The Master's Life
Adfero - Topical Index of the Master's Life
Adfero means “to carry or bring news.” The Bible says: “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25) I bring you good news from a far country indeed! It is a high and beautiful country and its capital is the New Jerusalem! What is the good news brought by this index? It is that for every circumstance, for every question, for every problem - there is an answer.
This index is my attempt to emulate the wisest mere human to have ever lived: Because the Teacher was wise, he taught the people everything he knew. He collected proverbs and classified them. – Ecclesiastes 12:9
This is not meant to be a comprehensive study of each topic. It is merely an introduction to some starting places where you can see what the Master had to say about a given topic and is thus limited to the Gospels. Once you have looked at the individual reference, either in your Bible or in the Lectio section, use the cross references to see what the rest of the Bible has to say.
This index is my attempt to emulate the wisest mere human to have ever lived: Because the Teacher was wise, he taught the people everything he knew. He collected proverbs and classified them. – Ecclesiastes 12:9
This is not meant to be a comprehensive study of each topic. It is merely an introduction to some starting places where you can see what the Master had to say about a given topic and is thus limited to the Gospels. Once you have looked at the individual reference, either in your Bible or in the Lectio section, use the cross references to see what the rest of the Bible has to say.
Ability
We have increased abilities through Christ. John 14:12 (227)
Abortion
Unborn children are conscious. Luke 1:41-44 (5)
Abstinence from liquor, examples of
John the Baptist Matthew 11:18 (19); Luke 1:15 (3)
Accomplishments
You need to be rooted in Christ. John 15:1-8 (229)
Think first then act. Luke 14:28 (111)
Accountability
We are accountable for the way we use the money, opportunities, talents, gifts and experiences that God gives us. Luke 19:15 (197)
We are responsible for the words we speak. Matthew 12:36-37 (83)
Our responsibility is in direct proportion to our level of understanding. Luke 12:48 (157)
Accusations, false
False accusations. Luke 3:14 (21)
Jesus’ followers lied about. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
We should consider it a privilege to receive false accusations because of our association with Christ. Luke 6:22-23 (53)
We should be wary when all men speak well of us. We may not be adhering closely enough to the truth. Luke 6:26 (54)
Adam
Jesus’ genealogy was traced back to Adam to demonstrate his relation to all of humanity. Luke 3:23-38 (Ancestry)
Addiction
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to save our souls. Mark 9:43-47 (130)
Adultery
Looking on a person lustfully is adultery. Matthew 5:27-30 (58)
Adultery involves the eyes. Matthew 5:28 (58)
Adultery starts in the heart. Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21 (115)
Anyone who marries a wrongfully divorced person commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 (59)
Anyone who divorces their spouse for any reason other than infidelity and marries another commits adultery. Matthew 19:1-9 (134)
Divorce was only permitted due to the hardness of the people’s hearts. Marrying a person who is wrongfully divorced makes us equally guilty of sin. Mark 10:1-12 (134)
Adversity
It brings glory to God. John 9:1-3 (164); 11:1-4 (181); 21:19 (268)
It makes us more fruitful. John 15:2 (229)
Christ gives us rest. Matthew 11:28 (101)
Do not be troubled, trust Christ. John 14:1 (227)
The Holy Spirit (called the Comforter) helps us. John 14:16-17 (228)
Advice
Listen to God. John 6:45 (113)
Sheep listen to their shepherd. John 10:27 (167)
AIDS
God calls us to love, serve and have compassion for all people. Mark 6:34 (110)
Alcohol, substance abuse
Jesus warns against the abuse of alcohol. Luke 21:34 (217)
Alcohol use
Jesus, as a good Jew used wine at the Passover we Christians refer to as the Last Supper. Matthew 26:17-30 (223, 225, 230)
John the Baptist, as one committed to the Nazarite vow, was not allowed alcohol. Luke 1:15 (3)
Jesus turned the water into alcoholized wine. If it weren’t alcoholized, verse 10 wouldn’t even make sense. John 2:1-11 (27)
Ambition
James, John and their mother demonstrated a lack of understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of God in their ambitious request. Matthew 20:20-28 (191)
Angels, Fallen (Demons)
Hell was originally prepared for fallen angels. Matthew 25:41 (220)
Worship of. Matthew 4:9; Luke 4:7 (23)
Seen by Christ. Luke 10:18 (146)
Cast out by Jesus. Matthew 4:24 (41); 8:16 (40); Mark 3:22 (82); Luke 4:41(40)
Power over, given to the disciples. Matthew 10:1 (98); Mark 6:7 (258); 16:7 (177)
Cast out by disciples. Mark 9:38 (130); Luke 10:17 (146)
The disciples sometimes failed. Mark 9:18 (109), 28-29 (125)
The parable of the man repossessed. Matthew 12:43-45 (84)
Jesus falsely accused of being possessed. Mark 3:22-30 (82); John 7:20 (138); John 8:48 (145); 10:20 (166)
Testify to the deity of Christ. Matthew 8:29 (103); Mark 1:23-24 (39); 3:11 (50); 5:7 (103); Luke 8:28 (103)
They are humanity’s adversaries. Matthew 12:45 ((84)
They are to be judged at the general judgment. Matthew 8:29 (103)
Punishment of. Matthew 8:29 (103); 25:41 (220); Luke 8:28 (103)
They are evil. Luke 10:17-18 (146)
They are powerful. Luke 8:29 (103)
They are numerous. Mark 5:8-9 (103)
They are unclean. Matthew 10:1 (98)
They are under Satan’s authority. Matthew 12:24-30 (82)
They could recognize Christ. Mark 1:23-24 (39)
They can possess humans. Matthew 8:28-29 (103)
They know their ultimate destiny. Matthew 8:29-33 (103)
Demon possession is not insanity. Matthew 4:24 (41)
Demon possession is not disease. Mark 1:32 (40)
They harm their hosts. Mark 5:1-5 (103)
Examples of possession:
Are immortal. Luke 20:36 (210)
Are holy. Matthew 25:31 (220)
Do not marry. Matthew 22:30 (210)
Possess emotions. Luke 15:10 175)
Will gather believers. Matthew 24:31 (216)
Were seen by Christ. Luke 10:18 (146)
Are ministering spirits. Luke 16:22 (178)
Communicate the will of God. Matthew 2:13, 20 (163); Luke 1:19, 28 (4)
Obey the will of God. Matthew 6:10 (65)
Execute the purposes of God. Matthew 13:39-42 (93); 24:16 (216); 28:2 (255)
Minister to Christ. Matthew 4:11 (23); Luke 22:43 (234); John 1:51 (26)
Execute the purposes of Christ. Matthew 13:41 (93); 24:31 (216)
Are subject to Christ. Mark 8:38 (124)
Mediation of, in response to prayer. Matthew 26:53 (235)
Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Luke 15:7 (174), 10 (175)
Have charge over the children of God. Matthew 18:10 (130)
Are innumerable. Luke 2:13 (10)
Announced the conception of John the Baptist. Luke 1:13 (3), 36 (4)
Announced the conception of Christ. Matthew 1:20-21 (9); Luke 1:31 (4)
Announced the birth of Christ. Luke 2:10-12 (10)
Announced the resurrection of Christ. Matthew 28:5-7 (258); Luke 24:23 (264)
Announced the ascension and second coming of Christ. Acts 1:11 (272)
Anger
Anger is not intrinsically sinful. Mark 3:5 (48)
Antichrist
Jesus outlined the end of days, including the desecration of the rebuilt Temple by the Antichrist. Mark 13:1-31 (216); Matthew 24:1-35 (216); Luke 21:5-33 (216)
Anointing
Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God upon baptism. Matthew 3:16 (22)
John witnessed this anointing and was thereby able to identify Jesus as the Christ. John 1:32 (4)
Anointing with oil was a method of promoting healing. Luke 10:34 (149)
Anxiety
Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow; about food, clothing etc. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Take one day at a time, and don’t borrow trouble. Matthew 6:34 (68)
We need to trust God to take care of what we truly need. If we put him first, as a good master he will take care of his servants. We need to make him our treasure. Luke 12:22-34 (156)
Appearances
Appearances can often be misleading. Jesus came to earth as a man and was rejected and murdered by His chosen people. Be careful not to judge people based on how they look. Matthew 23:28 (218)
What is in a person’s heart will eventually be apparent. Matthew 7:20 (73)
Apostasy
Jesus warned of future apostasy. Mark 13:1-31 (216); Matthew 24:1-35 (216); Luke 21:5-33 (216)
Jesus accused the Pharisees of apostasy and in doing so gave us a good working definition of what apostasy is. Matthew 15:9, 13 (115)
Apostles
Jesus chose his apostles (including Judas who would betray him) after spending time alone in prayer. Luke 6:13-16 (51)
Matthew lists the twelve apostles. Matthew 10:2-4 (98)
The apostles were commissioned by Christ. Therefore their teachings are authoritative and must be obeyed. Matthew 28:18-20 (272); Mark 16:15-18 (272)
The apostles were inspired Luke 24:44-49 265); John 14:25-26 (271); 15:26-27 (228); 16:7-15 (230-231)
Ascension
Jesus ascended to heaven from a village on the Mount of Olives named Bethany. Luke 24:50-53 (272)
Assurance of Salvation
We are assured that if we receive Christ, we obtain the right to become children of God. John 1:12 (2)
If we hear Jesus’ words and believe God we have eternal life. John 5:24 (45)
If we listen to and follow Jesus we have eternal life and that state cannot be changed. John 10:27-30 (167)
Atonement
Jesus came to save the lost, not the predestined. Jesus’ blood atones for the sins of everyone who obeys him. Matthew 18:11 (not in early manuscripts)
Christ became our ransom. Matthew 20:28 (191)
Jesus came to be the sacrificial lamb offered to pay the price of our sins. John 1:29 (25)
God loved us. John 3:16-18 (29)
He died willingly for us. John 10:18 (166)
Baptism
It was commanded by Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 (272); Mark 16:15-16 (272)
It was accompanied by repentance of sin. Matthew 3:6 (21)
John’s baptism was to prepare people. Matthew 3:11-12 (21-22)
It was practiced in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:13-16 (22); Mark 1:5-10 (21-22)
It is figurative of regeneration. John 3:3-6 (29)
John the Baptist baptized in a place that had much water. John 3:23 (29)
Baptism is a sign that a person has repented and sought forgiveness for their sin. Mark 1:4 (21)
The baptism of the Holy Spirit that comes with the acceptance of Christ is more important than water baptism. Mark 1:8 (21)
Baptism is usually done by immersion and symbolizes Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Mark 1:9-10 (22)
Baptism is essential – not for salvation but as an act of obedience to the will of God. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
Christ considered his suffering to be a form of baptism. Luke 12:50 (158)
Baptism, infant
Baptism must follow acceptance of the gospel, something impossible to an infant. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
No one can come to Christ without first experiencing the drawing of the Holy Spirit Who allows us to hear and learn from the Father – again something impossible to an infant. John 6:44-45 (113)
A child however, depending on its level of maturity, may understand the simple Gospel and if this happens we must not stand in their way. Matthew 19:13-15 (187)
Salvation involves achieving a child-like state – not sinlessness, but lack of accountability. Matthew 18:3 (129)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
It was first announced by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:11 (21); Mark 1:8 (21); Luke 3:16 (21); John 1:32-33 (25)
The Lord Jesus promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit before He ascended to heaven. Acts 1:4-5 (271)
Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit after he humbly partook of water baptism. Matthew 3:16 (22)
Benevolence
Benevolence should be practiced toward our parents. Matthew 15:4-6 (115)
Even on the cross, the Master took care of His mother. John 19:26-27 (249)
Benevolence will be counted as a direct gift to the Lord on Judgment Day. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
We should extend benevolence to whoever comes within our sphere of influence regardless of their race or creed. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Bethlehem
God moved a pagan kings’ heart to desire a census so that Joseph would take his new wife to his ancestral home of Bethlehem. This fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-11 (9-10)
Herod killed all the boys two years old and under in the village of Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the Christ. Matthew 2:16-18 (16-17)
Betrayal
Judas was willing to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-16 (222); Mark 14:10-11 (222)
He subsequently betrayed Jesus to the mob with a kiss. Matthew 26:49 (235); Mark 14:45 (235); Luke 22:47-48 (235)
Peter also betrayed Christ out of fear. Matthew 26:69-75 (237, 240, 241); Mark 14:66-72 (237, 240, 241); Luke 22:55-62 (237, 240, 241)
Bible, authority (vs. human authority)
Men vainly try to replace God’s teachings with their own. Such teachings will be uprooted. Matthew 15:9, 13 (115)
The Word of God is the ultimate truth. John 17:17 (233)
The Holy Spirit will guide us to this ultimate truth. He not only inspired the Scriptures but He clarifies them for us. John 16:13 (231)
To reject the Spirit’s promptings in this matter is to reject God and His salvation. Matthew 12:31-37 (83); Mark 3:28-30 (83); Luke 11:27-28 (83) Luke 10:16 (146)
He will continue to place His words in our mouths in the End of Days when we are persecuted for His name’s sake. Matthew 10:19-20 (98)
Bible, preservation
The Word will be used as a judgment on the last day. John 12:48 (202)
Bible study, need for
The Scriptures are ultimately not about esoteric truth. They are the means by which we may establish a personal relationship with God through Christ His Son. John 5:39 (46)
Bible, understanding
Listening to Jesus’ words prompts understanding. Mark 7:14 (115)
Blame shifting
Do not judge others while you fail to acknowledge your own sin. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Blasphemy
People thought Jesus was blaspheming when he forgave sins. Matthew 9:1-8 (42)
They thought he was blaspheming when he admitted he was the Son of God. Matthew 26:57-67 (239)
But true blasphemy is when we stubbornly ignore the testimony of the Holy Spirit regarding the nature of the Messiah. To refuse his message is to refuse forgiveness of sin – the sin for which there is no forgiveness. Mark 3:20-30 (82)
Blessed
We are blessed if we are humble, repentant for our sin, gentle, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, or persecuted for being Christians. Matthew 5:3-12 (53)
Blessing
Jesus laid his hands on and blessed children in prayer. Mark 10:13-16 (187); Matthew 19:13-15 (187); Luke 18:15-17 (187)
Jesus blessed the food through grateful prayer before distributing it to the 5,000. Matthew 14:13-21 (110); Mark 6:30-44 (110); Luke 9:10-17 (110); John 6:1-15 (110)
Jesus’ willingness to become flesh and live among us so that we can know God the Father and be saved is the ultimate blessing. John 1:14-17 (2)
Book of Life
The name of God’s children (those humans who are considered not accountable for their sins because through age or mental defect they are unable to understand the Gospel or because they have humbled themselves and accepted the Gospel) are recorded in heaven. Luke 10:20 (166)
Born again
Receiving Christ as our Lord allows us to become the children of God. John 1:12-13 (2)
We must accept the truth of the Gospel whispered to us by the Spirit. Doing so allows us to be “born again” into God’s family. John 3:1-7 (29)
We are born of the Spirit through God’s Word. John 3:5-8 (29)
The Spirit gives life and the Word gives life. John 6:63 (114)
Bosses
We should treat them as we would like to be treated. Matthew 7:12 (71); Luke 6:31 (62)
Bread
Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish. Afterward there were twelve full baskets of leftovers. Matthew 14:13-21 (110); Mark 6:35-44 (110); Luke 9:12-17 (110); John 6:5-13 (110)
He later fed 4,000 using seven loaves and a few small fish. After this miracle there were seven large baskets full of leftovers. Matthew 15:29-38 (118-119); Mark 8:1-9 (119)
Bread was used to symbolize Jesus’ body, sacrificed for our sakes. Matthew 26:26 (225); Mark 14:22 (225); Luke 22:19 (225)
Jesus used bread to symbolize answers to persistent prayer in this parable. Luke 11:5-8 (151)
Jesus declared himself to be the life-giving bread of heaven. John 6:35, 41, 48, 51, 53-58 (113)
Business
We should treat people the way we want them to treat us. Matthew 7:12 (71); Luke 6:31 (62)
Just because we can does not mean that we should. Luke 3:12-14 (29)
Calling on the name of Jesus
Only Jesus has the authority and power to save us. We must obey Him to be saved. John 12:48 (202)
Jesus commanded us to be baptized. Calling on his name (which means trusting him for our salvation) implies making him our Master. This infers that we should be willing to obey him in this matter. Matthew 28:18-19 (272); Mark 16:15-16 (272)
We enter into a relationship with Christ when we are saved and baptized. Mark 16:16 (272)
Of the two (trusting Christ to save us and baptism), only the act of faith is sufficient and necessary for salvation. Luke 25:42-43 (265)
Carnal attractions
We will only know true peace and joy when we turn to Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
We should seek Christ himself, however and not his many good gifts. John 6:26ff (113)
Real life comes through submission to the promptings of the Spirit, not through yielding to our basest cravings. John 6:63 (114)
Only Jesus can lead us to the ultimate gift – eternal life. John 6:68 (114)
Change
Believers are transformed into children of God, born again by the Spirit of God. John 1:13 (2)
Empowered by Christ, the vine, we can and must bear much fruit. John 15:1-5 (228)
Character
What we eat or drink has little to do with character. John the Baptist fasted and abstained from alcohol while Jesus ate heartily and partook of alcohol. Both certainly had good character. Matthew 11:18-19 (99) ; Luke 7:33-34 (99)
Character (what we are in our hearts) always ends up affecting our behavior. We cannot separate public from private life because the heart informs both. Luke 6:43-45 (73)
Children
Jesus accepted the praise of children. Matthew 21:15-16 (203)
Jesus loves little children for in their lack of accountability, they are an example of what takes place when we enter the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:3-5 (134)
To follow Jesus’ example children must be continuously subject to their parents. Luke 2:51 (20)
Jesus laid his hands on and blessed children in prayer. Matthew 19:13-15 (187); Mark 10:13-16 (187); Luke 18:15-17 (187)
Choice
The people of Jerusalem were offered the chance to accept God’s message repeatedly but chose to reject it. Matthew 23:37 (214)
One son chose to go the wild way, another stayed home and served. But both were sinful and in need of repentance. Luke 15:11-32 (176)
Christ, titles of
Imanuel (God with us). He stands with us in all of life’s circumstances. Matthew 1:23 (9)
Son of Man. He identifies with us in our humanity. Matthew 18:11 (not in early mss.)
Holy One of God. He is sinless in his nature. Mark 1:24 (39)
Savior. He delivers from sin and death. Luke 1:47 (6)
The Word. He was present with God at creation. John 1:1 (2)
Only Begotten of the Father. He is unique. We are adopted. Only he was begotten. John 1:14 (2)
Lamb of God. He gave himself as a sacrifice on our behalf. John 1:29 (25)
Bread of Life. He is the one essential food. John 6:35 (113)
Good Shepherd. He is our provider and caretaker. John 10:11 (166)
Life. John 10:28 (167); 14:6 (227)
Light of the World. He illuminates us. He enlightens us. John 9:5 (164)
Light of the Nations. Matthew 4:16 (35); Luke 1:77-79 (8); John 1:4-5, 9 (2)
Light of Men. As we follow him we too become lights in our own right. John 8:12 (143); 12:35-36 (201); Matthew 5:14 (55)
I AM. The second of seven self-descriptions of Jesus introduced by “I AM”. John 6:35 (113); 8:12 (143); 9:5 (164); 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14 (166); 11:25 (181); 14:6 (227); 15:1, 5 (229)
Church
Jesus prays for the church. John 17:6-26 (233)
Jesus built his church. Note that Jesus only built one church of which he is the head. Matthew 16:18 (123)
Jesus gives us the procedure for church discipline. Matthew 18:15-18 (132)
Christ has given the keys to the kingdom to the church. Matthew 16:19 (123)
Jesus and the apostles sang a hymn before leaving the upper room. Matthew 26:30 (233)
The church is Jesus’. Matthew 16:18 (123)
Christ’s church should be characterized by serving – not personal glorification. Matthew 23:8-11 (218)
Circumcision
Jesus was circumcised and given his name on the eighth day. Luke 1:59-60 (7)
Clothing
A lack of clothing is a sign of being under the influence of the devil. Luke 8:27 (103)
Covering ourselves is an indication of being in our right mind and under Christ’s influence. Luke 8:35 (103)
Covering ourselves protects others from sinning. Matthew 5:27-28 (58); Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Removing Christ’s clothing was a form of punishment, of public humiliation. John 19:23 (247)
Comfort
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, died for his sheep. He knows, leads and protects each one. He gives us eternal security. John 10:11, 14-15 (166), 27-29 (167)
Jesus rebuked the disciples for their little faith and calmed the storm. Matthew 8:23-27
Commitment and love for God, lack of
Doing our works in such a way as to receive honor from men demonstrates a lack of commitment and love for God. Matthew 6:2-3 (63)
We must be willing to give up peace with others for his sake. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
He must even come before our families. Luke 14:26-33 (173)
We must be willing to give up our lives daily for him. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
The foremost commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Matthew 22:37-39 (211)
Lack of obedience to his commands is a clear indication of a lack of commitment and love. Luke 6:46-49 (75)
We must totally commit ourselves to Jesus the Bread of Life. We cannot just nibble. We must “eat“ him. John 6:51, 53-58 (77)
Communication, speech
All lying is of the devil, the father of lies. John 8:44 (145)
Communion (Lord’s Supper)
Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
Compassion
A mark of godliness is to share the compassionate heart of Jesus. If we want to be like him, we must be compassionate. Mark 1:41 (76); Luke 6:36 (62)
The paralytic’s friends had so much compassion for their friend that they were willing to be offensive in order to get him help. Mark 2:4 (42); Luke 5:19 (42)
Competition
We are warned not to spend our lives competing for the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Matthew 6:19-21 (67)
Compromise
Pray that you will not compromise with temptation. Matthew 26:41 (234)
There can be no compromise when it comes to the devil. We are either for Christ or for Satan. Matthew 12:30 (82)
Confession, of Jesus
Being willing to confess that we are Christians to others indicates that we are saved. Matthew 10:32 (98)
Confessing Christ’s true nature and rightful place is spirit-empowered and establishes us. Matthew 16:15-18 (123)
We need to confess that he is our Teacher, Our King and the Son of God. John 1:49 (26)
We must acknowledge that he is indeed the Savior of the world. John 4:42 (33)
“Confessing Christ” involves belief and worship. John 9:35-38 (165)
We must admit that we are spiritually blind. Unless we do we are incapable of receiving help from the Healer. John 9:41 (165)
We should tell others that he is the Christ, the Son of God, God among us. John 11:27 (181)
Being more concerned about the love of others than the love of God will cause us to fail to confess him publicly. John 12:42-43 (202)
Confession, of sin
We must be quick to confess the sins we have committed against others. We are to confess them to the one offended. God values this humble act more than he values our religious rituals. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
We must be willing to accept the rebuke of others. We must be equally willing to rebuke sin in others. But most of all we must be willing to forgive when sin is repented of and confessed. Luke 17:3-4 (179)
The prodigal son received mercy and restoration when he humbly confessed his sin. Luke 15:18, 21 (176)
Confidence
When you begin to doubt God, run to him - not away from him. How else will you discover how much he really loves you? Matthew 11:28 (101)
Losing confidence in God may cause us to forfeit the eternal blessings he is preparing for us. John 14:1-3 (227)
Conflict
We are not to “bury” or deny conflicts, but rather to take immediate steps to resolve them. Matthew 5:23-26 (53)
Jesus outlined a three step process for confronting major conflicts among believers. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Consequences
You will be treated the same way you treat others. Matthew 7:1-2 (69)
Contentment
Life does not consist of what one possesses. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Do not allow the deceitfulness of wealth to crowd out the word. Mark 4:7(86), 18-20 (87)
Do not count on earthly treasures. They can fade away. Instead, store up heavenly treasures. Matthew 6:19-21 (67)
You can’t serve two masters at once. You must choose whether you will serve Christ or materialism. Matthew 6:24 (67)
Don’t seek status, as the disciples did. Luke 9:46-48 (129)
Conversion
Jesus led the Samaritan woman to a conversion experience by having her confront her sin, admit her need and recognize himself as the Messiah. She immediately began telling others about him. John 4:1-30 (31-32)
The other Samaritan people heard her testimony, but each had to personally come to Christ and make a personal decision about him. John 4:39-42 (33)
Courage
We are to be the salt of the earth. This mandate will require much courage. Matthew 5:13 (55)
Covenant, new
The Jews made much of Moses and Elijah. But both of these prophets placed their seal of approval on Jesus’ new covenant with man. Matthew 17:3 (125); Luke 9:28-32 (125)
Jesus sealed the new covenant with his own blood. Mark 14:22-24 (225)
Covetousness (greed)
Putting our trust in material things is foolish. Worrying about them is equally foolish. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Being a disciple of the Master involves self-denial – not self-aggrandizement. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Putting our faith in something we can lose over night is ridiculous. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
We should not even be working for food. The purpose of work is not the belly but the facilitation of the maturity of the soul. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Creation
The universe was created by the will of the Father, through the power of the Spirit and enacted by the Son. John 1:1-14 (2)
Criticism
Criticism often covers the need for self-criticism. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Willingness to forgive is part of constructive criticism. Luke 17:3 (179)
Those who give it – get it. Luke 6:37-38 (69)
Cross
To truly be one of the Master’s disciples we too must be willing to take up whatever “cross” God calls us to bear. Matthew 16:24 (124); Luke 9:23 (124)
Peter could not understand this principle. He was a follower of the “name it and claim it” philosophy. Jesus rebuked his thinking as satanic. Jesus considered his willingness to go to the cross and suffer to be a source of power. Mark 8:31-9:1 (124)
A man by the name of Simon helped Jesus carry the cross up to Golgotha. Luke 23:26-32 (249)
Jesus was nailed to a rough wooden cross for our sakes. Luke 23:33-49 (249-250)
He predicted this fate, using Israel’s wilderness experience of healing by looking up at a symbol as a metaphor of what was about to happen. John 3:14 (29)
Crown
Jesus wore a crown of thorns as part of the torture he endured. Matthew 27:29 (248); John 19:2, 5 (247)
Dating a carnal Christian or a non-Christian
Being willing to date someone who is worldly and rebellious to God demonstrates where your heart truly lies. Matthew 6:21 (66)
David
Jesus’ relation to King David put him in line to the throne. Matthew 1:1-18 (155)
In fact, he is the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that one of his descendants would rule forever. Luke 1:26-33 (227)
There is coming a day when he will return to claim that throne. All those who “stumble” over him (refusing to accept him as their Master and King) will then be dealt with. Matthew 21:41-45 (181)
Death
All of us will have to face death sooner or later. Accepting that fact and allowing it to influence how we live is a necessary step to wisdom and a properly balanced life. Luke 12:16-21 (155)
Believers go the Father’s house to be with him. John 14:1-4 (227)
Jesus comforted Mary and Martha after Lazarus died. He is the resurrection and the life. John 11:17-26 (181)
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep so that death need never concern them again. John 10:14-15 (166)
Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and follow him. He gives them eternal life. No one can snatch them out of his hand. John 10:27-30 (167)
All who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. John 3:14-16, 36 (29-30)
When Jesus comes again, he will separate the sheep from the goats (the true believers from those who only pretend to believe). Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
There are two deaths, physical and spiritual. It is the second one that we should truly fear. Matthew 10:28 (98)
Jesus, with his power to resurrect, considers death to be merely a profound sleep. Matthew 9:24 (107); Mark 5:39 (106); Luke 8:52 (106)
Debts
Jesus used the concept of debt to teach that we need to be willing to ask God to forgive our sins and then be willing to extend the same forgiveness to those who sin against us. Matthew 18:21-35 (133)
Defeat
The world and its demonic backing may seem to temporarily defeat us but we will rise to triumph in the end. Matthew 10:24-28 (98); John 15:18-21(230)
Demon possession
Two men were possessed. One man came to Jesus and was liberated from his demon. Matthew 8:28-34 (103); Mark 5:1-10 (103)
A man with a demon was in the synagogue. There is no such thing as “holy ground” where we need to be concerned about evil spiritual forces. Mark 1:23 (39); Luke 4:33 (39)
Depending on God
Those who work for God should not pursue material wealth as an end in itself. Matthew 10:9-10 (98); Mark 6:8 (98)
Reliance on material wealth for our security or as a mark of God’s special favor can cause us to miss out on the salvation that can only come to the humble. Luke 6:24-26 (54)
We must totally depend on Christ to get through life triumphantly. John 15:4 (229)
Determining God’s will
God wants to help us. John 14:26 (228); 16:13 (231)
God wants to offer us leadership. Matthew 9:36 (108); John 10:14-16 (166)
God wants us to be happy. John 15:9-11 (229)
In seeking God’s will we should try to determine if a decision is bringing peace. Comfort is not necessarily the determining factor. Matthew 10:34-38 (98)
You know that serving others is definitely God’s will. Mark 10:43-45 (191)
The Holy Spirit within us will help us determine God’s will. John 14:26 (228); 16:13 (231)
God can, at times, speak miraculously if necessary. Sometimes he uses dreams or visions. Matthew 1:20, 24 (9); 2:12-13 (15-16), 19-20 (18)
Sometimes he sends angels or other special messengers. Matthew 1:20, 24 (9); 2:12-13 (15-16), 19-20 (18)
However, we are not to seek a sign. Matthew 12:38-39 (84); 16:1-4 (120)
Though circumstances are a factor, we must be cautious in using them as a litmus. John 7:17 (138)
Diligence
In the parable of the talents Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence and the rewards of excellence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
Disabilities
A woman bent double her whole life. Her particular case was caused by demonic oppression but Jesus was more powerful than that demon. Luke 13:11 (161)
We tend to think of physical disability as a judgment of God on sin, but Jesus was clear that this man’s blindness was specifically granted to him so that he could thereby glorify God. John 9:1-3 (164)
Disagreement with initiative evangelism
We are specifically commanded to go to all nations and teach them about the Good News. Matthew 28:18-20 (272); Mark 16:15 (272)
If we are ashamed to confess him before others, he will be ashamed of us upon his return. Mark 8:38 (124)
We have been sent by the Master in the same way as he was sent by the Father. John 17:18 (233); 20:21 (265)
He sends some of us to sow and some to reap. But whatever the case, we have been sent. John 4:36-38 (32)
Even the Samaritan woman immediately and instinctively understood the need to bring others to the Master. John 4:29-31 (32)
The parents of the blind man demonstrated cowardice when they failed to publicly testify. John 9:19-22 (164)
As Christ manifested the Father’s name to us, we should manifest Jesus’ name to others. This is how others will come to know of his sovereignty. John 17:5-7 (233)
Publicly testifying of our changed lives and backing that testimony up with good works and restitution demonstrates that salvation has truly occurred. Luke 19:8-10 (194)
It is a singular honor to be a part of God’s great work of proclaiming his name to all the nations. We should be proud of being sent-forth witnesses. Luke 24:46-47 (265)
Discipleship
Discipleship requires a willingness to drop everything else in order to place Christ first in our lives. Matthew 4:20 (38); Mark 1:16-17 (38)
It requires a willingness to forego pursuit of material wealth and physical comfort. Matthew 8:20 (137); Mark 10:21 (188)
It requires a willingness to take whatever God brings our way. It requires a willingness to bear some of the world’s sufferings. Matthew 16:24 (124); Mark 8:34 (124)
This willingness to take up Christ’s cross must be maintained on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 (124)
