The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:9-11).
We must approach God by faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” How can we get faith? Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” There’s the key! We must study and learn the word of God. It is when we know God’s word that we can apply it to our lives and be well pleasing to Him.
This lesson will answer the question, "Will all children be saved?" by noting that 1) children are persons made in God's image, 2) Children have no understanding of right and wrong at birth, 3) Children mature to responsibility. Each person should understand the variable nature of childhood growth and development as related to accountability to God.
What does “pleasing God” mean? Hebrews 11:5 uses the same Greek word that the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) uses in Genesis 5:24. It is the Greek word εὐαρεστέω (euaresteo). It is a compound word from εὖ (eu) meaning good or well, and ἀρεστός (arestos) meaning agreeable or pleasing. When these two words join, they have the idea of “well pleasing” or “fully acceptable” or “entirely satisfying.”
For those who fear Him, the Lord will deliver them from 1) Fears, 2) Want, 3) Life, 4) Cries, 5) Troubles, 6) Afflictions. Each person will fear the Lord to receive His blessings. I want to instill a sense of trust in God when trials come our way.
Simply attaching God’s name to an activity does not make it holy. We cannot make something holy simply be declaring it such. Only God holds that prerogative. We must avoid turning worship into a circus, common spectacle, or entertainment forum. We should take care that we do not so treat God’s holy things! Remember Nadab and Abihu? They were lax with God’s holy things and they paid the price.
Love is longsuffering because it is 1) A Quality of God, 2) Key to Relationships, 3) Curtails Selfishness. Each should be able to understand how being longsuffering will help us to love God and one another.
The name of God is holy and sacred. Yet, there are some who profane it by bringing it down to common use. We should only speak of God in a holy way. We profane God’s name when we use it in an unholy way. The church that Christ built and for which he died (Acts 20:38) is a holy and sacred institution. We must regard the church as holy.
Wrestling with the holiness of God means struggling with 1) The Goal of God, 2) The Practice of Purity, 3) The Direction of Distinctiveness. We want to 1) have the goal of God, 2) practice purity, and 3) be distinct.
God spells out some things that are holy— that are sanctified. In Romans 1:2 we see that the scriptures are holy; they are set apart by God for a special purpose (see also 2 Timothy 3:15). In Ephesians 5:27 we read that the church is holy. Hebrews 7:26 says that we have a holy High Priest. And in the epistles of Peter, Christians are to be holy; they are a holy nation (1 Peter 1:15, 16 and 1 Peter 2:9). Are we concerned about holiness?
Here is the import of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22. First, all Christians must partake of the Lord’s Supper (v.21). Second, this supper is not to be a common […]
One who is virtuous (morally excellent) is living according to God's standard of behavior, following Jesus Christ, and faithfully serving in the church. Each person should understand that to think on things that are virtuous we must study the Bible, follow Christ, and be faithful to the church.
It is clear from an honest reading of the Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22- 25 and Luke 22:19,20 that the elements were nothing more than one moderate piece of bread and […]
Internet Work Report for 2025 detailing items published, number of people visiting, and extent of use in the world.
Many years ago, some folks among the churches of Christ suggested that the church was neglecting the Lord’s Supper. I have heard this criticism recently. They assert that “pinching a […]
Who wrestles with God? 1) Jacob wrestled with God, 2) Jesus wrestled with God, 3) We wrestle with God. Each person should understand that there is a constant tension between self and God and that we must humble ourselves before Him.
Many of those parents had regrets that they did not sit down and talk to their children about these most important things. Don’t let that child be yours! We must talk to them about the truth. The church can help, but ultimately, the child will watch and listen to the parent. Send the right message clearly and often.
Many of those parents had regrets that they did not sit down and talk to their children about these most important things. Don’t let that child be yours! We must talk to them about the truth. The church can help, but ultimately, the child will watch and listen to the parent. Send the right message clearly and often.
Today’s media merely reflects a much worse problem: Many people really do think and act like the sordid situations on the sitcoms. Their perverse behavior drives the content and output of media today. The problem is the sin of immorality. The church (and every individual member) has a responsibility to combat this evil in our society. How can we fight this when it seems like such a big problem?
In Psalm 33 we learn to praise God for His character, creation, counsel, consideration, and consolation. Each person should be able to state five reasons to praise God.