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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query mercy. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query mercy. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Mercy Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Mercy

Coolidge's Encounter With A Burglar
Years after the death of President Calvin Coolidge, this story came to light. In the early days of his presidency, Coolidge awoke one morning in his hotel room to find a cat burglar going through his pockets. Coolidge spoke up, asking the burglar not to take his watch chain because it contained an engraved charm he wanted to keep. Coolidge then engaged the thief in quiet conversation and discovered he was a college student who had no money to pay his hotel bill or buy a ticket back to campus. Coolidge counted $32 out of his wallet-which he had also persuaded the dazed young man to give back!' declared it to be a loan, and advised the young man to leave the way he had come so as to avoid the Secret Service! (Yes, the loan was paid back.)
Today in the Word, October 8, 1992

I Plead For Mercy
A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.
"But I don't ask for justice,? the mother explained. "I plead for mercy.?
"But your son does not deserve mercy,? Napoleon replied.
"Sir,? the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.?
"Well, then,? the emperor said, "I will have mercy.? And he spared the woman's son.
Luis Palau, "Experiencing God's Forgiveness,? Multnomah Press, 1984

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Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his word, as he seems to some, but he is waiting in mercy for you, not desiring the destruction of any, but that all may be turned from their evil ways.
Luke 6:36 ESV Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
James 2:13 ESV For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Matthew 5:7 ESV “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Matthew 9:13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Proverbs 12:10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Psalms 123:3 (NIV) Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.
Romans 9:18 (NIV) Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
James 2:13 (NIV) because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Romans 9:15 (NIV) For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Limits Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Limit


Devotional Thoughts

Does God have self-imposed limitations?

While the Bible teaches us that “with God, all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26), and “with God nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37), Scripture also teaches that God can and will do nothing that is inconsistent with His holy character or divine essence. God limits Himself for reasons of His own holiness. For instance, the Bible teaches us “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago …” (Tit. 1:2). Why can’t God lie? Because lying is contrary to His holiness or His perfect character which includes veracity or truthfulness. Further, in Habakkuk 1:13 the prophet wrote, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.” Here the Old Testament prophet stated his reason. Tolerating evil (i.e., failing to judge sin or accepting a sinner without a just penalty for the sinners sin) is contrary to God’s perfect righteousness or holy character. In God’s perfect righteousness, he cannot have fellowship with sinfulness; so, in His perfect justice He must judge sin. But God is also perfect love, grace, mercy, and wisdom and in His love, grace, mercy and wisdom He is bound by His own character to provide a solution to the sin problem. In His love and wisdom, He gave us His son. Thus we read in John 3:16-18:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Related Topics: Theology Proper (God)



LIMIT[Heb ʿaḏ taḵlîṯ (Job 11:7), gāraʿ,—‘withdraw’ (Job 15:8), qēṣ (Ps. 119:96; Nah. 3:9), ḥōq (Prov. 8:29), tôṣāʿôṯ (1 Ch. 5:16); Gk. ámetros (“beyond limit,” 2 Cor. 10:13a, 15), tó métron tón kanános (2 Cor. 10:13b)]; AV END, RESTRAIN, MEASURE, etc.; NEB also “perfection,” “usurp,” “come to an end,” etc.; LIMITATION [Gk. asthenía (Rom. 6:19)]; AV “infirmity”; NEB “weakness.”
The RSV uses the noun “limit” in several different contexts. In 1 Ch. 5:16 it refers to a geographical boundary; in Nah. 3:9 the military-political might of Egypt is “without limit.” In a series of rhetorical questions (Job 11:7–11), Zophar (and later Eliphaz; cf. 15:8) attacks Job for questioning God. While Zophar is correct in pointing out the finitude of man, especially vis-à-vis God’s infinity, he fails to understand or sympathize with Job. This failure points up one of the dangers of dogmatism: the misapplication of a theological truth. Prov. 8:29 refers to creation, when God gave limits or orders to the sea (cf. Job 28:26; Ps. 148:6).
Although the general sense of Ps. 119:96 is clearly a contrast between the finitude of earthly things and the boundless nature of God’s commands, the precise meaning of the hapax legomenon tiḵlâ (RSV “perfection”) is uncertain. It seems to be related to taḵlîṯ (both &62; klh, “complete, finish,” “destroy”).
In Rom. 6:19 the RSV reading is unfortunate; the AV and NEB, though literal, also miss the meaning according to E. Käsemann (comm on Romans [Eng. tr. 1980], p. 182): “In Paul asthenía never means some kind of feebleness but the temptation … of Christians through the impulses of the flesh … not the impotence of the weak … but the defiance of the strong.” Here Paul “envisions neither ethical [contra TDNT, I, 491] nor intellectual weakness [contra Bauer, rev, p. 115] nor immaturity.”
In 2 Cor. 10 Paul offers a strong defense of his ministry and appears quite concerned to answer charges of boasting on his part To that end he claims that he boasts within the limits God has set (vv 13, 15). The NEB “proper sphere” is a suitable rendering; Paul inveighs against opponents who have invaded his sphere of ministry.

