Tag: Firm Foundation

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Church: Fellowship

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w6d2

Scripture: God’s Road Map for Our Journey

Read: Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25 / SOAP: Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:24-25

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25
Observation of Today’s Journey

I have probably mentioned far too often that while I love the fellowship of friends and family, I am just as easily, if not more so, a loner at heart. I could sit and study for hours; I love to read and write in the quiet of my room or office and I enjoy a good movie and a bowl of popcorn. I don’t even mind going to the theater by myself. Weird? Perhaps, but it’s me, and I’m okay with it. If you ask me, it is not just enjoyable – it is often the easier way of doing things. However, today’s journey is a bristling fresh reminder for me that while it might be easier and, at times, perfectly okay, God means for us to live in community with others.

If you’ve ever wondered what God thinks about the importance of Christian fellowship – these passages offer both evidence and reason for the need to make it a part of the building blocks of our firm foundation of faith. As Paul points out, Christian fellowship is beneficial to discipleship, encouragement in faith, and knowing and meeting the needs of others.

Living out the Journey (Application)

According to Ephesians 4:2-3 and other passages, we are called to serve each other in the church. Our journey passages today reveal that there are benefits when believers fellowship together. Whether it’s breaking bread, praying, or sharing with one another – or a myriad of other things that fall under the canopy of fellowship, these things foster unity and promote sharing and caring not only for others in the body but for reaching others with the Word.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Ephesians 4:2-3

Clearly, we are to fellowship with one another. However, we must also take up the instructions of Hebrews 10:24-25 and live it out for the sake of the body of Christ. We must be intentional in thinking about how to spur one another on – specifically to love and good works – which basically means to live and love like Jesus. Don’t stop short of the final step in today’s journey – be connected to/with other believers. We might like to think of this as a suggestion by the author. Actually, the commentaries that I looked at say that it is a command; we only have to look back to the previous verse to see why it is so important – you see – one of the benefits of meeting together is the relationships that come from those gatherings. Which, as bibleref.com writes: “Relationships with other believers are one way to be encouraged to live out the faith we proclaim.” Without question, we will have other obligations in this life, be it family or work, home, ‘recreation,’ and/or rest, but we must be careful and sure not to make a habit of neglecting the fellowship of believers.

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your Word that is used to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. I confess that this one is not always easy for me, but I love You and seek to obey Your Holy Word so that I might live and walk in holiness and fulfill Your call on my life to equip, encourage, and empower women with Your Word. Thank You for the sisters who meet with me here – who encourage me and pray for me and share in my needs while also allowing me to share in theirs. We are richly blessed. Thank You that You have allowed this group to minister to those who are unable to meet in face-to-face gatherings – but as much as we are able, Lord God, help us to never abandon the habit of in-person meetings.

Reflection on the Journey:

For me, the in-person meetings happen every day in the church office where I work, as well as Sunday mornings and other local gatherings. – What is it for you?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Church: The Body of Christ

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation / w6d1

Scripture: Our Road Map for the Journey
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23 (SOAP: 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 1:22-23)

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27.

 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Ephesians 1:22-23
Observations from today’s Journey

Throughout this particular journey, centered around building a firm foundation on the truths of God’s Word, we have been searching for the key elements of our faith. Today’s treasure is the core belief that we are not only individual members of the body of Christ but together as a group as well. To not understand this is to put ourselves and the whole of the church in jeopardy.

When we work together as the body of Christ, we can have a greater impact. Each member, functioning in their God-given role, contributes to the health and effectiveness of the whole body. This collaborative effort, not only brings glory to God but also demonstrates His love and truth to the world.

LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171

This is what Paul is striving to help the Corinthians understand. He teaches them that while they have all been given spiritual gifts, not everyone’s gift is the same – and just as the various parts of our body aren’t meant to function alone – neither are our spiritual gifts. As the LGG Journal puts it: “We aren’t called to do it all, but we are all called to contribute in the ways He has equipped us.”God has a purpose not only for every believer but for every spiritual gift He gives. For this reason, as well as for His glory, believers must work together in order for the gifts God has given to work well and be effective for the cause of Christ.

If believers are willing to set aside their discontent about the role God has given to them in the church, and their arrogance about not needing other members of the body of Christ, they have the opportunity to thrive together to become what God
intended for the church to be.

Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 12:27
Application of today’s discovery

As Paul taught the Corinthians, we are to set aside any discontent we have with the role God has given to us and others. We are to put away the idea that we don’t need the other members to succeed or that we don’t need to be a part of a local body of believers. We must understand that only together can we truly be what God intends for us to be – which is the Church, or the ‘body of Christ,’ “working together to reflect Him to the world.”1

The Love God Greatly team said it best in today’s journal entry:

When we come to faith in Jesus, we are not meant to live life in isolation or with a “Jesus-and-me” mentality. Instead, we are ushered into the family of God. Though this family is made up of all believers who have been saved by faith through all times, we also have access to the family of God here and now through the church.

LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171
Prayer of Response to the Journey

God, I am so glad to be part of the body of Christ, both as an individual believer and as a member of the local church. It is easy for me to get caught up with the day to day and fail to function or see/remember the need to function within the body. So thank you for reminders from Your Word of the importance of the “body of Christ,” and the importance of each member being active and engaged with the others. Teach me to work in unity with others so that I can have a greater impact for Your kingdom.2 – In the name of Jesus, Who is the head of the body – Amen!

The More We Know
Click here For more insight from the Lgg blog post
  1. LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171 ↩︎
  2. LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171 ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Sufficiency of Scripture

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d5

Scripture: Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-15 and James 1:21-25 / SOAP 2 Timothy 3:15 and James 1:21

15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:15

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21

I grew up in a home where the Word was read, studied, and talked about, and we were taught to live it out. My dad and mom encouraged, equipped, and empowered us to know and follow Jesus So, it’s hard for me to imagine that not everyone’s home life was like this. Thinking about the reality of it always brings a deeper, fuller appreciation for the upbringing I had. Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t perfect – we all made our ‘mistakes,’ – but it was one of faith and family. So, as I read today’s passage on Timothy, my heart was moved by Paul’s reminder that “From infancy you have known the holy writings…” and filled with gratitude that my dad and mom faithfully took us to church where the Word – “which is able to save souls,” as James wrote – was read and taught and then incorporated into our daily lives.

So, I had two other paragraphs written but then read today’s journal entry and decided to leave the first and share what I believe is the best follow-up to the memory God prodded in my mind – and a beautiful lesson on the sufficiency of the Word of God. – I pray it is a blessing and one that you will share as God leads. 🦋

Observation and Application of the Journey

Into The Text and a prayer/by Love God Greatly

From a young age, we understand the importance of having a loving mentor. For Timothy, this mentor was the Bible, taught to him by his mother and grandmother. Through Timothy’s example, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, we see how the Scriptures can lead us to salvation, help us walk in faithfulness, and shape our faith.


The Bible is the living and active Word of God that provides wisdom and direction for every aspect of our lives. James 1:21 reminds us that when received with humility, the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and save our souls. It’s not just about reading the words but allowing God’s Word to take root in our hearts and change us from within.


The Bible serves as a mirror in our daily lives, highlighting areas where we need His grace. It’s through engaging with Scripture that we understand God’s character, His promises, and His instructions for living a life that honors Him.


The Bible is our steadfast anchor when we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. It offers comfort in times of sorrow, wisdom in moments of confusion, and strength when we feel weak. The Bible reminds us of God’s unchanging love and His faithful presence in our lives. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we find that it equips, encourages, and transforms us, helping us grow and live out our faith boldly.


PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for the completeness of your Word. Help me to depend entirely on the Bible for guidance, wisdom, and truth. Let your Word dwell abundantly in my heart, shaping me to be more like you. May I walk with confidence and peace, knowing that your Word provides everything I need for life and godliness. In your name, Amen.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Inerrancy of Scripture

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d3

Scripture: (Read and SOAP) Psalm 19:7 and Proverbs 30:5

The law of the Lord is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the Lord are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

Psalm 19:7

Every word of God is purified
he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5
Observations of the Journey

Knowing that God inspires every Scripture and that He makes no mistakes – it stands to reason that the Bible is without errors. It is entirely pure and true. It is the truth that is pointed out in our passages for today’s journey – passages that validate the statement that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. However, as qotquestions.org points out concerning the inerrancy of Scripture and its importance – “We’ve grown accustomed to being lied to, and many people seem comfortable with the false notion that the Bible, too, contains errors.”

