Christian Connection
Ten Verses on the Subject of Community/Connection
👉 SESSION 1 - Acts 2:42–47 > devoted themselves to: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer
THINK ABOUT THIS
It’s important to know that we don’t just “go” to church but instead are part of the church. We might go to a hockey game or to a store, but church is different. If we follow Jesus, we are a part of his body, his people, the church.
Jesus’ early followers were a diverse group. They came from many countries and from all walks of life. It was probably difficult for them to unite together and learn to be God’s newly formed people. And yet they found a way to be devoted to one another, to be together in fellowship—in Christ, through the power of his Spirit.
What I love about the fellowship of Jesus’ followers is that they were there for one another. Their lives would not have been easy with all the political, cultural, and religious divisions in the Roman Empire. But they were able to find their way by being there for each other, in Christ.
When someone was struggling, hurting, or even coming off the rails in their faith, there was someone to encourage them. Though we all have a tendency to try to deal with our struggles on our own, we need to learn to lean into community. Maybe we don’t want to bother others, but in our times of struggle, we need to run toward instead of away from our community of faith so that they can care for us. — Ron Baker
DIG INActs 2:42–47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. ESV
This is the first extensive “summary” in Acts. It depicts a number of activities characteristic of the earliest church which was devoted to the apostles’ teaching and would have included Jesus’ earthly teaching plus what he taught the apostles in his 40 days of resurrection appearances. Fellowship (“participation, sharing”) included the sharing of material goods (Acts 2:44), the breaking of bread (vv. 42, 46), which likely covers both the Lord’s Supper and a larger fellowship meal, and prayers in house meetings and likely also in the temple (Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46).
The above session was completed in class Sept 24, 2023
👉 SESSION 2 - Getting Older, The need to connect
THINK ABOUT THIS
Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right.
CHRISTIAN POST ARTICLE: Biblical principles for aging joyfully
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”
“Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Titus 3:4-5 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus: "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good" (Titus 2:1-4).
Notice, according to the Bible, different age groups face different kinds of temptations. Satan is relentless in his attack against us. You may have been a faithful Christian for years, but he still tries to entice you into sin to embarrass you and negate your influence. The temptations in the older years are not usually the gross sins of the flesh but the more subtle sins of the spirit. We have to stay alert to Satan's lures because his ultimate goal is to kill, steal, and destroy at every stage of life.
A large group of Christian seniors were asked to list their most common temptation. Wrestle with Spiritual Retirement was listed frequently. In midlife, we often experience an overload of activity. There's a lot of pressure at work, tension at home, and demanding duties at church. People get nearly burned out. They look forward to retirement when they can slow down and relax. Some Christians think, "I'll back off my weekly responsibilities at church that tie me down so I can travel and have a lot of free time."
In their mind, they think, "I'll do some spontaneous volunteer work as I have the time but I just don't want to be tied down to regular duties." But the problem is that as they drift away from involvement, pretty soon they don't feel as much a part of the church and their relationship with God often wanes.
The Bible relates that Eli, the High Priest, got complacent in his old age. He turned over his priestly duties to his irresponsible sons and tolerated it when they exploited the women who came to worship and stole meat from the people's sacrifices. God eventually told Eli, "Because you have honored your sons more than me by failing to restrain them, and because you have fattened yourself by eating their stolen meat, I am cutting short the influence of your family and you will die in disgrace." 1 Samuel 2:27-36
There is a temptation, like Eli, to become self-indulgent and spiritually passive when we become a senior. But many people are just hitting their stride by age 55. Pollstarâ recently listed the top moneymaker entertainers for 2002. The first ten musical artists on tour were all over 50. Number one was Paul McCartney (61), Mick Jagger (60), Cher (57), Neil Diamond (62). You have to go to number 14 to find someone under 35 — Brittany Spears.
When Bob Hope turned 100 he joked to his family, "I'm so old they've canceled my blood type." When Art Linkletter was in his 90's he was still speaking and making television appearances.
But the cure for spiritual retirement is continual service, regardless of age. In Numbers 8:25, the priests were commanded, " . . . at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer." So there is precedent in the Bible for retiring. There does come a time in life to redirect energies. Not to say we should do the same thing in church at age 70 that you did at age 25.
But don't quit your church commitments just because you're older. Continue to be active. You can use the additional time for service for Christ instead of self-indulgence. The Bible says, "Be faithful to the point of death and I will give you a crown of life." Revelation 2:10
Other temptations which older people deal with include these….
