1 Thessalonians Bible Sketches

To what do you aspire?

 

How do you mind your own business?

 

What is reality?

Aspiration is great; yet, reality hits the moment we struggle with temptation, distraction, weakness, and personal failure. Perfection is over-our-heads to comprehend, let alone achieve. Apathetic, irritating, stubborn and nosy behaviors aren’t helpful. Retaliating wrong for injury happens—if maliciously, unintentionally, out of fear, or by misunderstanding. Unless the spirit of selfless love motivates our actions, the good things we do are tainted by impure motivation. In this broken world, we seem to think we can alter what isn’t ours to fix rather than concentrate on cleaning up our own act. 

Only innocent Jesus did the perfect will of God in order to save us through faith by grace. Because of His great love, God lowered Himself to be born of a virgin woman. God the Father gave up His Only Son to take punishment for the underachieved aspirations of the world. God has defeated the devil at the cross where Christ suffered, died, was buried, on the third day rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to intercede for us with God the Father—all this to redeem and protect you and me. 

In the faith, His Word supplies wisdom, entrusts and reminds us to

• pray the Lord would fill hearts with healthy desire
• resist selfish quarreling, whining, complaining
• be cautiously alert about evil all around us
• flee from evil
• in good times and bad, act and respond appropriately 
  
• focus on Jesus for hope
  
• initiate and kindly welcome tender, gentle communication
• encourage anyone who is willing to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• pause
• forgive
• confess sinfulness
  
• thank God
  
• appreciate God’s joy and peace
• know the loving Lord is in control
  

Kindness isn’t guaranteed to be received. 

Well-meaning actions might be harshly rejected. Planted seeds may not come up, grow at the rate, nor in the season we expect them to flourish. Our salvation, and that of anyone, is not up to us. We rest upon Scripture’s assurance; it’s the Holy Spirit who connects each individual person to Jesus. In receiving the faith, we’ll grow up to desire God’s gifts. When disappointments show up, by grace, we’ll pray for help and that things will improve. We’ll do our best to take a warm, soft, patient approach to follow the golden rule with ethics of reciprocity (not necessarily treating others how they actually poorly treat us).

Born sinners, we behave badly due to our human nature. 

Sin and its consequences first entered God’s perfect creation in the Garden of Eden. The tempter wanted Adam and Eve to lose faith and everything which is good. Although they knew better, they failed—and our hearts know right from wrong, yet we still make wrong choices. Life gets messy and chaotic when we and others fall for the devil’s lies. Humanity has nothing to offer God because no one does good at the standard of our Lord’s perfect goodness. Thankfully, we may have peace because Christ died for us to cleanse us in body and soul. Forgiveness is available for nearly every sin (Matthew 12:31).

The Holy Spirit does the work to provide faith which protects and helps people grow.

Our Creator welcomes prayers offered by the faith, hope and love which God gives through the Gospel’s power in the Holy Spirit. We are free to ask to be forgiven, for proper work to do, for discernment, plus, for encouragement to treat everyone with dignity as we also forgive and pray for them. We pray for strength, a way out of temptation, direction to address situations and how to proceed cautiously. Our Lord wants us to ask Him to fill us with loving desire to gently restore each other without creating embarrassment and for patience as we live alongside people with whom we disagree.

Aspiring to fulfill the Creator’s purpose for our lives involves receiving the gift of forgiveness He provided at the cross. 

By the means of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (GRACE), spiritual blessings and gratitude are established within us. Capability to trust the Creator is placed into us by grace. When life gets complicating, the Holy Spirit remains with us in the middle of painful circumstances He allows in order to accomplish His purposes. Mercy we show others flows from God’s mercy for us. Love is bold to genuinely apologize and care; it’s not noisy, manipulative, prideful, deceptive, or greedy for an award.

1 Thessalonians 4:19-11

 

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

Where does inspiration come from?

Inspired by the Bible, God’s chosen people aspire to imitate His Son, our Savior Jesus who perfectly obeyed His Father. The trouble is, we can’t perfectly do this; yet, that does not stop us from trying. Thankfully, there’s a place called God’s House to congregate, worship, receive forgiveness and absolutely leave refreshed and motivated time-after-time. It’s important to find a church that teaches the Bible is the only source of revealed truth—concerning Jesus Christ, faith and salvation—by which the church is governed. God’s Word is for us. It connects us to the faith and fills us with promises to be fulfilled on Resurrection Day. Have you read the book of the 1 Thessalonians in the highly recommended Bible? There’s no end to growing in God’s love blessing all people in the congregation at His House! 

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

 

Why always, without ceasing, in all circumstances?

Why not? Jesus is always there—our only hope—wants our prayers and deserves praise! Our Creator, who cannot fail, became a Substitutionary Atonement: We only live because He died. He emphatically understands our every emotion, trouble, temptation and distress as well as each happy moment. His Spirit enables us to believe, live joyfully, and have peace! 