Wait what? Is it possible that the Bible, the “inspired … breathed out Word of God, is flawed? – No, absolutely not.

While I believe it is true that, as a whole, we have grown accustomed to being lied to and sadly even to telling lies, but friends, we must not even entertain the thought that the Bible contains errors. For, if there is even one error in God’s Word then we cannot trust any of His Word. “It is either trustworthy or it is not.1”

Application: Living out the Journey

The world is full of those who lie or cast doubt on God’s Word – pray against any doubts, be ready with an answer for the hope in You, and look for and remember the ways You have seen the truth of God in and around you through personal experiences and life situations. Build your life on the unshakable truth of God’s Word and stand firm on the firm foundation of your faith.

Be a Berean

Please don’t settle for my posted opinion/belief or quoted words from trusted commentaries. Read/listen to the words of Jesus Himself, who identifies God’s Word as “truth” when He prayed His High Priestly Prayer, saying to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). As gotquestions.org explains, “In this verse, Jesus communicates two important facts: God’s Word is truth—God’s Word equals truth—and it’s by that truth that God sanctifies us, or sets us apart for holy service to Himself.”2

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), and that quality makes it impossible for Him to lie. The holiness of God is His moral and ethical perfection, His absolute integrity that sets Him apart from all His creatures. God’s holiness is thus related to His transcendence. God does not conform to any standard of purity; He is the standard. God is absolutely holy with an infinite purity incapable of being changed. Because of His holiness, when God speaks, He will not and cannot lie. He never deceives; He never distorts or misrepresents what He says or does. Lying is against His nature.

gotquestions.org/

Because God cannot lie, God’s Word, the Bible, is completely trustworthy (1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:160). “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). 

Can God Lie?
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for giving me Your perfect Word. Like You, It is faithful and true – it is my joy and peace and strength. It is my help in times of trouble. Help me to build my life on its truths. Use it to strengthen my faith and guide me as I seek to live according to Your Word. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

The More We Know

For more insight in today’s passages:

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Authority of Scripture

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation / w5d3

Scripture: (Read and SOAP) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:20-21
Observation from the Journey

While I enjoyed spending time chasing the ‘Scripture squirrel’ that you’ll find below, I would be remiss if I didn’t zero in on today’s key element to a firm foundation of our faith – that being that “all Scripture” – every Word that is written in the Bible – is inspired by God. Consider these words from today’s LGG Journal entry to understand why I believe If we do not believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and treat it as such – we not only waste our time reading it, but we1 dishonor God and 2 do ourselves an injustice.

  1. “The Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but the very Word of God. … It highlights God’s power and love to create humanity and redeem His people through His Son in order that we may be restored to a right relationship with Him.” The journal also points out that “It’s through Scripture that we receive spiritual nourishment and guidance for our daily lives.”
  2. “As believers, we are called to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. It is through reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture that we open our hearts to hear God’s voice. The Bible reveals God’s character, His promises, and His plan for our lives, drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him.”

Application: Living out the Journey

We would do well to live out the Word of God, “aligning our lives with biblical truths.”1 Solomon explained to his son that he should pay attention to the words Solomon was sharing with/teaching him. He encouraged him to let them penetrate his heart and not let them out of his sight – saying that the words would bring life to those who find them and health to their whole body.2

When we are dedicated to God – we spend time with Him in His Word, and when this happens, we are being trained and prepared for righteous living. It also offers correction when we are wrong. As the writer of Hebrews puts it – “The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword …” Why? Because it is inspired … given … and breathed out by the true and living creator God.3

ME🦋

The Scripture Squirrel I chased today:

I have used a variety of translations with today’s passage from 2 Timothy. to show that they are all nearly identical. This is especially true with the opening statement that All Scripture is inspired by God. I remember learning these two verses in high school in Mrs. Hall’s English class. She was one of my favorite teachers, fostering in me the love of words and the art of writing. She is also one of the reasons I worked on memorizing God’s Word, as it was a weekly requirement. We had to use the KJV then, so that is how I first learned these verses; however, since then, I have memorized it in the NIV translation, but I am now determined to work on the NET version – because of the one highlighted phrase below (See the NET bullet point).

  • NLT: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work
  • KJV:  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
  • ESV: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
  • NET: Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
  • NIV: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

There are not a lot of differences between the translations, as you can see. However, the NET is used in our study journals, and the words in verse seventeen captured my attention as Paul’s reasoning for the usefulness of God’s Word is translated as “that the person dedicated to God (or ‘the man/servant of God,”) may be capable and equipped for every good work.” All the other translations mean the same thing but there’s something about the way the NET defines “a man of God” as “the person dedicated to God…” – As I read the words in the journal, I jotted down these words in the margin: “When we are dedicated to God – we spend time with Him in His Word, and when this happens, we are being trained and prepared for righteous living. It also offers correction when we are wrong. As the writer of Hebrews puts it – “The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword …” Why? Because it is inspired … given … and breathed out by the true and living creator God.3” – Friends, if we are dedicated to God and His inspired Word, we will forever be growing in faith and grace and deeper in love with Him.

Friends, if we are dedicated to God and His inspired Word, we will forever be growing in faith and grace and deeper in love with Him.

ME🦋
Prayer of Response to the Journey -from the LGG Journal

Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to understand its authority and read it daily. Use Your Word to teach, correct, and train me in righteousness. May it nourish my soul and transform my life as I seek to know You more deeply. In Your name – Amen.

The More We Know

For more insight, please be sure to read today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Sanctification

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For a thing to be sanctified means it is set apart for a special use. 

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w5d2

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8(SOAP vs 3); Hebrews 10:14-18 (SOAP vs 10)

God’s will is for you to be holy(sanctified-KJV), so stay away from all sexual sin. 

1 Thessalonians 4:3

 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy(sanctified-KJV).

Hebrews 10:14
Observations from the Journey

Because today’s passages focus on the believer being holy/sanctified, let us understand holiness/sanctification as God’s Word defines it. To be holy/sanctified is to be set apart for God (Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15). Yesterday’s journey revealed or reminded us that we can not be made right with God (declared righteous) apart from faith in Jesus Christ. The same is true of God’s call for believers to be holy/sanctified – it is not possible apart from faith in Jesus Christ.

It is helpful to start with the passage from Hebrews and the message about the “one offering” perfecting – those who are “made holy.” Remember, it used to be animal sacrifices repeated again and again that would temporarily cover the sins of the people.1 However, the blood of the animal never truly removed the sin. But God, in His loving mercy, made a way! Through the blood of Jesus, the sacrificial system was made complete. For the perfect, spotless blood of Jesus is sufficient to wipe away sins – not just temporarily but forever! Hallelujah and amen!

What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow –
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Application: Living Out the Journey

When Paul closes out his instructions to the Thessalonians, he reminds them that God’s will is for them, as believers, to be sanctified, meaning to be “set apart for a special use2.” The example he gives with this instruction is for them to stay away from “sexual immorality,” a sin that undoubtedly was rampant in Thessalonica, a pagan culture steeped in sexual sin. However, we know from the totality of Scripture that sin of any kind, accepted or unaccepted by the culture we live in, is wrong and unacceptable in the eyes of our Holy God. To be set apart for God requires the believer to “keep away.” as Paul wrote, from all sins. Should we find ourselves wanting to make excuses for certain sins – let us understand that John explained sin to be anything that is contrary to God’s Word,3 and Paul was clear that the wages of sin is death,4 but he finished that statement with the clear and present promise that the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus – the perfected – solitary and all-sufficient offering – the spotless, sinless, Son of God – through whom (by faith) we are made holy and acceptable in God’s sight! – All glory and praise to God!

To be sanctified is to be “set apart.” Synonyms for sanctified are holy, consecrated, and hallowed. The Bible speaks of things being “sanctified,” such as Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:23) and gifts to the temple (Matthew 23:17); days, such as the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8); names, such as God’s (Matthew 6:9); and people, such as the Israelites (Leviticus 20:7–8) and Christians (Ephesians 5:26).

