUA 5:13-15 | EPHESIANS 5:18 | ACTS 2:1-15 | ROMANS 8:9 | EPHESIANS 1:13-14 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11
Who knew it was going to be so tough? It doesn't take long for a Christian to discover an inner conflict between their flesh and the Spirit of Jesus that lives within. The flesh seeks to fulfill temporal needs in a way that does not glorify God, while the Spirit invites the believer to live in a way that has eternity in mind. Paul encourages the Galatians in this ongoing struggle and shares with them the key to victory in the personal battle.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 5:16-18 | GENESIS 2:15-18 | JOHN 3:3 | MARK 14:37-38 | ROMANS 6:6 | ROMANS 8:5-8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
Sometimes the best thing to do is to stand our ground. The Galatians were in danger of slipping into a fruitless place in their relationship with God. Paul wants to make sure they do not make decisions that are not necessary and that they may end up regretting. He was confident, though, that if they lived according to the Holy Spirit that they would live in a way that brought glory to Jesus, even if they "abandoned" the law.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 5:1-15 | EPHESIANS 6:15 | DEUTERONOMY 10:16 | MATTHEW 6:1-18 | ACTS 16:1-3 | JAMES 3:1 | DEUTERONOMY 23:1 | GALATIANS 2:4| ACTS 2:14-47 | LEVITICUS 19:18 | JOHN 13:35 | 1 JOHN 4:19 | 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7
Be careful what you ask for - you might just get it. The Galatians were contemplating a step backward to relate to God under the law instead of grace. While the opportunity looked good on the surface, Paul himself knew that it would rob them of freedom. He reminds them of a poor choice that Abraham made which was recorded in Scripture and the long-term implications of making that decision.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 4:21-31 | GENESIS 12:1-20 | GENESIS 13:1-2 | GENESIS 15:2-6 | GENESIS 16:1-16 | GENESIS 18:9-15 | JOHN 8:36 | LUKE 15:10 | EXODUS 19:16-21 | REVELATION 21:1-27 | LUKE 13:27
How comfortable are you with letting people see the "real" you? Paul knew the Galatians on a deeply personal level, and was beginning to see signs that they were turning to inferior things that would weaken their spiritual lives. He loved them enough to speak up and point them back in the right direction. He reminds them of God's ability to call, accept, and use as as we are -- weaknesses and all -- but that He loves us too much to leave us there.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 4:8-20 | MATTHEW 6:24 | LUKE 22:34 | LUKE 22:62 | PHILIPPIANS 3:4-8 | HEBREWS 12:1 | GENESIS 50:20 | ROMANS 8:28-29 | JOHN 9:1-3 | 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 | MARK 1:4-6 | EPHESIANS 4:15 | 1 PETER 5:5 | GENESIS 3:1 | MATTHEW 28:18-20 | HEBREWS 4:13
Having a proper understanding of God as our Heavenly Father is crucial in rightly relating to Him. Paul encourages the Galatian believers to move on from relating to God with the Law in the mix in order to fully experience the relationship that God intended for us. He reminds them that God sent His own Son at the proper time in world history to redeem us to Himself, and that He will come again in God's perfect timing to bring His children home. The Spirit dwells within the believer in order that we might fully flourish as a child of God.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 4:1-7 | ROMANS 3:23 | HEBREWS 8:7-13 | ISAIAH 30:21 | JOHN 14:18 | EPHESIANS 3:20 | MARK 1:2-15 | JOHN 1:14 | 2 PETER 3:3-4 | MARK 13:29 | REVELATION 13:15-15 | JOHN 3:3 | MATTHEW 3:17 | MATTHEW 6:9-13
Everything God does has a purpose. Even though we are not received by God through following His law perfectly, His law still held a strategic place in His plan of salvation for mankind. Taking a closer look at ourselves in light of God's law causes us to realize how much we need a Savior. Thankfully God has given us all equal access to Him through the gospel.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 3:19-29 | LUKE 10:27 | MATTHEW 26:39 | ROMANS 3:9-20 | GENESIS 6:5-13 | JOHN 1:12 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20
It's wise to read the fine print before you sign a contract, lest you find out later some restrictions or exceptions you agreed to. Paul seeks to point out to the Galatians some of the implications of seeking a relationship with God based on works that they may not have considered. God has already thought through all the intricate details in a way that works in our favor. Thankfully it is founded upon His promises and not on our ability to achieve perfection.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 3:10-18 | DEUTERONOMY 27:26 | HABAKKUK 2:4 | LEVITICUS 18:5 | MATTHEW 27:46 | PSALM 22 | JOHN 19:30 | DEUTERONOMY 21:22-23 | GENESIS 12:7 | 2 PETER 1:3-4
Nobody likes to feel foolish. It takes the wisdom of the Spirit to keep from being deceived. Paul reminds the Galatian believers about the resource they have in the Spirit to walk with and sustain a relationship with Jesus. It's the Spirit's presence that gives us the ability and resources to truly fulfill God's calling upon our lives.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 3:1-9 | MATTHEW 24:24 | JOHN 14:17 | ACTS 1:8 | ACTS 2:17 | JOHN 16:8 | REVELATION 12:10 | 1 SAMUEL 10:6 | 1 SAMUEL 15:17 | 1 SAMUEL 16:14 | EPHESIANS 2:13-14, 17-19 | GENESIS 15:1-5
Who are the influencers in your life? And how are they influencing you? Paul tells the churches in Galatia about a time he watched his own friends influenced by outsiders, and how they navigated through the situation. Having people in our lives who love us enough to tell us the truth when we need it is critical to walking in blessing.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 2:11-22 | ACTS 11:26 | ACTS 10:9-16 | PROVERBS 29:25 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | EPHESIANS 4:14-15 | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 | PROVERBS 25:11 | PROVERBS 18:19 | MARK 10:17-22 | LUKE 9:23 | JOHN 3:30
What is the hardest test you have ever taken? In this episode, Paul recalls the challenging test the early church leaders endured of clarifying the gospel for Jewish and Gentile believers. As in most tests we face, we do not always get them right the first time. Does God allow retakes? And why does it feel sometimes like we are retaking a test we thought we already passed?