Lee, G. A. (1979–1988). Limit. In G. W. Bromiley (Ed.), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Vol. 3, p. 138). Wm. B. Eerdmans.

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1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 (NIV) in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
John 3:34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit.
Jude 1:6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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


Thursday, August 24, 2023

Reconciliation Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Reconciliation

Four-eyes
A South American minnow-like fish is called "four eyes" because it knows how to make the best of two worlds.

God designed its large bulging eyes with an air lens on the upper half and a water lens on the lower half. As it cruises along the surface of the water, it is able to look at the world above and the world below.

APPLICATION: In a sense, Christians must be like this little fish. As we go through life, we need to look above to heaven and also below to the world around us. The heavenward look enables us to focus on what God says is true and right, and the earthward look helps us see opportunities to demonstrate Christlike compassion to people who are entangled in sin.

Reconciliation With God
Topic
Subtopic
Scripture
Predicted

Dan_9:24Isa_53:5;
Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ

Luk_2:14;
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to

Eph_2:16Col_2:14;



EFFECTED FOR MEN



By God in Christ
2 Co_5:19;

By Christ as High Priest
Heb_2:17;

By the death of Christ
Rom_5:10Eph_2:16Col_1:21Col_1:22;

By the blood of Christ
Eph_2:13Col_1:20;

While alienated from God
Col_1:21;

Without strength
Rom_5:6;

Yet sinners
Rom_5:8;

While enemies to God
Rom_5:10;

The ministry of committed to ministers
2Co_5:182Co_5:19;

Ministers, in Christ's stead, should beseech men to seek
2Co_5:20;



EFFECTS OF



Peace of God
Rom_5:1Eph_2:16Eph_2:17;

Access to God
Rom_5:2Eph_2:18;

Union of Jews and Gentiles
Eph_2:14;

Union of things in heaven and earth
Col_1:20Eph_1:10;



A pledge of final salvation

Rom_5:10;
Necessity for-Illustrated

Mat_5:24-26;
Typified

Lev_8:15Lev_16:20;









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The restoration of fellowship between God and humanity and the resulting restoration of human relationships. The NT affirms that the reconciliation of the world to God is only possible on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ.

reconciliation, of the world to God

On account of sin, people are alienated from God and cut off from fellowship with him. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles the world to himself, breaking down the barriers of hostility and estrangement.

A broken relationship through sin brings alienation from God
Isa 59:2 See also Ge 3:23-24 the expulsion from Eden; Ge 4:13-14 Cain’s alienation from God; Isa 48:22; 64:7; Jer 33:5; Lk 18:13 the tax collector’s prayer for mercy; Ro 5:10; 8:7; Eph 2:1-3,12; 4:18; Col 1:21; Jas 4:4

God takes the initiative in bringing about reconciliation
2Co 5:18-19 See also Ro 5:6-8; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 2:4-5; 1Jn 4:10

The means of reconciliation is the death of Jesus Christ
Ro 5:6 See also 2Co 5:18-19,21; Eph 2:13,16; Col 1:20

The results of reconciliation are both personal and universal
Peace with God Ro 5:1 See also Ac 10:36-46; Eph 2:14-19; Col 1:21-22

Access to God Ro 5:2 See also Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 10:19-22

Adoption as God’s children Ro 8:15-16; Gal 3:26; 4:4-6; 1Jn 3:1-2

Peacemaking throughout the universe Col 1:20 See also Ro 11:15; Eph 1:7-10,22-23

Believers are to be the ambassadors of reconciliation
2Co 5:18-20


reconciliation, between believers

True reconciliation between people is only possible after they have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Believers are urged to settle differences among themselves in brotherly love.

