There are few aspects of life more misunderstood or neglected than forgiveness. By God’s grace, this study will give biblical insight into the following aspects of forgiveness: COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS THE BASIC DEFINITION OF FORGIVENESS THE BIBLICAL CONTEXT OF FORGIVENESS—SACRIFICIAL LOVE THE EXAMPLE AND STANDARD OF FORGIVENESS CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS TRAITS OF BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS…
There are not many reliable avenues to gain insight into the “real you” . . . but your words, like a mirror, reflect what is in your heart. Jesus stated that reality in Luke chapter 6. Luke 6:45, The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person…
Matthew 18:15-17 You demonstrate biblical love when you take steps to restore a fellow believer overtaken in sin. This not only encourages a fallen believer to return to his/her first love of Jesus Christ, but it also gives others involved in the restoration process ongoing opportunities to examine the depth of their love to the Lord…
Medical experts can evaluate a person’s physical condition by reliable observation and testing. In the spiritual dimension, a biblical diagnosis can also reveal the spiritual health of the church (ekklesia) when key aspects of Body Life are examined. THE BODY LIFE OF WHICH CHURCH? The results of a biblical diagnosis of Body Life can vary considerably according to the…
The title to this article may seem strange, since a basic characteristic of any Christ-honoring, Bible-believing church is to bring people into the church. On the other hand, a situation could occur in a church in which a person might be encouraged to leave. One such situation is described below. ADULTERY PARTNERS IN THE SAME CHURCH When…
The goal for a wholehearted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ is to know Him and be like Him. Realizing this goal involves abiding in God. As a point of clarification, abiding in God and abiding in Christ are interchangeable concepts. 1 John 2:22-25, Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the…
Excerpted from Forgiveness: The Impossible Possibility The challenge to maintain biblical forgiveness will be waged in the minds of those who grant forgiveness. The three major tests in this regard are Memory, Reminder, and Imagination (M.R.I.) Memories related to forgiven sins can resurface and be significant hindrances for believers to maintain biblical forgiveness. These memories often focus on painful…
Excerpted from Forgiveness: The Possible Impossibility Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. There is no activity of Christian life that is more closely aligned to the love of God and the willing sacrifice of Christ than forgiving others. Believers who practice forgiveness receive spiritual benefits but, on the other hand, consequences accrue to those choosing…
Divine peace comes from God and His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:3). This peace is a tranquil harmony of heart and mind that maintains Christ-centered well-being regardless of circumstances or people. 1 Corinthians 1:3, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. At its foundation, this peace is a result…
There is a mystique about prayer that often keeps us from praying and, in the process, denies us the full benefits of prayer. Some of the misunderstandings about prayer involve knowing what words to say and what posture to assume in order to pray effectively. Prayer, however, can be God-honoring, faith-inspiring, meaningful, and effective when…