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Good Works and Assurance
Matthew Henry comments, “Those who are growing in grace, and abounding in the work of the Lord, shall have an abundant entrance into the joy of their Lord, and they shall reign with him for ever and ever.” Although gaining ...Read More
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Grace Fulfills the Law
Some nominal “believers” are professors of faith only. All who claim to be in Christ must also be possessors of faith. Read slowly and carefully the two lists of Galatians 5:19–23. Where do you need help? Pray through ...Read More
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Growing into Conformity
Thank God for the ministry of the Holy Spirit working in, through, and on you.Read More
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Growing Up in Love
Knowledge of truth and the practice of love, as two of the chief indicators of Christian maturity, must both be emphasized in our walk with the Lord. Consistent study of the doctrines taught in the Bible is vital for our ...Read More
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How do You Spell Joy?
How do you spell joy? “J” stands for Jesus. “O” stands for others, and “Y” stands for yourself. The secret to joy is to put Jesus first, others second, yourself last. This is a child’s lesson, but it is ...Read More
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In the Midst of Suffering
Look back over the book of James. Notice how he weaves together the themes of suffering and the tongue. Observe how he brings them together. Consider carefully what this means and what changes you should make in your life. Recommit ...Read More
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Joy and Peace
The victory of Jesus over the power of Satan guarantees that we can have joy and peace. Nothing will be able to defeat ultimately those who are in Him, and we have nothing to fear from our Father, for in ...Read More
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Joy and Peace
John says we should not be surprised that the world hates us (1 John 3:13). Still, we do not have license to give the world rational reasons to oppose us. We can do nothing about the irrational opposition unbelievers ...Read More
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Lessons in Humility
The ability to listen to many sides of an issue before adding one’s own opinion manifests self-control and a teachable spirit. Those who are quick to speak are selfishly concerned with their point of view—they like to be ...Read More
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Living in the Spirit
Martin Luther offers the following application: God is no respecter of persons, and since all believers serve Him by the same faith with the same Spirit, the layman who faithfully uses the gift the Lord has given him pleases God ...Read More
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Not Under the Law
John Calvin comments, “If we would obey the Spirit, we must labor, and fight, and apply our utmost energy; and we must begin with self-denial.” Walking by the Holy Spirit is the denial of the self and one’s fleshly ...Read More
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One in Spirit
We cannot sacrifice truth for the sake of a superficial visible unity, which is an error evident in the liberal arm of the ecumenical movement. Still, we should not think that all efforts at visible church unity represent liberalism, for ...Read More
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Our Heavenly Citizenship
We are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone. Everyone who believes in Jesus alone for salvation will immediately and inevitably prove this faith through good works of service to God and neighbor (James 2 ...Read More
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Patience and Kindness
Consider today’s lesson as a test. As you review it, evaluate yourself in terms of patience and kindness. Are you patient with those who are inferior to you, like your children? Are you as kind and sensitive to other ...Read More
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Patience and Kindness
All of us have been tempted at one time or another to jockey for position and to make ourselves look knowledgeable by correcting minor mistakes. For example, we sometimes think that by always correcting minor misstatements and trivial errors we ...Read More
