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Monday, February 19, 2024

Faith Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Faith




Devotional Thought
Faith

This is the great and momentous word in Scripture, which hath given rise to endless disputes, and employed the minds of men in all ages to explain; and yet to thousands still remains as obscure as ever. But notwithstanding: all that the bewildered and erroneous mind of man may say on faith, the scriptural account of faith is the simplest and plainest thing in the world. Faith is no more than the sincere and hearty assent and consent of the mind to the belief of the being and promises of God, as especially revealed to the church in the person and redemption, work of the Lord Jesus Christ. JEHOVAH, in his threefold character of person, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, hath mercifully been pleased to reveal himself as "forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin," and giving eternal life to the church in Christ Jesus. And these blessings are all declared to be in the person, and procured to the church by the sole undertaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the glorious Head of his body the church, the fulness of him "that filleth all in all."

The hearty, cordial, and sincere belief in these blessed truths of God is called faith, because it is giving credit to the testimony of God, and relying upon his faithfulness for the fulfilment of them. The apostle John, in his first Epistle, fifth chapter, and ninth and following verses, puts this doctrine in so clear a point of view, that, under divine teaching, if attended to, it would be impossible to mistake it. "If we receive (saith John) the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record that God hath given to us, eternal life; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life."

No form of words could have been more happily chosen to state what is the act of faith, and to put it in a clear and full light. Immense and unspeakable blessings are promised by God. It is not the greatness of the blessings which demands our faith, but the greatness of the Being promising. Indeed, the greater the blessings are, the greater would be the difficulty of believing, unless some other warrant and authority become the foundation for belief. The bottom, therefore, of all faith is, that what we are called upon to is that cannot lie; JEHOVAH that will not lie. An Almighty Promiser that never can out-promise himself. Hence, when Moses at the bush desired a confirmation of the truth, the Lord gave him to deliver to Israel, by knowing his name, and having such assurances to make to them as might silence every doubt. "Behold," (said he,) "when I come to the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you, and they shall say unto me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM." That is, I AM a being self-existing, and eternal; and which, therefore, gives a being to all my promises. So that this is the sure ground of faith. Not the greatness and blessedness of the promise; but the greatness, blessedness, and faithfulness of the Promiser. And to believe in the almighty Promiser in his assurances in Christ, is faith. I only add, however, under this article, that though faith is the simplest and plainest act of the mind, yet both the possession and the exercise of it is the gift of God. "Unto you," (saith an apostle,) "it is given to believe." (Php_1:29) And hence every truly awakened and regenerated believer finds daily reason, to cry out, as the apostle did to Christ, "Lord, increase our faith!" (Luk_17:5)

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James 2:14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
Galatians 3:9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.
Hebrews 11:3 (MSG) By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
Matthew 17:20 (MSG) “Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
James 2:18 (MSG) I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.” Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
Luke 17:6 (MSG) But the Master said, “You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it would do it.
2 Corinthians 1:24 (MSG) We’re not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We’re partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.
Luke 17:5 (MSG) The apostles came up and said to the Master, “Give us more faith.”
Galatians 3:12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11 Faith in Action Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ...
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Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Monday, September 18, 2023

Maturity Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Maturity


Albert Einstein
In the course of their conversation at a dinner party, Albert Einstein’s young neighbor asked the white-haired scientist, “What are you actually by profession?”
“I devote myself to the study of physics,” Einstein replied.
The girl looked at him in astonishment. “You mean to say you study physics at your age?” she exclaimed. “I finished mine a year ago.”

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Stepping Stones

The Lord came to me like a dream one day and asked, "why do you sorrow?"
I answered, "Lord my life is so full of pain, I can't face one more tomorrow."
 
The Lord sat down beside me, and gently took my hand.
He said, "Let Me explain to you, and then you'll understand.
 
Each sorrow is a stepping stone you must surmount each day,
And every stepping stone you climb is a sorrow that's passed away.
 
The road of life is a mountainside, with crevices in which to be caught,
But as you struggle on your way, I, the Rock, will lend support.
 
Every stepping stone you climb, makes spirit and heart grow strong.
Exercising character and faith, this road seems painful and long.
 