The cause of the breakdown in relationships is sin
Ge 27:41
The division between Joseph and his brothers: Ge 37:4-5,18-20
1Sa 15:12-14 Samuel and Saul; 2Sa 14:28 Absalom and David; Ac 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas; Gal 2:11 Paul opposes Peter

Believers should be reconciled to one another
Mt 5:23-24 See also Mt 5:9,25 pp Lk 12:58; Mt 5:44; 18:15-17,21-35; Jn 17:20-23; Ro 12:18-21; 2Th 3:14-15

The death of Jesus Christ should bring believers together in peace
Eph 2:14-22

The church should display reconciliation
Col 3:12-15 See also Ro 12:18-21; Eph 4:32; 2Th 3:14-15

Examples of reconciliation between people
Ge 33:4 See also Ge 45:1-5 Joseph and his brothers; Jos 22:10-34 Israel, Reuben and Gad; Lk 23:12 Herod and Pilate; Jn 21:15-17 Jesus Christ and Peter; Ac 9:26-28 Paul and the apostles; 1Co 7:11 a wife and her husband



You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Friday, February 23, 2024

Men Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Men


Devotional Thoughts


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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


Tuesday, September 05, 2023

Unselfishness illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Unselfish
W. Oregon Sara Tucholsky first HR - ultimate sportsmanship
Western Oregon Sara Tucholsky hit her first career HR with the help from Central Washington - ultimate sportsmanship. She tore her ACL running back to 1st as she missed it initially. Ump if she didn't run the bases by herself, the HR wouldn't count. If her teammates touched her, it would be void.

The opposing team saw her pain and did the unexpected, they picked her up and helped her touch each base.
Central Washington lost the game, 4-2 
Sportsmanship at its best.


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Proverbs 22:9 (MSG) Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (MSG) Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.
Psalms 100:5 (MSG) For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.
Proverbs 19:6 (MSG) Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist.
Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
Philippians 2:4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.

unselfishness

Putting the concerns and interests of others before one’s own. Jesus Christ was the supreme example of this and believers should follow his example, denying themselves in order to serve others.

  • The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself
  • In his life and work Jn 5:30; Ro 15:3 See also Mt 15:32; Jn 13:3-5; 2Co 8:9
  • In his dying for others Mt 20:26-28 pp Mk 10:43-45 Php 2:5-8 See also Isa 53:3-12; Jn 10:17-18; Ro 5:6-8; 1Co 15:3; 2Co 5:14; 1Th 5:10; 1Pe 2:22-24; 3:18; 1Ti 2:6
  • Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 pp Lk 9:23 Mk 10:45 See also Ro 6:6; 2Co 5:15; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9
  • It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ Php 1:21-24 See also Php 3:7-11
  • It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ Php 2:4-5 See also Jn 13:14-15; 1Jn 3:16; 4:19-21
  • It is the result of the Spirit’s work in the believer Gal 5:22-26
  • Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behavior
  • Ro 12:10; 1Co 10:23-24 This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples. See also Ro 14:7; 15:1-2; 1Co 8:9; Eph 4:32-5:2; Col 3:13; 1Ti 6:18
  • Unselfishness involves a proper attitude to one’s own self-importance
  • Php 2:3 See also Ro 12:16; Gal 6:2-3; Eph 4:2; 5:21; 1Pe 3:8; 5:5
  • Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service
  • Lk 22:26; Gal 5:13 See also 1Pe 4:10; 5:2
  • Examples of unselfish behavior
  • Those who put others first Ge 13:8-9 Abraham; Ex 32:31-32 Moses; Ru 1:16-17 Ruth; 1Sa 12:3-5 Samuel; Ne 5:14-18 Nehemiah; Mk 12:41-44 a poor widow; Mt 15:21-28 a mother; Mt 26:6-13 pp Mk 14:3-9 a woman with a jar of perfume; Jn 3:27-30 John the Baptist; Ac 4:32-37 the first Christians; Ro 16:3-4 Priscilla and Aquila; 1Co 16:15 the household of Stephanas; Php 2:20-21 Timothy; Php 2:29-30 Epaphroditus
  • Paul’s ministry was motivated by the interests of others 1Co 10:32-33; 11:1 See also Ac 20:33-35; 1Co 9:3-15,19-23; 2Co 11:23-29; 13:4; Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8-9,19-20
Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Thursday, July 13, 2023

Vulnerable Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Vulnerable


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#Vulnerable
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Genesis 42:9 (MSG) Joseph, remembering the dreams he had dreamed of them, said, “You’re spies. You’ve come to look for our weak spots.”
2 Timothy 3:6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.
James 5:16 ESV Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner