There is always a way out! “Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” 1 Cor. 10:12 (Msg) You may sometimes feel that a temptation is too overpowering for you to bear, but that’s a … [Read more…]
Every temptation is an opportunity to do good! “Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.” James 1:12 (LB) On the path to spiritual maturity, even temptation becomes … [Read more…]
God has a purpose behind every problem! “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) He uses circumstances to develop our character. In fact, he depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the … [Read more…]
The truth transforms us! Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 (NIV) Sanctification requires revelation. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God. To become like Jesus, we must fill … [Read more…]
God wants you to grow up! “God wants us to grow up … like Christ in everything.” Ephesians 4:15a (Msg) Your heavenly Father’s goal is for you is to mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy, remaining … [Read more…]
You were created to become like Christ! “God knew what he was doing from the beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son … We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans … [Read more…]
It is your job to protect the unity of your church! Unity is the soul of fellowship. Destroy it, and you rip the heart out of Christ’s Body. It is the essence, the core, of how God intends for us to experience life together in his church. In his final moments before being arrested, Jesus … [Read more…]
Relationships are always worth restoring! “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you … Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.” Philippians 2:1-2 (Msg) Because life is all … [Read more…]
Community requires commitment! “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” James 3:18 (Msg) Cultivating community takes honesty. Real fellowship depends on frankness. In fact, the tunnel … [Read more…]
Life is meant to be shared! “Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace.” Colossians 3:15 (CEV) God intends for us to experience life together. The Bible calls this shared experience fellowship. “Fellowship” now usually refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun. … [Read more…]