It requires a willingness to publicly make a stand for Christ and tell others about him. Matthew 28:19 (272); John 1:40-46 (26)
You do not have to be someone special to be his disciple. Jesus chose some pretty ordinary guys to be his apostles. Luke 6:12-16 (51)
Once we make that decision, there is no going back. Luke 9:57-62 (137)
Jesus must even come before our loved ones. Compared to our love for him, all other loves should be like hate. Luke 14:25-27 (173)
We need to carefully consider the cost before deciding to be his disciple. Luke 14:28-34 (173)
The reward of being his disciple, however, is eternal life. John 8:51 (145)
Discipleship is marked by a daily focus on staying connected to the Master and by a constant love of our fellow disciples. John 15:1-17 (229)
When we stumble and fall, we must be willing to return to the basics. We must love the Master above all others and follow him, regardless of the cost. John 21:15-19 (268)
Discipline, church
If a brother sins, we should follow the principles found in Christ’s teaching. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Discouragement
Taking up his burden, his yoke (the manner of life to which he is calling us) will alleviate discouragement. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
We must turn to him, stay connected with him, find our strength in him. For without him we can do nothing. John 15:5 (229)
Jesus found strength and encouragement in doing the will of the Father. John 4:6 (31), 31-34 (32)
Discussion, unprofitable
We should not waste any more valuable time and resources once we recognize the futility of further discussion or efforts. Matthew 7:6 (69)
When it became clear that the religious elite were not going to be honest Jesus shut the conversation down. Matthew 21:23-27 (205); Matthew 26:59-63 (239)
Jesus answered Pilate until it became evident that he was not going to pursue truth. Then he quit talking. Matthew 27:12-14 (244); John 19:9 (247)
Jesus never did answer Herod because Herod was only seeking entertainment – not personal change. Luke 23:7-10 (245)
Division
Jesus wants his disciples to be unified in the Triune God through the word passed down to us by the Apostles. John 17:20-21 (233)
Division that is permitted to continue will bring about the destruction of a group. Luke 11:17 (181)
Our acceptance Jesus’ claims to divinity and lordship can cause us to become separated from those we have loved. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
Divorce
Jesus was clear in his teaching that divorce should be avoided as much as possible. Matthew 19:4-6 (134)
Moses’ allowance of a bill of divorcement was only because of the hardness of the Israelite’s hearts. Matthew 19:3-9 (134); Mark 10:2-12 (134)
Jesus only made one allowance for divorce – “porneia,” a very vague term that means general sexual infidelity. Matthew 5:31-32 (59); 19:9 (134); Luke 16:18 (177)
Taking into consideration Christ’s view of what defines adultery, it could be argued that chronic addiction to pornography or a “wandering eye” could constitute grounds for divorce. Matthew 5:27-30 (58)
A believing spouse should seek reconciliation whenever possible. At the very least he or she must be willing to confess their part in the marriage’s failure and to forgive their spouse. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
If both spouses are believers then the Scriptural discipline procedures should be followed. Matthew 18:15-18 (132)
Joseph considered divorce a disgraceful thing and was willing to try to minimize the damage to Mary even though he thought she had been unfaithful to him. Matthew 1:19 (9)
We must be careful for divorcing can become a habit! The Samaritan woman got divorced five times and ended up living with the sixth man. John 4:18 (31)
Doubts
John the Baptist had doubts and Jesus allayed them by citing all the miraculous works being done. When we are doubtful, we need to think about all the things he has done in our lives. Luke 7:19-23 (99)
Brash Peter, after falling into sin, became doubtful of his ability to love Christ as he should. But Jesus assured him that he was still useful. John 21:15-17 (268)
Dreams and Visions
Jesus gave a vision of His future Kingdom on earth to Peter, James and John – no doubt as a witness and encouragement both to them and to us. Matthew 17:1-9 (125)
We should rely on God’s ultimate revelation – Jesus Christ the living Word of God. John 1:1, 14 (2)
The Bible is the Word of God in written form given to us through the inspiration of the “prophets of old”. The Father’s will, commandments, and specific promises are revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. So God is actually speaking to us through His Word, the Bible. Luke 1:70 (8)
Election
God, in his ability to know the future, knew who would choose his Son. Those who would accept his Son were elected to have a relationship with the Trinity and with each other. Those foreknown are predestined. John 15:9-17 (229)
Elijah
Moses and Elijah put their seal of approval on Jesus work. But more importantly, so did the Father! Luke 9:28-36 (125)
Employee/Employer relations
We should not overstep the bounds of the authority given by our bosses. Luke 3:12-14 (21)
We should be content with the wages for which we negotiated. We should not become jealous of other’s salary packages. Matthew 20:1-16 (189)
Enemies
God expects us to treat our enemies not only fairly, but with love and compassion. Luke 6:27-36 (62)
An enemy should be treated honorably. Matthew 5:25 (57)
Envy, jealousy
Envy drove the religious elite to bring about the crucifixion of the Savior of the world. Matthew 27:18 (247)
Envy is an indication of a heart problem. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Eternal life
Eternal life is not gained through good works, but through a humble willingness to give up all other sources of hope and strength but Christ. Matthew 19:16-30 (188)
Eternal life is gained by being born again into God’s family. This is empowered by the Spirit but the act itself takes place when we believe that Jesus came from heaven to save us and that he is our only hope. John 3:1-21 (29)
As Jesus is the only one who has ever seen God, and is the bread of life, he is the only possible source of hope for the one who wishes to go to heaven. John 6:46, 57 (113)
Eternal security
Listening to and deciding to follow Jesus results in eternal security. John 10:27-29 (167)
Jesus prays for our faith to hold. He knows our weakness so he also prays that we will turn again when we do fail. Luke 22:31-32 (226)
Like Peter, we are also kept by the prayers of our High Priest. John 17:9-12, 20 (233)
Evil
We should yield our own cheek to evil people who are persecuting us for Christ’s sake. Matthew 5:39 (61); Luke 6:29-30 (62)
We protect those for whom God has made us responsible, however. Though I may turn my cheek to the persecutor’s hand, I may not turn my families’. I must seek to protect them if at all possible. Matthew 18:7-10 (130)
We tend to think of physical disability as a judgment of God on sin, but Jesus was clear that this man’s blindness was specifically granted to him so that he could thereby glorify God. John 9:1-3 (164)
Evil spirits constantly try to damage their hosts. The herd of swine’s possession caused their immediate demise. Matthew 8:31-32 (103); Mark 5:13 (103)
The evil spirits constantly tried to harm this little boy but Jesus freed him from their wicked intent. Mark 9:17-27 (126); Luke 9:39 (126)
Evil is always subject to good. Jesus was able to command the departure of this man’s evil spirit. Mark 1:23-27 (39); Luke 4:33-37 (39)
Jesus was falsely accused of being able to cast out demons by the power of Satan. He soundly defeated that idea. We learn that goodness is a power on its own. Evil can only take something good and twist it. Luke 11:14-23 (82)
If a person doesn’t replace the evil influence with something godly, he will end up not only back into his original problem, but in a worse condition than before! Luke 14:24-26 (172-173)
Example
Jesus warns us to never set a bad example and cause others to sin. Matthew 5:19 (56); 18:6 (129); Luke 17:1-3 (179)
Jesus set the perfect example for us. We should try to be like him. Matthew 10:24-25 (98)
To follow Jesus is to imitate his willingness to submit to the Father’s will and suffer if need be. Luke 9:23 (124)
Our goal is to ultimately be just like our Teacher. Luke 6:40 (69); John 13:1-17 (224)
We should follow Christ’s example of humility and servitude. John 13:15 (224)
We should follow Christ’s example of staying in the Father’s love by obeying the Father’s will. John 15:10 (229)
We should follow Christ’s example in loving God’s children in a special way. John 15:12 (229)
Excuses
Don’t look for excuses to get out of your marriage. Matthew 5:32 (59)
Don’t make excuses to avoid responding to God’s invitation. Luke 14:15-24 (172)
Don’t make excuses for not putting your talents to work for God. Matthew 25:24-30 (219)
Failure
Peter failed miserably. Matthew 26:75 (241); Mark 14:72 (241); Luke 22:61-62 (241)
Like Peter, we are also kept by the prayers of our High Priest. John 17:9-12, 20 (233)
Faith
Jesus is the source of faith. Luke 17:5 (179)
Weak faith can become strong faith with God’s help. Mark 9:24 (126)
It takes faith to be able to receive Christ. John 1:10-12 (2)
If we believe in Christ we will have eternal life. John 3:15-18 (29)
A lack of faith will cause us to die both a physical and spiritual death. John 8:24 (144)
The events in Christ’s life and his supernatural works were recorded specifically to increase our faith. John 20:30-31 (267)
We need to try to get others to also place their faith in the finished work of the Messiah. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
Asking for proof. Matthew 12:39 (84); Luke 11:29 (84)
Faith beginning. Matthew 17:20 (126); Luke 17:6 (179)
Childlike faith. Matthew 19:14 (187); Mark 10:14-15 (187)
There is a cost for faith. Matthew 10:35-37 (98); Luke 12:51-53 (158)
Faith during a crisis. Matthew 11:3 (99)
Faith in action. Matthew 25:35-36 (220); Luke 17:6 (179)
The power of faith. John 14:12 (227)
The results of faith. Mark 11:22-24 (204)
Faith rewarded. Matthew 5:19 (56); 9:22 (106); Mark 5:34-36 (106); Luke 8:48 (106)
Signs of faith. Matthew 3:6 (21); Luke 3:3 (21)
Faith is not always found in those you’d expect. A Roman officer had more faith than the Jewish disciples. Matthew 8:10 (77); Mark 6:51-52 (77)
Faithfulness
God rewards faithfulness. He punishes unfaithfulness. Luke 8:18 (88)
Fame
We should not give special consideration for anyone here on earth. Fame does not make us more important. Matthew 23:9 (218)
Family
Many will tell you that following Jesus will grant you health, wealth, success and popularity. Be warned that Jesus himself never said that. Luke 12:51-53 (158)
If you follow God, your actions will not always be understood and appreciated by your family. Luke 2:48 (19)
Don’t be discouraged when this happens. Jesus’ family didn’t believe in him either. John 7:5 (135)
Following the Master might cause a separation between us and our family. We must put him first in our lives. Matthew 10:35-37 (98); Luke 14:26 (173)
Christ promised that putting him first is the only way that we will be able to truly keep our family. Mark 10:28-31 (98)
Jesus didn’t just preach this principle – he practiced it. He was willing to set his family aside in favor of those who followed God. In the end they believed in and followed him. Luke 8:20-21 (85)
We can overcome our family history. Jesus’ family was definitely a mixed bag. He had everything from adulterous royalty to faithful and loyal gentiles in his ancestry. Matthew 1:1-17 (Ancestry); Luke 3:23-38 (Ancestry)
False Prophets
Jesus warns against false prophets who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Matthew 7:15 (73)
False Teaching
The trick to determining false teaching is to determine the motivation, the intent of the teacher. Matthew 7:15 (73)
You can determine their hearts by their fruit, which is their manner of living. Matthew 7:16-20 (73)
Those who spread false teaching are bound for hell. Matthew 7:19 (73)
Just because someone claims to be a Christian does not necessarily make it so. Matthew 7:21 (74)
We can determine a true Christian by picking out those who listen to and obey the Word of God. Matthew 7:22 (74)
Great works – even miraculous works are not the determining factor. Matthew 7:22 (74)
The ultimate test is a personal relationship with Christ. As usual it’s not what you know but who you know. Matthew 7:23 (74)
Fasting
Jesus fasted. Matthew 4:2 (23)
So did his disciples. Luke 5:35 (105)
Fasting is a private devotional discipline. It should not be motivated by a desire to have others think you are spiritual. Matthew 6:18 (66)
Fasting can be a way to demonstrate our need for God and our sense of mourning when we feel distant from him. Matthew 9:14-15 (105); Mark 2:18-20 (105)
Practicing fasting without accompanying it with heartfelt humility, confession and repentance is useless. The Pharisees practiced fasting regularly without any real effect on their lives. Luke 5:29-35 (43, 105)
Fear
Do not fear those who can only kill the body. Matthew 10:28 (98)
Do not fear life’s circumstances. God cares for sparrows and He will surely care for you. Matthew 10:29-30 (98)
We should not fear life’s circumstances because our King is fully in control. Matthew 8:26 (102)
Our fear demonstrates a serious lack of faith. It indicates we do not fully trust his power or his character. Mark 4:40 (102)
Some people hold back from committing their lives to Christ because they are afraid it will cost them too much. They love their comforts or financial security more than their souls. Mark 5:12-17 (103)
Coming face to face with God’s power demonstrated nakedly can be an awe-inspiring experience. It should produce a tinge of fear in folks who understand they are sinners. Luke 8:37 (103-104)
Feelings, troubled
Afraid. Mark 4:35-41 (102)
Afraid of death. John 6:35-40 (113)
Angry. Matthew 5:21-24 (57)
Depressed. John 3:14-17
Doubting your faith in God. Matthew 7:7-12 (70-71); Luke 17:5-6 (179); John 20:24-31 (265-266)
Frustrated. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Lonely. John 14:15-31 (228)
Overwhelmed, experiencing stress. Matthew 11:25-30 (101); John 4:1-30 (31-32)
Rejected. Matthew 9:9-13 (43); Luke 4:16-30 (36); John 15:18-16:4 (230)
Tempted. Luke 4:1-13 (23)
Tired, weary. Matthew 11:25-30 (101)
Vengeful. Matthew 5:38-42 (177)
Financial advice
Wealth can give us wrong attitudes about material things. Luke 12:15 (155)
It is unwise to make financial success a priority. Matthew 6:24 (67)
While not impossible, it is difficult for the rich to become children of God. Mark 10:23-25 (188)
The more you give, the greater will be your reward. Luke 12:33-34 (156)
Christ endorsed tithing. Matthew 23:23 (218)
If we put God first, He will take care of all our needs. Matthew 6:33 (68)
God appreciates shrewdness. Though we do not want to accept worldly philosophies and priorities, we may learn from the world’s techniques and apply them to improve God’s resources. Luke 16:8-11 (177)
Flood, the great
Jesus believed in the existence of the Great Flood and used the time immediately preceding it as an example of what the last days will be like. Matthew 24:36-39 (217)
The Gospels also support the existence of a Great Flood by including Shem and Noah in the Messiah’s genealogy. Luke 3:36 (Ancestry)
Forgiveness of sins
Jesus extended a loving invitation. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Jesus forgave the penitent woman. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
He also forgave the murderer on the cross once the man confessed his sin and placed his trust in Christ. Luke 23:43 (249)
Sinners are forgiven when they repent, confess their sins and are willing to accept God’s decisions. Luke 15:11-32 (176)
Jesus told us to pray for forgiveness. Matthew 6:12 (65)
The Samaritan woman, an adulteress, was saved by Jesus. This immediately drove her to witness to others. John 4:4-26 (31)
Peter, who repeatedly denied his relationship with Christ, was forgiven and reinstated after he showed his remorse. How did he show this? He decided he could no longer be a disciple (“I’m going back to fishing”) and he admitted his inability to love Christ deeply (phileo as opposed to agape) John 21:15-19 (268)
The repentant, humble tax collector received forgiveness where the proud Pharisee did not. Luke 18:9-14 (186)
Forgiving others
We must forgive others. Matthew 6:12 (65); Mark 11:25 (204)
Forgiving others is an absolute necessity. Matthew 6:14-15 (65)
We must forgive often. Matthew 18:21-22 (133); Luke 17:3-4 (179)
The parable of the unmerciful servant shows how sinful it is not to forgive. God judges this sin. Matthew 18:23-25 (133)
The father of the prodigal son forgave his son completely. However the boy still lost all his inheritance and whatever the father had left was going to the older son. Forgiveness does not imply lack of consequence. Luke 15:20-24 (176)
Fornication
Fornication (sex outside of the bounds of marriage) is a sin of the heart and defiles a person. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Freedom
The only way to be truly free is to understand, acknowledge and submit to truth. John 8:31-36 (145)
Friendship
Two Christians united are a powerful force. Matthew 18:19-20 (132)
Loving a fellow Christian and being united with them in friendship is a tremendous testimony to the world. John 13:34-35 (226)
Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Joy – Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
Patience – Matthew 5:48 (62)
Humility – Matthew 5:3 (53); 7:7-12 (70)
Faithfulness – Matthew 7:14 (72), 21-27 (74-75)
Self-control – Matthew 5:22 (57); 6:14-15 (65)
In order to produce the fruit of the Spirit we must possess a good, honest heart, cling to the truth and persevere in it. Luke 8:15 (87)
This can only be done by “abiding” in Christ which means trusting him fully and obeying him. John 15:4 (229)
Giving
Jesus approved of the widow’s small gift. Luke 21:1-4 (215)
We should put God’s kingdom first. Matthew 6:33 (68)
Our giving should not be motivated by the desire for self-glorification. Matthew 6:1-4 (63)
God requires us to be merciful and give to the poor. Matthew 5:7 (53)
To give to God’s children is to give to Christ. Matthew 24:34-46 (216-217)
Be merciful and do good even to your enemies. Follow God’s example in this matter. Luke 6:27-36 (62)
Use wealth to forge alliances that will further the building of the Kingdom of God. Luke 16:9
Glory
We must seek to not only behold, but possess the glory of the Messiah for he is the source of both grace and truth. John 1:14-18 (2)
Just as Christ was glorified because of his humble willingness to submit to the Father’s will even if it meant his own death, we too can be elevated by our humility. John 12:20-33 (201)
God, all-knowing (omniscient)
God knows what we need before we even ask. Matthew 6:8 (64), 32 (68)
God knows every detail that happens as it happens in the universe. Matthew 10:29-31 (98)
Jesus knew and understood all things and did not need the advice of counselors who would question his actions. This knowledge came from the Father. John 16:30 (232)
The Father knows at least one thing that the Son does not – namely the timing of the rapture. Matthew 24:36 (217); Acts 1:7 (271)
God, Father
God is our Father and we can please him by demonstrating our relationship with him to others through the performance of good works. Matthew 5:16 (55)
Jesus gave us permission to address God as our Father but claiming that privilege implies an equal responsibility to build his kingdom. Matthew 6:9-10 (65)
Our Father loves us and wants to take care of us. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
Just claiming him as our Father does not make it so. Matthew 7:21 (74)
It is when we do his will that we are truly his children. Matthew 12:50 (85)
He can be considered the Father because he is ultimately the Originator, the Source the Creator of all things. John 1:3 (2)
Though we may be adopted into his family, there is only one “begotten” Son. John 1:18 (2)
To be his child, we must be “reborn” into his family. John 3:1-2 (29)
If we truly want to please the Father, we must listen to the voice of the Spirit as he directs us to accept the Son. To reject the Son is to reject the Father. John 6:44-45 (113)
Jesus (Immanuel – God with us) is the perfect imprint of the Father. If we want to know the Father, we need to develop a relationship with his Son. John 14:6-11 (227)
A true way of identifying one of the Father’s children is to determine if they are obeying him, are loving his only begotten Son and his adopted children. John 14:20-24 (228)
Like any good Father, he disciplines his children. John 15:1-6 (229)
Though our Father is able to do anything, He will not always give us the answers we want because His nature drives Him to do only what is best. So we should temper our requests with submission and humility. Mark 14:36 (234)
God, invisible
No human has ever seen, nor will ever see the Father. To see the Father, we must look to the Son. John 1:18 (2); 14:7-9 (227)
Jesus, the God/Man, is the only one who has ever seen the Father. John 6:46 (113)
God’s anger
Turning worship into a commercial venture, seeking to profit off of God makes him angry. Matthew 21:12 (203)
God’s call
God foreknew John the Baptist’s submission to his will so he predestined him to great works while John was still in his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15 (3)
God’s compassion
Jesus hurts when we hurt. He deeply feels our distress. He will not allow any more in our lives than is absolutely necessary and at the appropriate time will liberate us. John 11:33-38 (181-182)
God’s control
We need to acknowledge, submit to and be thankful for God’s sovereignty. Matthew 6:10 (65)
The devil may have some temporary and limited control on earth, but he has nothing on the Master or on the Master’s disciples. John 14:30 (228)
God’s power, though absolute, is voluntarily limited by his desire to grant us free will. He could have forced us to do right or to love him. However, he valued love freely given more. Matthew 23:37 (214)
God’s glory
Everything is to be done for his glory. Even our infirmities and handicaps, if properly viewed and treated, can glorify the Master. John 9:3 (164)
When we glorify Jesus, we glorify the Father. The two are so inextricably interconnected that no one can simultaneously claim to love one and doubt the other. John 17:1, 5 (233)
God’s guidance
The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict us of sin, help us become righteous and develop sound judgment. Jesus was limited in his ability to teach us because of the span of time he had on earth. The Holy Spirit is not so limited. He always guides us to the truth – particularly about Jesus. In order to develop a keen sense of truth and sound judgment, we must first submit ourselves to his direction. John 16:7-14 (231)
God’s judgment
Just as there are degrees of reward in God’s kingdom, there are degrees of punishment. God’s judgment is absolutely fair. Matthew 11:22 (100); Luke 10:14 (146)
God’s law
We should not fail to practice external obedience to God’s law. However, it must be accompanied by internal humility and a passion for justice. Matthew 23:23 (218)
The law dictated that a leper should not be touched. But Jesus understood that the point was to protect, not to ostracize. He followed the spirit of the Law (the intent), not the letter. Matthew 8:3 (76)
The parts of the Old Covenant that dealt with salvation ended with the coming of the Promised Messiah. However, that does not mean that the Old Covenant should be cast away. Luke 16:16-17 (177)
Jesus did not abolish the Old Covenant. He fulfilled it. The parts that are not related to his fulfillment, or that were not established to separate the Jews from the Gentiles, or that were not directly countermanded still apply. Matthew 5:17-18 (56)
God’s love
God loves us so much that he is willing to go searching for even one lost soul. Matthew 18:12 (131)
There is tremendous joy in heaven when one lost soul is found and brought back to the fold. Blessed indeed is the one who is instrumental in their recovery. Luke 15:3-7 (174)
God’s presence
Jesus’ enlightening presence may not always be available. We must take advantage of it lest we wait too long and be lost. John 12:35-37 (201-202)
When Jesus died, the veil that separated the more common area of the Temple with the Holy of Holies was torn, indicating that all who believe in him now have direct access to the Father’s presence. Matthew 27:51 (250); Mark 15:38 (250)
Jesus loves to reveal his true nature and glory to us. All we need to do is follow him and make ourselves available. Mark 9:2-3 (125)
No matter where we go in the world, no matter how difficult our circumstances or challenging our mission, we can rest in the fact that Jesus, through the Spirit, is with us. Matthew 28:20 (272)
God’s protection
Jesus predicted the miraculous works that would accompany God’s new work, including the protection from snake bites that Paul would later enjoy. Mark 16:14-19 (265, 272)
When we are persecuted, even if it is to the point of death, we can rest in the hope of the resurrection. No one can cause even a single hair on our head to be permanently destroyed. We should not fear them. Luke 21:12-18 (216)
We are in the hands of the Good Shepherd. Let’s trust his ability to watch over us. John 17:11-12 (233)
God’s timing
Timing is everything! Jesus was always concerned about doing things at the appropriate time. John 2:4 (27)
Jesus said that the generation that sees the great signs in the heavens and the earth and the world-wide panic that they cause will be the terminal generation. Luke 21:25-32 (216)
God’s will, resisting
Those who do not accept the Gospel with good honest hearts and persevere in its truth will fail to bear fruit but be cast off. Luke 8:13 (87)
We need to be concerned with crossing the line with God’s mercy. He is patient and merciful, but there is a limit that can be crossed and then he will begin hardening our hearts or blinding our ability to understand truth like he did with Pharaoh. We must not resist him. John 12:37-40 (202)
Good works
Good works extended toward others are accounted to us as having been done for the Master. Matthew 25:35-36 (220)
We should try to focus our good works on those who are unable to repay us. Luke 14:12-14 (171)
We should put the money we make in the world to the Kingdom’s use. We should feel free to “pillage Egypt”, adapting modern techniques to communicate the old Gospel. Luke 16:9 (177)
Government, duty to
We should pay taxes. Matthew 22:17-21 (209)
We may work for the government, but must be careful to not abuse our authority. Luke 3:12-13 (21)
We may serve in the military but again must take care to serve honorably. Luke 3:14 (21)
We should respect civil authorities. Mark 12:13-17 (209)
Grace
God’s grace toward us has been so amazing that we could never fully repay him. Even if we dedicate ourselves to full-time ministry and sacrifice our personal comforts for his sake, we are still only doing what is right. We can only live lives marked by humility and gratitude, knowing that is enough. Luke 17:7-10 (179)
Healing
Jesus’ ability to heal should increase our faith, courage and inner peace. Matthew 9:22 (106); Luke 8:48 (106)
Our faith (trusting both his ability to heal and his loving character) should remove all fear of our circumstances. Mark 5:34-36 (106)
When Jesus does heal us it should result in a desire to serve him. Luke 4:39 (40)
When our healing is delayed, we should comfort ourselves in knowing that our Master understands what we are going through. Mark 9:12 (125)
Hearing the Gospel
We should strive to be like the good soil in this parable. We need to receive the Word gladly, let it take root in our lives and produce the fruit of the spirit. Matthew 13:23 (87)
We need to be willing to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. It is the only way that they can be saved. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
We demonstrate Christ’s prominence in our lives when we not only hear but obey His Word. Luke 6:46-49 (75); 11:28 (83)
The Holy Spirit is essential to the whole process of hearing and submitting to the Gospel’s message. John 6:44-45 (113)
True freedom can be found only in a life that is disciplined to a steady obedience to the truth of the Gospel. John 8:31-32 (145)
Heart
The spiritual heart is far more important than any other thing in our lives. It drives everything else, it is the motivating factor. Get it right and all else succeeds. Get it wrong and failure is inevitable. We should guard it above all else. Matthew 12:33-37 (83)
Heaven / Eternal life
When we are persecuted for Christ’s sake we should comfort ourselves with the thought of our ultimate home. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
At the last day, our personal relationship with Jesus Christ – not our works – will gain our entry into heaven. Matthew 7:15-23 (73); 25:31-46 (220)
In heaven human cultural rituals will cease. Matthew 22:30 (210); Mark 12:25 (210)
Heaven has many places in which to live. Each of us will have our own space. Jesus is working on our future home right now. John 14:2 (227)
Hell
A proud, judgmental attitude will put us in danger of hell because it requires humility to be able to accept salvation. Matthew 5:22 (57)
Hell is described as “outer darkness” and a place of torment. Matthew 8:12 (77); 25:30 (219)
Physical death is nothing to fear. Spiritual death – hell – is another matter. Matthew 10:28 (98); Luke 12:4-5 (154)
At the end of days, God will separate those who are truly his children from those who simply claim to be. Those who have not been adopted into God’s family will be thrown into a fiery place of torment. Matthew 13:39-43 (93), 49-50 (96)
We should be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary in order to avoid that fate. Matthew 18:8-9 (130)
Hell was not originally meant for humans. It was intended solely for the devil and his fallen angels. If we end up there it is our fault alone. Matthew 25:41, 46 (130)
Hell is not a place of execution. The punishment will continue forever. Matthew 25:41, 46 (220)
This passage does not describe hell. It describes a place called Gehenna that is divided into two compartments called Hades and Paradise (or Abraham’s bosom). Hades is where the unrighteous dead wait for the last Judgment. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
Paradise (or Abraham’s bosom) was promised to the thief on the cross who accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Luke 23:43 (249)
Help in Special Circumstances
Being a friend. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149); John 15:11-17 (229)
Celebrating the birth/adoption of a child. Luke 18:15-17 (187); John 16:16-22 (232)
Discovering God’s will. Matthew 5:14-16 (55); Luke 9:21-27 (126)
Encountering a cult. Matthew 7:15-20 (73)
Experiencing the death of a loved one. John 11:25-27 (181); 14:1-7 (227)
Experiencing illness. Mark 1:29-34 (40); 6:53-56 (112)
Experiencing suffering and persecution. Matthew 5:3-12 (53); John 15:18-16:4 (230)
Facing a divorce. Matthew 19:1-9 (134)
Facing homelessness. Luke 9:57-62 (137)
Facing imprisonment. Matthew 25:31-46 (57); Luke 4:16-21 (185)
Facing a trial or lawsuit. Matthew 5:25-26 (57); Luke 18:1-8 (185)
Losing your job. Luke 16:1-13 (177)
Managing your time. Mark 13:32-37 (217); Luke 21:34-36 (217)
Moving into a new home. John 14:1-7 (227)
Overcoming a grudge. Matthew 5:23-26 (57); Luke 6:27-36 (62)
Overcoming a prejudice. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Overcoming pride. Mark 9:33-37 (129); Luke 14:7-11 (171); 18:9-14 (186); 22:24-27 (225)
Overcoming procrastination. Matthew 22:1-14 (208); 25:1-13 (218)
Respecting civil authorities. Mark 12:13-17 (209)
Retiring. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
Seeking forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 (65)
Seeking God’s help. Matthew 7:7-12 (70-71)
Seeking salvation. John 3:1-21 (29)
Seeking truth. John 8:31-47 (145); 14:6-14 (227); 16:4b-15 (230-231)
Understanding your relationship with God. John 15:1-17 (229)
Understanding your relationship with others. Matthew 18:15-17 (132), 21-35 (133)
Worrying. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Worrying about money. Luke 12:13-21 (155)
Herod
Herod was more concerned about his personal power than with being right with God. Though he was only a few miles away, he couldn’t be bothered to go worship the Messiah. This attitude led him to deception and ultimately to a brutal massacre. Matthew 2 (15-18)
He was more concerned with how others perceived him than with doing what was right. This led him to a strangely ambivalent attitude toward John the Baptist. Matthew 14:1-12 (109)
Honesty
Personal honesty is required in order to be able to perceive truth – even the truth of the Gospel. John 3:19-21 (29)
Holy Spirit
Jesus brought, along with the gift of salvation, the possibility of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8 (21)
Just as the Son never did or said anything on his own, the Holy Spirit also willingly submits his will to the Fathers. John 16:13 (177)
One of the Holy Spirit’s major roles in the lives of both Christians and non-Christians is to convict of sin. That means he makes you feel bad about doing something wrong. John 16:8 (177)
Ignoring the Holy Spirit’s call to accept Christ as Savior and thus receive God’s forgiveness, or worse yet, ascribing the conviction he brings to the devil is the only unforgivable sin. Mark 3:28-30 (83)
Instead, we need to be like the good soil described in this parable. We should accept his conviction and react positively to it – asking for forgiveness and changing our ways. Luke 8:15 (87)
We should ask the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The first time in order to gain salvation then for continued protection and guidance. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
The Holy Spirit is rightly called our Helper and our Teacher. Jesus promised that once he enters our life he will never leave. John 14:16, 26 (228)
Hospitality
