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Showing posts with the label Bible Study

God’s Ways and Thoughts Are Higher Than Ours | Isaiah 55:8-9

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Isaiah 55:8-9 opens with a striking declaration that sets the stage for our reflection: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." These verses draw a sharp contrast between God’s ways and ours. In this article, we discuss this contrast and why it is always better to forsake our own way and follow God instead. Yes, God’s Ways and Thoughts Are Higher In Isaiah 55:9, God goes so far as to illustrate that His ways and thoughts are as high as the heavens are from the earth in comparison to our ways. Let's take a moment to ponder that. The distance between the heavens and earth is so vast that it's impossible to measure. So, we cannot even begin to imagine how much higher God's ways and thoughts are than ours. We must understand that God is righteous and there is no evil or malice in Him. All that He does is right, true, pure, just and done out of love. This is because God is not a man; He is Spirit and, therefore, incorr

Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Does Not Return Void

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Isaiah 55:10-11 serves as a powerful reminder of the undeniable validity of God's Word. This holds particular significance in a world where human promises often fall short of expectations. We find solace in knowing that God is the keeper of His Word. Therefore, His words are not empty; He means what He says. This sets Him apart from us, as humans often speak without true intent or struggle to keep their word. Moreover, every word spoken by God comes to pass and possesses the power to shape our world and our lives. Join us as we delve into the validity, intentionality, fulfilment, and dependability of God's Word, using scripture to interpret scripture. The Validity of God’s Word Numbers 23:19 declares that God is not a man; thus, He cannot lie. This is a crucial distinction because God is a Spirit, not bound by flesh like us humans; therefore, He is incorruptible. Consequently, whatever He says is undeniably true, making it absolutely valid. Psalm 33:9 confirms this by stating,

James 4:6-10 - God Resists the Proud, but Gives Grace to the Humble

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Being humble goes hand in hand with our call as believers to submit to God. In James 4:6-10, we find a powerful reminder of the significance of humility in our spiritual walk and how God responds to it,  or its absence, which is arrogance.  Let's delve into this profound topic, exploring what humility looks like to God and its transformative impact on our lives. Humility in God's Eyes Humility, as perceived by God, is a profound surrender to His divine will. It involves not just acknowledging His authority but yielding to it completely. A humble individual abides in His word, seeking to align their actions with His teachings, thus following the example of Jesus. This is our calling, to be Christ-like. The humble person crucifies their  carnal desires, walking in the spirit rather than the flesh. Such a person willingly submits to God's divine authority, recognizing that His will supersedes their own. In essence, a humble person trusts in God with all their heart and does no

Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation to Those Who Are in Christ Jesus

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What makes the Gospel of Christ truly Good News is encapsulated in Romans 8:1-4. Verse one offers hope and assurance to believers, proclaiming, “ There is t herefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” . To truly comprehend the significance of these verses, we must be mindful that salvation is an irrevocable gift from God, one that cannot be taken away. Furthermore, this gift was obtained on our behalf by the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Therefore, it cannot be obtained through works and our own efforts. So, let's unpack the profound message contained in Romans 8:1-4. What Does It Mean That Believers Are Not Condemned? In our flesh, we have never been able to remain sinless due to its inherent weakness and susceptibility to corruption. We have all sinned, making everyone unrighteous and guilty before God , who is just and holy. Because of this, we are all deserving of paying the penalty fo

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Finding Comfort in God Amidst Life's Trials

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Amid temporary sufferings in this present age, we, as believers, find solace and strength in our unwavering faith in God. The Christian walk is not without its challenges, but it is in these trials that we discover the profound comfort that God offers us. In this article, we contemplate the verses of 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. God's Promise to Never Leave nor Forsake During trials and tribulations, it is easy to feel abandoned and alone. However, as believers, we hold on to God's promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This unshakable assurance is a pillar of our faith. We can always turn to His Word and find comfort in who He is and everything He has done and freely given us through Jesus Christ, His Son. Hebrews 13:5 NKJV -  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. The Indwelling Holy Spirit: Our Constant Companion God also provides us with His Holy Spirit as the