Gotquestions.org
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – Thank You that through You I am made holy and set apart for You. Thank You for the reminder to walk faithfully in Your ways and stay away from all sin. Thank You for the blood that washed away my sins, the indwelling of Your Spirit that alerts me to sin and temptations and empowers me to turn away from them – even showing me the way of escape, as Paul wrote.5 Thank You, God, for the one offering that has perfected for all time those who are made holy, and for putting Your laws on my heart and inscribing them on my mind and remembering my sins against me no more! – I am most blessed and forever grateful! 💜

The More We Know

For a thing to be sanctified means it is set apart for a special use. 

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Justified by Faith

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based on the LGG Bible Study, Firm Foundation, w5d1

Scripture For the Journey

Romans 5:1-5 (SOAP vs 1); Galatians 2:15-16 (SOAP vs 16)

Therefore, since we have been made right (justified) in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Romans 5:1

Yet we know that a person is made right (justified) with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

Galatians 2:16
Observation

As we have established many times over in our journey through God’s infallible Word – salvation is a gift of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Or, as is often said – salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Throughout the New Testament, Paul explains many times how we are saved, not by works but by faith. I love today’s passages because they specifically and clearly point out that our faith makes us right (justifies us) with God. Remember, we were once enemies of God1, declared dead in our trespasses and sins, so without this justification, there would be no peace with God – we would be forever alienated from Him.

Simply put, to justify is to declare righteous. Justification is an act of God whereby He pronounces a sinner to be righteous because of that sinner’s faith in Christ.

Gotquestions.org/what is justification?

Friends, It is vital to our faith to understand that a believer’s peace with God comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. This happens because our faith is the catalyst that changes us from enemies of God to children of God, and this is by His grace. As we looked at earlier in this journey, our quest for a firm foundation, our salvation/peace with God comes not by our works or status among men; it is not whether we are rich or poor or talented or wise – but simply and solely because of our faith in Jesus Christ – the only begotten Son of God.

Our hope in God is signed in the blood of Jesus – and sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit who lives in us and was given to us by God – confirming that we have been made right with Him. I love Paul’s reminder that we will never be disappointed by this hope, which Bibleref.com explains as meaning, “Our hope will be fully vindicated. we will never, in the end, be disappointed for hoping to receive God’s goodness forever …” because “It is not just that God is powerfully able to do what He has promised, it is not just that God is good. It is because He cares about us, loves us, so deeply that each of us actually carries His love inside of us, through the Holy Spirit.2“

Application: Living out the Journey

Stand firm in your faith and hold confidently to your hope that comes from being justified/made right through Christ Jesus. Know that His love is better than life, and do not allow yourselves to be shaken by the winds and waves of this world. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross – scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. Think about Jesus, who endured great suffering for sinners like us; remember, it is by His blood we are saved. Press on with hope – the hope born from your faith in Christ Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, it is this HOPE that will not disappoint.

Prayer in Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for the cross. Thank you for Jesus who hung on that cross and was buried and rose again and is now seated at the right hand of Your throne. Thank You for Your grace, and only through faith have I been saved! Thank You for the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to me through faith – removing the burden of guilt and condemnation that were rightfully mine! Thank You for Your grace and mercy, Father – I am eternally grateful and filled with hope.

The More We Know

What is justification? Simply put, to justify is to declare righteous. Justification is an act of God whereby He pronounces a sinner to be righteous because of that sinner’s faith in Christ.

Many people miss the truth implied by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. The chronology is important. Christ did not wait for us to “clean up our act”; He sacrificed Himself while we were still actively opposed to Him. Salvation does not depend on our meeting God halfway, keeping the commandments, or trying to be as good as we can. No, God completed the work of our salvation when we were in a state of open rebellion against Him. That’s grace. [-and as today’s passages point out it is a grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ – a faith through which we have peace (are justified/made right)]3

gotquestions .org
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Repentance: A Complete Change

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w4d5

Scripture
Acts 3:19-20; 2 Peter 3:9 / SOAP: Acts 3:19 and 2 Peter 3:9

 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 

Acts 3:19

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

2 Peter 3:9
Observation of the Journey

When we truly understand the weight and effect of our sins, there are no sweeter words than knowing that through repentance and turning to God, they are all wiped away. God doesn’t just push them aside; He throws them into the depths of the sea and remembers them against us no more! That’s worthy of some shouting and celebration! – Friend, in the quiet of the night or early morning light, or when you drive by a place or see a face that reminds you of some sin of your past – cast it down and remember this faithful and loving action of our God – Your sins have been wiped away. – they have been blotted out as though they never happened.1

Once again you will have compassion on us.
    You will trample our sins under your feet
    and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Micah 7:19
Application: Living out the Journey

We could stop here, and it would be a powerful message, but let’s make sure that we truly understand the definition of ‘repentance.’ “Repent does not mean to apologize – it means to acknowledge your way is wrong and God’s way is right.” As Peter goes on to say, it involves turning back (or away from their sin); in other words, “It is a complete change in Your view of the world.” To fully appreciate the weight of Peter’s words here, it helps to understand that he is speaking to the people of Israel concerning their sin of turning Jesus over to be killed, a sin he said was of ignorance but a sin nonetheless and yet one that God would wipe away by their repentance.2

Repentance is a major theme in Jesus’ ministry, even now. In order to be saved, we must accept that our sins are wrong and that God provides the way we should live. This isn’t just an intellectual exercise; we need to allow the belief to change us, inside and out. That doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again. It means our goal is to hate sin as much as God does. True repentance is connected to a “godly grief” that we have rebelled against God (2 Corinthians 7:9).

Bibleref.com/Acts 3:19

Surely, I am not the only one who prays more and more frequently – “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” So today’s second passage was another sweet reminder that – He hasn’t forgotten us, nor is He being slow – He is simply yet profoundly patient, giving more time to the unsaved to come to repentance. It is all part of His plan and desire to “allow more people to place their trust in Christ and to enter into a relationship with Him.”

Repentance saves lives … changes everything … makes right … blots out/takes away … 🦋\

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for the reminder of the depth and utter importance of repentance, both its meaning and it’s blessing. As Isaiah wrote, I know my sins Lord, they are always before me – they taunt me at times and the enemy seeks to undo me with the memory of them – but You Lord, You continually remind me of Your promise that they have been thrown into the depths of the sea – they are as far away as the east is from the west – they have no power over me and I bless Your name for this truth of Your grace and mercy and loving kindness toward me, Your daughter. – Amen – in Jesus’ Name❤

️The More We Know

For more insight on today’s journey read the LGG Blog Post w3d5

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Living Out Our Faith

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, W4D4

SCRIPTURE FOR THE JOURNEY: HEBREWS 11:1-7/ROMANS 10:9-10/ SOAP: HEBREWS 11:1 AND ROMANS 10:9-10

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Romans 10:9-10
Observations of the Journey

As we have already seen in this week’s journey, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential to our faith. He not only helps us understand God’s Word, but He empowers us to obey (live out) God’s Word. John emphasizes this in 1 John 3:24, where he taught: “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.“

Day three of this week’s journey revealed a beautiful and powerful picture of God’s grace that was poured out at the cross so that we might be made right with God, be adopted as His own, made joint heirs with Christ, be empowered with His Spirit, and have a relationship with the Father by means of faith in the Son – it is a gift of God not by works. Nothing good we do can earn it, and nothing bad we do can render the gift invalid.

So, how do we live out a faith that requires no work?

Application: Living Out the Journey

Paul addresses the issue of living out our faith with the Philippians when he tells them to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, [obeying God] with deep reverence and fear. For God (is working in you, giving you the desire and the power) to do what pleases him.1” That desire and power are from His Holy Spirit in us. Please note: Paul is not calling them to work for their salvation but rather to live it out, in other words, to put it into practice – or as James wrote.“being doers of the Word and not hearers only,”2 In other words the result of our faith and subsequent relationship with God should lead us to want obey/please God. We should want others to know that we belong to Him.