Hospitality is a way that we can serve Christ. Hospitality extended to others is accounted to us as having been extended to the Lord. Matthew 25:34-36, 40 (220)
Human nature
Our inherently sinful human nature drives us to seek positions of glory and power. But Jesus challenges us to become weak and reliant on God like a child on its parent. Mark 9:33-37 (129); Luke 9:48 (129)
Jesus, who could read the thoughts and intents of human hearts, did not rely on humans. But thank God he still was willing to die for us in spite of knowing what we are! John 2:23-25 (28)
Humility
The road to advancement in Christ’s Kingdom is paved with acts of humility. Luke 9:48 (129)
As counterintuitive as it may seem, the best way up is down. The best way to promotion is service. The best way to establish a reputation is to never speak of your own good works. Let another praise you and not you yourself. Luke 14:11 (171)
Jesus exemplified humility in his willingness to lay aside aspects of his deity, become a human, live a life of poverty and self-sacrifice that would culminate in the cross. Luke 2:9-12 (10)
If we want to be the Master’s disciples, we must imitate his humble spirit. John 13:14-15 (224)
To please our Master we should consider ourselves to be the least in his kingdom and spend our lives serving others. Mark 9:33-37 (129)
Hunger and thirst (spiritual)
We only truly find satisfaction in God’s Word. Matthew 4:4 (23)
God promises that a thirst for righteousness will be satiated. Matthew 5:6 (53)
That thirst will be satiated by the Holy Spirit. John 4:13-14 (31)
Jesus is God’s Word made flesh. He is the Bread of Life. He is the one who sends the ever flowing fountain of truth called the Holy Spirit. It’s Jesus we need. John 6:35, 48-58 (113)
Jesus calls us to a satisfying relationship with him. John 7:37-38 (140)
Hypocrisy
Jesus called the spiritual elite hypocrites because they did not search for truth but for the perpetuation of their own ideas. Matthew 23:15 (218)
It is hypocritical to deny our sins or to imply that we are something that we are not in order to deceive. This attitude will get us into hell if we do not change it. Matthew 23:28-33 (218)
It is hypocritical to claim a desire to worship God, but fail to back it up with an obedient heart marked by a love of justice. Mark 7:6-13 (115)
Like leaven in a loaf of bread, a little hypocrisy can infect the entire loaf of our lives. Luke 12:1 (154)
It is hypocritical to jump to the condemnation of another while being unable to admit our own personal guilt. John 8:1-7 (142)
Image of God
Jesus is the very image of God the Father. In order to understand God the Father, we must seek to understand Jesus. John 1:18 (2)
To see Christ is to see the Father. John 12:45 (202)
Those who claim they love God but are unsure as to Jesus’ status, need to understand that we cannot understand the Father without accepting his Son. John 14:9 (227)
Imitating Jesus
Jesus calls us to become more like Him. John 13:2-15 (224)
Jesus tells us to imitate Him in loving one another, so that we may become more like him. John 13:34-35 (226); 15:12 (229); Matthew 16:24 (124)
Christ-like obedience is the way to a Christ-like enjoyment of divine love, and the way to have our joy made complete. John 15:9-11 (229)
Jesus is our Teacher. We should be his pupils. He is our Master. We should be his disciples. Luke 6:40 (69)
Incarnation
The Holy Spirit impregnated a young Jewish virgin named Mary. That baby was thus fully God and fully Human. He was God among us – God in flesh. This act is referred to as the “incarnation”. Matthew 1:18-25 (9)
The full story of Jesus’ birth can be found in Luke 1-2 (1-20)
John sought to make us understand that though Jesus was born a Jew from a human mother, he pre-existed that human body. The Son of God has always existed, though he may have incarnated into human form at a particular temporal moment. John 1:1-18 (2)
In Christ
Jesus describes himself as the vine and us as the branches. We must get our strength and support from him. Cut off from him we will become brittle and die. Connected to him we can produce good fruit. We cannot produce good works on our own, so we cannot hope to please him merely with our good works. We must first establish a relationship with him. This relationship will then allow us to produce the good works. John 15:1-10 (229)
Infertility
Elizabeth was unable to conceive her whole life but God was able to overcome her infertility. Luke 1:5-25 (3)
Influence
Our influence should be used to preserve truth, justice and morality in the world. It should be used to enlighten mankind as to how that is only possible through Christ. Matthew 5:13-16 (55)
We all influence someone – whether for good or ill. We bear personal responsibility to make sure that we do not cause others to go in the wrong direction. Matthew 18:6-7 (129-130)
Inherited sin
Due to inherited sin, our hearts are dark, twisted and defiled. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Our good works are not enough to overcome the curse of inherited sin. Matthew 7:21-23 (74)
The only solution is to convert – to be adopted into God’s family. Matthew 18:3 (129)
We need to become like children. It is not that they are sinless but that they are held unaccountable for their sin. That can only occur when we ask that Jesus’ payment for sin be made to our account. Matthew 19:14 (187)
Integrity
Jesus stated that Philip was a man of complete integrity. John 1:35-51 (26)
Intercession
Intercession is a particular form of prayer in which a person intervenes on another’s behalf with God. Jesus gave us a wonderful example of intercessory prayer in John 17. (233)
Jesus, deity of
There are some who will say that Jesus was simply a great teacher – that he never personally claimed to be God. But the eyewitnesses of his day knew exactly what he was saying. Like today some accepted it and some did not. John 5:18 (45)
Jesus claimed to exist long before his incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth. The Jews understood that he was claiming divinity and sought to stone him for it. John 8:58-59 (145)
Jesus existed before anything else. He was God. He created all things. He is the source of life and light. He is the only begotten of the Father, simultaneously fully God and fully man. John 1:1-3, 14 (2)
Christians believe in a Trinity. The Trinity is three fully separate persons who, together, form a unified God. John expresses it as Jesus was both God and with God. John 1:1-3 (2)
The God the Son has seen God the Father and wants to reveal him to us. Just as the Father is the source of life, so is the Son. John 6:46, 57 (113)
When he claimed to be the Son of God, they again tried to stone him. Jesus, then and today, asks that we examine his works and determine whether or not his claim is true. John 10:22-39 (167)
Here Jesus claims to not only be one with God the Father but also with the Holy Spirit. Then, astonishingly, he invites us into that amazing relationship. John 14:9-28 (228)
Jesus, glory of
Jesus here revealed his true nature to Peter, James and John. This is what he will look like when he returns. Matthew 17:2 (125); Mark 9:2-3 (125)
The Father glorifies the Son and the Son glorifies the Father. In order to please the Father we too must glorify the Son. John 17:1, 5, 24 (233)
Jesus, humanity of
Like us, Jesus could also be tempted with fulfilling the desires of the body, with self-glorification (pride), or with power. Unlike us, he never succumbed to these temptations. Matthew 4:3-11 (23); Luke 4:3-13 (23)
Jesus body was subject to exhaustion. John 4:6 (31)
He could be thirsty. John 4:7 (31)
Jesus voluntarily limited even his knowledge. Mark 13:32 (217)
He too knew grief. He was afraid of his fate and asked if it were possible to escape it. However, he submitted to the will of his Father. Matthew 26:38-39 (234); Mark 14:33-35 (234); Luke 22:42-44 (234)
Jesus, King
He was a king at birth even though he was not recognized as such. Matthew 2:2 (15); John 1:10-11 (2)
Jesus admitted his kingship to Pilate. Matthew 27:11 (244); Mark 15:2 (244); Luke 23:3 (244)
The origins of Jesus’ authority do not come from a human dynasty. It is otherworldly, spiritual in nature. John 18:36 (244)
He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18-20 (272)
Jesus, power of
He was able to walk on water. Matthew 14:25 (11); Mark 6:48 (111); John 6:19 (111)
He was able to cast out demons. Mark 3:22 (82)
Demons had to ask his permission to do anything. Mark 5:11-13 (103)
People were healed by simply touching his clothes with faith. Mark 5:25-29 (106)
He was able to see his disciple’s difficulties while miles away. Mark 6:48 (111); John 6:19 (111)
He possessed the power of God. Luke 5:17 (42)
He was acutely aware of forces we are completely incapable of even perceiving. Luke 8:46 (106)
He was able to read the thoughts and motivations of men. John 2:23-25 (28)
Jesus, prayer habits of
Jesus liked to go alone into the mountains to pray in the evening. Matthew 14:23 (111); Mark 6:46 (111)
Jesus, purpose of
Jesus was completely focused on his purpose, which was to be the atoning sacrifice that would pay the penalty of our sins and make a right relationship with God possible. Luke 13:32 (169); 4:43 (41); 9:22 (124)
Jesus, sacrifice of
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and offer his life as a sacrifice in payment for our sins. Matthew 20:28 (191)
His blood was poured out for the forgiveness of the sins of mankind. Matthew 26:28
Jesus, second coming of
There will be a period of tribulation, followed by terrifying signs. Immediately after those signs, Jesus will return with his angels to gather the elect to himself. Matthew 24:29-31 (216); Mark 13:24-27 (216)
The days preceding his return will be marked by an almost total focus on self-gratification. His appearance will be sudden and unexpected, but not secret. Everyone will know what happened. Luke 17:22-37 (184)
Joy
Discovering the message of salvation and the hope that comes because of it should be a great source of joy. Any sacrifice made to make it ours is nothing compared to that joy. Matthew 13:44 (94)
When we put our resources to work for God, we can live in expectation of our Master’s joy and reward. Matthew 25:21-23 (219)
Persecution should be a source of joy for the Christian because it is indicative of our acceptance as one of his. Luke 6:23 (53)
The world will tell you that joy comes from happy circumstances. Jesus says joy comes as a result of a humble, repentant and faithful heart. Matthew 5:1-12 (52-53)
God takes great pleasure, achieves a joyful state, when a sinner is reconciled to him. Luke 15 (174-176)
Jesus says we will be blessed if we follow his example and humbly serve each other. John 13:1-17 (224)
Judah
The lands of the tribe of Judah were singularly honored by having the Messiah born in the city of Bethlehem. Matthew 1:2-6 (Ancestry)
Judging others
We dare not look at the victims of tragedy and assume that they are under the judgment of God. We must first look to our own sin. Luke 13:3-5 (159)
God the Father has delegated all responsibilities of judgment to the Son. Therefore, when we appear before the Judgment Seat it will be Jesus sitting on that throne. John 5:22 (45)
Before we exercise discerning judgment on others, we must first look to our own sin. Doing so will allow us to practice compassionate discernment without condemnation. John 8:7 (142)
Judgment
We are allowed to judge – so long as we are willing to live by the same standard. To do otherwise would be the height of hypocrisy. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
There will come a day when believers will be part of a governmental system that will sit in judgment of the earth. Matthew 19:28 (188); Luke 22:30 (225)
Judgment Day
Someday Christ will return. When he does it will not be as the meek Lamb but as the King of the universe – the Judge of mankind. We need to be prepared for that day. Matthew 25:31-46 (220); John 5:22 (45)
On that day we will be held accountable for the truth we have heard. John 12:48 (202)
Justice, between men
God is more concerned with justice than he is with ritualistic worship. Matthew 23:23 (218)
We should not judge merely by outward appearance. We are to judge righteously. John 7:24 (138)
Justification
Justification (being held unaccountable for our sins) comes when we humbly confess our sins and repent of them (attempt to change our ways). Luke 18:13-14 (186)
King
Jesus is the King meant to rule not only the house of Israel, but the whole world forever. Luke 1:32-33 (4)
Kingdom, Christ’s
The church universal is Christ’s kingdom. Matthew 16:18-19 (123)
To become a citizen of that kingdom we must repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:14-15 (35); Matthew 4:17 (35)
The kingdom came into being within the life spans of the apostles. Mark 9:1 (124)
Christ’s kingdom is thus otherworldly. Though in the world it is not of the world. John 18:36 (244)
In the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount, commonly called the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us principles of Kingdom citizenship. Matthew 5:3-10 (53)
The Kingdom is described as God’s work that the devil is futilely trying to sabotage. Matthew 13:24 (90)
The Kingdom is marked by a singular focus on justice and restoration. Luke 3:4-6 (21)
Contrary to popular American belief, entering the Kingdom takes great devotion and energy. Luke 16:16 (177)
Discipleship requires a willingness to drop everything else in order to place Christ first in our lives. Matthew 4:20 (38); Mark 1:16-17 (38)
It requires a willingness to forego pursuit of material wealth and physical comfort. Matthew 8:20 (137); Mark 10:21 (188)
It requires a willingness to take whatever God brings our way. It requires a willingness to bear some of the world’s sufferings. Matthew 16:24 (124); Mark 8:34 (124)
This willingness to take up Christ’s cross must be maintained on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 (124)
It requires a willingness to publicly make a stand for Christ and tell others about him. Matthew 28:19 (272); John 1:40-46 (26)
Jesus must even come before our loved ones. Compared to our love for him, all other loves should be like hate. Luke 14:25-27 (173)
We need to carefully consider the cost before deciding to be his disciple. Luke 14:28-34 (173)
The Pharisees misunderstood the nature of the Kingdom. They were looking for something external, political, or militaristic. Jesus echoed God’s oft’ repeated exhortation to “circumcise our hearts” or that he would rather rule our hearts. Luke 17:20-21 (184)
Knowledge
Many like to know things to demonstrate their knowledge to others. But When we long to know what true righteousness and holiness is, not just knowledge for knowledge sake but knowledge for change sake, God will certainly fulfill that desire. Matthew 5:6 (53)
An appreciation of truth is liberating. John 8:32 (145)
Lazarus
Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who died of an illness. Jesus waited until he was dead and several days in the ground before resurrecting him. We may think we have problems that are too far gone for any hope to exist but there is no such state for those who follow Christ. John 11:1-44 (181-182)
A poor beggar named Lazarus was mentioned in this story that gives us insight into what life after death was like before Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
Laziness
In the parable of the talents, Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
Leader
Leadership in the Kingdom comes as a result of a willingness to humbly serve others. Matthew 20:25-28 (191)
All authority resides in Jesus Christ. Any authority here on earth is delegated from his. To gain authority properly, we must have his calling on our lives. Matthew 28:18-20 (272)
Leadership comes by considering ourselves to be the least of all others. Placing other’s lives and needs ahead of our own transforms us into true leaders. Mark 9:35 (129)
Ministry comes from a devotion to Christ and a willingness to care for his sheep. John 21:15-17 (268)
Light/Darkness
Christians are supposed to be lights in a dark world. Matthew 5:14 (55)
We are called the sons of Light. Luke 16:8 (177)
Jesus is called the Light that came into the world, enlightening every man. John 1:4-9 (2); 8:12 (143)
Men reject the Light because they love their evil deeds. John 3:19 (29)
They are afraid the Light will expose their deeds. John 3:20 (29)
Practicing truth (not merely hearing and admitting it) is how one comes to the Light. John 3:21 (29)
We must believe in the Light so that we can become children of the Light. John 12:35-36 (201)
Loneliness
Jesus will be with us to the very end of the ages. Matthew 28:20 (272)
Jesus invites us to a perfect relationship with the Trinity. John 17:20-23 (233)
Lord’s Supper
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
This supper was part of the Passover celebration. When he said that the wine was his blood and the bread his body, the Jewish disciples understood the symbolism. Mark 14:22-25 (225)
Here Jesus claimed to be the living bread. The symbolism was understood. No one thought he was declaring himself to be a loaf. John 6:51-56 (113)
The Lord’s Supper is a ritual we use to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Luke 22:14-20 (225)
Here is a time when Jesus literally prepared a supper for his disciples. John 21:13 (267)
Love, for God
Our love for God must be so passionate that even our familial love should seem like hate in comparison. He must come before family. Luke 14:26 (173)
Any ministry that we may have must be firmly grounded in our love for God. John 21:15-17(216)
Love, of brethren
We should love the brethren, but our love should go far beyond and reach out even to our enemies. Matthew 5:47-48 (62)
We should love the brethren, not because we feel like it, but because Jesus commanded it. John 13:34-35 (226)
Love entails laying down one’s life for another. We should demonstrate our love by sharing our time and resources with each other. John 15:12-17 (229)
Love, lack of
A lack of love for brothers and sisters in Christ could indicate that we are not actually one of Christ’s disciples. John 13:35 (226)
It is obvious that we lack love for God when we fail to do what he says. John 15:10, 12, 14, 17 (229)
Love, obedience required
Love obeys. Even a parent knows that. We demonstrate our love by obeying Christ’s commands. John 14:15, 21-24, 31(228)
Love, importance of
Loving God and loving our neighbor is the greatest command. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
Love is must be demonstrated to all – even our enemies. We should treat everyone the same way we would personally like to be treated. Luke 6:27-28, 31-33 (62)
In loving our neighbor as ourselves it is important to know who that is. Jesus said it was whoever comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Love, service entailed
By washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus modeled for us, showing us how we must love one another. John 13:14-15 (224)
Jesus commands us to love others in the manner in which he loved us – sacrificially serving. John 13:34 (226)
We should not seek honor and prestige, but like Jesus be ready to serve others. Matthew 20:26-28 (191)
Attending to the needs of others is serving Christ. Matthew 25:34-40 (220)
We should follow the golden rule in extending our love and service. Matthew 7:12 (71)
We will find we are truly living when we serve others. Matthew 10:39 (98)
We must love our enemies and those who are persecuting us. To serve them means to determine what they really need and do it for them. That may mean discounting their sins or it may mean correcting or rebuking them. But whatever it entails it must be done for their good. Matthew 5:43-48 (62)
Love, of God
Jesus calls us to love God above all else. He summarized the Law as being founded on this principle. Matthew 22:37-39 (211)
To love Jesus is to obey his teaching. John 14:23-24 (228)
Lying, deceit
Lying indicates a defiled heart. Matthew 15:18-20 (115)
When we lie we demonstrate that we are still under the influence of the devil. We are doing his work for him. John 8:44 (145)
Marriage
Both husbands and wives must quickly pursue peace when trouble arises. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
A home divided against itself due to conflict will soon fail. Matthew 12:25 (82)
The couple becomes inextricably entwined upon marriage. They are one. The needs of one become the imperatives of the other. This is remarkable since the Scriptures compare this relationship to that of the church and Christ. Mark 10:8 (134)
Martyr
When we are persecuted, even if it ultimately leads to martyrdom, we can place our hope in the resurrection. They cannot truly destroy us. Luke 21:12-18 (216)
Materialism
Our relationship with God should be what we value most. Matthew 5:3-12 (53)
Any hunger for material things will only lead to dissatisfaction. True satisfaction, true satiation will only come to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Luke 6:20-22 (53)
Meekness
Gentleness (or meekness) is its own reward. Matthew 5:5 (53)
Jesus is the ultimate example of meekness. Imitating him will result in inner peace. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Mercy
The merciful will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 (53)
The practice of justice, mercy and faithfulness are what God really wants. Matthew 23:23 (218)
We should imitate our merciful Father. Luke 6:36 (62)
Mercy should be extended to whoever comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
The prodigal son’s father showed unmerited mercy toward his rebellious son. Luke 15:20 (176)
Messiah
Jesus claimed to be not just a great teacher but the Christ. Matthew 16:20 (123)
From his birth, there were indications of who he would become. Luke 2:25, 32 (12)
He gave Peter James and John a preview of what he would look like when he returned from heaven. Matthew 17:2 (125)
Even the people of his day understood who he was – they called him the Son of David, the one who would ultimately reign. Matthew 20:30 (192)
Bartimaeus also called him the Son of David. Mark 10:47 (193); Luke 18:38 (193)
Because he was the Messiah, Jesus was very conscious of following God’s timing. Mark 8:27-30 (123)
These people were claiming he was the Messiah though they would turn on him in a few short days. Mark 11:8-10 (198)
Even his own disciples did not fully grasp his nature. Luke 18:34 (190)
Jesus tried to tell them that he was the Lord. Luke 20:41-44 (212); Mark 12:35-37 (212)
The disciples had moments when they believed but their lack of faith kept them from staying with that knowledge. John 1:45-49 (26)
Jesus is the only way into heaven. He is the door. He is our only protection. He is the Good Shepherd. John 10:1-15 (166)
John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. Luke 3:4-6 (21)
Miracles
We should seek Christ – not his gifts. Though Jesus performed miracles on a regular basis, he was offended by those who sought miracles rather than a relationship with him. Mark 8:12 (120)
The ultimate miracle was when Jesus resurrected from the dead. He referred to it as “the sign of Jonah” because as Jonah was three days in the belly of the fish, so he would be three days in the earth. Luke 11:29 (84)
Miracles, purpose
The purpose of miracles was to confirm that what was being said came from God. Mark 16:20 (272)
Jesus’ miracles (which even his worst enemies did not dispute) confirmed that he was telling the truth. John 5:36 (46)
Jesus performed even more miracles than were actually recorded. The ones that were recorded were selected to demonstrate that he was the Son of God. John 20:30-31 (267)
Money
Money is nice, but it cannot ultimately be our security. Matthew 6:19-34 (67-68)
Moses
Moses (whom God declared to be the greatest prophet) put his seal of approval on the Messiah’s atoning work. Matthew 17:1-13 (125)
Murder
If we don’t get our heart right, there is no depth to which we cannot descend. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Natural disasters
When sickness befalls us, we have a Great Physician who can, if he wills, heal us. Luke 4:39 (40)
Not all natural disasters are a judgment from God. Luke 13:3-5 (159)
Needs, spiritual
Our righteousness must exceed the greatest human standards in order to enter into heaven. The only way that will ever happen is if Jesus’ righteousness is counted as ours. Matthew 5:20 (56)
Neighbor
We must love our neighbor and care for him as we care for ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
Our neighbor is everyone who comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Not…but
It is not we who speak but the Spirit who speaks within us. Matthew 10:20 (98)
It is not a child but Christ. Mark 9:37 (129)
Not earthly and temporary but heavenly and eternal. John 6:27 (113)
Not Jesus but the Father. John 12:44 (202)
Obedience
We must obey the Master’s command to love one another. John 13:34-35 (226)
It is not the “letter of the law” but the “spirit of the law” that we must obey. Mark 2:23-27 (47)
We must seek to make God’s will be followed on earth the same way it is obeyed in heaven by the angels – absolutely and without question or hesitation. Matthew 6:10 (65)
Jesus requires obedience. John 14:15, 21-24 (228)
Keeping the commandments of Jesus brings joy and relationship. John 15:10-17 (229)
Staying on the straight and narrow leads to life. The easy way that most people take leads to spiritual death. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Not all who call Jesus “Lord” actually make him their Lord in truth. Matthew 7:21-27 (74-75); Luke 6:46 (75)
It is foolish to claim to be a Christian but not actually obey his tenets. Your life will come to a terrible end if you do so. Matthew 7:24-27 (75)
Listen to God’s Word and do what it says. Luke 11:28 (83)
The greatest command to obey is to love God and to love our neighbor. Obeying this principle will make all other commands easier to obey. Matthew 22:36-39 (211)
Occult
Even though the magi were followers of the occult, because they were seekers of truth only following what they knew, God took pity on them and enlightened them. Matthew 2:1-2 (9, 15)
Offerings
Our offerings to Christ are an act of worship. Even if they may not be understood or appreciated by others, Christ appreciates them. Matthew 26:6-13 (196)
Oil
Oil was routinely used to anoint people in order to affect their healing. Mark 6:13 (98)
Overcoming evil
Seek to communicate privately with the person who has wronged you. Matthew 18:5 (129)
If you can’t get the matter settled and you can’t let it go, take one or two with you. Matthew 18:16 (132)
If that doesn’t work and you feel it must be dealt with, take it to the church congregation. Matthew 18:17 (132)
Truly love you enemies and seek to do what’s in their best interest. Matthew 5:43-47 (62)
Be willing to turn the other cheek, especially to religious persecution. Matthew 5:38-42 (61)
Overcoming sin
Truthfulness and submission to the truth is liberating. John 8:32 (145)
By nature we are all slaves to sin, but Jesus sets us free. John 8:34-36 (145)
Parables
Jesus used parables in order to control who understood what truth. Matthew 13:11-13 (87); Mark 4:10-12 (87), 21-25 (88)
Jesus’ parents made the mistake of assuming His whereabouts. This did not mean they were uncaring but simply inexperienced. Luke 2:44 (19)
To follow Jesus’ example children must be continuously subject to their parents. Luke 2:51 (20)
We should be trying to bring our children to Christ so that his presence can bless them. Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17 (187)
We should imitate Christ in this matter. We too should periodically take our children in our arms, place our hands on their heads and bless them in prayer. Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17 (187)
We should not be like the blind man’s parents who would not stand up with him against the unfair persecution of the religious elite. They chose their social standing over their own son. John 9:1-34 (164)
We should seek the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our children. Mark 9:14-29 (126); Matthew 17:14-21 (126); Luke 9:37-43a (126); Mark 7:24-30 (116); Matthew 15:21-28 (116)
Partiality (favoritism)
The Jews’ racism had kept the Samaritan woman from a right relationship from God. Jesus’ willingness to transcend racial, cultural, moral and sexual barriers brought her into the Kingdom. John 4:9 (31)
We should not only extend help and love to those who are similar to us or who even like us. We should be like the Christ who was willing to die for all of humanity. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Passover
Jesus followed many of the Jewish feasts. The Lord’s Supper is actually Jesus’ adaptation of the Jewish Passover. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
The Passover was a full meal. Jesus used the symbols of the bread and wine to teach a valuable lesson about our total dependence on him. Mark 14:22-24 (225)
Another name for the Passover is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. A considerable amount of preparation was involved including, setting aside a special room, with sufficient accommodations for the Lord and his disciples and having sufficient provisions for the meal. Luke 22:1 (221), 8-20 (223, 225)
Peace
There is a special blessing for those who seek to create peace. Matthew 5:9 (53)
Christ gives inner peace and rest to all who come to him in faith. Matthew 11:28-30 (101); John 14:27 (228)
Repentance of sin brings peace with God. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
Persecution
Those who rebel to God will certainly hate those who have allied themselves with him. John 15:18-21 (230)
Do good to and pray for those who persecute you. Love your enemies. Matthew 5:38-45 (61-62)
In dealing with your persecutors be both wise yet innocent of guile. Matthew 10:16 (98)
When you are persecuted rely on God to lead you. Matthew 10:17-20 (98)
Some will not be able to take the persecution and will fall away. That is to be expected. Just don’t be one of them. Matthew 13:1-9 (86), 18-23 (87)
Rejoice if you are persecuted for righteousness’ sake because there is a wonderful reward waiting for you. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
Practice spiritual jiu-jitsu. Overcome by yielding. Luke 6:29-30 (62)
Jesus warned us that joining him would temporarily make us lambs amongst the wolves. Luke 10:3 (146)
We need to keep in mind that, due to the resurrection, ultimately our persecutors can do us no harm. Luke 21:18 (216)
Perspective, human
We are only as wise as our perspective in life. If we are unable to see things from God’s perspective our minds are truly dark. We must decide whether our metaphysical outlook is earthly or heavenly. It cannot be both. Matthew 6:22-24 (67)
Peter
Peter was a hard-working man who already had a successful family business when Jesus found him. He was willing to leave it all behind for the Master. Matthew 4:18-22 (38)
Peter struggled with self-reliant pride and it ended up being his downfall. Matthew 26:31-75 (226, 234-235, 237, 239-241)
Jesus was willing to restore Peter to favor, once Peter was willing to humble himself and acknowledge that he couldn’t fully love Christ as Christ loved him. In this passage the Master is asking “do you ‘agape’ me” and Peter is responding “I ‘phileo’ you”. John 21 (267-268)
Pharisees
The Pharisees were always testing Christ, seeking to bend him to their standards and desires. Because of this Jesus referred to them as an “evil and adulterous generation. Matthew 16:1-4 (120)
They had memorized whole passages of Scripture but were incapable of understanding it true meaning, power for change or how to apply it properly. Matthew 22:15-45 (209-212)
Jesus warned them of the consequences of their pride. Matthew 23 (214, 218); Luke 11:37-54 (153)
They put their traditions before the Scriptures. They were the kind that always have the knee-jerk response “but we’ve always done it that way!” Mark 7:1-23 (115)
God resists the proud but draws near to the humble. The proud religious man walked away unforgiven. The humble and contrite sinner received grace. Luke 18:9-14 (186)
Poor
We must make the care of the poor a priority in our lives. Mark 10:21 (188)
While working to eliminate poverty, we must keep in mind that it is ultimately an impossible task. Until the King returns to take over we will never find a perfect solution. We just keep working at it. Mark 14:7 (196)
The rich man and Lazarus’ afterlife assignments were not based on their socio-economic status but on where they placed their trust. Abraham said that a person who will not trust the Scriptures will not listen even to a resurrected man. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
We need to love and care for the poor, but we need to make Jesus the object of our desire and worship. John 12:8 (196)
Power, God’s
We are weak and completely incapable on our own. However, when totally dependent on God, we are capable of even amazing miracles. Mark 11:22-24 (204)
Power, of words
Our words are capable of great good (Martin Luther King Jr.) or great harm (Adolph Hitler). We will be held accountable for them. Matthew 5:22 (57)
Every careless word will be required of us on Judgment Day. Matthew 12:36-37 (83)
Power, over others
A little lie can go a long way. We need to get it right so that our influence over others is not like the “yeast” of the Pharisees. Matthew 16:11-12 (121)
The yeast of the Pharisees was the belief that their personal religiosity was sufficient. The yeast of the Herodians was the belief that personal power and authority was sufficient. Both views are equally pernicious. Mark 8:15 (121)
Those beliefs can be so subtly hidden or camouflaged that people don’t know what they’re getting into. We must constantly “test the spirits” which means determine the motivations behind the actions or words. Luke 11:44 (153)
Power, spiritual
Complete, absolute, unadulterated, unfailing and unblinking trust in God’s Word and power can render us nearly invincible. Matthew 21:21 (199)
Prayer
The Lord’s prayer is our model. Not necessarily something to be repeated verbatim, but used as an example. Matthew 6:9-13 (65)
Pray to God the Father
Worship him.
