Posts Tagged ‘ a simple man of God ’
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.
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:27, NASB
We have been made to be creative and with the ability to do good things. Seek after the One who made us in His image to develop that image in us.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24, NASB
We can not grow in Christ if we refuse to let go of our sinful desires. Christ died to remove our sins, not to remove all penalty if we choose to keep sinning.
Give up your evil desires, or you have not really accepted Christ, merely used Him.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24, NASB
On Christ the solid rock we stand … if only we believe this Son of God came and died for our sins, as He said.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
James 1:17, NASB
God does not change nor tempt with evil.
He only gives good gifts, generally to all, but specifically to His people. Most specifically, He gives grace and salvation.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24, NASB
Christianity is not a simple “Just believe, and all is good” faith. Jesus expects us to deny ourselves and look more like Him, to turn aside from sin and sacrificially love others.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 11:15, NASB
God’s truth is difficult for our sinful minds to accept, but seeking His wisdom and righteousness and allowing the Holy Spirit to awaken our minds helps us understand.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB
Life is tough.
Yet, we should focus on how He takes care of us and blesses us every day, especially His saving us from our sins.
a simple man of God 