The way is paved with stepping stones, to uplift your heart and soul,
Though difficult, they aid your way, to a City paved with gold.
 
I know that you are tired, for I too have walked this way,
My sorrows did they multiply, but I cleared many stones away.
 
I left My Rock to lift you up, I left behind My story.
To give you strength to make your climb, to that special place in glory.
 
And never fear, the Rock is here, you'll never climb this mountain alone
Surmount life's sorrows, continue on, for they are but stepping stones.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.  In all ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6
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Aspiring to Spiritual Greatness / Sermon – Mike Mazzalongo | BibleTalk.tv
When I was a young Christian the preacher who baptized me warned me that I had to be careful of "selfish ambition". This term is only used three times in the N.T. and each time there is a warning that those who are this way, who have this attitude, will suffer in this world and the next.


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1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
Philippians 3:15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.
Luke 8:14 - And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
1 Corinthians 2:6 - Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
1 Corinthians 14:20 - Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Philippians 3:15 - Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Colossians 1:28 - Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 6:1 - Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Saturday, July 09, 2011

Backsliding & Falling Away

A small boy was riding an open trolley home from Sunday School years ago with a tract titled "Faith in God" clutched tightly in his hand. He lost that grip, however, trying to maintain his balance and a gust of wind carried his tract out the door and down the street.

The boy cried, "Oh no! I've lost my Faith in God!"

Adult passengers nearby laughed at his unusual choice of words. One, more sober than others observed, "Most people couldn't tell you just when they lost their faith in God.  It just slipped away without much notice."

How firm a grip do we have on our faith? Could it slip away without much notice?
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Friday, July 24, 2015

Beyond A Shadow: Dealing with Doubt

Beyond A Shadow: Dealing with Doubt
February 2015


Sermon Audio

Caught in the Middle of Faith and Doubt by Randy Roper
Doubts reside in the middle ground between complete, blind faith and total dismissal of God. Within that space is much tension. How do we handle that tension and the doubts of not having all our questions answered?

When God Doesn't Add Up by Dr. Jim Baird
Jim Baird, an expert in Christian evidences, asks and provides insight for important questions related to faith and doubt, especially related to the often perceived clash between faith and science and reason.

When Others Doubt by Kent Risley
How should you approach other people who wrestle with doubt?
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Friday, February 23, 2024

Men Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Men


Devotional Thoughts


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#Men
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Galatians 1:10 Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Peter 3:7 (MSG) The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.
Titus 3:5 as righteous men, had done, but as the result of His own mercy He saved us by means of the bath of regeneration and the renewal of our natures by the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Proverbs 27:17 ESV Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Titus 2:2 ESV Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
1 Timothy 6:11 ESV But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Monday, December 12, 2022

Perfection Illustration

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Perfection

Pursuit of Perfection
Edwin Bliss once said, “The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.”

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Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Philippians 3:12 I do not say that I have already won the race or have already reached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me.
Job 37:16 (NLT) Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill?
Hebrews 7:11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
Matthew 5:48 ESV You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Philippians 3:12-15 ESV Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Saturday, February 24, 2024

Trust Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Trust


A Person’s Favorite Song is Purely a Matter of Taste

Stephey Belynskyj, starts each confirmation class with a jar full of beans. He asks his students to guess how many beans are in the jar, and on a big pad of paper writes down their estimates. Then, next to those estimates, he helps them make another list: their favorite songs. When the lists are complete, he reveals the actual number of beans in the jar. The whole class looks over their guesses, to see which estimate was closest to being right. Belynskyj then turns to the list of favorite songs. “And which one of these is closest to being right?” he asks. The students protest that there is no “right answer”; a person’s favorite song is purely a matter of taste. Belynskyj, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Notre Dame asks, “When you decide what to believe in terms of your faith, is that more like guessing the number of beans, or more like choosing your favorite song?” Always, Belynskyj says, from old as well as young, he gets the same answer: Choosing one’s faith is more like choosing a favorite song. When Belynskyj told me this, it took my breath away. “After they say that, do you confirm them?” I asked him. “Well,” smiled Belynskyj, “First I try to argue them out of it.”