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 2:1-2:22 | ACTS 9:15 | MARK 11:1-10 | ACTS 11:19-30 | ACTS 15:1-35 | AMOS 9:11,12 | GENESIS 22:1 | EXODUS 16:4 | 1 CHRONICLES 29:17 | 1 PETER 1:6,7
Giving ourselves to Christ also means releasing the right to schedule our lives. We yield our calendars to Him, and trust that He orchestrates events, milestones, and challenges in His perfect timing. Paul recounts to the churches in Galatia the early years of his journey of faith and ministry, acknowledging that God ordered his steps. Allowing God the right to guide our lives often leads believers to slow down, stand still, and wait on His timing.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 1:15-2:1 | ACTS 9:1-22 | JOHN 6:44 | MATTHEW 4:19 | LAMENTATIONS 3:25-28 | ISAIAH 40:31 | PSALM 31:14-15 | JOHN 15:5 | 1 CHRONICLES 27:33 | 2 SAMUEL 15:37 | 2 SAMUEL 16:16 | ACTS 17:26-27
Embracing faith is a personal decision. We cannot be dependent on outside influences to secure us in a relationship with God. Paul recounts his own experience of how he came to embrace the gospel personally. A faith founded in culture, our environment, our community, or our family background is lacking an important component - a personal revelation of our need for Jesus. Those who find new life in Him will often look back and see that God has been pursuing them their entire lives.
BIBLE VERSE References: GALATIANS 1:11-17 | ACTS 9:1-22 | MATTHEW 5:3 | JOHN 16:8 | JOHN 3:3 | 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 | JOEL 2:25 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11 | MARK 6:38-44 | JOHN 10:27-28 | COLOSSIANS 1:21-23 | HEBREWS 4:12
What are you trusting in for your salvation? Paul was surprised that the believers in Galatia were getting confused in their faith so soon after believing. He reminds them that there is only one gospel that saves, and any other message taught by any other messenger has no power to bring salvation. How do we interact with people who have different beliefs than we have? What is the best way to share our faith with them?
BIBLE VERSE References:
GALATIANS 1:6-10 || MARK 9:42 || MATTHEW 22:1-14 || 1 SAMUEL 16:7 || ROMANS 10:17 || ACTS 9:17-18 || 2 TIMOTHY 2:1 || 2 PETER 3:18
By nature we do not always get life right. Nobody's perfect. But what do you do when you find yourself "stuck" as a result of your own actions, your own ignorance, or as a result of the choices of others? It's in those moments that we understand our need for a Deliverer. Paul writes to the believers in Galatia about Jesus, who gave Himself for us, and who serves to deliver us. Paul reminds us that while our temporal circumstances may draw us down at times, the promise of eternal life can give us hope.
BIBLE VERSE References:
GALATIANS 1:3-5 || JOHN 1:29 || ISAIAH 53:6 || PSALM 18:16-19, 43, 48, 50 || MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43 ||
As we begin our study in Galatians, we look at the new beginning we can experience through the pure gospel. In addition to experiencing a new beginning in Christ, we enter into a new calling which God chooses for us and equips us to fulfill. And as believers, we are adopted by a good Father into a new family, the church, to bring Jesus glory as we fulfill our individual, unique calling and submit to His lordship over our life.
BIBLE VERSE References:
GALATIANS 1:1-3 || 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 || ACTS 9:4-6, 15 || ROMANS 1:16-17 || ACTS 1:15-26 || 1 CORINTHIANS 12:11, 20 || ZECHARIAH 4:6 ||
On this episode we finish up in Psalm 19 where we see the impact that King David found the Scriptures had in his life. God's Word has value and may involve sacrifice. The Bible can revive us and renew our strength and passion and service unto the Lord. In addition, there is always a reward for faithfully seeking God in His Word.
King David found himself in a position as king in which he often felt he was in over his head. In Psalm 19, he wrote about the resource he found the Scriptures to be that changed everything. In this episode we look at the "cause and effect" power of the Bible, and particularly it's ability to turn us to God, to give us wisdom, and to enlighten us.
On this first episode, Justin looks at the difference between On-Demand Conveniences vs. an On-Demand Attitude to studying the Bible. We will consider Bible passages such at Deuteronomy 6:4-9, John 14:26, Matthew 7:24-25, and 1 Peter 1:25 and also take a look at how Jesus taught His disciples. We learn that when we commit to learning God's Word and trusting the Holy Spirit as the teacher, we will find the necessary application to walk in understanding when it is most important.