Promises for the Battle
Faith
I Was Just Thinking … About Strength Through Adversity
Sometimes evangelists, in our desire to see people turn to Christ, lay such emphasis on the blessings believers will experience that converts may enter the Christian life without being fully aware of the suffering it necessarily involves. One significant emphasis in the apostles’ message to new Christians, however, was that they will indeed suffer. As … Continue reading
Comfort #4—Historical Comfort
Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Scripture comforts because it presents evidence that God is patient with us during our lapses of faith. He does not ask or expect perfect success in our efforts to … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Resting Work
We all want rest for our souls, and we come to Jesus because he wants to teach us how to receive it from him. One part of his prescription for finding this rest reads, “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Working heartily brings rest because it dispels the tension that … Continue reading
Contentment #7—Contented Desire
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; those who come to me shall not hunger, and those who believe in me shall never thirst. … the water that I give shall become in them wells of water springing up to eternal life.” John 6:35; 4:13–14 The paradox of contentment is evident in these promises: … Continue reading
Contentment #6—Challenged Contentment
He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things? Romans 8:32 While we need to be content when we are in the presence too much, we also need to be content when we encounter situations which threaten … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #9—Jesus, Part 2
The diseased boy’s father said, “If you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” Mark 9:22–23 When Jesus knew he needed power for engaging in the ministry God had given him to … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #8—Jesus
Since he himself suffered when he was tested, he is able to help those who are tested. Therefore … take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, who was faithful to him who appointed him. … Jesus is the primary example and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #6—Peter
“Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all in order to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31–32. Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #5—Esther
“Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” … Esther replied, “Assemble all the Jews in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maidens and I also will fast. Thus prepared I will go to the king, which is … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #3—Abraham
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed … for he was waiting for the city with firm foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8–10 Abraham’s faith was completed through his works. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and his believing was counted to him for righteousness,” and he … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 