1) -often grow sentimental about the past and negative about the present.Seize the promise of Psalm 92:14 and claim it. “They will still bear fruit in old age; they will be full of sap (youthful!) and very green….”
2) -often remember wrong, recalling hurts and slights. Things that should have been forgotten and forgiven and never looked back.
A neighbor was this way. In his 90s, he kept talking about something his mother did to him when he was 18. We would try to reason him out of it, but nothing worked. Only time took care of this.
3) -often grow fearful about their future.
And let’s be honest, not without justification. It’s simple logic that as people grow older they have more aches and pains, make more trips to the doctor, have higher medical bills, and become more and more dependent in the period before they exit this life.
4) Since we are gradually losing longtime friends to death–death is a fact of life, so to speak–there is a temptation to make fewer friends. So, we get lonely. And we become a bigger burden to their children as a result.
5) The temptation is to become less and less social, to cut oneself off from the few remaining friends and make fewer and fewer new ones.
We should keep believing God’s word. “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) and “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). So, they must keep their eyes on the Lord.
We should take the long, long view. “This momentary light affliction is working for us an exceeding weight of glory far beyond all comprehension” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The troubles are temporary, and just on the other side is glory.
We could look for creative ways to bear fruit for the Lord. Pray for that one, write a note to this one, and give money to the other. Talk to advisors about blessing some special person or some great ministry in their will. And pray. Nothing is more needed in this fallen world than the faithful prayers of God’s people.
Go out of your way to find laughter. Laughter is as much a tonic for the soul as vitamins are for the body. It “doeth good like a medicine,” said Solomon. He was right. In fact, laughter is better than medicine and a lot cheaper.
Be proactive before stepping outside the house to go anywhere. What should I wear? Which shoes would be comfortable and safe? Should I carry my cane? Yes, but more than these. How about: I must remember to smile; I will speak pleasantly to everyone. God, please use me to encourage the downhearted and give light to those struggling to find the way. And help me to restrain the desire to criticize. (People hate to be around complainers, and we oldsters seem to fall into that pattern too easily.)
I started to say it’s a never-ending struggle, but that’s not right. It has an end. This is a “momentary, light affliction,” after all. Before long, we shall see the Lord. “We shall behold His face in righteousness, and I shall be satisfied with His likeness when I awaken” (Psalm 17:15).
THINK ABOUT THIS
Sam loves to play video games with his friends. He vividly remembers a time at the end of the school year when a group of them teamed up to complete an especially difficult level. None of them had been able to do that on their own, but when they teamed up and all used their abilities and skills, they were able to win.
That lesson has stuck in Sam’s mind. Maybe you can think of a time when a group of people were able to accomplish something that would have been impossible for only one person to achieve.
I’m reminded of the story in Mark 2 about the friends of a paralyzed man who lowered him through a roof to set him in front of Jesus. While this story is about so much more than just teamwork, imagine if one person had tried to lower the man through the roof instead of a group of them. How well would that have worked out?
The writer of Ecclesiastes knew the benefits of working together. His description of a man working alone is heartbreaking; in the end, all of that man’s labor is meaningless. Working together with others gives greater reward, more assistance, and in the end is just plain smart!
Are you trying to do things on your own that would work out better if you were doing it with others? Who can help you, or whom can you team up with to get a better return on your efforts? — Bret Lamsma
DIG IN
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ESV
Two … have a good reward for their toil. The wise person will pursue cooperative ventures rather than give in to jealous striving to be first (contrast Eccl. 4:8, 10, 11), a striving that isolates him from others.
A threefold cord stands for the great value of “plurality” (more than one or even two) as opposed to being alone (Eccl. 4:7–11).
👉 SESSION 4 - Colossians 3:11–17 > no status distinctions
THINK ABOUT THIS
We must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends us. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
What’s interesting is that these qualities are pictured as articles of clothing. Have you ever watched a hockey game in which a fight breaks out? The gloves come off. Many times the shirts come off. By the time the referees break the fight up and get them into the penalty box, the ice is littered with sticks, gloves, and clothing. It’s like that in conflict. The gloves come off. Then certain attitudes that should be there disappear.I remember a day when I was dating my wife. I traveled to where she worked and lived at the time, and waited for her to get out of work. When she did, I snuck up behind her and poked her from behind. I’ll tell you, she nearly jumped out of her skin. But then she turned around and saw who it was and smiled. Why? It was her attitude toward me at that time. If I had been a stranger in the street, she would have belted me. Because it was me, she reacted with delight.
