Archive for the ‘ Bible reading ’ Category
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1, NASB
We can be the smartest, most eloquent of speakers, but if we are merely trying to prove how much we know, win an argument, or correct all incorrect thinking apart from loving the person or people we are talking to …
… we are only making noise and not glorifying God.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16, NASB
Being a Christian means people will watch you.
Live in such a way that they see your good works and healthy relationships and want to know the God who made you.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Philippians 2:12, ESV
We should be motivated by love and the concern of disappointing the One we love that we do good works and share the gospel with this fallen world.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16, ESV
The Word of God should move and change us so deeply that we encourage and even teach each other with it, with all love and gratitude for God and each other.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20, ESV
The context is church discipline, calling out sin in hopes of repentance from a wayward brother or sister.
Is that not also why we share the gospel?
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2, ESV
The best way to love your neighbor is to walk with them through life’s struggles.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14 ESV
This is both the easiest thing to understand and hardest to do.
Loving others looks different with every person and situation, but it is commanded of us.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NASB
God calls individuals for the sake of community. There is an individual element, but the communal is the focus.
How do we overcome? How are we strengthened and motivated?
Together: with the Church and by the Lord.
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Hebrews 10:24, NASB
One of the reasons we gather as the Church is to encourage each other in doing good things for others, as Christ did for us.
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:2, NASB
Not all who call themselves Christians truly are. We can put on a good show, but God knows our hearts, and He judges our actions, or lack thereof.
a simple man of God 