Ask for your part in building his kingdom
Make your request for what you need today
Ask for forgiveness of your sins
Ask for strength to overcome sin in the future
Finish with praise
We should trust God’s heart. He will give us what we need. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
We should take our burdens to Christ. He is gentle and humble and will surely give us help. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Though solitary prayer is important and powerful, there is something special about praying with another Christian. Matthew 18:19-20 (132)
The key to prayer is absolute faith and trust in God. Matthew 21:21-22 (199)
The way to not succumb to temptation is to be persistent and disciplined in our prayer life. Mark 14:38 (234)
We should find time for personal, solitary prayer. Luke 5:16 (76)
We should be persistent in our prayers. If even a sinful human can be influenced by persistent requests, how much more will our loving heavenly Father? Luke 11:5-13 (151)
It is easy to become discouraged when the answer to our prayer is delayed. We must maintain our faith in a just Judge who will certainly do what is right at the absolutely correct time. Luke 18:1 (185)
We must not rely on our own strength to “turn over a new leaf.” We need to pray and ask God to help us not succumb to temptation. Luke 22:40 (234)
We need to pray in Jesus’ name. The Father will answer our prayers when he knows that the requests are in Jesus’ name and for his sake. John 14:13-14 (227)
Our prayers must be empowered by a life that is based on and submitted to God’s Word. John 15:7 (229)
Preachers
John the Baptist’s preaching power certainly did not come from his stage presence but from the truth and passion of his words. Matthew 3:4 (21)
John the Baptist did not use his ministry to build a lavish personal lifestyle. He remained focused on his mission. Mark 1:6 (21)
Preacher, support of
Those who lead others in building the kingdom of God are worthy of being financially supported. However, they should not be focused on their personal advancement. Luke 10:4-7 (146)
Preaching
Jesus used parables (earthly stories with heavenly meanings). Matthew 13:3-23 (86-87)
We have been given real authority to speak on God’s behalf. Matthew 16:19 (123)
When we tell stories or use illustrations, we should make sure that our application is clear in the minds of our audience. Mark 4:13-20 (87)
Jesus’ preaching ministry was firmly grounded on the Scriptures. Luke 4:15-20 (23, 36)
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be the core of our message. Luke 24:47 (265)
Prejudice
Being from Nazareth was like being from the wrong side of the tracks. Jesus knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of people’s prejudice. Matthew 2:23 (18)
Jesus extended mercy toward the Samaritans but that acceptance was not reciprocated. Not everyone will love you for your good deeds. Luke 9:53 (136)
The Jews could not believe that God would judge them. They felt their privileged status as God’s people would protect them. They were wrong. We had better not make the same mistake. Luke 20:16 (207)
Jesus’ grace transcended racial, cultural, moral and sexual barriers. John 4:9 (31)
Pride
We should not seek to place ourselves in preeminent positions. We need to wait for them to be bestowed upon us at the appropriate time by the Master. Luke 14:7-11 (171)
The Prodigal Son’s older brother was proud of his good behavior. But meanwhile he was angry, bitter, vengeful and incapable of mercy. Luke 15:25-32 (176)
When we serve God and do what others may think of a great works, we need to maintain a humble attitude. We are still “unworthy slaves” because we have only done what we should have. Luke 17:7-10 (179)
The Jews took such great pride in their rules and regulations that they forgot the point – righteousness, justice and mercy. It went so far that they persecuted the one the rules and regulations were meant to glorify. John 5:16 (45)
Priorities
Our first priority must be the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Jesus must come before family. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
Jesus must come before our own lives. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Serving others must come before the accumulation of wealth. Matthew 19:21 (188)
Worshipping and learning from Jesus must come before good works. Luke 10:38-41 (150)
The care of our souls must come before the care of our bodies. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Heeding God’s call must come before the cares of life. Luke 14:18-20 (172)
Trust in God must come before trust in wealth, power or circumstances. Luke 18:22-30 (188)
The spiritual must come before the fleshly. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Our relationship with Jesus must come before social work. John 12:8 (196)
Promises, keeping
We must not make oaths on anything. We should simply keep our word. Matthew 5:34-37 (60)
Making oaths on the Bible as if that were more binding than making an oath before God Almighty is simply foolish. Matthew 23:16-22 (218)
If we have promised something to someone we must make every possible attempt to keep our word – just like we’d hope they’d do for us. Matthew 7:12 (71)
Prompt obedience
We need to obey today, while we have the opportunity. We cannot be sure of tomorrow. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Prophecy
Here Jesus predicted his status as the atoning lamb of the world. Mark 2:10 (42)
It was prophesied that Elijah would return before the Messiah. This was fulfilled by the spirit of John the Baptist as well as by the even on the Mount of Transfiguration. It will be again fulfilled during the End of Days by the two witnesses. Matthew 17:10 (125)
The prophecies of the ancient prophets regarding the coming of the Messiah were all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1 (Ancestry); Luke 3:4-6 (21); 19:41-44 (200)
Jesus wanted us to understand prophecy. It was not meant to be obscure. Matthew 24:15 (216)
Jesus made a long and detailed prediction of what would signal (1) the destruction of the Temple, (2) his return and (3) the end of time. Mark 13:5-25 (216)
The disciples were at first incapable of understanding Jesus’ predictions. We must humbly admit our thick-headedness and not rely on our own understanding but wait for the Holy Spirit to teach us. Luke 18:34 (190)
Understanding prophecy will not come simply because we have studied. Its meaning must be revealed to us by the Lord. Luke 24:45 (265)
Prophets
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was sent by God to prepare people for and lead people to the Christ. John 1:6 (2)
Just because a person claims to be a prophet doesn’t make it so. Examine their lives carefully before listening to those who claim to speak on God’s behalf. Matthew 7:15-16 (73)
Providence of God
God cares for the birds and the flowers and will certainly care for his own. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Jesus offers rest. He offers meaning and purpose. He offers guidance. Matthew 10:29-30 (98)
Punishment
The worst punishment will be meted out to those who stubbornly refuse to heed the Spirit’s promptings to place their trust in the finished work of Christ and thus receive God’s forgiveness. Matthew 12:31-32 (83)
Quiet time
The purpose of personal devotions or “quiet time” is to get our perspective on life corrected to match God’s. Matthew 6:23 (67)
Rebuke, examples
John the Baptist rebuked the Pharisees for seeking baptism without truly repenting of their sins first. Matthew 3:2-10 (21)
John the Baptist rebuked the king for marrying his brother’s wife. Matthew 14:1-11 (109)
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for twisting the Law so that they could escape their filial duties. Matthew 15:1-14 (115)
Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not grasping the true power of the Scriptures. Matthew 22:23-33 (210)
Jesus rebuked the self-proclaimed spiritual elite for their hypocrisy and pride. Matthew 23 (218, 214)
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their pride of place and race. John 8:31-47, 55 (145)
Jesus rebuked his disciples for their ignorance and lack of faith. Matthew 17:17 (126)
Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for his lack of understanding of the Scriptures. John 3:10 (29)
Because Jesus was so honest in his evaluation and courageous in his confrontation of evil, the world hated him. If we imitate him in this matter, we too will be hated. John 7:7 (135)
Rebuke, heeding
When God rebukes our conscience we must immediately deal with it or our worship will be useless. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
Heeding constructive criticism will maintain our relationship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Not heeding the rebuke of the Word demonstrates that darkness is still in our hearts. John 3:19-21 (29)
Reconciliation
Reconciliation cannot take place until sin is properly dealt with. Matthew 5:23-26 (57)
Rejecting God’s will
We must not place human traditions or our own will before God’s will. Mark 7:7-13 (115)
Rather than admit their mistake, the Pharisees’ pride drove them to reject God’s will. Luke 7:30 (99)
When we listen to the teaching of the apostles we are listening to Christ. When we fail to listen to the apostles we refuse to listen to Christ. Luke 10:16 (146)
Repentance
Jesus calls needy sinners to repentance. Luke 5:27-32 (43)
Repentance will lead to salvation. Matthew 4:17 (35)
Repentance must be from the heart, genuine. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
There is joy in heaven when one sinner repents. Luke 15:7 (174)
Jesus judged those who refused to repent. Matthew 11:20-24 (100)
An adulterous woman repented, turned to Christ and was forgiven. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
Those who mourn on account of their sin will be blessed. Matthew 5:4 (53)
Repentance of sin is the means by which we receive eternal life. To refuse to repent is to perish. Luke 13:3, 5 (159)
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be the core of our message. Luke 24:47 (265)
If at first we have disobeyed God, there is yet hope if we will only change our minds and subsequently obey. Matthew 21:28-32 (206)
Respect, of God
Where Jesus’ host had not respectfully greeted him, Mary gave him her very best. Her respect resulted in the forgiveness of her sins. John 12:3 (196)
Respect, of parents
Though we should respect and care for our parents, we must respect the Master more. Matthew 8:22 (137)
We should honor our parents. But if they seek to turn us from doing the will of God, the Master must come first. Matthew 12:46-50 (85); Mark 3:31-35 (85)
Jesus was not being rude in calling his mother “Woman.” It was also how he referred to her as he hung on the cross and made sure she was being cared for. Notice however that God’s timing came before hers in Jesus’ mind. John 2:4 (27)
Restitution
When we realize we have done wrong we must not only admit it but do something about it. We must make restitution. Matthew 21:28-31 (206)
It was when Zacchaeus understood this principle that Jesus declared that salvation had come to his home. Luke 19:8-9 (194)
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is the only “religious founder” who claims to have actually gained power over death itself. All others lie in their graves like the rest of us. Luke 24:5-6 (258)
Christ’s resurrection was predicted in the Scriptures. Luke 24:44-46 (265)
Thomas was undoubtedly a man of reason who relied on his senses like most today. But he was rebuked for only believing when he was forced to. John 20:24-31 (265-266)
Resurrection of man
There is life after death. God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – present tense. They are alive and well. Luke 20:27-39 (210)
Though only our spirits go to dwell in heaven at death, there is coming a day when our spirits will be reunited with our bodies. John 6:40-45 (113)
If Jesus had the power to raise himself from the dead, surely we can trust him to be our source of life. John 5:21-29 (45)
Revenge
We must not seek personal vengeance. These things must be left to the Judge of all the Earth. Matthew 5:39 (61)
Riches
Riches will not provide peace. Matthew 6:19-25 (67-68)
We are truly poor if we think that material wealth is all there is. Matthew 19:16-21 (188)
Righteousness
If we seek righteousness above all else, everything else will fall into its proper place. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Sadducees
The Sadducees’ worldly teaching was just as pernicious as the Pharisees’ hyper religious teaching and equally scorned by Jesus. Matthew 16:1-12 (120-121)
They disbelieved in the resurrection. They were focused on the earthly here and now. Because of this they were more interested in twisting people’s words and manipulating the Law than in actually seeking truth. Mark 12:18-23 (210)
Salvation
We are like lost sheep that Jesus came to seek. Luke 15:3-7 (174)
We are like the prodigal son. We need to repent of our ways, return to the Father and confess our sin and need for him. Luke 15:11-24 (176)
By nature we are all in spiritual bondage. We need Christ to set us free. John 8:31-36 (145)
Jesus gave us a summary of the law. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
All who receive Christ by faith are saved. John 1:12 (2)
God gave his only begotten Son so that those who believe in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-16 (29)
Jesus died for his sheep. John 10:11, 14-15 (166)
If we desire to receive eternal life, we must become one of his flock by hearing his voice and following him. John 10:27-28 (167)
Christ died for undeserving sinners. John 1:29 (25)
Matthew (Levi) was saved by grace through faith. Luke 5:27-32 (43)
Zacchaeus was also saved in this manner. Luke 19:9-10 (194)
The penitent woman was saved. Luke 7:48-50 (80)
The Samaritan woman was saved when she accepted the truth about Christ. John 4:1-26 (31)
The thief on the cross was certainly saved by grace, through faith. He could do no works nailed to that cross. He couldn’t get baptized. Yet Jesus promised him paradise. Luke 23:39-43 (249)
We are like the lost coin over which Jesus longs to rejoice when found. Luke 15:8-10 (175)
Jesus is the bread of life, the living water and we must partake of him to gain eternal life. John 6:35; 7:37-38 (113)
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened by their sins to come to him. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
He calls us to enter the narrow gate. Many will not find that small opening because it requires humility. Instead they will choose the broad, easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
He calls us to repentance and faith in the Gospel message. Mark 1:14-15 (35)
The Lord will never turn a sinner away. John 6:37 (113)
When we are saved then we will be able to lead fruitful, productive lives through Jesus’ power. John 15:8 (229)
We need to be willing to pay the cost of discipleship, even if it means that all others hate us. Matthew 10:22 (100)
The fundamental means by which we may attain salvation is belief – faith in the message will lead us to baptism, public confession and then on to even greater signs of inward spiritual growth. Mark 16:16 (272)
Salvation is offered to everyone. Matthew 11:28 (101); Mark 16:15-16 (272); Luke 2:10 (10); 24:47 (265); John 3:16 (29)
Sanctification
To be sanctified means to be set aside for a special purpose. Just as Jesus was sanctified to become our atoning sacrifice, we are to be sanctified in truth. Truth is our purpose, our “raison d’etre.” John 17:17, 19 (233)
Satan
Jesus witnessed Lucifer’s fall. You must remember that this likely occurred before the existence of humanity since Satan was already evil in the Garden of Eden. Luke 10:18 (146)
Satan is the tempter. He will attack us when he thinks we are at our weakest and most vulnerable. He will appeal to our pride. Matthew 4:1-4 (23)
Jesus was accused of being Beelzebul (another Satanic name). Matthew 10:25 (101)
The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness specifically to be tempted by Satan. God can even use Satan for his own purposes. Mark 1:12-13 (23)
When we disobey God or rebel to his will, we are acting like Satan. Mark 8:33 (124)
He will appeal to our senses. He will try to use our appetites against us. Luke 4:3 (23)
Ultimately the Devil is bound to lose. John 12:31 (201)
Satan wants desperately to be worshipped. He wants to be God. Matthew 4:8-9 (23)
If we don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it will not matter what great works we have done. We will still be considered “workers of lawlessness” just like the Devil. Matthew 7:22-23 (74)
The Devil does have some temporary authority here on earth. He has real power. Luke 4:6 (23)
Some people are demonically possessed. Judas Iscariot was possessed by the Devil himself! Luke 22:3 (222); John 13:27 (225)
Second Coming
Jesus made a very long and detailed description of the events leading to his return. Matthew 24-25 (216-220)
No matter how hard life gets, we should comfort ourselves in the knowledge that Jesus is preparing a place for us and soon he will return to take us there. John 14:1-4 (227)
Self-centeredness
Jesus condemned a self-seeking attitude and calls us to humble service. Matthew 10:20-28 (98)
Jesus calls us to self-denial. Luke 9:23-25 (124)
Self-denial
The way of self-denial is difficult for most people to find. The vast majority will follow the broad, well-traveled path of self-indulgence and pride. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Selfishness
We should not seek our own desires but the will of God first and foremost. Matthew 6:33 (68)
Christianity is based on self-denial. To misunderstand what that means is to misunderstand the whole point of discipleship to Christ. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
When we put Christ first it does not matter what it costs us because the Master will be sure to repay us. Mark 10:29-30 (188)
Servant
To lead in the Kingdom, we must become the servant of all. Mark 10:35-45 (191)
Jesus exemplified the servant’s heart and then commanded us to imitate him in this regard. John 13:1-17 (224)
Service
We owe the Master our service. If we fail to put our time, talents and resources to his use we will rightly be rebuked as wicked and lazy servants. Matthew 25:26-27 (219)
If Jesus was willing to serve, how much more should we be willing? John 13:14-15 (224)
Sexual immorality
Looking on a person lustfully is adulterous. Matthew 5:27-28 (58)
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to avoid immorality. Matthew 5:29-30 (58)
Sexual sin is a heart problem. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Jesus can liberate us. John 8:31-36 (145)
Sin
If we admit our sins there is hope. When we fail to admit our sinful condition we are condemned. John 9:41 (165)
The sin against the Holy Spirit, which is refusing his testimony concerning the forgiveness available in Christ is the only sin for which there can be no forgiveness. Matthew 12:31-32 (83); Mark 3:29 (83)
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to be free of sin. Matthew 5:29-30 (58)
Not all disease or natural disaster is the result of sin. John 9:2-3 (164)
Sometimes our sins do produce physical consequences, however. John 5:14 (44)
Singing
Jesus and the disciples sang as part of their worship. Matthew 26:30 (233)
Slavery
We are God’s slaves. We are to do his bidding and serve his people. Matthew 20:26-28 (191); Mark 10:43-45 (191)
Son of God
The church is built on the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:15-18 (123)
Jesus claimed this state himself. Luke 22:70-71 (242)
Jesus is the only “begotten” Son of God. We may be adopted into God’s family but we must keep in mind Jesus’ special status. John 1:18 (2)
Son of Man
Jesus also referred to himself as “the son of man” a Semitic idiom usually meant to indicate humility or selflessness. It is also an allusion to the messianic prophecy found in Daniel 7. Mark 2:10 (42)
Sorrow, when in
We need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s comfort when we are struggling. John 14:16 (228)
Jesus knows all about struggling with grief and sorrow. He understands your pain. Matthew 26:36-46 (234)
Speech
Our speech should be God-centered and God-praising. Matthew 6:9 (65)
Our words reveal the condition of our hearts. God thus may rightly judge us by them. Matthew 12:34-37 (83); Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Our speech should be marked by blessing – not cursing. Luke 6:27-28 (62)
Spirit of God
The Spirit of God is capable of taking on physical form to demonstrate his presence, like the shekina glory in the Old Testament, the tongues of fire in Acts and a dove here. Mark 1:10 (22)
Spiritual priorities
Our spiritual condition is far more important than anything else. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Our discipleship to Christ should be our number one priority. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Death is inevitable. We need to be prepared for its coming. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
The spiritual is far more important than and empowers the fleshly. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Spiritual growth
We will achieve spiritual growth in direct proportion to our willingness to put Christ first. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
We cannot achieve spiritual growth through personal effort alone. Our efforts must be empowered by the Spirit, submitted to the Word, and have pleasing the Master as their purpose. John 15:1-14 (229)
Stealing
We steal because we do not have our hearts submitted to Christ. To avoid stealing externally, we must make sure we are not stealing our inward selves from God. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Stewardship
God has given each of us something to manage for him. We must take care of those resources and try to multiply them in order to please our Master. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
We need to be prepared for the day when the Master will return and will want to know what we did with the resources he gave us. Luke 12:35-48 (157)
We must first be faithful in small things before he will give us bigger things to take care of. Luke 16:10-12 (177)
Suffering
We must be willing to suffer for Christ if need be. Mark 8:34 (124)
Just as Jesus did not seek to be quit of the full brunt of his necessary suffering, so we should not be quick to ask for relief either. We should seek foremost to discover what God wants to teach us through suffering. Mark 15:23 (249)
We are weak and usually quickly succumb to the desires of the flesh. We must seek empowerment through prayer. Matthew 26:41 (234); Mark 14:38 (234); Luke 22:40 (234)
Jesus did not only suffer physically. He suffered from his separation from the Father. Matthew 27:46 (250); Mark 15:34 (250)
Not all suffering is the result of sin. John 9:3 (164)
Even if our circumstances lead to our death, we must first seek to glorify God through them. John 11:4 (181)
Suicide
Judas’ guilt drove him to suicide. Matthew 27:3-5 (243)
Talents
We must seek to improve our talents for his glory. Matthew 25:26-27 (219)
Teaching all of God’s Word
Every word that comes from God is vital to our existence. Matthew 4:4 (23)
Jesus directs us to teach others to observe ALL of his commandments. Matthew 28:20 (272)
Temple
The disciples were impressed by religious architecture. Jesus gave them an attitude adjustment. Matthew 24:2-3 (216)
Temptation
Jesus was tempted by the devil himself. Matthew 4:1-11 (23)
He won every time by relying the Word of God. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (23)
Jesus warns us to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation. Matthew 6:13 (65); 26:41 (234)
We need to maintain pure hearts in the face of temptation so that we can have a relationship with God. Matthew 5:8 (53)
We need to remove sources of temptation from our lives. Matthew 18:8-9 (130)
We need to understand the spiritual battle that rages around us. While being tempted by the Devil and our own sinful desires, we are simultaneously being ministered to by angels. Mark 1:12-13 (23)
The Devil will principally work through doubt. Luke 4:3 (23)
Ten Commandments
Jesus raised the standard but also tried to get us to understand the point of the Ten Commandments. Mark 2:27 (47)
Testing, by God
God will sometimes allow circumstances in our lives to test us – not in order to see if we will fail but in order to demonstrate his grace through our weakness. Matthew 4:1 (23)
Jesus tested the Syrophoenician woman’s humility. Matthew 15:23-26 (116); Mark 7:26-27 (116)
Thankfulness
Though he was God, and thus the source of all creation, Jesus made sure to thank the Father for his food. How much more should we be grateful? Matthew 15:36 (119)
Jesus healed ten leprous men. Only one returned to thank him. Luke 17:12-18 (180)
Trinity
We are to disciple and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:16-20 (269, 272)
Jesus the Son of God claimed equality with Father. He further defined the Holy Spirit as “another helper” equating himself with the Holy Spirit. John 14:9-28 (227-228)
Trust, faith in God
We need to trust that Christ knows what he is doing and that he can calm every storm in our lives. Matthew 8:23-27 (102)
Jesus rebukes a lack of faith. Matthew 14:31 (111)
We need to trust God’s concern for the details of our lives. We need to trust his heart. Matthew 6:25-34 (68); Luke 12:22 (156)
Truth
We should be so known for our honesty that making oaths becomes completely unnecessary. Matthew 5:34-37 (60)
Unbelief
We demonstrate lack of faith when we are constantly asking God to confirm his Word with miraculous works. Matthew 12:39 (84)
A lack of faith will actually limit what God is willing to do in our lives. Mark 6:5-6 (97)
If we cannot believe the “sign of Jonah” (Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection) all other signs are irrelevant. Luke 11:29 (84)
The ultimate work of God is to promote belief in Jesus as his Son. John 6:29 (113)
A lack of faith might be indicative of a lack of salvation. John 10:26 (167)
Understanding God
The older son failed to understand the father’s passion for the return of the younger son. We must understand God the Father’s joy when a single sinner comes back to him. Luke 15:25-32 (176)
To understand the Father you must seek to understand the Son. To accept the Father is to accept the Son. To reject the Son is to reject the Father. John 6:46, 57 (113)
Unity
Jesus’ hope was that we would be united with him in a loving relationship. John 17:20-23 (233)
Values
Here God lists what he values. Matthew 5:3-10 (53)
God values those who teach others to keep his Word. Matthew 5:19 (56)
Vengeance
We should not seek personal vengeance. Instead we should demonstrate the mercy that God demonstrated to us, letting him take care of matters. Matthew 5:21-22, 38ff (57)
We should treat others the way we would want to be treated. If you mess up, would you want others to extract vengeance on you or teach you to do better? Luke 6:27-28, 31-33 (62)
Jesus practiced what he preached. He forgave those who were crucifying him, recognizing their ignorance. Luke 23:34 (249)
Victory, Jesus’ over Satan
Jesus is stronger than Satan. There is no contest. That is why Jesus exorcised so easily and readily. Luke 11:21-22 (82)
Jesus has already overcome the world’s demonic influences. Follow him to victory. John 16:33 (232)
Virgin birth
Jesus was born by a young woman who had never had sex with a man. The Holy Spirit miraculously impregnated her. Matthew 1:18-25 (9)
War, spiritual
Entering the Kingdom requires force. There is a spiritual battle surrounding us, with some forces trying to keep us from entering and others trying to make it possible. Matthew 11:12 (99)
Warnings, calls to repentance and obedience
Sin’s path leads to death. Obedience leads to life. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Only those who listen to and obey the Word of God will have life. Matthew 7:21-27 (74-75)
God will not accept those who try to straddle the fence between worldliness and godliness. Matthew 6:24 (67)
On Judgment Day Jesus will separate true Christians from the unbelievers. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
What good is it to own everything but lose your soul in the process? Matthew 16:26-27 (124)
Always be prepared for Jesus’ coming. Mark 13:32-37 (217); Matthew 25:1-13 (218)
Only those who place their trust in Christ will be saved. John 3:16-18 (29)
Water
The Holy Spirit was described as a never-ending refreshing fountain welling up inside. John 4:10-14 (31)
When we believe Christ, take him at his word and trust him to get us to heaven, a river of peace and righteousness will well up inside us. John 7:37-38 (140)
Wealth
It would be a terrible thing to have material wealth be our only reward. Luke 6:24-26 (54)
Riches did not help this man escape the consequences of not listening to the prophets (the Word of God). Luke 16:19-21 (178)
Wealth can actually be a handicap. Luke 18:25 (188)
Weariness
We must not allow weariness to keep us from praying and relying on God. Luke 18:1 (185)
Will of God
Though Jesus did not want to suffer, he was willing to submit his will to the Father’s. Matthew 26:36-46 (234)
Doing the will of God was so important to the Master that he called it his food. John 4:34 (32)
Just as Jesus understood his purpose in life was to fulfill the Father’s will, so should we make that our single-minded focus. John 6:38 (113)
Wine
Jesus used fermented wine as a positive metaphor for salvation (the Kingdom of God) Matthew 9:17 (105); Mark 2:22 (105); Luke 5:37-39 (105)
Wine was often mixed with other elements as a way of delivering medicine. Jesus was offered a mixture designed to alleviate suffering and refused it. Mark 15:23 (249)
Here we have another example of wine being used as medicine in the story of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:34 (149)
John the Baptist followed the Nazirite vow his whole life – one of the requirements being that he abstain totally from anything made of grapes. Luke 1:15 (3)
Where John the Baptist was known for being a teetotaler, Jesus was known for partaking of wine and eating heartily. Luke 7:33-34 (99)
Jesus’ first miracle involved the creation of fermented, alcoholized wine out of water. It had to be alcoholic or the last verse wouldn’t even make sense. John 2:3-10 (27)
That miracle remained etched in everyone’s mind. Cana was forever identified with that particular miracle. John 4:46 (37)
Word of God
Memorization and quotation of the Word of God allowed Jesus to handily defeat the Devil himself. Matthew 4:1-11 (23)
Jesus is the embodiment of the Word of God. We too should make it our goal to be so obedient to the Word that we become living examples of the Scriptures. John 1:1-18 (2)
Work
In the parable of the talents Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
World, the evil
The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of relying on our circumstances for peace or strength can actually rise up and choke our spiritual growth out. Matthew 13:22 (87)
Worry
Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Take one day at a time. Matthew 6:34 (68)
Worship from unrepentant sinners is not accepted
Our worshipful acts are useless until we acknowledge our sins and do something about them. Matthew 5:24 (57)
God does not need our compassionate works. If they are not preceded with a desire to be made right with him, they are useless anyway. Matthew 9:13 (43)
God would rather we have a compassionate heart, than a life marked by false, hypocritical religiosity. Matthew 12:7 (50)
Loving God above all else is the ultimate gift he seeks. Loving others as ourselves is how we demonstrate our love for God. Mark 12:33 (211)
The prayers of an unrepentant sinner are offered in vain. God only listens to God-fearing, obedient people. John 9:31 (164)
Zeal
We must be zealous about building the Kingdom. Most people are worried about their personal advancement and their neighbors’ souls. It would be better if we were worried about our own souls and our neighbors’ advancement. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
We should be zealous about discipleship. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
We should be so zealous for Christ that all other loves pale in contrast. Luke 14:25-33 (173)
We have increased abilities through Christ. John 14:12 (227)
Abortion
Unborn children are conscious. Luke 1:41-44 (5)
Abstinence from liquor, examples of
John the Baptist Matthew 11:18 (19); Luke 1:15 (3)
Accomplishments
You need to be rooted in Christ. John 15:1-8 (229)
Think first then act. Luke 14:28 (111)
Accountability
We are accountable for the way we use the money, opportunities, talents, gifts and experiences that God gives us. Luke 19:15 (197)
We are responsible for the words we speak. Matthew 12:36-37 (83)
Our responsibility is in direct proportion to our level of understanding. Luke 12:48 (157)
Accusations, false
False accusations. Luke 3:14 (21)
Jesus’ followers lied about. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
We should consider it a privilege to receive false accusations because of our association with Christ. Luke 6:22-23 (53)
We should be wary when all men speak well of us. We may not be adhering closely enough to the truth. Luke 6:26 (54)
Adam
Jesus’ genealogy was traced back to Adam to demonstrate his relation to all of humanity. Luke 3:23-38 (Ancestry)
Addiction
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to save our souls. Mark 9:43-47 (130)
Adultery
Looking on a person lustfully is adultery. Matthew 5:27-30 (58)
Adultery involves the eyes. Matthew 5:28 (58)
Adultery starts in the heart. Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21 (115)