Before we even begin to deal with others, especially in conflict, we bring an attitude to the relationship. It’s either going to be a tender attitude – one of compassion and respect – or it’s going to be a cold attitude. Many times in a conflict we come with an attitude. Our looks say all that needs to be said. And we’ve doomed the discussion already because we have the wrong attitude. -- Darryl Dash
DIG IN
Colossians 3:11–17 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Here there is no Greek and Jew. There are no status distinctions among the new covenant people of God (cf. Gal. 3:28). No one has a special claim on God or is treated with less dignity than any other. Scythian. This was a people group located along the northern coast of the Black Sea. To the Greeks, the Scythians were violent, uneducated, uncivilized, and altogether inferior people. In contrast to such discrimination and prejudice against other races and cultures, Paul shows that Jesus, who is all, and in all, binds all Christians together in equality, irrespective of such differences.
👉 SESSION 5 - 1 Corinthians 12:12–20 > in one Spirit
THINK ABOUT THIS
Toddlers and teenagers share a common trait. They like to declare their independence and want to prove they do not need the help of their parents, guardians, or others to be successful at life. Striving for independence is often a healthy part of growing up. But it can be unhealthy when people try to “do it all” and “be it all” by themselves—outside the context of community. Then, instead of being a good thing, independence is corrupted and driven by stubborn pride.
Living in the power of the resurrection means we recognize our need for God and for each other. God’s Holy Spirit empowers the community of believers with the spiritual gifts and abilities necessary to do the work of growing his kingdom. Individual believers cannot do this by themselves. The power of the resurrection comes in living and working together in unity, recognizing and supporting the gifts, talents, and abilities of all others in the community of Christ.
We all have our place, and we all have purpose. We all have gifts to offer, and God values each one of us as his children. When we live in the unity and power of the resurrection, we celebrate and affirm the use of everyone’s gifts. Let us encourage one another today as we seek to live in the unity and the power of Jesus Christ, our Lord. — Laurie Zuverink
👉1 Corinthians 12:12–20
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
Since the Spirit is one, he unites people across lines of ethnicity and social class that would otherwise divide them. (See Rom. 10:12; Gal. 3:27–28; Col. 3:11.) in one Spirit we were all baptized. The same Greek construction (the verb baptizō plus en [“in”] plus the dative of pneuma, “Spirit”) is used here as in the other six “baptism in the Holy Spirit” passages in the NT (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16), and here it seems clearly to refer to the cleansing and empowering work that the Holy Spirit does in a new convert at the point of conversion. Baptism is used metaphorically here to refer to the Spirit’s work within the believer to unite him or her to the body of Christ, which is also the corporate body of believers. Water baptism is an outward symbol of this reality (cf. Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:27). made to drink. Probably not a reference to the cup of the Lord’s Supper but to the outpouring of God’s Spirit on his people (cf. John 7:37–39; Rom. 5:5).
👉 SESSION 6 - Hebrews 10:24–25 > "stir up one another"
THINK ABOUT THIS
The word for “encouraging” here means literally “to stand alongside.” It has to do with assuring someone that you care, strengthening them by just being there. It’s also similar to a word used to describe the Holy Spirit—parakletos, which means “counselor, advocate.”
Who needs to be encouraged today? We all do! Anyone who says they never need encouragement is probably a hurting person. There’s nothing wrong with needing encouragement. Jesus did. His Father encouraged him, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). An angel encouraged him as he struggled alone one night, knowing he would soon be arrested and crucified (Luke 22:43).
Our neighbors need encouragement. One may be a student leaving home for college. Another may be a tired, frazzled mother facing the stress of child care and a strained marriage. Another may be a widower facing long, lonely days. Or perhaps there’s someone you have not seen at worship in a while. People who need encouragement are not far away.
Our children’s teachers, our worship leaders, pastors, elders—all of these folks need encouragement. Being a daily encourager can be an addictive but healthy habit. Loving by encouraging can bring energy and joy. Will you do it?
Gracious Father, thank you for sending Jesus, who knows all our struggles and challenges! Help us to encourage others in his name. Amen.— George Vink
DIG IN
Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
"...let us consider" The third and final exhortation in Heb. 10:22–25 calls for serious thinking about other Christians with a purpose to stir up (or “provoke”) them in their love and service (good works). Christian perseverance is thus also a community endeavor. meet together. Community encouragement toward perseverance requires being together. That some were neglecting this duty may have been among the motives for the author’s warnings throughout this book. encouraging. Voicing exhortation with the goal of strengthening another’s faith (Heb. 3:13; cf. Heb. 13:22). "the Day drawing near" The coming day of Christ’s return and judgment (Heb. 9:28; Heb. 10:37).
