According to Ephesians 4:11-12, pastors are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry. It is one of the primary jobs of a pastor.
That means every believer has been called to serve, disciple, evangelize, encourage, teach, pray, and build up each other in the body of Christ. If a pastor is not training and urging Christians to personally minister to others, but instead conditions them to remain passive spectators, he is failing part of his biblical calling.
That means every believer has been called to serve, disciple, evangelize, encourage, teach, pray, and build up each other in the body of Christ. If a pastor is not training and urging Christians to personally minister to others, but instead conditions them to remain passive spectators, he is failing part of his biblical calling.
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Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked, protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.
Psalm 140:4
Psalm 140:4
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As May nears its end, thank God for every step of growth! 🙏🌸 He who began a good work in your marriage will carry it to completion! Phil 1:6 ❤️
What are you most thankful for in your marriage this month? #StrongMarriage #May
@StudyBibleFam
What are you most thankful for in your marriage this month? #StrongMarriage #May
@StudyBibleFam
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I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than to stand with the world and be judged by God...
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You can't love the world and love the Father at the same time. The things this world offers are temporary and will eventually pass away.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Col. 3:2).
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Col. 3:2).
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Whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son of God, does not have life.
1 John 5:12
What a person does with Jesus Christ, is a matter of life and death.
1 John 5:12
What a person does with Jesus Christ, is a matter of life and death.
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When God speaks, truth is absolute, there is no further debate, the argument is over.
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As a Christian, God and his Word are my authority.
It doesn’t matter how many people believe homosexuality isn’t a sin, or that there’s more than two genders, or that there’s many paths to Heaven, because the Bible is God’s perfect Word, and it says otherwise.
It doesn’t matter how many people believe homosexuality isn’t a sin, or that there’s more than two genders, or that there’s many paths to Heaven, because the Bible is God’s perfect Word, and it says otherwise.
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May 31 - Trusting God for Protection
#LifeOfChrist
“
‘“. . . but deliver us from evil”’” (Matthew 6:13).
If you realize the great danger that temptation poses to your soul, this petition will be a plea for God to provide a protection you can’t give for yourself. You will ask God to watch over your entire being so that in whatever you do or say, see or hear, and wherever you go, He will guard you from sin.
Joseph understood that even though ungodly forces intend certain things for our evil, God can use those things for good (Gen. 50:20). But we may not react to every such situation as Joseph did. Therefore we must seize the promise that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13; cf. John 17:15).
When you sincerely pray “deliver us from evil,” you implicitly submit to your only protection from sin, God’s Word. “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Submitting to God is in essence submitting to His Word. “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11).
In a fallen world we are inadequate to deal with sin’s powerful effects. Therefore we must confess the weakness of our flesh and the absolute powerlessness of our own resources to rescue us from sin’s grasp.
Ask Yourself
Let this be a new day of triumph for you—a fresh start with God, knowing that His eternal might is greater than the allure of any sinful desire. Why continue on in ways that invariably lead to guilt, coldness, and defeat in your life? Choose the way that leads to unknown adventures with the Lord. Be delivered from evil as you take hold of the Father’s hand and just walk away.
#LifeOfChrist
“
‘“. . . but deliver us from evil”’” (Matthew 6:13).
If you realize the great danger that temptation poses to your soul, this petition will be a plea for God to provide a protection you can’t give for yourself. You will ask God to watch over your entire being so that in whatever you do or say, see or hear, and wherever you go, He will guard you from sin.
Joseph understood that even though ungodly forces intend certain things for our evil, God can use those things for good (Gen. 50:20). But we may not react to every such situation as Joseph did. Therefore we must seize the promise that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13; cf. John 17:15).
When you sincerely pray “deliver us from evil,” you implicitly submit to your only protection from sin, God’s Word. “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Submitting to God is in essence submitting to His Word. “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11).
In a fallen world we are inadequate to deal with sin’s powerful effects. Therefore we must confess the weakness of our flesh and the absolute powerlessness of our own resources to rescue us from sin’s grasp.
Ask Yourself
Let this be a new day of triumph for you—a fresh start with God, knowing that His eternal might is greater than the allure of any sinful desire. Why continue on in ways that invariably lead to guilt, coldness, and defeat in your life? Choose the way that leads to unknown adventures with the Lord. Be delivered from evil as you take hold of the Father’s hand and just walk away.
May 31: Fighting Loneliness
#Devotional
1 Chronicles 28:1–29:2; 2 Timothy 4:9–22; Psalm 90:1–17
Loneliness is one of the most disheartening feelings a person can know. Being alone in a time of pain is even worse. Several recent surveys suggest that lonely people—especially teenagers—subtly reach out through their social networks, desperately looking for someone who cares. In a world where anyone can get attention online, we’ve moved away from authentic community. We continue to crave personal interactions—perhaps more so because we have electronic witness to the interactions of others. We as Christians should see this as an opportunity to reach out to disenfranchised, lonely people and show the love of Christ to others.
Paul’s second letter to Timothy illustrates how feelings of loneliness are amplified by pain. He makes one of the most candid statements in the Bible:
“At my first defense, no one came to my aid, but they all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord helped me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled and all the Gentiles might hear, and he rescued me from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Tim 4:16–18).
