Tag: Love

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How will the world know we are Christ’s disciples?

How will the world know we are Christ's disciples?

If we have love (and unselfish concern) for one another! John 13:35 AMP
It’s that simple. It’s not by how loud we profess Christ. Or our membership in a local church. Or how much we pray and fast. Or the ability to speak in other tongues or prophesy. Or by our good deeds or charitable giving.
In fact, the Apostle Paul notes that if we have all knowledge and all faith, but don’t have love, we are nothing and have gained nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2-3).
So if we say we love God, we should keep His commandment (John 14:21-24). When we do so, the love of God will be perfected in us (1 John 2:3-6). Then we will exhibit that love by loving one another (John 13:34-35). And the world will see that we are truly Christ’s disciples.
Agape!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34‭-‬35 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV

Did You Know?

It is impossible for us to love God whom we have not seen, if we do not love our fellow humans who we do see.
1 John 4:20-21.

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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How Can We Live in Harmony With Other Believers?

Like a piano, we have many different “keys” within the body of Christ (i.e. the church). Unfortunately, just as a piano’s keys can get out of tune and doesn’t produce the melodious sound we expect, so too do we sometimes experience discord within the church.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: … hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, … and other sins like these.”
Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 NLT

Just as it is important that a piano be re-tuned regularly by a professional, we too must be tuned by the Holy Spirit. It is only by doing so that we can stay in perfect harmony with our fellow believers.

How do we do that?

Apostle Paul gives several specific instructions in Galatians 5.

  1. Walk in the Spirit (v16). It is only by walking in the Spirit of God that we will not feed the selfish desires of our human nature. It is our human nature that prevents us from doing the good things we know to do (v17).
  2. Be led by the Spirit (v18). If we are guided and led by the Spirit of God, we do not have to fulfill the law of God through our own human effort (which is impossible anyways).
  3. Live in the Spirit (v25). Our very lifestyle should reflect the Spirit of God. The reality is that in order to walk (effectively) in the Spirit, we have to live in the Spirit. Those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5).

What does the church look like when we are in tune with the Spirit of God?

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NLT

When we live in, walk in, and are led by the Holy Spirit, we nail the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross of Jesus Christ and crucify them there (Galatians 5:24). So we won’t “become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another” (Galatians 5:26).

Indeed, Jesus makes the whole body of Christ fit and work together perfectly (like the wonderful sound of a well played symphony). As each of us does our own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:16 NLT)

Think about this for a moment. How can you not murder your fellow believer by speaking ill of them or gossiping about them? (Matthew 5:21-22). How can you not betray your vows to your spouse by not lusting after your co-worker or that random stranger you meet? (Matthew 5:27-28). It’s one thing to try to keep the 10 commandments; it’s another thing to try to keep the perfect law of liberty without the Spirit of God (James 2:8-12; 1:25).

PS: Check out our other blog post on How to Behave Like A Christian.

Did You Know?

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14 NLT).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

Purchase BibleStorm Trivia Products
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What is the greatest expression of God’s love?

What is the greatest expression of God’s love?


The cross!

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 5:6-11

 

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [i.e. atoning sacrifice] for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-11,14

 

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree [cross]’).”

Galatians 3:13-14 [Deuteronomy 21:22-23]

 

“[Jesus] bore our sins in His own body on the tree [cross], that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24

 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

 

God is rich in mercy and loved us so much that He put together a plan to restore us to a right relationship with Him like it was in the garden of Eden before Adam and Eve sinned. This plan was executed perfectly by God’s only begotten Son, Jesus. Jesus bore all the sins of the entire world in His mangled body on the cross at Calvary. He paid a price we could never pay to redeem us from sin we could never overcome on our own.

 

“He [Jesus] who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

All we have to do now is receive this free gift by faith. To learn how to receive this free gift, check out our Salvation page.

 

Did You Know?
God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son whom he loved – Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). This foreshadowed what God would ultimately do for all mankind with His only begotten Son, Jesus.

#cross #love #salvation #life #sacrifice

 

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game products today from our online store.
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Why was Jesus Christ born (Christmas)?

Nativity scene
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1‭, ‬14 NKJV

 

On December 25th, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Did you know that Jesus always existed and has always been with the Father? (1 John 1:1-2). When God said “Let there be”, the Word that went forth was Jesus Himself. “All things were made through [Jesus], and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3) “[This includes] all things … that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

 

“God showed how much he loved us [mankind] by sending his one and only [begotten] Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (1 John 4:9) “That whoever believes in [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16‭-‬17)

 

This same Jesus left His deity to come to earth and take on the stature of a man to fulfill God’s desire for reconciliation with man. Jesus was obedient to the Father, even to the point of dying on the cross and taking on the sins of the entire world.

 

Why did Jesus do this?

  1. To redeem [mankind] from the curse of the law (having become a curse for us by being crucified on a cross).
  2. That the blessing of Abraham might come on us [gentiles].
  3. That we might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith.

 

Note: Bullet points are from Galatians 3:13-14.

 

So this Christmas season, let’s celebrate the love of our heavenly Father, who did for us something that we couldn’t do ourselves – atone for our sin nature and make us right(eous) through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:3-4).

 

Merry Christmas!

 

PS: As we enjoy the festivities of the season and spend time with friends and family, it’s important that we not forget the reason for the season. God has given us the most important gift of all – the gift of redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. Check out our salvation appeal page to learn more about Jesus Christ and how to receive Him as Savior.

 

References

 

#Jesus #Christ #Love #Christmas #Salvation #Nativity #GodsWord #BibleStormTrivia #BibleStorm

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game cards today from our online store.
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How Are We To Behave As Christians?

Many people seem to have an opinion of what it means to be a Christian. But what does the Bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians? We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy). Read more to learn how.

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what a Christian is. At a minimum, it requires a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and a decision to follow Him. Practically speaking, there should at least be some evidence of Christ in you as well.

So what does the bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in our everyday lives? Jesus taught that “we should let our light shine so that men would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

 

We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy).
Just as God has poured out His love unconditionally to us.

 

Here are several practical examples on what it’s like to behave like a Christian:
  • Hate what is wrong or evil
  • Cling to what is good
  • Love each other with genuine affection
  • Give preference to one another in honor
  • Be diligent and fervent in spirit
  • Enthusiastically serve the Lord
  • Rejoice in hope
  • Be patient in affliction
  • Continue steadfastly in prayer
  • Share with God’s people who are in need
  • Pursue the practice of hospitality
  • Bless those who cause you harm or hardship (and do not curse them)
  • Share each other’s joy
  • Share each other’s grief
  • Live in harmony with each other
  • Do not be proud
  • Associate with humble people
  • Do not be conceited
  • Never repay anyone evil for evil
  • Do what is right and honorable
  • Live at peace with everyone (as much as it depends on you)
  • Do not take revenge (and leave room for God’s wrath)
  • Give food and drink to your enemy if they need it
  • Do not be overcome by evil (but overcome evil with good)

 

So, how are you doing against the list above? The Bible exhorts us to “let the mind that was in Christ be in us too” (Philippians 2:5). No matter where you are, there’s always room for improvement. Ask yourself “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) and follow His example.

 

Note: All bullet points are from Romans 12:9-21.

 

PS: If you are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards behaving like a Christian.

 

#HowToBehaveLikeAChristian #Love #LoveUnconditionally #Christian #Bible #BibleStorm #PracticalGuidance #Wisdom #Character

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own trivia game cards today from our online store.
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Fear is ungodly

You may have seen or heard the expression that fear stands for “false evidence appearing real”.

 

Why and what do we fear?

Financial issues, health issues, insecurity about the future, concern for loved ones?

We (as believers) fear because:
  • We do not know how much the Lord loves us.
  • We do not know about our new position in Christ.
  • And we do not know the promises the Lord has made concerning us from the foundation of the earth.

 

God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) and He would be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:5,9). He said He would never let us be tempted above what we can bear but with every temptation will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

When we change our focus from our fears  (which may seem insurmountable or impossible from our viewpoint) and see our fears in the context of our loving Father in heaven, we recognize we have nothing to fear. The bible declares that
“[we] did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but [we] received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15

 

No matter what fears we may have or be experiencing, we have an answer in the bible. The psalmist declared “I sought the Lord and He heard me and He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4). That “when we cry out, God hears us and saves us from all our troubles” (vv6,17).

 

How do we turn from our fears?

By looking to, seeking and trusting God. The Word of God states that:
  • Those who look to the Lord are radiant and their faces are not ashamed (v5)
  • Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (v10)
  • Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (v8)

 

So what then is the proper application of fear in the believers life?

Psalm 34:9 tells us “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!

 

In a future post, we’ll share the only thing the believer should fear and some of the benefits to this reverential fear.

 

Did You Know?

but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control)
(2 Timothy 1:7).
This spirit we have been given as believers is the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He said we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Also, love and self control are 2 of the 9 fruits of a spirit led life (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

However, this gift of the Holy Spirit is only given to the children of God. And you can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn mroe about Jesus and how to receive Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards being delivered from ungodly fear.

 

#Fear #BibleStorm #BibleStormTrivia

 

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including the consequences of fearful thinking.

 

About BibleStorm:

Our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.