👉 SESSION 7 - 1 Peter 4:8–11 > "keep loving one another earnestly
THINK ABOUT THIS
Loving others includes using the gifts provided by God’s Spirit. Each of us has talents and abilities we can use to bring glory and honor to God. In addition, we have spiritual gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). As we find in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4, and other passages, there are many gifts of the Spirit: prophecy, faith, giving, encouragement, wisdom, hospitality, and more. Each of us has at least one gift, and with it we can serve others and testify to God’s grace.Whatever gifts we have need to be used. That begins by recognizing and acknowledging what gifts we have. We need to discover our giftedness so that we can use it to express love. If we are reluctant or prefer to be modest in acknowledging our giftedness, let’s remember that God equips those whom he calls.
Whatever gifts we are given are to be used for the sake of others. Our communities and our families need us to use our gifts. The effectiveness of the body of Christ is diminished when even one person decides to “sit on the gift” entrusted to them. As an ancient confession of the church, the Heidelberg Catechism, puts it, “Each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members” — George Vink
DIG IN
1 Peter 4:8–11
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Enduring love for others testifies that a person is living in light of the future. True love covers a multitude of other people’s sins (Prov. 10:12). Where love abounds, offenses are frequently overlooked and quickly forgotten. Hospitality, much admired in both Greco-Roman and Jewish sources (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8), was much needed in an era when inns could be dangerous and unpleasant.
👉 SESSION 8 - Psalm 133:1 > "dwell in unity"
THINK ABOUT THIS
The unity of God’s people is a beautiful thing. The Bible calls it “good and pleasant.”
“Good and pleasant” unity is not always easy to see, however. You may not feel the beauty of unity with other Christians when you disagree with them. Or when you feel that they are cruel to you or to others. Or when you simply do not understand why they act and believe the way they do. You might find yourself thinking, “How could unity with them be beautiful?”
Psalm 133 says that the unity of God’s people is like oil anointing a priest, or like dew on a mountain. Those were both considered beautiful things by the people of Israel. And those were both seen as gracious gifts from God. The people didn’t give the priest his authority (represented by anointing oil); that was God’s doing. And the people didn’t put the dew on the mountain; only God could do that.
Similarly, we cannot create Christian unity by our own efforts. Only the grace of Jesus can unite us with each other in Christian community.
We know that each one of us is saved only by the grace of Jesus. This means that none of us deserves salvation—and yet we receive salvation anyway. We can live in unity by the power of that grace. — Rebecca Jordan Heys
DIG IN
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
"...brothers dwell in unity" The expression appears in Gen. 13:6; 36:7, where a particular region could not support “brothers” (relatives) and their families dwelling close together. If this is the background for the psalm, then Ps. 133:1 describes a situation in which the land is fruitful enough for brothers to live nearby (perhaps a family inheritance, cf. Deut. 25:5). Since this is a Song of Ascents, the “brothers dwelling in unity” would be the fellow Israelite pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem, abiding in peace with one another. The ideal Israel is a community of true brotherhood, where the members practice mutual concern for one another; if this were achieved, it would indeed be good and pleasant. This should be the goal of church life (John 17:20–23).
👉 SESSION 9 - John 13:34–35 > "love one another"
THINK ABOUT THIS
I have often thought I should learn to speak Spanish. I took classes in college, but my knowledge since then has faded. From time to time I’ve picked up vocabulary cards or done Spanish-speaking exercises, but I have never really kept up the effort.
Up to this point, I can say that I want to learn the language, but that doesn’t mean much. If I really believed it was important, I would make more of an effort and follow through so that I really do learn Spanish.
In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples to love one another because by doing so people will know they are his disciples. Jesus knows that our actions reveal our true beliefs and motivations, and he encourages his followers to live out their faith by loving one another well.
Jesus understands that it doesn’t do any good to preach a gospel of grace but to have a critical spirit toward the people around us. Further, it doesn’t help people to tell them that God loves them but to ignore their various needs. We are called to truly show the love of Jesus to the people around us, and by that they will know we really believe in God’s love and his good news for the world.
