Resistance Training
What are some of the things you believe are true about God or yourself (i.e. I’m a happy person or God is loving)? As you think about those things, it may be helpful to write them down so you can evaluate them.
From your list, how do you know whether or not those things are true? Next to each statement on your list, write down where that idea came from. If it came from Scripture, write down the verse(s) so you can reference them.
Has there ever been a time when your actions didn’t align with your beliefs? Why do you think that happened? What was the result?
Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Our actions don’t always align with our beliefs, but God’s love for us doesn’t change. In this passage, what does Paul remind the Ephesians about who God is and who they are? Why do you think he reminds them of these things instead of giving them a list of things to do or not to do?
As you read the Bible over the next few days, months, or years, consider keeping your list handy. Every time you come across a passage that talks about who God is and who He created you to be, add it to the list of things you know to be true. Maybe there is someone in your life who will need to hear the same truth you discovered.
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...