Paul is angry and hurt, but he’s well aware that God has been and will continue to be his strength. He acknowledges that he needs and craves community, but he clearly states that God is foremost in his life. He then reminds Timothy of God’s work in his life and others’—ending with “Amen,” meaning “So be it.” Paul’s reliance on God’s past faithfulness bears a striking resemblance to a statement from Psa 90:
“O Lord, you have been our help in all generations. Before the mountains were born and you brought forth the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God” (Psa 90:1–2).
This psalm emphasizes that God always has and always will be a “help” to His people. While we can take comfort in that, we should make every effort—as people aspiring to live like Christ—to help others. For Paul found God not only in His provision of spiritual strength, but in the kindness of others.
How can you show God’s kindness and faithfulness to people who are lonely?
#Devotional
1 Chronicles 28:1–29:2; 2 Timothy 4:9–22; Psalm 90:1–17
Loneliness is one of the most disheartening feelings a person can know. Being alone in a time of pain is even worse. Several recent surveys suggest that lonely people—especially teenagers—subtly reach out through their social networks, desperately looking for someone who cares. In a world where anyone can get attention online, we’ve moved away from authentic community. We continue to crave personal interactions—perhaps more so because we have electronic witness to the interactions of others. We as Christians should see this as an opportunity to reach out to disenfranchised, lonely people and show the love of Christ to others.
Paul’s second letter to Timothy illustrates how feelings of loneliness are amplified by pain. He makes one of the most candid statements in the Bible:
“At my first defense, no one came to my aid, but they all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord helped me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled and all the Gentiles might hear, and he rescued me from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Tim 4:16–18).
Paul is angry and hurt, but he’s well aware that God has been and will continue to be his strength. He acknowledges that he needs and craves community, but he clearly states that God is foremost in his life. He then reminds Timothy of God’s work in his life and others’—ending with “Amen,” meaning “So be it.” Paul’s reliance on God’s past faithfulness bears a striking resemblance to a statement from Psa 90:
“O Lord, you have been our help in all generations. Before the mountains were born and you brought forth the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God” (Psa 90:1–2).
This psalm emphasizes that God always has and always will be a “help” to His people. While we can take comfort in that, we should make every effort—as people aspiring to live like Christ—to help others. For Paul found God not only in His provision of spiritual strength, but in the kindness of others.
How can you show God’s kindness and faithfulness to people who are lonely?
DAY 31: What so troubled Christ at the death of His friend Lazarus?
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-05-31
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-05-31
Telegraph
DAILY BIBLE
Reading for Today: 1 Kings 9:1–10:29 Psalm 69:1-4 Proverbs 17:18-19 John 11:30-57 Notes: 1 Kings 9:3 consecrated. The Lord made the temple holy by being present in the cloud (8:10). As proof of the temple’s consecration, the Lord told Solomon that He had…
Jesus never promised his followers a life of luxury, health, or ease.
The Bible is not a manual for getting prosperous in this life. It's about spiritual prosperity and eternal life.
The Bible is not a manual for getting prosperous in this life. It's about spiritual prosperity and eternal life.
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Faith is built on facts, not feelings. Even when you feel empty, the truth of the gospel remains the same.
Keep reading, keep praying, and keep abiding in Jesus.
Keep reading, keep praying, and keep abiding in Jesus.
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I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Divine affirmation, of the certainty of the return of Christ.
Revelation 1:8
Divine affirmation, of the certainty of the return of Christ.
Our LORD God is holy, sovereign, and worthy of all praise. From the rising of the sun to its setting, His Name is to be glorified.
He saves sinners, sustains His people, and reigns forever.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...All glory be to God alone.
He saves sinners, sustains His people, and reigns forever.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...All glory be to God alone.
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Forwarded from CHRISTIAN STUDY BIBLE 🆕 (Dr. 🚀 T͜͡I͜͡M͜͡O͜͡T͜͡H͜͡Y͜͡ 📑)
Question 4: John 11:30-57 ESV
Jesus wept at Lazarus's tomb—and the crowd was divided in their reaction. Then He prayed aloud before calling Lazarus out. Why did He say He prayed aloud rather than in silence?
Jesus wept at Lazarus's tomb—and the crowd was divided in their reaction. Then He prayed aloud before calling Lazarus out. Why did He say He prayed aloud rather than in silence?
Anonymous Quiz
6%
A) So that the words of His prayer would be recorded and the disciples would remember them always
12%
B) So that the Father's voice might be heard answering Him before the crowd assembled there
70%
C) So that those standing there might believe that the Father had sent Him
12%
D) So that Mary and Martha would know His prayer had already been answered before Lazarus emerged
May closing blessing: “Lord, make our marriage STRONGER, SWEETER, and more like You with every passing day! Let it bloom beautifully for Your glory!” 🌺 Eph 3:17–19 ❤️
Will you pray this blessing together before June begins? #StrongMarriage #May
@StudyBibleFam
Will you pray this blessing together before June begins? #StrongMarriage #May
@StudyBibleFam
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