If we want to serve as effective disciples and point others to faith in Christ, our witness actually begins with the way we treat people. — A.J. Gretz
DIG IN
John 13:34–35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Love must be the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus’ “new command” takes its point of departure from the Mosaic commands to love the Lord with all one’s powers and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Lev. 19:18; cf. Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:28–33), but Jesus’ own love and teaching deepen and transform these commands. Jesus even taught love for one’s enemies (Matt. 5:43–48). The command to love one’s neighbor was not new; the newness was found in loving one another as Jesus had loved his disciples (cf. John 13:1; John 15:13). In light of Jesus’ subsequent death, just as implies a love that is even willing to lay down one’s life for another (see John 15:13).
👉 SESSION 10 - Romans 12:9–18 > "Live in harmony"
THINK ABOUT THIS
If showing hospitality meant we always had to throw elegant parties and impress our guests, most of us would not bother with it.
The Bible’s instruction to “practice hospitality” is much simpler. Though it includes some planning and calls for showing people a warm welcome, hospitality is more about cultivating relationships and sharing the love that God has shown us.
Paul, who wrote to the Romans, considered hospitality an everyday practice and described it as vital to spiritual growth. More than throwing grand parties and putting on a performance, hospitality is about inviting people into our lives and sharing from what we have—both as giver and recipient.
One day, my wife found that she needed one more egg for a recipe she was making. Catching the eye of a new neighbor, she asked if she could borrow an egg. Out of her need for something so minor, a new relationship formed. Being dependent on another allowed her to receive not just the egg for her recipe but also a new friendship.
To be a neighbor is to be both neighborly and open to neighborliness. Love looks out for others and recognizes the effect our actions will have on others when we make decisions. It calls us to attend not just to blessing others but to being blessed by them as well. — Lloyd Wicker
DIG IN
Romans 12:9–18
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
The remainder of the chapter is a description of the life that is pleasing to God. Not surprisingly, love heads the list, for all that Paul says is embraced by the call to love. genuine. Love cannot be reduced to sentimentalism. abhor. Christians are to hate evil.
Hospitality was very important for early Christians, for most of them could not afford hotels (lodging houses) when traveling but depended on the provision of fellow believers.
Bless … do not curse. These words reflect the teaching of Jesus (Matt. 5:44).
Repay no one evil. Again, an allusion to Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 5:39).
If possible. Paul recognizes it is not always possible to be at peace with everyone, even when one makes the effort.
👉 SESSION 11 - Galatians 6:1–2 > "bear one another's burden"
THINK ABOUT THIS
From a young age, children struggle to be independent: “I can do it myself!” We idolize independence and self-sufficiency. We value people who can “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.” We pride ourselves in being “better” than others around us.
But Christ has a different idea about how we should interact with one another. We should be caring for one another and involved in each other’s lives.
This connectedness means we care enough about our neighbors to find out what burdens they carry. In communities where we may not even know the names of our neighbors, God nudges us to hear the concerns of their hearts. Do you have an awareness of the struggles of others around you? Just caring enough to ask is a good first step. Often a listening ear is the best way to begin carrying a burden together. Genuine empathy is a healer.
A next step may be prayer. Everyone needs prayer, and few people refuse an offer to be prayed for, even if they have little faith of their own. Pray over one another and lift each other up before God!
And maybe you can lift a burden by lending a helping hand or an act of service. Or maybe you’re the one in need. Can you, in Christ’s name, allow others to serve you?
Christ’s law is fulfilled when we can reach out with genuine compassion and care for each other. — Steven and Deb Koster
DIG IN
Galatians 6:1–2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV
"...You who are spiritual" does not refer to an elite class of Christians but rather to those who have more maturity and experience in the Christian life and who are therefore in a position to help their beleaguered brother or sister. The adjective “spiritual” means “living and walking according to the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:15; 1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Cor. 14:37) and includes, but is not limited to, the qualities listed in Gal. 5:22–23.
To "bear one another’s burdens" is the supreme imitation of Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer (see Rom. 15:1–3). He has even gone to the length of taking mankind’s sins (Gal. 1:4) and the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13) upon himself. and so fulfill the law of Christ. Though Paul insists that the Galatians are free from obeying Jewish ceremonial laws, this does not mean they are free from all of God’s moral requirements. The “law of Christ” in a broad sense means the entire body of ethical teaching that Jesus gave and endorsed (see note on 1 Cor. 9:21), but in a specific sense here it probably refers to the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Matt. 22:39; John 13:34), which, if followed fully, will result in obeying the rest of God’s moral law (Rom. 13:8–10).