Tim Stafford, Christianity Today, September 14, 1992, p. 36

Survey on Absolute Truth

In the survey taken in early 1991, interviewees were asked, 'do you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or disagree strongly with the following statement: There is no such thing as absolute truth; different people can define truth in conflicting ways and still be correct.? Only 28% of the respondents expressed strong belief in "absolute truth,? and more surprisingly, only 23 percent of born-again or evangelical Christians accepted this idea! What a telling revelation! If more than 75 percent of the followers of Christ say nothing can be known for certain, does this indicate, as it seems, that they are not convinced that Jesus existed, that He is who He claimed to be, that His Word in authentic, that God created the heavens and earth, or that eternal life awaits the believer? That's what the findings appear to mean. If there is no absolute truth, then by definition nothing can be said to be absolutely true. To the majority, apparently, it's all relative. Nothing is certain. Might be. Might not be. Who knows for sure? Take your guess and hope for the best!

James Dobson, December 1991 letter, quoting George Barna, What Americans Believe

Devotional Thoughts


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Proverbs 26:28 Liars hate their victims; flatterers sabotage trust.
Proverbs 19:1 Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.
Proverbs 21:31 Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.
Proverbs 16:20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God .
Proverbs 14:22 Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust?
Proverbs 28:25 A grasping person stirs up trouble, but trust in God brings a sense of well-being.
Proverbs 29:3 If you love wisdom, you’ll delight your parents, but you’ll destroy their trust if you run with prostitutes.
1 Corinthians 2:5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—
1 Peter 1:9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Timothy 6:17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Hebrews 2:13 - And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
Luke 18:9 - He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
Philippians 2:24 - and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Logos Dictionary Themes
Reliance on and confidence in a person. Scripture affirms the total trustworthiness of God, especially in relation to his promises to his people. Christian faith is, essentially, trust in the person and character of God. While Scripture insists that believers should be able to trust one another, it also provides examples of false or misplaced trust.



You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Sunday, December 11, 2022

Peace Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Peace

Perfect Picture of Peace
Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.
The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

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Video


The Gift of Peace
by Mark Abshier
Sunday Worship 06/08/2025 10:30 am @ MacArthur Park Church of Christ






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#Peace
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Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:7 (NLT) Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
John 16:33 (NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Saturday, February 12, 2011

How To Maintain Your Faith After Being Fired as a Minister

How To Maintain Your Faith After Being Fired as a Minister

To download this message, right click on this link.

To listen to online, click on this link.

Kevin

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Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Love Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Love


Agape Love = The Greek word agape (love) seems to have been virtually a Christian invention—a new word for a new thing (apart from about twenty occurrences in the Greek version of the Old Testament, it is almost non-existent before the New Testament). Agape draws its meaning directly from the revelation of God in Christ. It is not a form of natural affection, however, intense, but a supernatural fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It is a matter of will rather than feeling (for Christians must love even those they dislike—Matt. 5:44-48). It is the basic element in Christlikeness.
Read 1 Corinthians 13 and note what these verses have to say about the primacy (vv. 1-3) and permanence (vv. 8-13) of love; note too the profile of love (vv. 4-7) which they give.
Your Father Loves You by James Packer, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986, page for March 10


Loving Furiously

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John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:17 (MSG) “But remember the root command: Love one another.
2 John 1:3 (MSG) Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father!
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Titus 3:5 "Twas not for deeds that we had done, but by his steadfast love alone, he saved us through a second birth, renewed us by the Spirit's work,
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 2:20 with Christ I have been crucified, and live no more do I, and Christ doth live in me; and that which I now live in the flesh -- in the faith I live of the Son of God, who did love me and did give himself for me;
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 Corinthians 13

A caring commitment, in which affection and delight are shown to others, which is grounded in the nature of God himself. In his words and actions, and supremely in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, God demonstrates the nature of love and defines the direction in which human love in all its forms should develop.