Anyone who marries a wrongfully divorced person commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 (59)
Anyone who divorces their spouse for any reason other than infidelity and marries another commits adultery. Matthew 19:1-9 (134)
Divorce was only permitted due to the hardness of the people’s hearts. Marrying a person who is wrongfully divorced makes us equally guilty of sin. Mark 10:1-12 (134)
Adversity
It brings glory to God. John 9:1-3 (164); 11:1-4 (181); 21:19 (268)
It makes us more fruitful. John 15:2 (229)
Christ gives us rest. Matthew 11:28 (101)
Do not be troubled, trust Christ. John 14:1 (227)
The Holy Spirit (called the Comforter) helps us. John 14:16-17 (228)
Advice
Listen to God. John 6:45 (113)
Sheep listen to their shepherd. John 10:27 (167)
AIDS
God calls us to love, serve and have compassion for all people. Mark 6:34 (110)
Alcohol, substance abuse
Jesus warns against the abuse of alcohol. Luke 21:34 (217)
Alcohol use
Jesus, as a good Jew used wine at the Passover we Christians refer to as the Last Supper. Matthew 26:17-30 (223, 225, 230)
John the Baptist, as one committed to the Nazarite vow, was not allowed alcohol. Luke 1:15 (3)
Jesus turned the water into alcoholized wine. If it weren’t alcoholized, verse 10 wouldn’t even make sense. John 2:1-11 (27)
Ambition
James, John and their mother demonstrated a lack of understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of God in their ambitious request. Matthew 20:20-28 (191)
Angels, Fallen (Demons)
Hell was originally prepared for fallen angels. Matthew 25:41 (220)
Worship of. Matthew 4:9; Luke 4:7 (23)
Seen by Christ. Luke 10:18 (146)
Cast out by Jesus. Matthew 4:24 (41); 8:16 (40); Mark 3:22 (82); Luke 4:41(40)
Power over, given to the disciples. Matthew 10:1 (98); Mark 6:7 (258); 16:7 (177)
Cast out by disciples. Mark 9:38 (130); Luke 10:17 (146)
The disciples sometimes failed. Mark 9:18 (109), 28-29 (125)
The parable of the man repossessed. Matthew 12:43-45 (84)
Jesus falsely accused of being possessed. Mark 3:22-30 (82); John 7:20 (138); John 8:48 (145); 10:20 (166)
Testify to the deity of Christ. Matthew 8:29 (103); Mark 1:23-24 (39); 3:11 (50); 5:7 (103); Luke 8:28 (103)
They are humanity’s adversaries. Matthew 12:45 ((84)
They are to be judged at the general judgment. Matthew 8:29 (103)
Punishment of. Matthew 8:29 (103); 25:41 (220); Luke 8:28 (103)
They are evil. Luke 10:17-18 (146)
They are powerful. Luke 8:29 (103)
They are numerous. Mark 5:8-9 (103)
They are unclean. Matthew 10:1 (98)
They are under Satan’s authority. Matthew 12:24-30 (82)
They could recognize Christ. Mark 1:23-24 (39)
They can possess humans. Matthew 8:28-29 (103)
They know their ultimate destiny. Matthew 8:29-33 (103)
Demon possession is not insanity. Matthew 4:24 (41)
Demon possession is not disease. Mark 1:32 (40)
They harm their hosts. Mark 5:1-5 (103)
Examples of possession:
- Man in the synagogue Mark 1:23-26 (39); Luke 4:33-35 (39)
- Blind and mute man Matthew 12:22-23 (82); Luke 11:14 (82)
- Two men of the Gadarenes Matthew 8:28-34 (103); Mark 5:2-20 (103)
- The mute man. Matthew 9:32-33 (107)
- The Canaanite (Syrian/Phoenician) woman’s daughter. Matthew 15:22-28 (116); Mark 7:25-30 (116)
- Child with seizures. Matthew 17:14-21 (126); Mark 9:17-27 (126); Luke 9:37-42 (126)
- Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9 (260); Luke 8:2-3 (81)
- Herd of pigs. Matthew 8:30-32 (103)
Are immortal. Luke 20:36 (210)
Are holy. Matthew 25:31 (220)
Do not marry. Matthew 22:30 (210)
Possess emotions. Luke 15:10 175)
Will gather believers. Matthew 24:31 (216)
Were seen by Christ. Luke 10:18 (146)
Are ministering spirits. Luke 16:22 (178)
Communicate the will of God. Matthew 2:13, 20 (163); Luke 1:19, 28 (4)
Obey the will of God. Matthew 6:10 (65)
Execute the purposes of God. Matthew 13:39-42 (93); 24:16 (216); 28:2 (255)
Minister to Christ. Matthew 4:11 (23); Luke 22:43 (234); John 1:51 (26)
Execute the purposes of Christ. Matthew 13:41 (93); 24:31 (216)
Are subject to Christ. Mark 8:38 (124)
Mediation of, in response to prayer. Matthew 26:53 (235)
Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Luke 15:7 (174), 10 (175)
Have charge over the children of God. Matthew 18:10 (130)
Are innumerable. Luke 2:13 (10)
Announced the conception of John the Baptist. Luke 1:13 (3), 36 (4)
Announced the conception of Christ. Matthew 1:20-21 (9); Luke 1:31 (4)
Announced the birth of Christ. Luke 2:10-12 (10)
Announced the resurrection of Christ. Matthew 28:5-7 (258); Luke 24:23 (264)
Announced the ascension and second coming of Christ. Acts 1:11 (272)
Anger
Anger is not intrinsically sinful. Mark 3:5 (48)
Antichrist
Jesus outlined the end of days, including the desecration of the rebuilt Temple by the Antichrist. Mark 13:1-31 (216); Matthew 24:1-35 (216); Luke 21:5-33 (216)
Anointing
Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God upon baptism. Matthew 3:16 (22)
John witnessed this anointing and was thereby able to identify Jesus as the Christ. John 1:32 (4)
Anointing with oil was a method of promoting healing. Luke 10:34 (149)
Anxiety
Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow; about food, clothing etc. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Take one day at a time, and don’t borrow trouble. Matthew 6:34 (68)
We need to trust God to take care of what we truly need. If we put him first, as a good master he will take care of his servants. We need to make him our treasure. Luke 12:22-34 (156)
Appearances
Appearances can often be misleading. Jesus came to earth as a man and was rejected and murdered by His chosen people. Be careful not to judge people based on how they look. Matthew 23:28 (218)
What is in a person’s heart will eventually be apparent. Matthew 7:20 (73)
Apostasy
Jesus warned of future apostasy. Mark 13:1-31 (216); Matthew 24:1-35 (216); Luke 21:5-33 (216)
Jesus accused the Pharisees of apostasy and in doing so gave us a good working definition of what apostasy is. Matthew 15:9, 13 (115)
Apostles
Jesus chose his apostles (including Judas who would betray him) after spending time alone in prayer. Luke 6:13-16 (51)
Matthew lists the twelve apostles. Matthew 10:2-4 (98)
The apostles were commissioned by Christ. Therefore their teachings are authoritative and must be obeyed. Matthew 28:18-20 (272); Mark 16:15-18 (272)
The apostles were inspired Luke 24:44-49 265); John 14:25-26 (271); 15:26-27 (228); 16:7-15 (230-231)
Ascension
Jesus ascended to heaven from a village on the Mount of Olives named Bethany. Luke 24:50-53 (272)
Assurance of Salvation
We are assured that if we receive Christ, we obtain the right to become children of God. John 1:12 (2)
If we hear Jesus’ words and believe God we have eternal life. John 5:24 (45)
If we listen to and follow Jesus we have eternal life and that state cannot be changed. John 10:27-30 (167)
Atonement
Jesus came to save the lost, not the predestined. Jesus’ blood atones for the sins of everyone who obeys him. Matthew 18:11 (not in early manuscripts)
Christ became our ransom. Matthew 20:28 (191)
Jesus came to be the sacrificial lamb offered to pay the price of our sins. John 1:29 (25)
God loved us. John 3:16-18 (29)
He died willingly for us. John 10:18 (166)
Baptism
It was commanded by Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 (272); Mark 16:15-16 (272)
It was accompanied by repentance of sin. Matthew 3:6 (21)
John’s baptism was to prepare people. Matthew 3:11-12 (21-22)
It was practiced in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:13-16 (22); Mark 1:5-10 (21-22)
It is figurative of regeneration. John 3:3-6 (29)
John the Baptist baptized in a place that had much water. John 3:23 (29)
Baptism is a sign that a person has repented and sought forgiveness for their sin. Mark 1:4 (21)
The baptism of the Holy Spirit that comes with the acceptance of Christ is more important than water baptism. Mark 1:8 (21)
Baptism is usually done by immersion and symbolizes Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Mark 1:9-10 (22)
Baptism is essential – not for salvation but as an act of obedience to the will of God. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
Christ considered his suffering to be a form of baptism. Luke 12:50 (158)
Baptism, infant
Baptism must follow acceptance of the gospel, something impossible to an infant. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
No one can come to Christ without first experiencing the drawing of the Holy Spirit Who allows us to hear and learn from the Father – again something impossible to an infant. John 6:44-45 (113)
A child however, depending on its level of maturity, may understand the simple Gospel and if this happens we must not stand in their way. Matthew 19:13-15 (187)
Salvation involves achieving a child-like state – not sinlessness, but lack of accountability. Matthew 18:3 (129)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
It was first announced by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:11 (21); Mark 1:8 (21); Luke 3:16 (21); John 1:32-33 (25)
The Lord Jesus promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit before He ascended to heaven. Acts 1:4-5 (271)
Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit after he humbly partook of water baptism. Matthew 3:16 (22)
Benevolence
Benevolence should be practiced toward our parents. Matthew 15:4-6 (115)
Even on the cross, the Master took care of His mother. John 19:26-27 (249)
Benevolence will be counted as a direct gift to the Lord on Judgment Day. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
We should extend benevolence to whoever comes within our sphere of influence regardless of their race or creed. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Bethlehem
God moved a pagan kings’ heart to desire a census so that Joseph would take his new wife to his ancestral home of Bethlehem. This fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-11 (9-10)
Herod killed all the boys two years old and under in the village of Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the Christ. Matthew 2:16-18 (16-17)
Betrayal
Judas was willing to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-16 (222); Mark 14:10-11 (222)
He subsequently betrayed Jesus to the mob with a kiss. Matthew 26:49 (235); Mark 14:45 (235); Luke 22:47-48 (235)
Peter also betrayed Christ out of fear. Matthew 26:69-75 (237, 240, 241); Mark 14:66-72 (237, 240, 241); Luke 22:55-62 (237, 240, 241)
Bible, authority (vs. human authority)
Men vainly try to replace God’s teachings with their own. Such teachings will be uprooted. Matthew 15:9, 13 (115)
The Word of God is the ultimate truth. John 17:17 (233)
The Holy Spirit will guide us to this ultimate truth. He not only inspired the Scriptures but He clarifies them for us. John 16:13 (231)
To reject the Spirit’s promptings in this matter is to reject God and His salvation. Matthew 12:31-37 (83); Mark 3:28-30 (83); Luke 11:27-28 (83) Luke 10:16 (146)
He will continue to place His words in our mouths in the End of Days when we are persecuted for His name’s sake. Matthew 10:19-20 (98)
Bible, preservation
The Word will be used as a judgment on the last day. John 12:48 (202)
Bible study, need for
The Scriptures are ultimately not about esoteric truth. They are the means by which we may establish a personal relationship with God through Christ His Son. John 5:39 (46)
Bible, understanding
Listening to Jesus’ words prompts understanding. Mark 7:14 (115)
Blame shifting
Do not judge others while you fail to acknowledge your own sin. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Blasphemy
People thought Jesus was blaspheming when he forgave sins. Matthew 9:1-8 (42)
They thought he was blaspheming when he admitted he was the Son of God. Matthew 26:57-67 (239)
But true blasphemy is when we stubbornly ignore the testimony of the Holy Spirit regarding the nature of the Messiah. To refuse his message is to refuse forgiveness of sin – the sin for which there is no forgiveness. Mark 3:20-30 (82)
Blessed
We are blessed if we are humble, repentant for our sin, gentle, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, or persecuted for being Christians. Matthew 5:3-12 (53)
Blessing
Jesus laid his hands on and blessed children in prayer. Mark 10:13-16 (187); Matthew 19:13-15 (187); Luke 18:15-17 (187)
Jesus blessed the food through grateful prayer before distributing it to the 5,000. Matthew 14:13-21 (110); Mark 6:30-44 (110); Luke 9:10-17 (110); John 6:1-15 (110)
Jesus’ willingness to become flesh and live among us so that we can know God the Father and be saved is the ultimate blessing. John 1:14-17 (2)
Book of Life
The name of God’s children (those humans who are considered not accountable for their sins because through age or mental defect they are unable to understand the Gospel or because they have humbled themselves and accepted the Gospel) are recorded in heaven. Luke 10:20 (166)
Born again
Receiving Christ as our Lord allows us to become the children of God. John 1:12-13 (2)
We must accept the truth of the Gospel whispered to us by the Spirit. Doing so allows us to be “born again” into God’s family. John 3:1-7 (29)
We are born of the Spirit through God’s Word. John 3:5-8 (29)
The Spirit gives life and the Word gives life. John 6:63 (114)
Bosses
We should treat them as we would like to be treated. Matthew 7:12 (71); Luke 6:31 (62)
Bread
Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish. Afterward there were twelve full baskets of leftovers. Matthew 14:13-21 (110); Mark 6:35-44 (110); Luke 9:12-17 (110); John 6:5-13 (110)
He later fed 4,000 using seven loaves and a few small fish. After this miracle there were seven large baskets full of leftovers. Matthew 15:29-38 (118-119); Mark 8:1-9 (119)
Bread was used to symbolize Jesus’ body, sacrificed for our sakes. Matthew 26:26 (225); Mark 14:22 (225); Luke 22:19 (225)
Jesus used bread to symbolize answers to persistent prayer in this parable. Luke 11:5-8 (151)
Jesus declared himself to be the life-giving bread of heaven. John 6:35, 41, 48, 51, 53-58 (113)
Business
We should treat people the way we want them to treat us. Matthew 7:12 (71); Luke 6:31 (62)
Just because we can does not mean that we should. Luke 3:12-14 (29)
Calling on the name of Jesus
Only Jesus has the authority and power to save us. We must obey Him to be saved. John 12:48 (202)
Jesus commanded us to be baptized. Calling on his name (which means trusting him for our salvation) implies making him our Master. This infers that we should be willing to obey him in this matter. Matthew 28:18-19 (272); Mark 16:15-16 (272)
We enter into a relationship with Christ when we are saved and baptized. Mark 16:16 (272)
Of the two (trusting Christ to save us and baptism), only the act of faith is sufficient and necessary for salvation. Luke 25:42-43 (265)
Carnal attractions
We will only know true peace and joy when we turn to Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
We should seek Christ himself, however and not his many good gifts. John 6:26ff (113)
Real life comes through submission to the promptings of the Spirit, not through yielding to our basest cravings. John 6:63 (114)
Only Jesus can lead us to the ultimate gift – eternal life. John 6:68 (114)
Change
Believers are transformed into children of God, born again by the Spirit of God. John 1:13 (2)
Empowered by Christ, the vine, we can and must bear much fruit. John 15:1-5 (228)
Character
What we eat or drink has little to do with character. John the Baptist fasted and abstained from alcohol while Jesus ate heartily and partook of alcohol. Both certainly had good character. Matthew 11:18-19 (99) ; Luke 7:33-34 (99)
Character (what we are in our hearts) always ends up affecting our behavior. We cannot separate public from private life because the heart informs both. Luke 6:43-45 (73)
Children
Jesus accepted the praise of children. Matthew 21:15-16 (203)
Jesus loves little children for in their lack of accountability, they are an example of what takes place when we enter the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:3-5 (134)
To follow Jesus’ example children must be continuously subject to their parents. Luke 2:51 (20)
Jesus laid his hands on and blessed children in prayer. Matthew 19:13-15 (187); Mark 10:13-16 (187); Luke 18:15-17 (187)
Choice
The people of Jerusalem were offered the chance to accept God’s message repeatedly but chose to reject it. Matthew 23:37 (214)
One son chose to go the wild way, another stayed home and served. But both were sinful and in need of repentance. Luke 15:11-32 (176)
Christ, titles of
Imanuel (God with us). He stands with us in all of life’s circumstances. Matthew 1:23 (9)
Son of Man. He identifies with us in our humanity. Matthew 18:11 (not in early mss.)
Holy One of God. He is sinless in his nature. Mark 1:24 (39)
Savior. He delivers from sin and death. Luke 1:47 (6)
The Word. He was present with God at creation. John 1:1 (2)
Only Begotten of the Father. He is unique. We are adopted. Only he was begotten. John 1:14 (2)
Lamb of God. He gave himself as a sacrifice on our behalf. John 1:29 (25)
Bread of Life. He is the one essential food. John 6:35 (113)
Good Shepherd. He is our provider and caretaker. John 10:11 (166)
Life. John 10:28 (167); 14:6 (227)
Light of the World. He illuminates us. He enlightens us. John 9:5 (164)
Light of the Nations. Matthew 4:16 (35); Luke 1:77-79 (8); John 1:4-5, 9 (2)
Light of Men. As we follow him we too become lights in our own right. John 8:12 (143); 12:35-36 (201); Matthew 5:14 (55)
I AM. The second of seven self-descriptions of Jesus introduced by “I AM”. John 6:35 (113); 8:12 (143); 9:5 (164); 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14 (166); 11:25 (181); 14:6 (227); 15:1, 5 (229)
Church
Jesus prays for the church. John 17:6-26 (233)
Jesus built his church. Note that Jesus only built one church of which he is the head. Matthew 16:18 (123)
Jesus gives us the procedure for church discipline. Matthew 18:15-18 (132)
Christ has given the keys to the kingdom to the church. Matthew 16:19 (123)
Jesus and the apostles sang a hymn before leaving the upper room. Matthew 26:30 (233)
The church is Jesus’. Matthew 16:18 (123)
Christ’s church should be characterized by serving – not personal glorification. Matthew 23:8-11 (218)
Circumcision
Jesus was circumcised and given his name on the eighth day. Luke 1:59-60 (7)
Clothing
A lack of clothing is a sign of being under the influence of the devil. Luke 8:27 (103)
Covering ourselves is an indication of being in our right mind and under Christ’s influence. Luke 8:35 (103)
Covering ourselves protects others from sinning. Matthew 5:27-28 (58); Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Removing Christ’s clothing was a form of punishment, of public humiliation. John 19:23 (247)
Comfort
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, died for his sheep. He knows, leads and protects each one. He gives us eternal security. John 10:11, 14-15 (166), 27-29 (167)
Jesus rebuked the disciples for their little faith and calmed the storm. Matthew 8:23-27
Commitment and love for God, lack of
Doing our works in such a way as to receive honor from men demonstrates a lack of commitment and love for God. Matthew 6:2-3 (63)
We must be willing to give up peace with others for his sake. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
He must even come before our families. Luke 14:26-33 (173)
We must be willing to give up our lives daily for him. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
The foremost commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Matthew 22:37-39 (211)
Lack of obedience to his commands is a clear indication of a lack of commitment and love. Luke 6:46-49 (75)
We must totally commit ourselves to Jesus the Bread of Life. We cannot just nibble. We must “eat“ him. John 6:51, 53-58 (77)
Communication, speech
All lying is of the devil, the father of lies. John 8:44 (145)
Communion (Lord’s Supper)
Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
Compassion
A mark of godliness is to share the compassionate heart of Jesus. If we want to be like him, we must be compassionate. Mark 1:41 (76); Luke 6:36 (62)
The paralytic’s friends had so much compassion for their friend that they were willing to be offensive in order to get him help. Mark 2:4 (42); Luke 5:19 (42)
Competition
We are warned not to spend our lives competing for the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Matthew 6:19-21 (67)
Compromise
Pray that you will not compromise with temptation. Matthew 26:41 (234)
There can be no compromise when it comes to the devil. We are either for Christ or for Satan. Matthew 12:30 (82)
Confession, of Jesus
Being willing to confess that we are Christians to others indicates that we are saved. Matthew 10:32 (98)
Confessing Christ’s true nature and rightful place is spirit-empowered and establishes us. Matthew 16:15-18 (123)
We need to confess that he is our Teacher, Our King and the Son of God. John 1:49 (26)
We must acknowledge that he is indeed the Savior of the world. John 4:42 (33)
“Confessing Christ” involves belief and worship. John 9:35-38 (165)
We must admit that we are spiritually blind. Unless we do we are incapable of receiving help from the Healer. John 9:41 (165)
We should tell others that he is the Christ, the Son of God, God among us. John 11:27 (181)
Being more concerned about the love of others than the love of God will cause us to fail to confess him publicly. John 12:42-43 (202)
Confession, of sin
We must be quick to confess the sins we have committed against others. We are to confess them to the one offended. God values this humble act more than he values our religious rituals. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
We must be willing to accept the rebuke of others. We must be equally willing to rebuke sin in others. But most of all we must be willing to forgive when sin is repented of and confessed. Luke 17:3-4 (179)
The prodigal son received mercy and restoration when he humbly confessed his sin. Luke 15:18, 21 (176)
Confidence
When you begin to doubt God, run to him - not away from him. How else will you discover how much he really loves you? Matthew 11:28 (101)
Losing confidence in God may cause us to forfeit the eternal blessings he is preparing for us. John 14:1-3 (227)
Conflict
We are not to “bury” or deny conflicts, but rather to take immediate steps to resolve them. Matthew 5:23-26 (53)
Jesus outlined a three step process for confronting major conflicts among believers. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Consequences
You will be treated the same way you treat others. Matthew 7:1-2 (69)
Contentment
Life does not consist of what one possesses. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Do not allow the deceitfulness of wealth to crowd out the word. Mark 4:7(86), 18-20 (87)
Do not count on earthly treasures. They can fade away. Instead, store up heavenly treasures. Matthew 6:19-21 (67)
You can’t serve two masters at once. You must choose whether you will serve Christ or materialism. Matthew 6:24 (67)
Don’t seek status, as the disciples did. Luke 9:46-48 (129)
Conversion
Jesus led the Samaritan woman to a conversion experience by having her confront her sin, admit her need and recognize himself as the Messiah. She immediately began telling others about him. John 4:1-30 (31-32)
The other Samaritan people heard her testimony, but each had to personally come to Christ and make a personal decision about him. John 4:39-42 (33)
Courage
We are to be the salt of the earth. This mandate will require much courage. Matthew 5:13 (55)
Covenant, new
The Jews made much of Moses and Elijah. But both of these prophets placed their seal of approval on Jesus’ new covenant with man. Matthew 17:3 (125); Luke 9:28-32 (125)
Jesus sealed the new covenant with his own blood. Mark 14:22-24 (225)
Covetousness (greed)
Putting our trust in material things is foolish. Worrying about them is equally foolish. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Being a disciple of the Master involves self-denial – not self-aggrandizement. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Putting our faith in something we can lose over night is ridiculous. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
We should not even be working for food. The purpose of work is not the belly but the facilitation of the maturity of the soul. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Creation
The universe was created by the will of the Father, through the power of the Spirit and enacted by the Son. John 1:1-14 (2)
Criticism
Criticism often covers the need for self-criticism. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Willingness to forgive is part of constructive criticism. Luke 17:3 (179)
Those who give it – get it. Luke 6:37-38 (69)
Cross
To truly be one of the Master’s disciples we too must be willing to take up whatever “cross” God calls us to bear. Matthew 16:24 (124); Luke 9:23 (124)
Peter could not understand this principle. He was a follower of the “name it and claim it” philosophy. Jesus rebuked his thinking as satanic. Jesus considered his willingness to go to the cross and suffer to be a source of power. Mark 8:31-9:1 (124)
A man by the name of Simon helped Jesus carry the cross up to Golgotha. Luke 23:26-32 (249)
Jesus was nailed to a rough wooden cross for our sakes. Luke 23:33-49 (249-250)
He predicted this fate, using Israel’s wilderness experience of healing by looking up at a symbol as a metaphor of what was about to happen. John 3:14 (29)
Crown
Jesus wore a crown of thorns as part of the torture he endured. Matthew 27:29 (248); John 19:2, 5 (247)
Dating a carnal Christian or a non-Christian
Being willing to date someone who is worldly and rebellious to God demonstrates where your heart truly lies. Matthew 6:21 (66)
David
Jesus’ relation to King David put him in line to the throne. Matthew 1:1-18 (155)
In fact, he is the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that one of his descendants would rule forever. Luke 1:26-33 (227)
There is coming a day when he will return to claim that throne. All those who “stumble” over him (refusing to accept him as their Master and King) will then be dealt with. Matthew 21:41-45 (181)
Death
All of us will have to face death sooner or later. Accepting that fact and allowing it to influence how we live is a necessary step to wisdom and a properly balanced life. Luke 12:16-21 (155)
Believers go the Father’s house to be with him. John 14:1-4 (227)
Jesus comforted Mary and Martha after Lazarus died. He is the resurrection and the life. John 11:17-26 (181)
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep so that death need never concern them again. John 10:14-15 (166)
Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and follow him. He gives them eternal life. No one can snatch them out of his hand. John 10:27-30 (167)
All who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. John 3:14-16, 36 (29-30)
When Jesus comes again, he will separate the sheep from the goats (the true believers from those who only pretend to believe). Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
There are two deaths, physical and spiritual. It is the second one that we should truly fear. Matthew 10:28 (98)
Jesus, with his power to resurrect, considers death to be merely a profound sleep. Matthew 9:24 (107); Mark 5:39 (106); Luke 8:52 (106)
Debts
Jesus used the concept of debt to teach that we need to be willing to ask God to forgive our sins and then be willing to extend the same forgiveness to those who sin against us. Matthew 18:21-35 (133)
Defeat
The world and its demonic backing may seem to temporarily defeat us but we will rise to triumph in the end. Matthew 10:24-28 (98); John 15:18-21(230)
Demon possession
Two men were possessed. One man came to Jesus and was liberated from his demon. Matthew 8:28-34 (103); Mark 5:1-10 (103)
A man with a demon was in the synagogue. There is no such thing as “holy ground” where we need to be concerned about evil spiritual forces. Mark 1:23 (39); Luke 4:33 (39)
Depending on God
Those who work for God should not pursue material wealth as an end in itself. Matthew 10:9-10 (98); Mark 6:8 (98)
Reliance on material wealth for our security or as a mark of God’s special favor can cause us to miss out on the salvation that can only come to the humble. Luke 6:24-26 (54)
We must totally depend on Christ to get through life triumphantly. John 15:4 (229)
Determining God’s will
God wants to help us. John 14:26 (228); 16:13 (231)
God wants to offer us leadership. Matthew 9:36 (108); John 10:14-16 (166)
God wants us to be happy. John 15:9-11 (229)
In seeking God’s will we should try to determine if a decision is bringing peace. Comfort is not necessarily the determining factor. Matthew 10:34-38 (98)
You know that serving others is definitely God’s will. Mark 10:43-45 (191)
The Holy Spirit within us will help us determine God’s will. John 14:26 (228); 16:13 (231)
God can, at times, speak miraculously if necessary. Sometimes he uses dreams or visions. Matthew 1:20, 24 (9); 2:12-13 (15-16), 19-20 (18)
Sometimes he sends angels or other special messengers. Matthew 1:20, 24 (9); 2:12-13 (15-16), 19-20 (18)
However, we are not to seek a sign. Matthew 12:38-39 (84); 16:1-4 (120)
Though circumstances are a factor, we must be cautious in using them as a litmus. John 7:17 (138)
Diligence
In the parable of the talents Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence and the rewards of excellence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
Disabilities
A woman bent double her whole life. Her particular case was caused by demonic oppression but Jesus was more powerful than that demon. Luke 13:11 (161)
We tend to think of physical disability as a judgment of God on sin, but Jesus was clear that this man’s blindness was specifically granted to him so that he could thereby glorify God. John 9:1-3 (164)
Disagreement with initiative evangelism
We are specifically commanded to go to all nations and teach them about the Good News. Matthew 28:18-20 (272); Mark 16:15 (272)
If we are ashamed to confess him before others, he will be ashamed of us upon his return. Mark 8:38 (124)
We have been sent by the Master in the same way as he was sent by the Father. John 17:18 (233); 20:21 (265)
He sends some of us to sow and some to reap. But whatever the case, we have been sent. John 4:36-38 (32)
Even the Samaritan woman immediately and instinctively understood the need to bring others to the Master. John 4:29-31 (32)
The parents of the blind man demonstrated cowardice when they failed to publicly testify. John 9:19-22 (164)
As Christ manifested the Father’s name to us, we should manifest Jesus’ name to others. This is how others will come to know of his sovereignty. John 17:5-7 (233)
Publicly testifying of our changed lives and backing that testimony up with good works and restitution demonstrates that salvation has truly occurred. Luke 19:8-10 (194)
It is a singular honor to be a part of God’s great work of proclaiming his name to all the nations. We should be proud of being sent-forth witnesses. Luke 24:46-47 (265)
Discipleship
Discipleship requires a willingness to drop everything else in order to place Christ first in our lives. Matthew 4:20 (38); Mark 1:16-17 (38)
It requires a willingness to forego pursuit of material wealth and physical comfort. Matthew 8:20 (137); Mark 10:21 (188)
It requires a willingness to take whatever God brings our way. It requires a willingness to bear some of the world’s sufferings. Matthew 16:24 (124); Mark 8:34 (124)
This willingness to take up Christ’s cross must be maintained on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 (124)
It requires a willingness to publicly make a stand for Christ and tell others about him. Matthew 28:19 (272); John 1:40-46 (26)
You do not have to be someone special to be his disciple. Jesus chose some pretty ordinary guys to be his apostles. Luke 6:12-16 (51)
Once we make that decision, there is no going back. Luke 9:57-62 (137)
Jesus must even come before our loved ones. Compared to our love for him, all other loves should be like hate. Luke 14:25-27 (173)
We need to carefully consider the cost before deciding to be his disciple. Luke 14:28-34 (173)
The reward of being his disciple, however, is eternal life. John 8:51 (145)
Discipleship is marked by a daily focus on staying connected to the Master and by a constant love of our fellow disciples. John 15:1-17 (229)
When we stumble and fall, we must be willing to return to the basics. We must love the Master above all others and follow him, regardless of the cost. John 21:15-19 (268)
Discipline, church
If a brother sins, we should follow the principles found in Christ’s teaching. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Discouragement
Taking up his burden, his yoke (the manner of life to which he is calling us) will alleviate discouragement. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
We must turn to him, stay connected with him, find our strength in him. For without him we can do nothing. John 15:5 (229)
Jesus found strength and encouragement in doing the will of the Father. John 4:6 (31), 31-34 (32)
Discussion, unprofitable
We should not waste any more valuable time and resources once we recognize the futility of further discussion or efforts. Matthew 7:6 (69)
When it became clear that the religious elite were not going to be honest Jesus shut the conversation down. Matthew 21:23-27 (205); Matthew 26:59-63 (239)
Jesus answered Pilate until it became evident that he was not going to pursue truth. Then he quit talking. Matthew 27:12-14 (244); John 19:9 (247)
Jesus never did answer Herod because Herod was only seeking entertainment – not personal change. Luke 23:7-10 (245)
Division
Jesus wants his disciples to be unified in the Triune God through the word passed down to us by the Apostles. John 17:20-21 (233)
Division that is permitted to continue will bring about the destruction of a group. Luke 11:17 (181)