Below Needs work, (lots)
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
It's easy to lose hope in our everyday lives. Months of unemployment, years of dealing with disease, constant bickering in the family, a lengthy prison sentence—any of these situations will quickly sap our hope and leave us despairing about our future.
In the midst of such circumstances, the apostle Peter writes of hope. Jesus has risen from the dead! This new reality does not mean all of our suffering will disappear. But just as Jesus' sufferings gave way to resurrection, so also our trials will be followed by glory.
Through Jesus, God has given believers "a living hope." So often we place our hope in something lifeless: a new job, a better education, a new year. But Jesus is not lifeless: he is alive! In him, we have an inheritance, a constant source of strength and life, because our hope comes not from someone who is dead but someone who is alive.
The greatest good news of all is that God has given us hope. We do not remain victims of our sins or of our circumstances. Jesus has the power to redeem every dying expectation and replace it with living hope.
New Year Quotes
C.S. Lewis
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
Albert Einstein
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Charlie Brown
“You know how I always dread the whole year? Well, this time I’m only going to dread one day at a time.”
Socrates
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
T.S. Eliot
"Every moment is a fresh beginning."
Hal Borland
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on."
Mike Dooley
"Life's not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming."
Thomas Jefferson
"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."
Henry David Thoreau
"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to look for it."
G.K. Chesterton
“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.”
Susan Sontag
“Kindness, kindness, kindness. I want to make a New Year’s prayer, not a resolution. I’m praying for courage.”
Charles Lamb
“No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam.”
Jacqueline Whitney
“You are going to figure it out, but you don’t have to figure it out right now.”
New Year’s Eve (2011 film)
“Some people swear there’s no beauty left in the world, no magic. Then, how do you explain the entire world coming together on one night to celebrate the hope of a new year?”
Henry Ford
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."
Mark Twain
"Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection."
Michael Jordan
"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."
Vidal Sassoon
"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."
Dr. Seuss
"You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do."
Bible Verses concerning the subject of NEW
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Lamentations 3:23
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Ephesians 4:22-24
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Mark 2:22 ESV / 9 helpful votes
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27 ESV / 8 helpful votes
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Jeremiah 18:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes
And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
Lamentations 5:21 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old—
Revelation 21:1-3 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
2 John 1:5-6 ESV / 6 helpful votes
And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
John 10:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 6 helpful votes
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 111:1-10 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. ...
Revelation 14:2-3 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Revelation 2:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’
1 Peter 2:1-2 ESV / 5 helpful votes
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
Titus 3:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
John 3:23 ESV / 5 helpful votes
John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
Luke 19:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
Luke 3:12-14 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Isaiah 61:4 ESV / 5 helpful votes
They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Psalm 118:24 ESV / 5 helpful votes
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 19:14 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Nehemiah 12:27 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.
Genesis 17:5-7 ESV / 5 helpful votes
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Revelation 21:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 3:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 2:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
1 John 4:4-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 3:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1 Peter 4:3-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
1 Peter 2:10-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
James 2:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
James 1:17-18 ESV / 4 helpful votes
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. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hebrews 13:8-9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Hebrews 10:19-24 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ...
Hebrews 8:12-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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.
Titus 3:4-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Colossians 1:19-22 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
Philippians 2:4-7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Ephesians 5:7-9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 2:13-14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
Galatians 6:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 3:6-8 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?
2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 4:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
Romans 12:1-3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 7:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Romans 6:4-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Romans 4:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Acts 17:21-23 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
Acts 16:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Acts 5:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
Acts 3:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
Acts 2:37-38 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
John 16:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 14:6-7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
John 13:34-35 ESV / 4 helpful votes
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 11:43-44 ESV / 4 helpful votes
When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Luke 19:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
Mark 16:17-19 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Mark 10:51-52 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 5:29 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
Mark 5:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Mark 5:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
Matthew 28:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Jeremiah 31:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Thus says the Lord: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, and your children shall come back to their own country.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Isaiah 62:1-3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Isaiah 61:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
Proverbs 24:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18-19 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
Psalm 149:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Psalm 119:37 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 89:33-34 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
Joshua 24:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
Joshua 24:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 26:8-9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Numbers 23:19-20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
Romans 6:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Acts 2:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:1-36 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...
Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Psalm 127:1-5 ESV / 3 helpful votes
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Genesis 1:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Revelation 21:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Comments
Post a Comment