For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation. 🦋

I used to think I could right my wrongs (sins) – somehow securing my salvation – by being better/doing better or praying more. Somehow, I had come to think if I were good ‘enough,’ God would love me and keep loving me. It’s a story for another day – but I will tell you this – I was very relieved and overcome with joy to hear the truth that God never loved me because I was good – there was no amount of goodness that would have earned His love, there was nothing I could do to keep His love – He simply – yet profoundly loved me because He is love and because He is good. – John made this clear in his declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes (note: not behaves) will be saved. We’re forgiven and made right before God – not because we obey or behave according to His Word – but simply because we have placed our faith in His Son. Hallelujah! – For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation – for as Paul wrote: “There is no one good – not even one!”3

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

(Romans 5:8)
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your invitation for us to place our faith in Jesus. Help us to live out the call of Christ and make Him and His ways the most important priority of our lives. May we live and love like Him, and may we be found serving and honoring You by laying down our earthly desires for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You for revealing the truth and Your love for me. May my love for You be seen in my faith and obedience – Amen!

But either Christ is our most important priority, above even our lives, or we’re putting something above God in our hearts

Bibleref.com/Luke 9:23
The More We Know
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Salvation: God’s Gift of Grace

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w4d3

Scripture and Observation of the Journey
Read: Ephesians 2:4-10;Titus 2:11/SOAP: Ephesians.2:8-9 and Titus 2:11

Warning: What you are about to read may be very familiar- please use caution when you are reading. Do not allow your mind to only ‘hear’ “blah, blah, blah, …” Ask God to give you a clear mind and heart to hear it as though for the first time – and with fresh and clear understanding and appreciation.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Ephesians 2:8-9

 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Titus 2:11

Friends, according to Scripture, we were once dead because of our disobedience and our many sins. We used to live in sin just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God (I love the “but God” statements of the Bible) is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he called us out from the grave of sin and shame and placed us in Christ Jesus and put His Spirit in us. He rescued us from the death we deserved and gave us His gift of salvation, rich and free!

Application: Living out the Journey

Salvation is not by works of the past, nor the present, nor the future. It is simply and yet profoundly a gift of God’s marvelous grace. His is a grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, a grace that was poured out on Calvary’s mountain where Jesus was crucified and His blood was spilt. His is a grace that changed everything – setting prisoners free from chains of sin and death – replacing them with life and peace and hope in the promise of forgiveness and eternity with Him! This marvelous grace of our loving Lord opened salvation’s door not just to the Jew but to Gentiles and all who would call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ1.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt

Marvelous Grace

Friends, Grace is a gift, the greatest and most powerfully loving gift we will ever receive. It is a gift to cherish and a gift to share. It is a free gift that can never be lost or taken away, and it is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only are we made right with God (saved/justified) by grace, but we are sanctified (made more like Christ) by grace, and one day, by God’s grace, we will appear with Christ in glory.2

To grow in grace is to mature as a Christian. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), and we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. We know that grace is a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God’s grace that justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually glorifies us in heaven. The sanctification process, becoming more like Christ, is synonymous with growing in grace.

gotquestions.org

Peter wrote that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,3 which does not mean that we gain more grace from God but instead that we mature as Christians. Simply put, this means “training ourselves in godliness, which Paul told Timothy is much better than physical training – because it promises benefits in this life and in the life to come4.

So, how can we train for godliness and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

It should be noted: “To grow in grace does not mean gaining more grace from God. God’s grace never increases; it is infinite, it cannot be more, and according to the nature of God, it could never be less.”

gotquestions.org.

We grow in grace by a number of Spiritual disciplines, including:

  • Meditating on and Reading God’s Word – letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16)
    • to grow in grace is to grow in our understanding of what Jesus did and to grow in our appreciation of the grace we have been given.
    • The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.
  • Being devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2) and keeping alert in it… knowing that our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:7-8)
  • Walking/keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).
  • Abiding in/spending time with Christ (John 15:4-8).

The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done, and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.

gotquestions.org

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your grace, the gift of Your Son who brought salvation to all people. By Your grace, Christ justifies us and sanctifies us – and He will one day return, and by His grace we will share in His glory! Help us to grow daily in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to live out the blessings of Your grace -by showing love, grace, and mercy to all. Help us to do and to say what pleases You – obeying You – not as though we need to win or keep our salvation but simply to please You. For – hallelujah! Our salvation is a gift that can never be earned, lost, or taken away! Oh, how sweet is the reality of this amazing grace! – Amen!

Response of Worship to the Journey
The More We Know

For More Insight on the Journey, read today’s LGG Blog

If you don’t know Jesus or want to know more about Him, I invite you to read Know These Truths, a message of answers and hope –

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/