Date:
June 2-4, 2020A Profound Preface
The first four verses of I John, which serve as a preface to the letter, represent a grammatical knot.
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Deeper Walk
The concept of faith is woven through the pages of Scripture and is essential to a personal relationship with God. In fact, “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). It is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not only is it necessary for salvation it is part of our daily walk and warfare as believers (Ephesians 6:16).
Contrary to popular Christian opinion, the Bible neither exhorts us to have childlike faith nor does it tell us to believe as children believe. The idea that we are to have childlike faith is an incorrect inference based on several passages of Scripture. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:14-15; Luke 18:15-17 NIV).
These passages don’t tell us what receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means so it is wrongly assumed to be referring to the faith of a child. In Matthew 18:2-4 Jesus spells out what He means. “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Our goal as believers is not childlike faith. Instead it is to grow to be “mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:4).
How to Stay Rooted in Your Faith
The parable of the farmer scattering seed found in Matthew 13 teaches Christians the importance of growing deep. If you’ve ever faced tough times in your faith life then you understand the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ.
God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle
Because of our sin nature our default mode is self-sufficiency and independence from God. Rather than allowing His power—the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit who lives in every believer—to replace our weakness, we naturally try to handle things on our own.
What Will Tomorrow Bring?
No one knows what tomorrow will bring. But take the uncertainty of tomorrow as an opportunity to strengthen your faith—realize your future isn’t in your hands; it’s in God’s. He is with you always.
Encouraging Verses to Read During Uncertain Times
While the world is in turmoil because of the coronavirus disease pandemic, we can rest in God’s promise to never forsake us during uncertain times. Here are seven Bible verses to read when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the future.
Moments of Reflection
Taking God seriously is not only having a sensitive heart towards Him. It’s an inner craving to know Him more. Do you hunger and thirst after God?
Chuck's First Car
Chuck Swindoll didn’t own his first car. He spent so much time polishing it the car actually owned him! So often we get caught up in appearances and forget to enjoy ourselves.
Faith is Like Calories
Someone has said faith is like calories—you can’t see them, but you can certainly see the results! Living a deep and consistent walk with Christ requires your time and attention, every day.
Simplifying Life to Pursue God
At the end of the year, many Christians, brimming with optimism and motivation, assess their walk with Christ and resolve to turn over a new leaf by cultivating their spiritual life. Sadly for many, the leaf wilts, the resolution dissolves, and the motivation stalls as their lives become complicated.
Take a Rest
Lots of work with no rest doesn't follow the example God set when He created the heavens and the earth. In this video, Chuck Swindoll focuses on day seven of creation.
