Tag: suffering
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All Things?
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” As with any other form of written communication, when reading the Bible and individual statements within it, it is always wise to consider the context. In an extreme example of this, the Bible says this about Judas: “He went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5). …
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Great Comparisons
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” One of the things I’ve enjoyed since my retirement eight years ago is participating in a bowling league with other retired men from our area. It’s great getting together to…
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The Source of Fear
Matthew 8:26 “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” One of the commands Jesus gives His followers over and over again in Scripture is this one: “Fear not!” What wonderful words these are, if we will just believe and obey them. It’s one of the truest tests of our faith. In the verse…
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Knowing God
Philippians 3:7-11 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain…
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An Eternal Perspective
1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” One of the distinguishing characteristics of a person who has eternal life is that their perspective of time is an eternal…
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Enduring Suffering
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 “Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.” Suffering: a recent…
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In All Circumstances, Thankful
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions…
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An Enduring Faith
James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The Christian life is a journey. It begins for everyone at the moment of the new birth when the…
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Comforting the Afflicted
1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 “We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” There are many ways that believers can serve God. Some are called to preach. Others are gifted evangelists.…
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The Things Not Said
1 Thessalonians 3:4 “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” One of the marks of a false teacher is what he or she does not say. Turn on your TV to any of the…