'believers' Tagged Posts (Page 3)
Daily Devotions
And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” vs. 6 Galatians 4:6-7 It’s possible to live without any sense of being in relationship with God. In fact, it’s likely that millions of folks could be put into that category. Some of these have deliberately chosen that way of life; they don’t even pretend to believe in God. Others never give the matter a second thought. They focus entirely on…
Daily Devotions
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly…” vss. 11-12 Titus 2:11-14 The book of Titus reflects the conviction of early believers that God’s saving grace had been showered upon all humanity in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s a truth worth holding close to our hearts, especially in these times of religious…
Daily Devotions
…through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name…” vs. 5 Romans 1:5-7 With the gift of grace, Paul had also received what might be called a “calling.” He had been made an apostle, one who is sent as an emissary, in order that Gentiles might also become believers. Essentially, Gentiles were outsiders, anyone who was not a Jew, and it was a big…
Daily Devotions
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” vs. 14 Isaiah 7:10-16 During the years Isaiah was an advisor to King Ahaz of Judah, Israel and Syria had joined forces and launched an attack against Jerusalem, hoping to overthrow Ahaz. In the midst of the siege Isaiah goes to Ahaz, and when Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign, gives him…
Daily Devotions
Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!” vs 9 James 5:9-10 When people are in a waiting mode it’s not unusual for them to become irritated with one another. Even when there are no overt expressions of hostility there is likely to be an undercurrent of grumbling, and that’s what James was facing in his little community. He wanted it to stop, and not surprisingly…
Daily Devotions
Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.” vs. 13 2 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Evidently a kind of malaise had taken over the congregation in Thessaloniki. There had been some ongoing persecution, but the primary problem was confusion about the coming return of Christ. Some were saying it had already happened, and a few had stopped working in anticipation that the day was close. Paul too believes that the return will be soon, but he admonishes the…
Daily Devotions
And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” vss. 7-8 Luke 18:6-8 The parable of the unjust judge has been clear in affirming the faithfulness of God. If a crooked judge will answer persistent petitions, then certainly God will do…
Daily Devotions
The saying is sure: ‘If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.’” vss. 11-13 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Being a Christian in the first century was a dicey experience. To be a believer was often dangerous. Persecutions and imprisonments were common. Leaders like Paul and others faced an…
Daily Devotions
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” vs. 40 Luke 12:37-40 Believers are familiar with admonitions to be prepared. They occur regularly in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in those relating to the coming apocalypse. Disciples were warned that the Son of Man would be coming at an unexpected hour and that they should be ready. Early Christians taught that Jesus would be coming again, likely within their lifetimes, and even…
Daily Devotions
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” vs. 1 Hebrews 11:1-3 Whenever a loved one dies and we proclaim with conviction that they rest in peace or are safe in the arms of Jesus, we’re making an important statement of faith. We have no way of proving what we say and rationalists would likely scoff at our words, but we keep on making the claim because it’s the core of our faith.…
Daily Devotions
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” vs. 1 Colossians 3:1-7 Sometimes we’re told that we need to accept ourselves as we are, and not spend our lives trying to be something that we are not. There is truth in that advice, but it’s not the whole truth, because the way we are is not always the best that we can be–in fact,…
Daily Devotions
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!” vs. 15 Galatians 6:11-16 Some of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem didn’t get what the new life in Christ was all about, and they drove Paul to distraction. Their representatives had followed him into the cities of Galatia and were telling new believers that they needed circumcision–baptism wasn’t enough. This conflict within the ranks of the newly formed Church provoked real anger in Paul, and he didn’t…