Our acceptance Jesus’ claims to divinity and lordship can cause us to become separated from those we have loved. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
Divorce
Jesus was clear in his teaching that divorce should be avoided as much as possible. Matthew 19:4-6 (134)
Moses’ allowance of a bill of divorcement was only because of the hardness of the Israelite’s hearts. Matthew 19:3-9 (134); Mark 10:2-12 (134)
Jesus only made one allowance for divorce – “porneia,” a very vague term that means general sexual infidelity. Matthew 5:31-32 (59); 19:9 (134); Luke 16:18 (177)
Taking into consideration Christ’s view of what defines adultery, it could be argued that chronic addiction to pornography or a “wandering eye” could constitute grounds for divorce. Matthew 5:27-30 (58)
A believing spouse should seek reconciliation whenever possible. At the very least he or she must be willing to confess their part in the marriage’s failure and to forgive their spouse. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
If both spouses are believers then the Scriptural discipline procedures should be followed. Matthew 18:15-18 (132)
Joseph considered divorce a disgraceful thing and was willing to try to minimize the damage to Mary even though he thought she had been unfaithful to him. Matthew 1:19 (9)
We must be careful for divorcing can become a habit! The Samaritan woman got divorced five times and ended up living with the sixth man. John 4:18 (31)
Doubts
John the Baptist had doubts and Jesus allayed them by citing all the miraculous works being done. When we are doubtful, we need to think about all the things he has done in our lives. Luke 7:19-23 (99)
Brash Peter, after falling into sin, became doubtful of his ability to love Christ as he should. But Jesus assured him that he was still useful. John 21:15-17 (268)
Dreams and Visions
Jesus gave a vision of His future Kingdom on earth to Peter, James and John – no doubt as a witness and encouragement both to them and to us. Matthew 17:1-9 (125)
We should rely on God’s ultimate revelation – Jesus Christ the living Word of God. John 1:1, 14 (2)
The Bible is the Word of God in written form given to us through the inspiration of the “prophets of old”. The Father’s will, commandments, and specific promises are revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. So God is actually speaking to us through His Word, the Bible. Luke 1:70 (8)
Election
God, in his ability to know the future, knew who would choose his Son. Those who would accept his Son were elected to have a relationship with the Trinity and with each other. Those foreknown are predestined. John 15:9-17 (229)
Elijah
Moses and Elijah put their seal of approval on Jesus work. But more importantly, so did the Father! Luke 9:28-36 (125)
Employee/Employer relations
We should not overstep the bounds of the authority given by our bosses. Luke 3:12-14 (21)
We should be content with the wages for which we negotiated. We should not become jealous of other’s salary packages. Matthew 20:1-16 (189)
Enemies
God expects us to treat our enemies not only fairly, but with love and compassion. Luke 6:27-36 (62)
An enemy should be treated honorably. Matthew 5:25 (57)
Envy, jealousy
Envy drove the religious elite to bring about the crucifixion of the Savior of the world. Matthew 27:18 (247)
Envy is an indication of a heart problem. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Eternal life
Eternal life is not gained through good works, but through a humble willingness to give up all other sources of hope and strength but Christ. Matthew 19:16-30 (188)
Eternal life is gained by being born again into God’s family. This is empowered by the Spirit but the act itself takes place when we believe that Jesus came from heaven to save us and that he is our only hope. John 3:1-21 (29)
As Jesus is the only one who has ever seen God, and is the bread of life, he is the only possible source of hope for the one who wishes to go to heaven. John 6:46, 57 (113)
Eternal security
Listening to and deciding to follow Jesus results in eternal security. John 10:27-29 (167)
Jesus prays for our faith to hold. He knows our weakness so he also prays that we will turn again when we do fail. Luke 22:31-32 (226)
Like Peter, we are also kept by the prayers of our High Priest. John 17:9-12, 20 (233)
Evil
We should yield our own cheek to evil people who are persecuting us for Christ’s sake. Matthew 5:39 (61); Luke 6:29-30 (62)
We protect those for whom God has made us responsible, however. Though I may turn my cheek to the persecutor’s hand, I may not turn my families’. I must seek to protect them if at all possible. Matthew 18:7-10 (130)
We tend to think of physical disability as a judgment of God on sin, but Jesus was clear that this man’s blindness was specifically granted to him so that he could thereby glorify God. John 9:1-3 (164)
Evil spirits constantly try to damage their hosts. The herd of swine’s possession caused their immediate demise. Matthew 8:31-32 (103); Mark 5:13 (103)
The evil spirits constantly tried to harm this little boy but Jesus freed him from their wicked intent. Mark 9:17-27 (126); Luke 9:39 (126)
Evil is always subject to good. Jesus was able to command the departure of this man’s evil spirit. Mark 1:23-27 (39); Luke 4:33-37 (39)
Jesus was falsely accused of being able to cast out demons by the power of Satan. He soundly defeated that idea. We learn that goodness is a power on its own. Evil can only take something good and twist it. Luke 11:14-23 (82)
If a person doesn’t replace the evil influence with something godly, he will end up not only back into his original problem, but in a worse condition than before! Luke 14:24-26 (172-173)
Example
Jesus warns us to never set a bad example and cause others to sin. Matthew 5:19 (56); 18:6 (129); Luke 17:1-3 (179)
Jesus set the perfect example for us. We should try to be like him. Matthew 10:24-25 (98)
To follow Jesus is to imitate his willingness to submit to the Father’s will and suffer if need be. Luke 9:23 (124)
Our goal is to ultimately be just like our Teacher. Luke 6:40 (69); John 13:1-17 (224)
We should follow Christ’s example of humility and servitude. John 13:15 (224)
We should follow Christ’s example of staying in the Father’s love by obeying the Father’s will. John 15:10 (229)
We should follow Christ’s example in loving God’s children in a special way. John 15:12 (229)
Excuses
Don’t look for excuses to get out of your marriage. Matthew 5:32 (59)
Don’t make excuses to avoid responding to God’s invitation. Luke 14:15-24 (172)
Don’t make excuses for not putting your talents to work for God. Matthew 25:24-30 (219)
Failure
Peter failed miserably. Matthew 26:75 (241); Mark 14:72 (241); Luke 22:61-62 (241)
Like Peter, we are also kept by the prayers of our High Priest. John 17:9-12, 20 (233)
Faith
Jesus is the source of faith. Luke 17:5 (179)
Weak faith can become strong faith with God’s help. Mark 9:24 (126)
It takes faith to be able to receive Christ. John 1:10-12 (2)
If we believe in Christ we will have eternal life. John 3:15-18 (29)
A lack of faith will cause us to die both a physical and spiritual death. John 8:24 (144)
The events in Christ’s life and his supernatural works were recorded specifically to increase our faith. John 20:30-31 (267)
We need to try to get others to also place their faith in the finished work of the Messiah. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
Asking for proof. Matthew 12:39 (84); Luke 11:29 (84)
Faith beginning. Matthew 17:20 (126); Luke 17:6 (179)
Childlike faith. Matthew 19:14 (187); Mark 10:14-15 (187)
There is a cost for faith. Matthew 10:35-37 (98); Luke 12:51-53 (158)
Faith during a crisis. Matthew 11:3 (99)
Faith in action. Matthew 25:35-36 (220); Luke 17:6 (179)
The power of faith. John 14:12 (227)
The results of faith. Mark 11:22-24 (204)
Faith rewarded. Matthew 5:19 (56); 9:22 (106); Mark 5:34-36 (106); Luke 8:48 (106)
Signs of faith. Matthew 3:6 (21); Luke 3:3 (21)
Faith is not always found in those you’d expect. A Roman officer had more faith than the Jewish disciples. Matthew 8:10 (77); Mark 6:51-52 (77)
Faithfulness
God rewards faithfulness. He punishes unfaithfulness. Luke 8:18 (88)
Fame
We should not give special consideration for anyone here on earth. Fame does not make us more important. Matthew 23:9 (218)
Family
Many will tell you that following Jesus will grant you health, wealth, success and popularity. Be warned that Jesus himself never said that. Luke 12:51-53 (158)
If you follow God, your actions will not always be understood and appreciated by your family. Luke 2:48 (19)
Don’t be discouraged when this happens. Jesus’ family didn’t believe in him either. John 7:5 (135)
Following the Master might cause a separation between us and our family. We must put him first in our lives. Matthew 10:35-37 (98); Luke 14:26 (173)
Christ promised that putting him first is the only way that we will be able to truly keep our family. Mark 10:28-31 (98)
Jesus didn’t just preach this principle – he practiced it. He was willing to set his family aside in favor of those who followed God. In the end they believed in and followed him. Luke 8:20-21 (85)
We can overcome our family history. Jesus’ family was definitely a mixed bag. He had everything from adulterous royalty to faithful and loyal gentiles in his ancestry. Matthew 1:1-17 (Ancestry); Luke 3:23-38 (Ancestry)
False Prophets
Jesus warns against false prophets who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Matthew 7:15 (73)
False Teaching
The trick to determining false teaching is to determine the motivation, the intent of the teacher. Matthew 7:15 (73)
You can determine their hearts by their fruit, which is their manner of living. Matthew 7:16-20 (73)
Those who spread false teaching are bound for hell. Matthew 7:19 (73)
Just because someone claims to be a Christian does not necessarily make it so. Matthew 7:21 (74)
We can determine a true Christian by picking out those who listen to and obey the Word of God. Matthew 7:22 (74)
Great works – even miraculous works are not the determining factor. Matthew 7:22 (74)
The ultimate test is a personal relationship with Christ. As usual it’s not what you know but who you know. Matthew 7:23 (74)
Fasting
Jesus fasted. Matthew 4:2 (23)
So did his disciples. Luke 5:35 (105)
Fasting is a private devotional discipline. It should not be motivated by a desire to have others think you are spiritual. Matthew 6:18 (66)
Fasting can be a way to demonstrate our need for God and our sense of mourning when we feel distant from him. Matthew 9:14-15 (105); Mark 2:18-20 (105)
Practicing fasting without accompanying it with heartfelt humility, confession and repentance is useless. The Pharisees practiced fasting regularly without any real effect on their lives. Luke 5:29-35 (43, 105)
Fear
Do not fear those who can only kill the body. Matthew 10:28 (98)
Do not fear life’s circumstances. God cares for sparrows and He will surely care for you. Matthew 10:29-30 (98)
We should not fear life’s circumstances because our King is fully in control. Matthew 8:26 (102)
Our fear demonstrates a serious lack of faith. It indicates we do not fully trust his power or his character. Mark 4:40 (102)
Some people hold back from committing their lives to Christ because they are afraid it will cost them too much. They love their comforts or financial security more than their souls. Mark 5:12-17 (103)
Coming face to face with God’s power demonstrated nakedly can be an awe-inspiring experience. It should produce a tinge of fear in folks who understand they are sinners. Luke 8:37 (103-104)
Feelings, troubled
Afraid. Mark 4:35-41 (102)
Afraid of death. John 6:35-40 (113)
Angry. Matthew 5:21-24 (57)
Depressed. John 3:14-17
Doubting your faith in God. Matthew 7:7-12 (70-71); Luke 17:5-6 (179); John 20:24-31 (265-266)
Frustrated. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Lonely. John 14:15-31 (228)
Overwhelmed, experiencing stress. Matthew 11:25-30 (101); John 4:1-30 (31-32)
Rejected. Matthew 9:9-13 (43); Luke 4:16-30 (36); John 15:18-16:4 (230)
Tempted. Luke 4:1-13 (23)
Tired, weary. Matthew 11:25-30 (101)
Vengeful. Matthew 5:38-42 (177)
Financial advice
Wealth can give us wrong attitudes about material things. Luke 12:15 (155)
It is unwise to make financial success a priority. Matthew 6:24 (67)
While not impossible, it is difficult for the rich to become children of God. Mark 10:23-25 (188)
The more you give, the greater will be your reward. Luke 12:33-34 (156)
Christ endorsed tithing. Matthew 23:23 (218)
If we put God first, He will take care of all our needs. Matthew 6:33 (68)
God appreciates shrewdness. Though we do not want to accept worldly philosophies and priorities, we may learn from the world’s techniques and apply them to improve God’s resources. Luke 16:8-11 (177)
Flood, the great
Jesus believed in the existence of the Great Flood and used the time immediately preceding it as an example of what the last days will be like. Matthew 24:36-39 (217)
The Gospels also support the existence of a Great Flood by including Shem and Noah in the Messiah’s genealogy. Luke 3:36 (Ancestry)
Forgiveness of sins
Jesus extended a loving invitation. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Jesus forgave the penitent woman. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
He also forgave the murderer on the cross once the man confessed his sin and placed his trust in Christ. Luke 23:43 (249)
Sinners are forgiven when they repent, confess their sins and are willing to accept God’s decisions. Luke 15:11-32 (176)
Jesus told us to pray for forgiveness. Matthew 6:12 (65)
The Samaritan woman, an adulteress, was saved by Jesus. This immediately drove her to witness to others. John 4:4-26 (31)
Peter, who repeatedly denied his relationship with Christ, was forgiven and reinstated after he showed his remorse. How did he show this? He decided he could no longer be a disciple (“I’m going back to fishing”) and he admitted his inability to love Christ deeply (phileo as opposed to agape) John 21:15-19 (268)
The repentant, humble tax collector received forgiveness where the proud Pharisee did not. Luke 18:9-14 (186)
Forgiving others
We must forgive others. Matthew 6:12 (65); Mark 11:25 (204)
Forgiving others is an absolute necessity. Matthew 6:14-15 (65)
We must forgive often. Matthew 18:21-22 (133); Luke 17:3-4 (179)
The parable of the unmerciful servant shows how sinful it is not to forgive. God judges this sin. Matthew 18:23-25 (133)
The father of the prodigal son forgave his son completely. However the boy still lost all his inheritance and whatever the father had left was going to the older son. Forgiveness does not imply lack of consequence. Luke 15:20-24 (176)
Fornication
Fornication (sex outside of the bounds of marriage) is a sin of the heart and defiles a person. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Freedom
The only way to be truly free is to understand, acknowledge and submit to truth. John 8:31-36 (145)
Friendship
Two Christians united are a powerful force. Matthew 18:19-20 (132)
Loving a fellow Christian and being united with them in friendship is a tremendous testimony to the world. John 13:34-35 (226)
Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Joy – Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
Patience – Matthew 5:48 (62)
Humility – Matthew 5:3 (53); 7:7-12 (70)
Faithfulness – Matthew 7:14 (72), 21-27 (74-75)
Self-control – Matthew 5:22 (57); 6:14-15 (65)
In order to produce the fruit of the Spirit we must possess a good, honest heart, cling to the truth and persevere in it. Luke 8:15 (87)
This can only be done by “abiding” in Christ which means trusting him fully and obeying him. John 15:4 (229)
Giving
Jesus approved of the widow’s small gift. Luke 21:1-4 (215)
We should put God’s kingdom first. Matthew 6:33 (68)
Our giving should not be motivated by the desire for self-glorification. Matthew 6:1-4 (63)
God requires us to be merciful and give to the poor. Matthew 5:7 (53)
To give to God’s children is to give to Christ. Matthew 24:34-46 (216-217)
Be merciful and do good even to your enemies. Follow God’s example in this matter. Luke 6:27-36 (62)
Use wealth to forge alliances that will further the building of the Kingdom of God. Luke 16:9
Glory
We must seek to not only behold, but possess the glory of the Messiah for he is the source of both grace and truth. John 1:14-18 (2)
Just as Christ was glorified because of his humble willingness to submit to the Father’s will even if it meant his own death, we too can be elevated by our humility. John 12:20-33 (201)
God, all-knowing (omniscient)
God knows what we need before we even ask. Matthew 6:8 (64), 32 (68)
God knows every detail that happens as it happens in the universe. Matthew 10:29-31 (98)
Jesus knew and understood all things and did not need the advice of counselors who would question his actions. This knowledge came from the Father. John 16:30 (232)
The Father knows at least one thing that the Son does not – namely the timing of the rapture. Matthew 24:36 (217); Acts 1:7 (271)
God, Father
God is our Father and we can please him by demonstrating our relationship with him to others through the performance of good works. Matthew 5:16 (55)
Jesus gave us permission to address God as our Father but claiming that privilege implies an equal responsibility to build his kingdom. Matthew 6:9-10 (65)
Our Father loves us and wants to take care of us. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
Just claiming him as our Father does not make it so. Matthew 7:21 (74)
It is when we do his will that we are truly his children. Matthew 12:50 (85)
He can be considered the Father because he is ultimately the Originator, the Source the Creator of all things. John 1:3 (2)
Though we may be adopted into his family, there is only one “begotten” Son. John 1:18 (2)
To be his child, we must be “reborn” into his family. John 3:1-2 (29)
If we truly want to please the Father, we must listen to the voice of the Spirit as he directs us to accept the Son. To reject the Son is to reject the Father. John 6:44-45 (113)
Jesus (Immanuel – God with us) is the perfect imprint of the Father. If we want to know the Father, we need to develop a relationship with his Son. John 14:6-11 (227)
A true way of identifying one of the Father’s children is to determine if they are obeying him, are loving his only begotten Son and his adopted children. John 14:20-24 (228)
Like any good Father, he disciplines his children. John 15:1-6 (229)
Though our Father is able to do anything, He will not always give us the answers we want because His nature drives Him to do only what is best. So we should temper our requests with submission and humility. Mark 14:36 (234)
God, invisible
No human has ever seen, nor will ever see the Father. To see the Father, we must look to the Son. John 1:18 (2); 14:7-9 (227)
Jesus, the God/Man, is the only one who has ever seen the Father. John 6:46 (113)
God’s anger
Turning worship into a commercial venture, seeking to profit off of God makes him angry. Matthew 21:12 (203)
God’s call
God foreknew John the Baptist’s submission to his will so he predestined him to great works while John was still in his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15 (3)
God’s compassion
Jesus hurts when we hurt. He deeply feels our distress. He will not allow any more in our lives than is absolutely necessary and at the appropriate time will liberate us. John 11:33-38 (181-182)
God’s control
We need to acknowledge, submit to and be thankful for God’s sovereignty. Matthew 6:10 (65)
The devil may have some temporary and limited control on earth, but he has nothing on the Master or on the Master’s disciples. John 14:30 (228)
God’s power, though absolute, is voluntarily limited by his desire to grant us free will. He could have forced us to do right or to love him. However, he valued love freely given more. Matthew 23:37 (214)
God’s glory
Everything is to be done for his glory. Even our infirmities and handicaps, if properly viewed and treated, can glorify the Master. John 9:3 (164)
When we glorify Jesus, we glorify the Father. The two are so inextricably interconnected that no one can simultaneously claim to love one and doubt the other. John 17:1, 5 (233)
God’s guidance
The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict us of sin, help us become righteous and develop sound judgment. Jesus was limited in his ability to teach us because of the span of time he had on earth. The Holy Spirit is not so limited. He always guides us to the truth – particularly about Jesus. In order to develop a keen sense of truth and sound judgment, we must first submit ourselves to his direction. John 16:7-14 (231)
God’s judgment
Just as there are degrees of reward in God’s kingdom, there are degrees of punishment. God’s judgment is absolutely fair. Matthew 11:22 (100); Luke 10:14 (146)
God’s law
We should not fail to practice external obedience to God’s law. However, it must be accompanied by internal humility and a passion for justice. Matthew 23:23 (218)
The law dictated that a leper should not be touched. But Jesus understood that the point was to protect, not to ostracize. He followed the spirit of the Law (the intent), not the letter. Matthew 8:3 (76)
The parts of the Old Covenant that dealt with salvation ended with the coming of the Promised Messiah. However, that does not mean that the Old Covenant should be cast away. Luke 16:16-17 (177)
Jesus did not abolish the Old Covenant. He fulfilled it. The parts that are not related to his fulfillment, or that were not established to separate the Jews from the Gentiles, or that were not directly countermanded still apply. Matthew 5:17-18 (56)
God’s love
God loves us so much that he is willing to go searching for even one lost soul. Matthew 18:12 (131)
There is tremendous joy in heaven when one lost soul is found and brought back to the fold. Blessed indeed is the one who is instrumental in their recovery. Luke 15:3-7 (174)
God’s presence
Jesus’ enlightening presence may not always be available. We must take advantage of it lest we wait too long and be lost. John 12:35-37 (201-202)
When Jesus died, the veil that separated the more common area of the Temple with the Holy of Holies was torn, indicating that all who believe in him now have direct access to the Father’s presence. Matthew 27:51 (250); Mark 15:38 (250)
Jesus loves to reveal his true nature and glory to us. All we need to do is follow him and make ourselves available. Mark 9:2-3 (125)
No matter where we go in the world, no matter how difficult our circumstances or challenging our mission, we can rest in the fact that Jesus, through the Spirit, is with us. Matthew 28:20 (272)
God’s protection
Jesus predicted the miraculous works that would accompany God’s new work, including the protection from snake bites that Paul would later enjoy. Mark 16:14-19 (265, 272)
When we are persecuted, even if it is to the point of death, we can rest in the hope of the resurrection. No one can cause even a single hair on our head to be permanently destroyed. We should not fear them. Luke 21:12-18 (216)
We are in the hands of the Good Shepherd. Let’s trust his ability to watch over us. John 17:11-12 (233)
God’s timing
Timing is everything! Jesus was always concerned about doing things at the appropriate time. John 2:4 (27)
Jesus said that the generation that sees the great signs in the heavens and the earth and the world-wide panic that they cause will be the terminal generation. Luke 21:25-32 (216)
God’s will, resisting
Those who do not accept the Gospel with good honest hearts and persevere in its truth will fail to bear fruit but be cast off. Luke 8:13 (87)
We need to be concerned with crossing the line with God’s mercy. He is patient and merciful, but there is a limit that can be crossed and then he will begin hardening our hearts or blinding our ability to understand truth like he did with Pharaoh. We must not resist him. John 12:37-40 (202)
Good works
Good works extended toward others are accounted to us as having been done for the Master. Matthew 25:35-36 (220)
We should try to focus our good works on those who are unable to repay us. Luke 14:12-14 (171)
We should put the money we make in the world to the Kingdom’s use. We should feel free to “pillage Egypt”, adapting modern techniques to communicate the old Gospel. Luke 16:9 (177)
Government, duty to
We should pay taxes. Matthew 22:17-21 (209)
We may work for the government, but must be careful to not abuse our authority. Luke 3:12-13 (21)
We may serve in the military but again must take care to serve honorably. Luke 3:14 (21)
We should respect civil authorities. Mark 12:13-17 (209)
Grace
God’s grace toward us has been so amazing that we could never fully repay him. Even if we dedicate ourselves to full-time ministry and sacrifice our personal comforts for his sake, we are still only doing what is right. We can only live lives marked by humility and gratitude, knowing that is enough. Luke 17:7-10 (179)
Healing
Jesus’ ability to heal should increase our faith, courage and inner peace. Matthew 9:22 (106); Luke 8:48 (106)
Our faith (trusting both his ability to heal and his loving character) should remove all fear of our circumstances. Mark 5:34-36 (106)
When Jesus does heal us it should result in a desire to serve him. Luke 4:39 (40)
When our healing is delayed, we should comfort ourselves in knowing that our Master understands what we are going through. Mark 9:12 (125)
Hearing the Gospel
We should strive to be like the good soil in this parable. We need to receive the Word gladly, let it take root in our lives and produce the fruit of the spirit. Matthew 13:23 (87)
We need to be willing to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. It is the only way that they can be saved. Mark 16:15-16 (272)
We demonstrate Christ’s prominence in our lives when we not only hear but obey His Word. Luke 6:46-49 (75); 11:28 (83)
The Holy Spirit is essential to the whole process of hearing and submitting to the Gospel’s message. John 6:44-45 (113)
True freedom can be found only in a life that is disciplined to a steady obedience to the truth of the Gospel. John 8:31-32 (145)
Heart
The spiritual heart is far more important than any other thing in our lives. It drives everything else, it is the motivating factor. Get it right and all else succeeds. Get it wrong and failure is inevitable. We should guard it above all else. Matthew 12:33-37 (83)
Heaven / Eternal life
When we are persecuted for Christ’s sake we should comfort ourselves with the thought of our ultimate home. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
At the last day, our personal relationship with Jesus Christ – not our works – will gain our entry into heaven. Matthew 7:15-23 (73); 25:31-46 (220)
In heaven human cultural rituals will cease. Matthew 22:30 (210); Mark 12:25 (210)
Heaven has many places in which to live. Each of us will have our own space. Jesus is working on our future home right now. John 14:2 (227)
Hell
A proud, judgmental attitude will put us in danger of hell because it requires humility to be able to accept salvation. Matthew 5:22 (57)
Hell is described as “outer darkness” and a place of torment. Matthew 8:12 (77); 25:30 (219)
Physical death is nothing to fear. Spiritual death – hell – is another matter. Matthew 10:28 (98); Luke 12:4-5 (154)
At the end of days, God will separate those who are truly his children from those who simply claim to be. Those who have not been adopted into God’s family will be thrown into a fiery place of torment. Matthew 13:39-43 (93), 49-50 (96)
We should be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary in order to avoid that fate. Matthew 18:8-9 (130)
Hell was not originally meant for humans. It was intended solely for the devil and his fallen angels. If we end up there it is our fault alone. Matthew 25:41, 46 (130)
Hell is not a place of execution. The punishment will continue forever. Matthew 25:41, 46 (220)
This passage does not describe hell. It describes a place called Gehenna that is divided into two compartments called Hades and Paradise (or Abraham’s bosom). Hades is where the unrighteous dead wait for the last Judgment. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
Paradise (or Abraham’s bosom) was promised to the thief on the cross who accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Luke 23:43 (249)
Help in Special Circumstances
Being a friend. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149); John 15:11-17 (229)
Celebrating the birth/adoption of a child. Luke 18:15-17 (187); John 16:16-22 (232)
Discovering God’s will. Matthew 5:14-16 (55); Luke 9:21-27 (126)
Encountering a cult. Matthew 7:15-20 (73)
Experiencing the death of a loved one. John 11:25-27 (181); 14:1-7 (227)
Experiencing illness. Mark 1:29-34 (40); 6:53-56 (112)
Experiencing suffering and persecution. Matthew 5:3-12 (53); John 15:18-16:4 (230)
Facing a divorce. Matthew 19:1-9 (134)
Facing homelessness. Luke 9:57-62 (137)
Facing imprisonment. Matthew 25:31-46 (57); Luke 4:16-21 (185)
Facing a trial or lawsuit. Matthew 5:25-26 (57); Luke 18:1-8 (185)
Losing your job. Luke 16:1-13 (177)
Managing your time. Mark 13:32-37 (217); Luke 21:34-36 (217)
Moving into a new home. John 14:1-7 (227)
Overcoming a grudge. Matthew 5:23-26 (57); Luke 6:27-36 (62)
Overcoming a prejudice. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
Overcoming pride. Mark 9:33-37 (129); Luke 14:7-11 (171); 18:9-14 (186); 22:24-27 (225)
Overcoming procrastination. Matthew 22:1-14 (208); 25:1-13 (218)
Respecting civil authorities. Mark 12:13-17 (209)
Retiring. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
Seeking forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 (65)
Seeking God’s help. Matthew 7:7-12 (70-71)
Seeking salvation. John 3:1-21 (29)
Seeking truth. John 8:31-47 (145); 14:6-14 (227); 16:4b-15 (230-231)
Understanding your relationship with God. John 15:1-17 (229)
Understanding your relationship with others. Matthew 18:15-17 (132), 21-35 (133)
Worrying. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Worrying about money. Luke 12:13-21 (155)
Herod
Herod was more concerned about his personal power than with being right with God. Though he was only a few miles away, he couldn’t be bothered to go worship the Messiah. This attitude led him to deception and ultimately to a brutal massacre. Matthew 2 (15-18)
He was more concerned with how others perceived him than with doing what was right. This led him to a strangely ambivalent attitude toward John the Baptist. Matthew 14:1-12 (109)
Honesty
Personal honesty is required in order to be able to perceive truth – even the truth of the Gospel. John 3:19-21 (29)
Holy Spirit
Jesus brought, along with the gift of salvation, the possibility of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8 (21)
Just as the Son never did or said anything on his own, the Holy Spirit also willingly submits his will to the Fathers. John 16:13 (177)
One of the Holy Spirit’s major roles in the lives of both Christians and non-Christians is to convict of sin. That means he makes you feel bad about doing something wrong. John 16:8 (177)
Ignoring the Holy Spirit’s call to accept Christ as Savior and thus receive God’s forgiveness, or worse yet, ascribing the conviction he brings to the devil is the only unforgivable sin. Mark 3:28-30 (83)
Instead, we need to be like the good soil described in this parable. We should accept his conviction and react positively to it – asking for forgiveness and changing our ways. Luke 8:15 (87)
We should ask the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The first time in order to gain salvation then for continued protection and guidance. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
The Holy Spirit is rightly called our Helper and our Teacher. Jesus promised that once he enters our life he will never leave. John 14:16, 26 (228)
Hospitality
Hospitality is a way that we can serve Christ. Hospitality extended to others is accounted to us as having been extended to the Lord. Matthew 25:34-36, 40 (220)
Human nature
Our inherently sinful human nature drives us to seek positions of glory and power. But Jesus challenges us to become weak and reliant on God like a child on its parent. Mark 9:33-37 (129); Luke 9:48 (129)
Jesus, who could read the thoughts and intents of human hearts, did not rely on humans. But thank God he still was willing to die for us in spite of knowing what we are! John 2:23-25 (28)
Humility
The road to advancement in Christ’s Kingdom is paved with acts of humility. Luke 9:48 (129)
As counterintuitive as it may seem, the best way up is down. The best way to promotion is service. The best way to establish a reputation is to never speak of your own good works. Let another praise you and not you yourself. Luke 14:11 (171)
Jesus exemplified humility in his willingness to lay aside aspects of his deity, become a human, live a life of poverty and self-sacrifice that would culminate in the cross. Luke 2:9-12 (10)
If we want to be the Master’s disciples, we must imitate his humble spirit. John 13:14-15 (224)
To please our Master we should consider ourselves to be the least in his kingdom and spend our lives serving others. Mark 9:33-37 (129)
Hunger and thirst (spiritual)
We only truly find satisfaction in God’s Word. Matthew 4:4 (23)
God promises that a thirst for righteousness will be satiated. Matthew 5:6 (53)
That thirst will be satiated by the Holy Spirit. John 4:13-14 (31)
Jesus is God’s Word made flesh. He is the Bread of Life. He is the one who sends the ever flowing fountain of truth called the Holy Spirit. It’s Jesus we need. John 6:35, 48-58 (113)
Jesus calls us to a satisfying relationship with him. John 7:37-38 (140)
Hypocrisy
Jesus called the spiritual elite hypocrites because they did not search for truth but for the perpetuation of their own ideas. Matthew 23:15 (218)
