Jesus Is Alive

Inspiration

For Christ's sake, his disciples will be hated by all men. Why? Because they hold that he is the only Way to God, because they reject all other religions that claim to offer a path to God, because the light of God shines in their holy lives and convicts the world by the contrast, and because Satan is working in the children of disobedience to animate them in hatred against the children of God.

Inspiration

This salvation is eternal; which means that yes, surely, we will get to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The love of God will never cast us out; drawing us closer to God, instead. God's goodness and mercy will always be with us, because we are God's children and He desires that we dwell in His goodness and in His mercy, forever.

Inspiration

There are many shepherds, but not all of them are "good. " Many flee when they see the wolf coming and care not for the sheep. But Jesus laid down his life for his sheep. Not all men are his sheep, but those who will believe in him; and not one of his sheep shall perish.

Inspiration

Godly wisdom will always be worth more than gold, silver, or any other material good on this earth. Material goods are only of value on this planet; but when you try and measure them up to the worth in the things of God, silver and gold don't come anywhere close. Godly wisdom is gold; material worth is temporary. Set your eyes on the right things and avoid pursuing things that will not benefit your life in the long run.

Inspiration

God showed great forbearance toward Israel in warning them again and again, sending his prophets among them, and testifying to them of their sins. Yet, Israel still rebelled and went into captivity. But (verse 31) God did not utterly destroy them, but out of mercy spared a remnant and brought them back to their land 70 years later.

Inspiration

The word of God is what guides our lives and keeps us from the darkness. We hear God's word through His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, in times of prayer; and we also hear His word through the Scriptures we read. Keep your mind fixed on the word of God, it will continually keep you safe, keep you encouraged, and keep you wise so that you will always be wary of the ways of the enemy.

Inspiration

There is much packed into Peter's four-word confession, which Jesus says was revealed to him by the Father and upon which Jesus promised to build His Church. It is about the identity of Jesus. First, he is the Christ, the long-promised Jewish Messiah who will reign over all the earth. Note that he is "the" Christ, not merely "a" christ. And his origins are "of God. " He is not just a man whom God uses greatly, but is partaker of all the Divine attributes, "God of God" and coequal with the Father in glory.

Inspiration

Clear evidence of our discipleship in Christ is seen in sticking to His word, following His instructions and delighting in His truth. The world will always try to make you feel like it is "uncool" or "prudish" to follow Christ. Those are simply lies of the devil. Choose to pursue Christ in all you do; it will benefit you for an eternity.

Inspiration

It is striking that a generation that thought God did not see their sin was the very generation that was exceedingly overflowing with sin. God's judgment on Israel and Judah would not be held back. Their iniquities mounted up, as it were, to heaven. And yet, they deluded themselves into thinking that God did not see or did not care.

Inspiration

God delights in showing mercy; He takes no pride in anger or wrath. This is why He chose to sacrifice His son, for us, instead of pouring His wrath of our sin, on us. Even in His anger, God would come to the Israelites' rescue when they called on Him for help – no matter what they had done. God has always intended on being gracious – from the very beginning – and He will never change.