love, nature of
Scripture offers an understanding of the source, character and value of love, based on the nature and actions of God.
God is the source of love
His very character is love 1Jn 4:7-8 See also 1Th 3:12; 2Ti 1:7; 1Jn 4:16,19
The love of God is revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ 1Jn 3:16; 4:10 See also Jn 15:13; Eph 5:2,25
Love is part of the Holy Spirit’s fruit Gal 5:22 See also Ro 5:5; 15:30; Col 1:8
The loving-kindness of God referred to in the OT
Jer 31:3 See also Ex 15:13; 34:6; 2Ch 6:42; Ps 6:4; 32:10; 51:1; 107:43; Isa 54:10; 63:7; La 3:22; Hos 2:19
The love of God in the NT
To describe God’s love for humanity Jn 3:16 See also Jn 5:42; 15:10; Ro 8:39; 2Co 13:14; Eph 2:4; Heb 12:6; 1Jn 3:1
To describe love for God Lk 10:27; Jn 14:21; 21:15; Ro 8:28; 1Th 1:3; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:8; 1Jn 5:3
To describe brotherly love Jn 13:35; Ro 13:8; 1Co 16:24; 2Co 8:8; Gal 5:13; Eph 4:2; Php 1:9; Col 2:2; Phm 5
To describe love expressed by eating together 2Pe 2:13 fn; Jude 12
To describe love in a negative sense Lk 11:43; Jn 3:19; 12:43; 2Ti 4:10; 2Pe 2:15; 1Jn 2:15
Characteristics of love
1Co 13:4-8 See also Ro 12:9; 1Ti 1:5; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jn 4:18
Love is shown by deeds
1Jn 3:17-18 See also Jn 14:15,23; Ro 5:8; 14:15; Gal 2:20; 1Jn 4:9; 5:2-3; 2Jn 6; 3Jn 5-6
The pre-eminence of love
1Co 13:13 See also Mt 22:37-39 pp Mk 12:29-31; Ro 13:9-10; 1Co 12:31-13:3; Gal 5:6; Eph 3:17-19; Col 3:14; 2Pe 1:7; 1Jn 2:10

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Saturday, December 24, 2022

Gift Illustrations

 Illustrations About Gifts


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#Gifts
#Gifted
#Present
#Talents
#Giving

Scriptures
Ephesians 4:11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct],
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
1 Peter 4:10 Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].
Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Matthew 7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 23:19 (NIV) You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Romans 6:23 (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 1:17 ESV Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Romans 11:29 ESV For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Gifts/sort/popular

You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Prayer: Empty Chair

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister
to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,
he found the woman lying in bed with her head
propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman
had been informed of his visit.

'I guess you were expecting me", he said.

'No, who are you?' asked the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,
'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew
 I was going to show up..'

'Oh yes, the chair,' said the bedridden woman.
'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,
not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never
known how to pray.
At church I used to hear the minister talk about prayer,
but it went right over my head.'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'
the old woman continued, '
until one day four years ago,
when my best friend said to me,
 ' Prayer is just a simple matter
of having a conversation with Jesus
Here is what I suggest.
'Sit down in a chair;
place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus sitting there.

It's not spooky because he promised,
'I will be with you always'.
'Then just speak to him in the same way
you're doing with me right now.'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much
that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though,
if my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,
she'd either have a nervous breakdown
or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and
encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her,
and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called
to tell the minister that her mama
had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?' he asked.
Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,
she called me over to her bedside, and
told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later,
I found her ..

But there was something strange about her death.
Apparently, just before Mom died,
she leaned over and rested her head on the chair
beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
'I hope we can all go like that.'
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean. 
I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.
I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God.






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Monday, July 08, 2024

Family Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Family

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Devotional Thoughts


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#Family

Ephesians 1:5 NLT - 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 2:19 NLT - 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family.
Ephesians 3:15 NIV - 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.


Logos Dictionary Themes

Family
    The members of a family can teach each other about God (Deuteronomy 6:4–9)
    Do not let sin affect your family life (Psalm 101:2)
    Do not bring trouble to a family (Proverbs 11:29)
    Christian faith is of greater importance than family (Luke 12:51–53)
    Christians are members of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)
    Husbands and wives should love each other (Ephesians 5:21–33)
    Children should obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1)
    Church leaders must have a good family life (1 Timothy 3:4–5)
    Families should take care of each other (1 Timothy 5:3–5)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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