It is hypocritical to deny our sins or to imply that we are something that we are not in order to deceive. This attitude will get us into hell if we do not change it. Matthew 23:28-33 (218)
It is hypocritical to claim a desire to worship God, but fail to back it up with an obedient heart marked by a love of justice. Mark 7:6-13 (115)
Like leaven in a loaf of bread, a little hypocrisy can infect the entire loaf of our lives. Luke 12:1 (154)
It is hypocritical to jump to the condemnation of another while being unable to admit our own personal guilt. John 8:1-7 (142)
Image of God
Jesus is the very image of God the Father. In order to understand God the Father, we must seek to understand Jesus. John 1:18 (2)
To see Christ is to see the Father. John 12:45 (202)
Those who claim they love God but are unsure as to Jesus’ status, need to understand that we cannot understand the Father without accepting his Son. John 14:9 (227)
Imitating Jesus
Jesus calls us to become more like Him. John 13:2-15 (224)
Jesus tells us to imitate Him in loving one another, so that we may become more like him. John 13:34-35 (226); 15:12 (229); Matthew 16:24 (124)
Christ-like obedience is the way to a Christ-like enjoyment of divine love, and the way to have our joy made complete. John 15:9-11 (229)
Jesus is our Teacher. We should be his pupils. He is our Master. We should be his disciples. Luke 6:40 (69)
Incarnation
The Holy Spirit impregnated a young Jewish virgin named Mary. That baby was thus fully God and fully Human. He was God among us – God in flesh. This act is referred to as the “incarnation”. Matthew 1:18-25 (9)
The full story of Jesus’ birth can be found in Luke 1-2 (1-20)
John sought to make us understand that though Jesus was born a Jew from a human mother, he pre-existed that human body. The Son of God has always existed, though he may have incarnated into human form at a particular temporal moment. John 1:1-18 (2)
In Christ
Jesus describes himself as the vine and us as the branches. We must get our strength and support from him. Cut off from him we will become brittle and die. Connected to him we can produce good fruit. We cannot produce good works on our own, so we cannot hope to please him merely with our good works. We must first establish a relationship with him. This relationship will then allow us to produce the good works. John 15:1-10 (229)
Infertility
Elizabeth was unable to conceive her whole life but God was able to overcome her infertility. Luke 1:5-25 (3)
Influence
Our influence should be used to preserve truth, justice and morality in the world. It should be used to enlighten mankind as to how that is only possible through Christ. Matthew 5:13-16 (55)
We all influence someone – whether for good or ill. We bear personal responsibility to make sure that we do not cause others to go in the wrong direction. Matthew 18:6-7 (129-130)
Inherited sin
Due to inherited sin, our hearts are dark, twisted and defiled. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Our good works are not enough to overcome the curse of inherited sin. Matthew 7:21-23 (74)
The only solution is to convert – to be adopted into God’s family. Matthew 18:3 (129)
We need to become like children. It is not that they are sinless but that they are held unaccountable for their sin. That can only occur when we ask that Jesus’ payment for sin be made to our account. Matthew 19:14 (187)
Integrity
Jesus stated that Philip was a man of complete integrity. John 1:35-51 (26)
Intercession
Intercession is a particular form of prayer in which a person intervenes on another’s behalf with God. Jesus gave us a wonderful example of intercessory prayer in John 17. (233)
Jesus, deity of
There are some who will say that Jesus was simply a great teacher – that he never personally claimed to be God. But the eyewitnesses of his day knew exactly what he was saying. Like today some accepted it and some did not. John 5:18 (45)
Jesus claimed to exist long before his incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth. The Jews understood that he was claiming divinity and sought to stone him for it. John 8:58-59 (145)
Jesus existed before anything else. He was God. He created all things. He is the source of life and light. He is the only begotten of the Father, simultaneously fully God and fully man. John 1:1-3, 14 (2)
Christians believe in a Trinity. The Trinity is three fully separate persons who, together, form a unified God. John expresses it as Jesus was both God and with God. John 1:1-3 (2)
The God the Son has seen God the Father and wants to reveal him to us. Just as the Father is the source of life, so is the Son. John 6:46, 57 (113)
When he claimed to be the Son of God, they again tried to stone him. Jesus, then and today, asks that we examine his works and determine whether or not his claim is true. John 10:22-39 (167)
Here Jesus claims to not only be one with God the Father but also with the Holy Spirit. Then, astonishingly, he invites us into that amazing relationship. John 14:9-28 (228)
Jesus, glory of
Jesus here revealed his true nature to Peter, James and John. This is what he will look like when he returns. Matthew 17:2 (125); Mark 9:2-3 (125)
The Father glorifies the Son and the Son glorifies the Father. In order to please the Father we too must glorify the Son. John 17:1, 5, 24 (233)
Jesus, humanity of
Like us, Jesus could also be tempted with fulfilling the desires of the body, with self-glorification (pride), or with power. Unlike us, he never succumbed to these temptations. Matthew 4:3-11 (23); Luke 4:3-13 (23)
Jesus body was subject to exhaustion. John 4:6 (31)
He could be thirsty. John 4:7 (31)
Jesus voluntarily limited even his knowledge. Mark 13:32 (217)
He too knew grief. He was afraid of his fate and asked if it were possible to escape it. However, he submitted to the will of his Father. Matthew 26:38-39 (234); Mark 14:33-35 (234); Luke 22:42-44 (234)
Jesus, King
He was a king at birth even though he was not recognized as such. Matthew 2:2 (15); John 1:10-11 (2)
Jesus admitted his kingship to Pilate. Matthew 27:11 (244); Mark 15:2 (244); Luke 23:3 (244)
The origins of Jesus’ authority do not come from a human dynasty. It is otherworldly, spiritual in nature. John 18:36 (244)
He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18-20 (272)
Jesus, power of
He was able to walk on water. Matthew 14:25 (11); Mark 6:48 (111); John 6:19 (111)
He was able to cast out demons. Mark 3:22 (82)
Demons had to ask his permission to do anything. Mark 5:11-13 (103)
People were healed by simply touching his clothes with faith. Mark 5:25-29 (106)
He was able to see his disciple’s difficulties while miles away. Mark 6:48 (111); John 6:19 (111)
He possessed the power of God. Luke 5:17 (42)
He was acutely aware of forces we are completely incapable of even perceiving. Luke 8:46 (106)
He was able to read the thoughts and motivations of men. John 2:23-25 (28)
Jesus, prayer habits of
Jesus liked to go alone into the mountains to pray in the evening. Matthew 14:23 (111); Mark 6:46 (111)
Jesus, purpose of
Jesus was completely focused on his purpose, which was to be the atoning sacrifice that would pay the penalty of our sins and make a right relationship with God possible. Luke 13:32 (169); 4:43 (41); 9:22 (124)
Jesus, sacrifice of
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and offer his life as a sacrifice in payment for our sins. Matthew 20:28 (191)
His blood was poured out for the forgiveness of the sins of mankind. Matthew 26:28
Jesus, second coming of
There will be a period of tribulation, followed by terrifying signs. Immediately after those signs, Jesus will return with his angels to gather the elect to himself. Matthew 24:29-31 (216); Mark 13:24-27 (216)
The days preceding his return will be marked by an almost total focus on self-gratification. His appearance will be sudden and unexpected, but not secret. Everyone will know what happened. Luke 17:22-37 (184)
Joy
Discovering the message of salvation and the hope that comes because of it should be a great source of joy. Any sacrifice made to make it ours is nothing compared to that joy. Matthew 13:44 (94)
When we put our resources to work for God, we can live in expectation of our Master’s joy and reward. Matthew 25:21-23 (219)
Persecution should be a source of joy for the Christian because it is indicative of our acceptance as one of his. Luke 6:23 (53)
The world will tell you that joy comes from happy circumstances. Jesus says joy comes as a result of a humble, repentant and faithful heart. Matthew 5:1-12 (52-53)
God takes great pleasure, achieves a joyful state, when a sinner is reconciled to him. Luke 15 (174-176)
Jesus says we will be blessed if we follow his example and humbly serve each other. John 13:1-17 (224)
Judah
The lands of the tribe of Judah were singularly honored by having the Messiah born in the city of Bethlehem. Matthew 1:2-6 (Ancestry)
Judging others
We dare not look at the victims of tragedy and assume that they are under the judgment of God. We must first look to our own sin. Luke 13:3-5 (159)
God the Father has delegated all responsibilities of judgment to the Son. Therefore, when we appear before the Judgment Seat it will be Jesus sitting on that throne. John 5:22 (45)
Before we exercise discerning judgment on others, we must first look to our own sin. Doing so will allow us to practice compassionate discernment without condemnation. John 8:7 (142)
Judgment
We are allowed to judge – so long as we are willing to live by the same standard. To do otherwise would be the height of hypocrisy. Matthew 7:1-5 (69)
There will come a day when believers will be part of a governmental system that will sit in judgment of the earth. Matthew 19:28 (188); Luke 22:30 (225)
Judgment Day
Someday Christ will return. When he does it will not be as the meek Lamb but as the King of the universe – the Judge of mankind. We need to be prepared for that day. Matthew 25:31-46 (220); John 5:22 (45)
On that day we will be held accountable for the truth we have heard. John 12:48 (202)
Justice, between men
God is more concerned with justice than he is with ritualistic worship. Matthew 23:23 (218)
We should not judge merely by outward appearance. We are to judge righteously. John 7:24 (138)
Justification
Justification (being held unaccountable for our sins) comes when we humbly confess our sins and repent of them (attempt to change our ways). Luke 18:13-14 (186)
King
Jesus is the King meant to rule not only the house of Israel, but the whole world forever. Luke 1:32-33 (4)
Kingdom, Christ’s
The church universal is Christ’s kingdom. Matthew 16:18-19 (123)
To become a citizen of that kingdom we must repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:14-15 (35); Matthew 4:17 (35)
The kingdom came into being within the life spans of the apostles. Mark 9:1 (124)
Christ’s kingdom is thus otherworldly. Though in the world it is not of the world. John 18:36 (244)
In the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount, commonly called the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us principles of Kingdom citizenship. Matthew 5:3-10 (53)
The Kingdom is described as God’s work that the devil is futilely trying to sabotage. Matthew 13:24 (90)
The Kingdom is marked by a singular focus on justice and restoration. Luke 3:4-6 (21)
Contrary to popular American belief, entering the Kingdom takes great devotion and energy. Luke 16:16 (177)
Discipleship requires a willingness to drop everything else in order to place Christ first in our lives. Matthew 4:20 (38); Mark 1:16-17 (38)
It requires a willingness to forego pursuit of material wealth and physical comfort. Matthew 8:20 (137); Mark 10:21 (188)
It requires a willingness to take whatever God brings our way. It requires a willingness to bear some of the world’s sufferings. Matthew 16:24 (124); Mark 8:34 (124)
This willingness to take up Christ’s cross must be maintained on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 (124)
It requires a willingness to publicly make a stand for Christ and tell others about him. Matthew 28:19 (272); John 1:40-46 (26)
Jesus must even come before our loved ones. Compared to our love for him, all other loves should be like hate. Luke 14:25-27 (173)
We need to carefully consider the cost before deciding to be his disciple. Luke 14:28-34 (173)
The Pharisees misunderstood the nature of the Kingdom. They were looking for something external, political, or militaristic. Jesus echoed God’s oft’ repeated exhortation to “circumcise our hearts” or that he would rather rule our hearts. Luke 17:20-21 (184)
Knowledge
Many like to know things to demonstrate their knowledge to others. But When we long to know what true righteousness and holiness is, not just knowledge for knowledge sake but knowledge for change sake, God will certainly fulfill that desire. Matthew 5:6 (53)
An appreciation of truth is liberating. John 8:32 (145)
Lazarus
Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who died of an illness. Jesus waited until he was dead and several days in the ground before resurrecting him. We may think we have problems that are too far gone for any hope to exist but there is no such state for those who follow Christ. John 11:1-44 (181-182)
A poor beggar named Lazarus was mentioned in this story that gives us insight into what life after death was like before Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
Laziness
In the parable of the talents, Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
Leader
Leadership in the Kingdom comes as a result of a willingness to humbly serve others. Matthew 20:25-28 (191)
All authority resides in Jesus Christ. Any authority here on earth is delegated from his. To gain authority properly, we must have his calling on our lives. Matthew 28:18-20 (272)
Leadership comes by considering ourselves to be the least of all others. Placing other’s lives and needs ahead of our own transforms us into true leaders. Mark 9:35 (129)
Ministry comes from a devotion to Christ and a willingness to care for his sheep. John 21:15-17 (268)
Light/Darkness
Christians are supposed to be lights in a dark world. Matthew 5:14 (55)
We are called the sons of Light. Luke 16:8 (177)
Jesus is called the Light that came into the world, enlightening every man. John 1:4-9 (2); 8:12 (143)
Men reject the Light because they love their evil deeds. John 3:19 (29)
They are afraid the Light will expose their deeds. John 3:20 (29)
Practicing truth (not merely hearing and admitting it) is how one comes to the Light. John 3:21 (29)
We must believe in the Light so that we can become children of the Light. John 12:35-36 (201)
Loneliness
Jesus will be with us to the very end of the ages. Matthew 28:20 (272)
Jesus invites us to a perfect relationship with the Trinity. John 17:20-23 (233)
Lord’s Supper
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
This supper was part of the Passover celebration. When he said that the wine was his blood and the bread his body, the Jewish disciples understood the symbolism. Mark 14:22-25 (225)
Here Jesus claimed to be the living bread. The symbolism was understood. No one thought he was declaring himself to be a loaf. John 6:51-56 (113)
The Lord’s Supper is a ritual we use to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Luke 22:14-20 (225)
Here is a time when Jesus literally prepared a supper for his disciples. John 21:13 (267)
Love, for God
Our love for God must be so passionate that even our familial love should seem like hate in comparison. He must come before family. Luke 14:26 (173)
Any ministry that we may have must be firmly grounded in our love for God. John 21:15-17(216)
Love, of brethren
We should love the brethren, but our love should go far beyond and reach out even to our enemies. Matthew 5:47-48 (62)
We should love the brethren, not because we feel like it, but because Jesus commanded it. John 13:34-35 (226)
Love entails laying down one’s life for another. We should demonstrate our love by sharing our time and resources with each other. John 15:12-17 (229)
Love, lack of
A lack of love for brothers and sisters in Christ could indicate that we are not actually one of Christ’s disciples. John 13:35 (226)
It is obvious that we lack love for God when we fail to do what he says. John 15:10, 12, 14, 17 (229)
Love, obedience required
Love obeys. Even a parent knows that. We demonstrate our love by obeying Christ’s commands. John 14:15, 21-24, 31(228)
Love, importance of
Loving God and loving our neighbor is the greatest command. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
Love is must be demonstrated to all – even our enemies. We should treat everyone the same way we would personally like to be treated. Luke 6:27-28, 31-33 (62)
In loving our neighbor as ourselves it is important to know who that is. Jesus said it was whoever comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Love, service entailed
By washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus modeled for us, showing us how we must love one another. John 13:14-15 (224)
Jesus commands us to love others in the manner in which he loved us – sacrificially serving. John 13:34 (226)
We should not seek honor and prestige, but like Jesus be ready to serve others. Matthew 20:26-28 (191)
Attending to the needs of others is serving Christ. Matthew 25:34-40 (220)
We should follow the golden rule in extending our love and service. Matthew 7:12 (71)
We will find we are truly living when we serve others. Matthew 10:39 (98)
We must love our enemies and those who are persecuting us. To serve them means to determine what they really need and do it for them. That may mean discounting their sins or it may mean correcting or rebuking them. But whatever it entails it must be done for their good. Matthew 5:43-48 (62)
Love, of God
Jesus calls us to love God above all else. He summarized the Law as being founded on this principle. Matthew 22:37-39 (211)
To love Jesus is to obey his teaching. John 14:23-24 (228)
Lying, deceit
Lying indicates a defiled heart. Matthew 15:18-20 (115)
When we lie we demonstrate that we are still under the influence of the devil. We are doing his work for him. John 8:44 (145)
Marriage
Both husbands and wives must quickly pursue peace when trouble arises. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
A home divided against itself due to conflict will soon fail. Matthew 12:25 (82)
The couple becomes inextricably entwined upon marriage. They are one. The needs of one become the imperatives of the other. This is remarkable since the Scriptures compare this relationship to that of the church and Christ. Mark 10:8 (134)
Martyr
When we are persecuted, even if it ultimately leads to martyrdom, we can place our hope in the resurrection. They cannot truly destroy us. Luke 21:12-18 (216)
Materialism
Our relationship with God should be what we value most. Matthew 5:3-12 (53)
Any hunger for material things will only lead to dissatisfaction. True satisfaction, true satiation will only come to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Luke 6:20-22 (53)
Meekness
Gentleness (or meekness) is its own reward. Matthew 5:5 (53)
Jesus is the ultimate example of meekness. Imitating him will result in inner peace. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Mercy
The merciful will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 (53)
The practice of justice, mercy and faithfulness are what God really wants. Matthew 23:23 (218)
We should imitate our merciful Father. Luke 6:36 (62)
Mercy should be extended to whoever comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
The prodigal son’s father showed unmerited mercy toward his rebellious son. Luke 15:20 (176)
Messiah
Jesus claimed to be not just a great teacher but the Christ. Matthew 16:20 (123)
From his birth, there were indications of who he would become. Luke 2:25, 32 (12)
He gave Peter James and John a preview of what he would look like when he returned from heaven. Matthew 17:2 (125)
Even the people of his day understood who he was – they called him the Son of David, the one who would ultimately reign. Matthew 20:30 (192)
Bartimaeus also called him the Son of David. Mark 10:47 (193); Luke 18:38 (193)
Because he was the Messiah, Jesus was very conscious of following God’s timing. Mark 8:27-30 (123)
These people were claiming he was the Messiah though they would turn on him in a few short days. Mark 11:8-10 (198)
Even his own disciples did not fully grasp his nature. Luke 18:34 (190)
Jesus tried to tell them that he was the Lord. Luke 20:41-44 (212); Mark 12:35-37 (212)
The disciples had moments when they believed but their lack of faith kept them from staying with that knowledge. John 1:45-49 (26)
Jesus is the only way into heaven. He is the door. He is our only protection. He is the Good Shepherd. John 10:1-15 (166)
John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. Luke 3:4-6 (21)
Miracles
We should seek Christ – not his gifts. Though Jesus performed miracles on a regular basis, he was offended by those who sought miracles rather than a relationship with him. Mark 8:12 (120)
The ultimate miracle was when Jesus resurrected from the dead. He referred to it as “the sign of Jonah” because as Jonah was three days in the belly of the fish, so he would be three days in the earth. Luke 11:29 (84)
Miracles, purpose
The purpose of miracles was to confirm that what was being said came from God. Mark 16:20 (272)
Jesus’ miracles (which even his worst enemies did not dispute) confirmed that he was telling the truth. John 5:36 (46)
Jesus performed even more miracles than were actually recorded. The ones that were recorded were selected to demonstrate that he was the Son of God. John 20:30-31 (267)
Money
Money is nice, but it cannot ultimately be our security. Matthew 6:19-34 (67-68)
Moses
Moses (whom God declared to be the greatest prophet) put his seal of approval on the Messiah’s atoning work. Matthew 17:1-13 (125)
Murder
If we don’t get our heart right, there is no depth to which we cannot descend. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Natural disasters
When sickness befalls us, we have a Great Physician who can, if he wills, heal us. Luke 4:39 (40)
Not all natural disasters are a judgment from God. Luke 13:3-5 (159)
Needs, spiritual
Our righteousness must exceed the greatest human standards in order to enter into heaven. The only way that will ever happen is if Jesus’ righteousness is counted as ours. Matthew 5:20 (56)
Neighbor
We must love our neighbor and care for him as we care for ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
Our neighbor is everyone who comes within our sphere of influence. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Not…but
It is not we who speak but the Spirit who speaks within us. Matthew 10:20 (98)
It is not a child but Christ. Mark 9:37 (129)
Not earthly and temporary but heavenly and eternal. John 6:27 (113)
Not Jesus but the Father. John 12:44 (202)
Obedience
We must obey the Master’s command to love one another. John 13:34-35 (226)
It is not the “letter of the law” but the “spirit of the law” that we must obey. Mark 2:23-27 (47)
We must seek to make God’s will be followed on earth the same way it is obeyed in heaven by the angels – absolutely and without question or hesitation. Matthew 6:10 (65)
Jesus requires obedience. John 14:15, 21-24 (228)
Keeping the commandments of Jesus brings joy and relationship. John 15:10-17 (229)
Staying on the straight and narrow leads to life. The easy way that most people take leads to spiritual death. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Not all who call Jesus “Lord” actually make him their Lord in truth. Matthew 7:21-27 (74-75); Luke 6:46 (75)
It is foolish to claim to be a Christian but not actually obey his tenets. Your life will come to a terrible end if you do so. Matthew 7:24-27 (75)
Listen to God’s Word and do what it says. Luke 11:28 (83)
The greatest command to obey is to love God and to love our neighbor. Obeying this principle will make all other commands easier to obey. Matthew 22:36-39 (211)
Occult
Even though the magi were followers of the occult, because they were seekers of truth only following what they knew, God took pity on them and enlightened them. Matthew 2:1-2 (9, 15)
Offerings
Our offerings to Christ are an act of worship. Even if they may not be understood or appreciated by others, Christ appreciates them. Matthew 26:6-13 (196)
Oil
Oil was routinely used to anoint people in order to affect their healing. Mark 6:13 (98)
Overcoming evil
Seek to communicate privately with the person who has wronged you. Matthew 18:5 (129)
If you can’t get the matter settled and you can’t let it go, take one or two with you. Matthew 18:16 (132)
If that doesn’t work and you feel it must be dealt with, take it to the church congregation. Matthew 18:17 (132)
Truly love you enemies and seek to do what’s in their best interest. Matthew 5:43-47 (62)
Be willing to turn the other cheek, especially to religious persecution. Matthew 5:38-42 (61)
Overcoming sin
Truthfulness and submission to the truth is liberating. John 8:32 (145)
By nature we are all slaves to sin, but Jesus sets us free. John 8:34-36 (145)
Parables
Jesus used parables in order to control who understood what truth. Matthew 13:11-13 (87); Mark 4:10-12 (87), 21-25 (88)
- The wise and foolish builders Matthew 7:24-27 (75); Luke 6:47, 49 (75)
- The two debtors Luke 7:41-47 (80)
- The rich fool Luke 12:16-21 (155)
- The waiting servants Luke 12:35-40 (157)
- The barren fig tree Luke 13:6-9 (160)
- The sower Matthew 13:3-9 (86), 18-23 (87); Mark 4:1-9 (86), 14-20 (87); Luke 8:5-8 (86), 11-15 (87)
- The weeds Matthew 13:24-30 (90), 36-43 (93)
- The seeds growing secretly Mark 4:26-29 (89)
- The mustard seed Matthew 13:31-32 (91); Mark 4:30-32 (91); Luke 13:18-19 (162)
- The yeast Matthew 13:33 (92); Luke 13:20-21 (163)
- The hid treasure Matthew 13:44 (94)
- The expensive pearl Matthew 13:45-46 (95)
- The fishing net Matthew 13:47-50 (96)
- The unmerciful servant Matthew 18:23-35 (133)
- The good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37 (149)
- The midnight friend Luke 11:5-8 (151)
- The good shepherd John 10:1-16 (166)
- The great supper Luke 14:15-24 (172)
- The lost sheep Matthew 18:12-14 (131); Luke 15:3-7 (174)
- The lost coin Luke 15:8-10 (175)
- The lost son Luke 15:11-32 (176)
- The unjust steward Luke 16:19-31 (178)
- The rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 (178)
- The importunate widow Luke 18:1-8 (185)
- The Pharisee and the tax collector Luke 18:9-14 (186)
- The laborers in the vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 (189)
- The pounds Luke 19:11-27 (197)
- The two sons Matthew 21:28-32 (206)
- The wicked tenant farmers Matthew 21:33-44 (207); Mark 12:1-12 (207); Luke 20:9-18 (207)
- The prince’s wedding Matthew 22:1-14 (208)
- The fig tree in leaf Matthew 24:32 (82); Mark 13:28-29 (216)
- The traveler Mark 13:34-37 (217)
- The ten virgins Matthew 25:1-13 (218)
- The talents Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
- The vine John 15:1-5 (229)
Jesus’ parents made the mistake of assuming His whereabouts. This did not mean they were uncaring but simply inexperienced. Luke 2:44 (19)
To follow Jesus’ example children must be continuously subject to their parents. Luke 2:51 (20)
We should be trying to bring our children to Christ so that his presence can bless them. Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17 (187)
We should imitate Christ in this matter. We too should periodically take our children in our arms, place our hands on their heads and bless them in prayer. Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17 (187)
We should not be like the blind man’s parents who would not stand up with him against the unfair persecution of the religious elite. They chose their social standing over their own son. John 9:1-34 (164)
We should seek the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our children. Mark 9:14-29 (126); Matthew 17:14-21 (126); Luke 9:37-43a (126); Mark 7:24-30 (116); Matthew 15:21-28 (116)
Partiality (favoritism)
The Jews’ racism had kept the Samaritan woman from a right relationship from God. Jesus’ willingness to transcend racial, cultural, moral and sexual barriers brought her into the Kingdom. John 4:9 (31)
We should not only extend help and love to those who are similar to us or who even like us. We should be like the Christ who was willing to die for all of humanity. Luke 10:25-37 (148-149)
Passover
Jesus followed many of the Jewish feasts. The Lord’s Supper is actually Jesus’ adaptation of the Jewish Passover. Matthew 26:26-29 (225)
The Passover was a full meal. Jesus used the symbols of the bread and wine to teach a valuable lesson about our total dependence on him. Mark 14:22-24 (225)
Another name for the Passover is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. A considerable amount of preparation was involved including, setting aside a special room, with sufficient accommodations for the Lord and his disciples and having sufficient provisions for the meal. Luke 22:1 (221), 8-20 (223, 225)
Peace
There is a special blessing for those who seek to create peace. Matthew 5:9 (53)
Christ gives inner peace and rest to all who come to him in faith. Matthew 11:28-30 (101); John 14:27 (228)
Repentance of sin brings peace with God. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
Persecution
Those who rebel to God will certainly hate those who have allied themselves with him. John 15:18-21 (230)
Do good to and pray for those who persecute you. Love your enemies. Matthew 5:38-45 (61-62)
In dealing with your persecutors be both wise yet innocent of guile. Matthew 10:16 (98)
When you are persecuted rely on God to lead you. Matthew 10:17-20 (98)
Some will not be able to take the persecution and will fall away. That is to be expected. Just don’t be one of them. Matthew 13:1-9 (86), 18-23 (87)
Rejoice if you are persecuted for righteousness’ sake because there is a wonderful reward waiting for you. Matthew 5:10-12 (53)
Practice spiritual jiu-jitsu. Overcome by yielding. Luke 6:29-30 (62)
Jesus warned us that joining him would temporarily make us lambs amongst the wolves. Luke 10:3 (146)
We need to keep in mind that, due to the resurrection, ultimately our persecutors can do us no harm. Luke 21:18 (216)
Perspective, human
We are only as wise as our perspective in life. If we are unable to see things from God’s perspective our minds are truly dark. We must decide whether our metaphysical outlook is earthly or heavenly. It cannot be both. Matthew 6:22-24 (67)
Peter
Peter was a hard-working man who already had a successful family business when Jesus found him. He was willing to leave it all behind for the Master. Matthew 4:18-22 (38)
Peter struggled with self-reliant pride and it ended up being his downfall. Matthew 26:31-75 (226, 234-235, 237, 239-241)
Jesus was willing to restore Peter to favor, once Peter was willing to humble himself and acknowledge that he couldn’t fully love Christ as Christ loved him. In this passage the Master is asking “do you ‘agape’ me” and Peter is responding “I ‘phileo’ you”. John 21 (267-268)
Pharisees
The Pharisees were always testing Christ, seeking to bend him to their standards and desires. Because of this Jesus referred to them as an “evil and adulterous generation. Matthew 16:1-4 (120)
They had memorized whole passages of Scripture but were incapable of understanding it true meaning, power for change or how to apply it properly. Matthew 22:15-45 (209-212)
Jesus warned them of the consequences of their pride. Matthew 23 (214, 218); Luke 11:37-54 (153)
They put their traditions before the Scriptures. They were the kind that always have the knee-jerk response “but we’ve always done it that way!” Mark 7:1-23 (115)
God resists the proud but draws near to the humble. The proud religious man walked away unforgiven. The humble and contrite sinner received grace. Luke 18:9-14 (186)
Poor
We must make the care of the poor a priority in our lives. Mark 10:21 (188)
While working to eliminate poverty, we must keep in mind that it is ultimately an impossible task. Until the King returns to take over we will never find a perfect solution. We just keep working at it. Mark 14:7 (196)
The rich man and Lazarus’ afterlife assignments were not based on their socio-economic status but on where they placed their trust. Abraham said that a person who will not trust the Scriptures will not listen even to a resurrected man. Luke 16:19-31 (178)
We need to love and care for the poor, but we need to make Jesus the object of our desire and worship. John 12:8 (196)
Power, God’s
We are weak and completely incapable on our own. However, when totally dependent on God, we are capable of even amazing miracles. Mark 11:22-24 (204)
Power, of words
Our words are capable of great good (Martin Luther King Jr.) or great harm (Adolph Hitler). We will be held accountable for them. Matthew 5:22 (57)
Every careless word will be required of us on Judgment Day. Matthew 12:36-37 (83)
Power, over others
A little lie can go a long way. We need to get it right so that our influence over others is not like the “yeast” of the Pharisees. Matthew 16:11-12 (121)
The yeast of the Pharisees was the belief that their personal religiosity was sufficient. The yeast of the Herodians was the belief that personal power and authority was sufficient. Both views are equally pernicious. Mark 8:15 (121)
Those beliefs can be so subtly hidden or camouflaged that people don’t know what they’re getting into. We must constantly “test the spirits” which means determine the motivations behind the actions or words. Luke 11:44 (153)
Power, spiritual
Complete, absolute, unadulterated, unfailing and unblinking trust in God’s Word and power can render us nearly invincible. Matthew 21:21 (199)
Prayer
The Lord’s prayer is our model. Not necessarily something to be repeated verbatim, but used as an example. Matthew 6:9-13 (65)
Pray to God the Father
Worship him.