Revelation 21:3-4 – God Will Wipe Away Every Tear From Their Eyes

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Revelation 21:3–4 paints a beautiful picture of the remarkable promise of eternal life bestowed upon us through the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let's delve into these verses that offer us a glimpse into the age to come -  an eternity that is far beyond our human comprehension. God Dwelling Among Us In the age to come, we are assured that God will be with us and visible to us, a privilege we have been deprived of because of our existence in our corruptible flesh. As it is written, "No man shall see Me, and live." However, in that age, we will inhabit our glorified bodies, living out an eternal existence where our Creator dwells among His creation. 1 Corinthians 15:49 NKJV — And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. There Will Be No More Pain and Suffering Imagine a world untouched or tainted by crime, poverty, death, and corruption. It's a realm where the darkness that once shrouded our lives is banishe

John 6:28-29 - The Work of God is to Believe in Jesus

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In continuation with the theme of being saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, let's delve into the profound words of Jesus Himself spoken in John 6:28–29. These words offered clarity to His followers when they earnestly sought to understand what they needed to do to carry out the works of God. In response, Jesus provided a simple yet profound answer: the work of God is to believe in Him, the Son of God, whom the Father sent. The Foundation of Faith Prior to this statement, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that He gives Salvation to those who believe in him and that it is the will of God the Father. John 6:27 NKJV -  Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you , because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Seeking Signs and Believing in His Work As the dialogue continued, His followers posed a question: John 6:30 NKJV - Therefore they said to Him, “ What sign will You perform then

John 3:18–21 - He Who Believes in Jesus is Not Condemned

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As believers, we are set apart by the undeniable promise of salvation–which comes only through faith in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ–and the absence of condemnation. This divine assurance is articulated in John 3:18-21, where Jesus proclaimed the power of faith in Him and the unshakable hope it provides for those who walk this path. However, this passage also contrasts the fate of the unbeliever, explaining why they refuse to come to the Light. Peace with God Before being born again , we were enemies of God, separated from Him, because of the sinful nature of our flesh. But now, as believers, we are not merely granted peace of mind; we have something far greater—peace with God Himself. This peace is immensely significant because it is only obtained through the redeeming blood of Jesus which reconciles us with God. Moreover, this peace ensures that the wrath of God will pass over us on the Day of Judgment. Our guarantee of this is that we are sealed with the promised Holy

Ephesians 2:4-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith

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There is only one message that holds the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, and that is the Gospel of Christ, also known as the Good News. In fact, this message is so significant that the Bible says that anyone who distorts and shares a false gospel, which is not the true Gospel, should be accursed. So let's delve into the true Gospel which God has given us because of His great love for us . The Gospel in a Nutshell Ephesians 2:4-9 gives us a clear understanding of the Gospel of Christ: Salvation is a free gift that  is only received by the unmerited grace of God. God's grace is only obtained  through faith in the complete works of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  The Gospel unequivocally states that we cannot save ourselves through works and good deeds, regardless of how righteous we may think we are: Our righteousness is as filthy rags to God . Therefore, the message of the Gospel is designed to humble us, leading us to repentance as we begin to grasp

Matthew 6:9-13 – The Model Prayer: Our Father in Heaven

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Often referred to as "The Model Prayer," Matthew 6:9–13 is a profound passage that holds essential teachings for Christians. Let's dive into its rich meaning and significance. Understanding God's Authority As we recite the Model Prayer, we are reminded of God's exalted position in heaven, emphasizing that He is the highest authority in both heaven and on earth. This concept extends to our individual lives, highlighting the importance of our submission, worship, and service to Him. Embracing God's Sovereignty The line, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," underscores God's sovereignty. We, as His creation, exist to fulfil His purposes, and He actively works through us to achieve His good  pleasure . This reminds us that nothing occurs on earth without His knowledge, and He acts according to His divine will. It calls us to surrender to His authority and divine plan, knowing that all He does in our lives ultimately se

1 John 4:1-6 – Do Not Believe Every Spirit, but Test The Spirits

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In the modern church, where false teachings abound, it is imperative that Believers discern truth from deception. The Bible provides us with guidance on this matter, and one such passage that addresses this is found in 1 John 4:1-6. In this post, we'll delve into this scripture to understand the importance of testing the spirits and staying rooted in God's Word. Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing Even before the 1st Century BC church was founded, Jesus warned His followers to be cautious of false prophets, whom He likened to wolves in sheep's clothing. This warning reverberates throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the significance of this message. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus explicitly states, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This vivid imagery serves as a strong cautionary note. Neglecting the Warnings What's even more alarming is how often we encounter individuals who identify as Ch