“You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers” 1 Thessalonians 2:10   Few of us today think the way Paul did. Here, he invited other believers to judge his life—to be witnesses of whether or not he was living with integrity. We’re[...]

“we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2   It’s no secret that our culture is increasingly hostile to Christianity, which is why many believers stay silent. The apostle Paul faced similar issues. The gospel of Jesus was not a popular[...]

“constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father” 1 Thessalonians 1:3   There’s nothing more personal than having faith in Jesus Christ. But don't confuse your faith being personal[...]

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15   No one ever says, “I hope to grow old and bitter.” Yet, we see it all the time. That’s[...]

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30   Knowing what offends the Holy Spirit is one of the most important things for believers to understand; yet it’s often ignored. Rather than thinking about how to please God, we tend[...]

“You have left your first love” Revelation 2:4   The early days of being a Christian are exciting. You’re eager to read the Bible, fellowship with other believers, and serve at church. But that passion and enthusiasm can cool down over time. Like the church at Ephesus, you can leave[...]

“Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God’” 1 Samuel 13:13   We tend to associate foolishness with stupidity or a lack of common sense. But extremely smart people sometimes act foolishly. It might even look like bold, decisive leadership. We veer[...]

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” 1 Samuel 12:23   How do you respond to believers who aren’t following God and His Word?[...]

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever” John 14:16   We tend to think of a helper as someone who does what we want done. But when Jesus promised to send the disciples another Helper, He was promising[...]