Ask for your part in building his kingdom
Make your request for what you need today
Ask for forgiveness of your sins
Ask for strength to overcome sin in the future
Finish with praise
We should trust God’s heart. He will give us what we need. Matthew 7:7-11 (70)
We should take our burdens to Christ. He is gentle and humble and will surely give us help. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
Though solitary prayer is important and powerful, there is something special about praying with another Christian. Matthew 18:19-20 (132)
The key to prayer is absolute faith and trust in God. Matthew 21:21-22 (199)
The way to not succumb to temptation is to be persistent and disciplined in our prayer life. Mark 14:38 (234)
We should find time for personal, solitary prayer. Luke 5:16 (76)
We should be persistent in our prayers. If even a sinful human can be influenced by persistent requests, how much more will our loving heavenly Father? Luke 11:5-13 (151)
It is easy to become discouraged when the answer to our prayer is delayed. We must maintain our faith in a just Judge who will certainly do what is right at the absolutely correct time. Luke 18:1 (185)
We must not rely on our own strength to “turn over a new leaf.” We need to pray and ask God to help us not succumb to temptation. Luke 22:40 (234)
We need to pray in Jesus’ name. The Father will answer our prayers when he knows that the requests are in Jesus’ name and for his sake. John 14:13-14 (227)
Our prayers must be empowered by a life that is based on and submitted to God’s Word. John 15:7 (229)
Preachers
John the Baptist’s preaching power certainly did not come from his stage presence but from the truth and passion of his words. Matthew 3:4 (21)
John the Baptist did not use his ministry to build a lavish personal lifestyle. He remained focused on his mission. Mark 1:6 (21)
Preacher, support of
Those who lead others in building the kingdom of God are worthy of being financially supported. However, they should not be focused on their personal advancement. Luke 10:4-7 (146)
Preaching
Jesus used parables (earthly stories with heavenly meanings). Matthew 13:3-23 (86-87)
We have been given real authority to speak on God’s behalf. Matthew 16:19 (123)
When we tell stories or use illustrations, we should make sure that our application is clear in the minds of our audience. Mark 4:13-20 (87)
Jesus’ preaching ministry was firmly grounded on the Scriptures. Luke 4:15-20 (23, 36)
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be the core of our message. Luke 24:47 (265)
Prejudice
Being from Nazareth was like being from the wrong side of the tracks. Jesus knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of people’s prejudice. Matthew 2:23 (18)
Jesus extended mercy toward the Samaritans but that acceptance was not reciprocated. Not everyone will love you for your good deeds. Luke 9:53 (136)
The Jews could not believe that God would judge them. They felt their privileged status as God’s people would protect them. They were wrong. We had better not make the same mistake. Luke 20:16 (207)
Jesus’ grace transcended racial, cultural, moral and sexual barriers. John 4:9 (31)
Pride
We should not seek to place ourselves in preeminent positions. We need to wait for them to be bestowed upon us at the appropriate time by the Master. Luke 14:7-11 (171)
The Prodigal Son’s older brother was proud of his good behavior. But meanwhile he was angry, bitter, vengeful and incapable of mercy. Luke 15:25-32 (176)
When we serve God and do what others may think of a great works, we need to maintain a humble attitude. We are still “unworthy slaves” because we have only done what we should have. Luke 17:7-10 (179)
The Jews took such great pride in their rules and regulations that they forgot the point – righteousness, justice and mercy. It went so far that they persecuted the one the rules and regulations were meant to glorify. John 5:16 (45)
Priorities
Our first priority must be the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Jesus must come before family. Matthew 10:34-39 (98)
Jesus must come before our own lives. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Serving others must come before the accumulation of wealth. Matthew 19:21 (188)
Worshipping and learning from Jesus must come before good works. Luke 10:38-41 (150)
The care of our souls must come before the care of our bodies. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Heeding God’s call must come before the cares of life. Luke 14:18-20 (172)
Trust in God must come before trust in wealth, power or circumstances. Luke 18:22-30 (188)
The spiritual must come before the fleshly. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Our relationship with Jesus must come before social work. John 12:8 (196)
Promises, keeping
We must not make oaths on anything. We should simply keep our word. Matthew 5:34-37 (60)
Making oaths on the Bible as if that were more binding than making an oath before God Almighty is simply foolish. Matthew 23:16-22 (218)
If we have promised something to someone we must make every possible attempt to keep our word – just like we’d hope they’d do for us. Matthew 7:12 (71)
Prompt obedience
We need to obey today, while we have the opportunity. We cannot be sure of tomorrow. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
Prophecy
Here Jesus predicted his status as the atoning lamb of the world. Mark 2:10 (42)
It was prophesied that Elijah would return before the Messiah. This was fulfilled by the spirit of John the Baptist as well as by the even on the Mount of Transfiguration. It will be again fulfilled during the End of Days by the two witnesses. Matthew 17:10 (125)
The prophecies of the ancient prophets regarding the coming of the Messiah were all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1 (Ancestry); Luke 3:4-6 (21); 19:41-44 (200)
Jesus wanted us to understand prophecy. It was not meant to be obscure. Matthew 24:15 (216)
Jesus made a long and detailed prediction of what would signal (1) the destruction of the Temple, (2) his return and (3) the end of time. Mark 13:5-25 (216)
The disciples were at first incapable of understanding Jesus’ predictions. We must humbly admit our thick-headedness and not rely on our own understanding but wait for the Holy Spirit to teach us. Luke 18:34 (190)
Understanding prophecy will not come simply because we have studied. Its meaning must be revealed to us by the Lord. Luke 24:45 (265)
Prophets
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was sent by God to prepare people for and lead people to the Christ. John 1:6 (2)
Just because a person claims to be a prophet doesn’t make it so. Examine their lives carefully before listening to those who claim to speak on God’s behalf. Matthew 7:15-16 (73)
Providence of God
God cares for the birds and the flowers and will certainly care for his own. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Jesus offers rest. He offers meaning and purpose. He offers guidance. Matthew 10:29-30 (98)
Punishment
The worst punishment will be meted out to those who stubbornly refuse to heed the Spirit’s promptings to place their trust in the finished work of Christ and thus receive God’s forgiveness. Matthew 12:31-32 (83)
Quiet time
The purpose of personal devotions or “quiet time” is to get our perspective on life corrected to match God’s. Matthew 6:23 (67)
Rebuke, examples
John the Baptist rebuked the Pharisees for seeking baptism without truly repenting of their sins first. Matthew 3:2-10 (21)
John the Baptist rebuked the king for marrying his brother’s wife. Matthew 14:1-11 (109)
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for twisting the Law so that they could escape their filial duties. Matthew 15:1-14 (115)
Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not grasping the true power of the Scriptures. Matthew 22:23-33 (210)
Jesus rebuked the self-proclaimed spiritual elite for their hypocrisy and pride. Matthew 23 (218, 214)
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their pride of place and race. John 8:31-47, 55 (145)
Jesus rebuked his disciples for their ignorance and lack of faith. Matthew 17:17 (126)
Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for his lack of understanding of the Scriptures. John 3:10 (29)
Because Jesus was so honest in his evaluation and courageous in his confrontation of evil, the world hated him. If we imitate him in this matter, we too will be hated. John 7:7 (135)
Rebuke, heeding
When God rebukes our conscience we must immediately deal with it or our worship will be useless. Matthew 5:23-24 (57)
Heeding constructive criticism will maintain our relationship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Matthew 18:15-17 (132)
Not heeding the rebuke of the Word demonstrates that darkness is still in our hearts. John 3:19-21 (29)
Reconciliation
Reconciliation cannot take place until sin is properly dealt with. Matthew 5:23-26 (57)
Rejecting God’s will
We must not place human traditions or our own will before God’s will. Mark 7:7-13 (115)
Rather than admit their mistake, the Pharisees’ pride drove them to reject God’s will. Luke 7:30 (99)
When we listen to the teaching of the apostles we are listening to Christ. When we fail to listen to the apostles we refuse to listen to Christ. Luke 10:16 (146)
Repentance
Jesus calls needy sinners to repentance. Luke 5:27-32 (43)
Repentance will lead to salvation. Matthew 4:17 (35)
Repentance must be from the heart, genuine. Mark 7:20-23 (115)
There is joy in heaven when one sinner repents. Luke 15:7 (174)
Jesus judged those who refused to repent. Matthew 11:20-24 (100)
An adulterous woman repented, turned to Christ and was forgiven. Luke 7:36-50 (79-80)
Those who mourn on account of their sin will be blessed. Matthew 5:4 (53)
Repentance of sin is the means by which we receive eternal life. To refuse to repent is to perish. Luke 13:3, 5 (159)
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be the core of our message. Luke 24:47 (265)
If at first we have disobeyed God, there is yet hope if we will only change our minds and subsequently obey. Matthew 21:28-32 (206)
Respect, of God
Where Jesus’ host had not respectfully greeted him, Mary gave him her very best. Her respect resulted in the forgiveness of her sins. John 12:3 (196)
Respect, of parents
Though we should respect and care for our parents, we must respect the Master more. Matthew 8:22 (137)
We should honor our parents. But if they seek to turn us from doing the will of God, the Master must come first. Matthew 12:46-50 (85); Mark 3:31-35 (85)
Jesus was not being rude in calling his mother “Woman.” It was also how he referred to her as he hung on the cross and made sure she was being cared for. Notice however that God’s timing came before hers in Jesus’ mind. John 2:4 (27)
Restitution
When we realize we have done wrong we must not only admit it but do something about it. We must make restitution. Matthew 21:28-31 (206)
It was when Zacchaeus understood this principle that Jesus declared that salvation had come to his home. Luke 19:8-9 (194)
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is the only “religious founder” who claims to have actually gained power over death itself. All others lie in their graves like the rest of us. Luke 24:5-6 (258)
Christ’s resurrection was predicted in the Scriptures. Luke 24:44-46 (265)
Thomas was undoubtedly a man of reason who relied on his senses like most today. But he was rebuked for only believing when he was forced to. John 20:24-31 (265-266)
Resurrection of man
There is life after death. God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – present tense. They are alive and well. Luke 20:27-39 (210)
Though only our spirits go to dwell in heaven at death, there is coming a day when our spirits will be reunited with our bodies. John 6:40-45 (113)
If Jesus had the power to raise himself from the dead, surely we can trust him to be our source of life. John 5:21-29 (45)
Revenge
We must not seek personal vengeance. These things must be left to the Judge of all the Earth. Matthew 5:39 (61)
Riches
Riches will not provide peace. Matthew 6:19-25 (67-68)
We are truly poor if we think that material wealth is all there is. Matthew 19:16-21 (188)
Righteousness
If we seek righteousness above all else, everything else will fall into its proper place. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Sadducees
The Sadducees’ worldly teaching was just as pernicious as the Pharisees’ hyper religious teaching and equally scorned by Jesus. Matthew 16:1-12 (120-121)
They disbelieved in the resurrection. They were focused on the earthly here and now. Because of this they were more interested in twisting people’s words and manipulating the Law than in actually seeking truth. Mark 12:18-23 (210)
Salvation
We are like lost sheep that Jesus came to seek. Luke 15:3-7 (174)
We are like the prodigal son. We need to repent of our ways, return to the Father and confess our sin and need for him. Luke 15:11-24 (176)
By nature we are all in spiritual bondage. We need Christ to set us free. John 8:31-36 (145)
Jesus gave us a summary of the law. Matthew 22:37-40 (211)
All who receive Christ by faith are saved. John 1:12 (2)
God gave his only begotten Son so that those who believe in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-16 (29)
Jesus died for his sheep. John 10:11, 14-15 (166)
If we desire to receive eternal life, we must become one of his flock by hearing his voice and following him. John 10:27-28 (167)
Christ died for undeserving sinners. John 1:29 (25)
Matthew (Levi) was saved by grace through faith. Luke 5:27-32 (43)
Zacchaeus was also saved in this manner. Luke 19:9-10 (194)
The penitent woman was saved. Luke 7:48-50 (80)
The Samaritan woman was saved when she accepted the truth about Christ. John 4:1-26 (31)
The thief on the cross was certainly saved by grace, through faith. He could do no works nailed to that cross. He couldn’t get baptized. Yet Jesus promised him paradise. Luke 23:39-43 (249)
We are like the lost coin over which Jesus longs to rejoice when found. Luke 15:8-10 (175)
Jesus is the bread of life, the living water and we must partake of him to gain eternal life. John 6:35; 7:37-38 (113)
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened by their sins to come to him. Matthew 11:28-30 (101)
He calls us to enter the narrow gate. Many will not find that small opening because it requires humility. Instead they will choose the broad, easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
He calls us to repentance and faith in the Gospel message. Mark 1:14-15 (35)
The Lord will never turn a sinner away. John 6:37 (113)
When we are saved then we will be able to lead fruitful, productive lives through Jesus’ power. John 15:8 (229)
We need to be willing to pay the cost of discipleship, even if it means that all others hate us. Matthew 10:22 (100)
The fundamental means by which we may attain salvation is belief – faith in the message will lead us to baptism, public confession and then on to even greater signs of inward spiritual growth. Mark 16:16 (272)
Salvation is offered to everyone. Matthew 11:28 (101); Mark 16:15-16 (272); Luke 2:10 (10); 24:47 (265); John 3:16 (29)
Sanctification
To be sanctified means to be set aside for a special purpose. Just as Jesus was sanctified to become our atoning sacrifice, we are to be sanctified in truth. Truth is our purpose, our “raison d’etre.” John 17:17, 19 (233)
Satan
Jesus witnessed Lucifer’s fall. You must remember that this likely occurred before the existence of humanity since Satan was already evil in the Garden of Eden. Luke 10:18 (146)
Satan is the tempter. He will attack us when he thinks we are at our weakest and most vulnerable. He will appeal to our pride. Matthew 4:1-4 (23)
Jesus was accused of being Beelzebul (another Satanic name). Matthew 10:25 (101)
The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness specifically to be tempted by Satan. God can even use Satan for his own purposes. Mark 1:12-13 (23)
When we disobey God or rebel to his will, we are acting like Satan. Mark 8:33 (124)
He will appeal to our senses. He will try to use our appetites against us. Luke 4:3 (23)
Ultimately the Devil is bound to lose. John 12:31 (201)
Satan wants desperately to be worshipped. He wants to be God. Matthew 4:8-9 (23)
If we don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it will not matter what great works we have done. We will still be considered “workers of lawlessness” just like the Devil. Matthew 7:22-23 (74)
The Devil does have some temporary authority here on earth. He has real power. Luke 4:6 (23)
Some people are demonically possessed. Judas Iscariot was possessed by the Devil himself! Luke 22:3 (222); John 13:27 (225)
Second Coming
Jesus made a very long and detailed description of the events leading to his return. Matthew 24-25 (216-220)
No matter how hard life gets, we should comfort ourselves in the knowledge that Jesus is preparing a place for us and soon he will return to take us there. John 14:1-4 (227)
Self-centeredness
Jesus condemned a self-seeking attitude and calls us to humble service. Matthew 10:20-28 (98)
Jesus calls us to self-denial. Luke 9:23-25 (124)
Self-denial
The way of self-denial is difficult for most people to find. The vast majority will follow the broad, well-traveled path of self-indulgence and pride. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Selfishness
We should not seek our own desires but the will of God first and foremost. Matthew 6:33 (68)
Christianity is based on self-denial. To misunderstand what that means is to misunderstand the whole point of discipleship to Christ. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
When we put Christ first it does not matter what it costs us because the Master will be sure to repay us. Mark 10:29-30 (188)
Servant
To lead in the Kingdom, we must become the servant of all. Mark 10:35-45 (191)
Jesus exemplified the servant’s heart and then commanded us to imitate him in this regard. John 13:1-17 (224)
Service
We owe the Master our service. If we fail to put our time, talents and resources to his use we will rightly be rebuked as wicked and lazy servants. Matthew 25:26-27 (219)
If Jesus was willing to serve, how much more should we be willing? John 13:14-15 (224)
Sexual immorality
Looking on a person lustfully is adulterous. Matthew 5:27-28 (58)
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to avoid immorality. Matthew 5:29-30 (58)
Sexual sin is a heart problem. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Jesus can liberate us. John 8:31-36 (145)
Sin
If we admit our sins there is hope. When we fail to admit our sinful condition we are condemned. John 9:41 (165)
The sin against the Holy Spirit, which is refusing his testimony concerning the forgiveness available in Christ is the only sin for which there can be no forgiveness. Matthew 12:31-32 (83); Mark 3:29 (83)
We need to be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to be free of sin. Matthew 5:29-30 (58)
Not all disease or natural disaster is the result of sin. John 9:2-3 (164)
Sometimes our sins do produce physical consequences, however. John 5:14 (44)
Singing
Jesus and the disciples sang as part of their worship. Matthew 26:30 (233)
Slavery
We are God’s slaves. We are to do his bidding and serve his people. Matthew 20:26-28 (191); Mark 10:43-45 (191)
Son of God
The church is built on the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:15-18 (123)
Jesus claimed this state himself. Luke 22:70-71 (242)
Jesus is the only “begotten” Son of God. We may be adopted into God’s family but we must keep in mind Jesus’ special status. John 1:18 (2)
Son of Man
Jesus also referred to himself as “the son of man” a Semitic idiom usually meant to indicate humility or selflessness. It is also an allusion to the messianic prophecy found in Daniel 7. Mark 2:10 (42)
Sorrow, when in
We need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s comfort when we are struggling. John 14:16 (228)
Jesus knows all about struggling with grief and sorrow. He understands your pain. Matthew 26:36-46 (234)
Speech
Our speech should be God-centered and God-praising. Matthew 6:9 (65)
Our words reveal the condition of our hearts. God thus may rightly judge us by them. Matthew 12:34-37 (83); Mark 7:20-23 (115)
Our speech should be marked by blessing – not cursing. Luke 6:27-28 (62)
Spirit of God
The Spirit of God is capable of taking on physical form to demonstrate his presence, like the shekina glory in the Old Testament, the tongues of fire in Acts and a dove here. Mark 1:10 (22)
Spiritual priorities
Our spiritual condition is far more important than anything else. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
Our discipleship to Christ should be our number one priority. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
Death is inevitable. We need to be prepared for its coming. Luke 12:15-21 (155)
The spiritual is far more important than and empowers the fleshly. John 6:27 (113), 63 (114)
Spiritual growth
We will achieve spiritual growth in direct proportion to our willingness to put Christ first. Matthew 16:24-26 (124)
We cannot achieve spiritual growth through personal effort alone. Our efforts must be empowered by the Spirit, submitted to the Word, and have pleasing the Master as their purpose. John 15:1-14 (229)
Stealing
We steal because we do not have our hearts submitted to Christ. To avoid stealing externally, we must make sure we are not stealing our inward selves from God. Matthew 15:19-20 (115)
Stewardship
God has given each of us something to manage for him. We must take care of those resources and try to multiply them in order to please our Master. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
We need to be prepared for the day when the Master will return and will want to know what we did with the resources he gave us. Luke 12:35-48 (157)
We must first be faithful in small things before he will give us bigger things to take care of. Luke 16:10-12 (177)
Suffering
We must be willing to suffer for Christ if need be. Mark 8:34 (124)
Just as Jesus did not seek to be quit of the full brunt of his necessary suffering, so we should not be quick to ask for relief either. We should seek foremost to discover what God wants to teach us through suffering. Mark 15:23 (249)
We are weak and usually quickly succumb to the desires of the flesh. We must seek empowerment through prayer. Matthew 26:41 (234); Mark 14:38 (234); Luke 22:40 (234)
Jesus did not only suffer physically. He suffered from his separation from the Father. Matthew 27:46 (250); Mark 15:34 (250)
Not all suffering is the result of sin. John 9:3 (164)
Even if our circumstances lead to our death, we must first seek to glorify God through them. John 11:4 (181)
Suicide
Judas’ guilt drove him to suicide. Matthew 27:3-5 (243)
Talents
We must seek to improve our talents for his glory. Matthew 25:26-27 (219)
Teaching all of God’s Word
Every word that comes from God is vital to our existence. Matthew 4:4 (23)
Jesus directs us to teach others to observe ALL of his commandments. Matthew 28:20 (272)
Temple
The disciples were impressed by religious architecture. Jesus gave them an attitude adjustment. Matthew 24:2-3 (216)
Temptation
Jesus was tempted by the devil himself. Matthew 4:1-11 (23)
He won every time by relying the Word of God. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (23)
Jesus warns us to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation. Matthew 6:13 (65); 26:41 (234)
We need to maintain pure hearts in the face of temptation so that we can have a relationship with God. Matthew 5:8 (53)
We need to remove sources of temptation from our lives. Matthew 18:8-9 (130)
We need to understand the spiritual battle that rages around us. While being tempted by the Devil and our own sinful desires, we are simultaneously being ministered to by angels. Mark 1:12-13 (23)
The Devil will principally work through doubt. Luke 4:3 (23)
Ten Commandments
Jesus raised the standard but also tried to get us to understand the point of the Ten Commandments. Mark 2:27 (47)
Testing, by God
God will sometimes allow circumstances in our lives to test us – not in order to see if we will fail but in order to demonstrate his grace through our weakness. Matthew 4:1 (23)
Jesus tested the Syrophoenician woman’s humility. Matthew 15:23-26 (116); Mark 7:26-27 (116)
Thankfulness
Though he was God, and thus the source of all creation, Jesus made sure to thank the Father for his food. How much more should we be grateful? Matthew 15:36 (119)
Jesus healed ten leprous men. Only one returned to thank him. Luke 17:12-18 (180)
Trinity
We are to disciple and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:16-20 (269, 272)
Jesus the Son of God claimed equality with Father. He further defined the Holy Spirit as “another helper” equating himself with the Holy Spirit. John 14:9-28 (227-228)
Trust, faith in God
We need to trust that Christ knows what he is doing and that he can calm every storm in our lives. Matthew 8:23-27 (102)
Jesus rebukes a lack of faith. Matthew 14:31 (111)
We need to trust God’s concern for the details of our lives. We need to trust his heart. Matthew 6:25-34 (68); Luke 12:22 (156)
Truth
We should be so known for our honesty that making oaths becomes completely unnecessary. Matthew 5:34-37 (60)
Unbelief
We demonstrate lack of faith when we are constantly asking God to confirm his Word with miraculous works. Matthew 12:39 (84)
A lack of faith will actually limit what God is willing to do in our lives. Mark 6:5-6 (97)
If we cannot believe the “sign of Jonah” (Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection) all other signs are irrelevant. Luke 11:29 (84)
The ultimate work of God is to promote belief in Jesus as his Son. John 6:29 (113)
A lack of faith might be indicative of a lack of salvation. John 10:26 (167)
Understanding God
The older son failed to understand the father’s passion for the return of the younger son. We must understand God the Father’s joy when a single sinner comes back to him. Luke 15:25-32 (176)
To understand the Father you must seek to understand the Son. To accept the Father is to accept the Son. To reject the Son is to reject the Father. John 6:46, 57 (113)
Unity
Jesus’ hope was that we would be united with him in a loving relationship. John 17:20-23 (233)
Values
Here God lists what he values. Matthew 5:3-10 (53)
God values those who teach others to keep his Word. Matthew 5:19 (56)
Vengeance
We should not seek personal vengeance. Instead we should demonstrate the mercy that God demonstrated to us, letting him take care of matters. Matthew 5:21-22, 38ff (57)
We should treat others the way we would want to be treated. If you mess up, would you want others to extract vengeance on you or teach you to do better? Luke 6:27-28, 31-33 (62)
Jesus practiced what he preached. He forgave those who were crucifying him, recognizing their ignorance. Luke 23:34 (249)
Victory, Jesus’ over Satan
Jesus is stronger than Satan. There is no contest. That is why Jesus exorcised so easily and readily. Luke 11:21-22 (82)
Jesus has already overcome the world’s demonic influences. Follow him to victory. John 16:33 (232)
Virgin birth
Jesus was born by a young woman who had never had sex with a man. The Holy Spirit miraculously impregnated her. Matthew 1:18-25 (9)
War, spiritual
Entering the Kingdom requires force. There is a spiritual battle surrounding us, with some forces trying to keep us from entering and others trying to make it possible. Matthew 11:12 (99)
Warnings, calls to repentance and obedience
Sin’s path leads to death. Obedience leads to life. Matthew 7:13-14 (72)
Only those who listen to and obey the Word of God will have life. Matthew 7:21-27 (74-75)
God will not accept those who try to straddle the fence between worldliness and godliness. Matthew 6:24 (67)
On Judgment Day Jesus will separate true Christians from the unbelievers. Matthew 25:31-46 (220)
What good is it to own everything but lose your soul in the process? Matthew 16:26-27 (124)
Always be prepared for Jesus’ coming. Mark 13:32-37 (217); Matthew 25:1-13 (218)
Only those who place their trust in Christ will be saved. John 3:16-18 (29)
Water
The Holy Spirit was described as a never-ending refreshing fountain welling up inside. John 4:10-14 (31)
When we believe Christ, take him at his word and trust him to get us to heaven, a river of peace and righteousness will well up inside us. John 7:37-38 (140)
Wealth
It would be a terrible thing to have material wealth be our only reward. Luke 6:24-26 (54)
Riches did not help this man escape the consequences of not listening to the prophets (the Word of God). Luke 16:19-21 (178)
Wealth can actually be a handicap. Luke 18:25 (188)
Weariness
We must not allow weariness to keep us from praying and relying on God. Luke 18:1 (185)
Will of God
Though Jesus did not want to suffer, he was willing to submit his will to the Father’s. Matthew 26:36-46 (234)
Doing the will of God was so important to the Master that he called it his food. John 4:34 (32)
Just as Jesus understood his purpose in life was to fulfill the Father’s will, so should we make that our single-minded focus. John 6:38 (113)
Wine
Jesus used fermented wine as a positive metaphor for salvation (the Kingdom of God) Matthew 9:17 (105); Mark 2:22 (105); Luke 5:37-39 (105)
Wine was often mixed with other elements as a way of delivering medicine. Jesus was offered a mixture designed to alleviate suffering and refused it. Mark 15:23 (249)
Here we have another example of wine being used as medicine in the story of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:34 (149)
John the Baptist followed the Nazirite vow his whole life – one of the requirements being that he abstain totally from anything made of grapes. Luke 1:15 (3)
Where John the Baptist was known for being a teetotaler, Jesus was known for partaking of wine and eating heartily. Luke 7:33-34 (99)
Jesus’ first miracle involved the creation of fermented, alcoholized wine out of water. It had to be alcoholic or the last verse wouldn’t even make sense. John 2:3-10 (27)
That miracle remained etched in everyone’s mind. Cana was forever identified with that particular miracle. John 4:46 (37)
Word of God
Memorization and quotation of the Word of God allowed Jesus to handily defeat the Devil himself. Matthew 4:1-11 (23)
Jesus is the embodiment of the Word of God. We too should make it our goal to be so obedient to the Word that we become living examples of the Scriptures. John 1:1-18 (2)
Work
In the parable of the talents Jesus clearly teaches the merits of diligence. Matthew 25:14-30 (219)
World, the evil
The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of relying on our circumstances for peace or strength can actually rise up and choke our spiritual growth out. Matthew 13:22 (87)
Worry
Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:25-34 (68)
Take one day at a time. Matthew 6:34 (68)
Worship from unrepentant sinners is not accepted
Our worshipful acts are useless until we acknowledge our sins and do something about them. Matthew 5:24 (57)
God does not need our compassionate works. If they are not preceded with a desire to be made right with him, they are useless anyway. Matthew 9:13 (43)
God would rather we have a compassionate heart, than a life marked by false, hypocritical religiosity. Matthew 12:7 (50)
Loving God above all else is the ultimate gift he seeks. Loving others as ourselves is how we demonstrate our love for God. Mark 12:33 (211)
The prayers of an unrepentant sinner are offered in vain. God only listens to God-fearing, obedient people. John 9:31 (164)
Zeal
We must be zealous about building the Kingdom. Most people are worried about their personal advancement and their neighbors’ souls. It would be better if we were worried about our own souls and our neighbors’ advancement. Matthew 6:19-33 (67-68)
We should be zealous about discipleship. Matthew 16:24-27 (124)
We should be so zealous for Christ that all other loves pale in contrast. Luke 14:25-33 (173)