Our Compassionate Judge expects us to apologize to others and is generously merciful when we approach Him in regret and sorrow. He desires to hear us ask for help to increasingly live life the perfect way He designed for us. Repeatedly and patiently forgiving our failures, He persistently renews us with His grace. No one is alone. God supplies wisdom to spiritual leaders and physical/mental health professionals trained to help as well as Christian friends who share His love.

Life is a process in which Jesus is the way to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances! We do none of these things without the faith and counsel the Holy Spirit establishes in us through His Word. Faith, forgiveness, life, and salvation are gifts received in Baptism—we are united with Jesus’ death and resurrection—regenerated, dying to sin and rising to new life as we remember the gift every day.

The good virtue of patience is learned by experiencing distressing times. 

Like adoption, we become children of God through Baptism; not by the work of our choice or actions, but in Him choosing to set us apart and make us holy. His marvelous Light delivers us from the power of sin and frees us to love Him and one another. 

Mercy and power for us at the Lord’s Table strengthens our endurance and assures us with the peace of His holiness. While we are suffering, we receive His affection, comfort, growth and maturity in the faith. Christ absolves and rescues His brothers and sisters who call out for His help.

We see dimly now. Christ, at any moment, will return to restore believers asleep in the grave and receive those still alive who are guarded by His redemption! Everyone will look up to God who will completely wipe out the sin and tears of those who trust Him! In the everlasting new heaven and earth, all will clearly see the glory of His perfect character!

Good News!

By continuously hearing and experiencing God’s Word, the Holy Spirit feeds the body, mind, and soul with unlimited benefits. Be aware though, there’s a bad news option…

Quenching the Spirit.

To snuff out Divine Energy which keeps us spiritually alive would be to intentionally lose our way and end up dead to God. It is possible to take an option to consciously, continuously reject Him. To not trust Jesus for salvation by our own choice, thinking we must earn our own way or by denying our desperate need for Him—actually choosing to stay away from the church, in effect, ignoring the Holy Spirit’s gifts—is to quench the Spirit, refuse God’s mercy, determine one’s own unsafe path toward the deathly destination everyone deserves by God’s wrath, justly separated for eternity in hell. Jesus did the work to save us and sent us the Spirit which we may reject (bad choice), however, for redemption we must receive it thankfully—not quench it!

It doesn’t seem fair that Jesus took our punishment. 

Christ’s loving purpose for us is to be our Substitute to save us from sin, death and the power of the devil. God’s grace is good for us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s faithful mercy so we have joy in this life and certain hope for paradise everlasting.

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:5

In gratitude for being kept completely blameless in Christ, we are privileged to share the overflowing love of God’s Word. As Baptized children of light who study how, when and where the Lord guides us, we seek to take a posture of humility as we encourage and are at peace beside each other. Anchored in the faith given to us, prepared, informed through the Word, as we wait, we’re confidently ready for the unpredictable moment when what will happen when Christ returns happens!

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 28

Check out more links.

• Study pdf
• Study series
• Radio archives
• Podcast, part 2, part 3
• Video summary
  
• Intro summary

Colossians Bible Sketches

Why pray first?

How is love genuine? 

 

What do you believe about the source of love?

Love is from our Creator—the Bible tells us so. Since Jesus taught us to pray, it makes sense to ask Him for help to genuinely love Him and others. We can also ask grace-filled friends to pray for us in the middle of life’s complications. Prayerful encouragement is a beautiful gift to share. 

God’s love is perfect; He knows our love is far from perfect. He tells us to pray continuously. So, we lift up 

• self
• friends
• teachers
  
• pastors
• leaders 
• providers
• protectors
  
• family members
  
• everyone everywhere 

Desiring to give and receive genuine love comes by faith hearing God’s Word. The Holy Spirit keeps us safely moving forward by grace and helps us recognize dangers that would mislead us to hell. By the faith God provides, we know the seriousness of failure and weakness. Turning toward God, fully admitting truth, we’re thankful to be forgiven. Unless we outright resist the Helper, Christ prays for us, supplies us with needed strength, and draws us near Himself. While our freedom to move away from Him remains optional, the Good Lord desires to hold us close, show mercy, comfort, encourage, and fight for us. He wants us to pray and have mercy on those who doubt his goodness. 

Faithful prayer wants God’s best for all. 

Since we are sure that Christ, alone, faithfully keeps promises that deliver us from evil, baptized believers want everyone to be comforted in the One Way that we are saved. We share Truth. Harmony flows by Christ’s grace, not by our accomplishments. Wisdom gained within the complete context of Scriptural principles points us to mindfully practice them, as we should, because we are so thankful! Trusting God’s will be done to mercifully protect those who follow Him, we’re safe. Depending on Jesus to intercede for us when we don’t know exactly what to pray, lightens the burdens we are bound to have because of our sin. Privileged to embrace forgiveness, our peace is in Christ.

Lies of the devil, ways of the world, our fallen human nature—these are always at work to crack and wreck the faith. 

Rebellious behavior started in a garden and affected humanity as a whole. The glorious picture of God’s perfect creation broke when Eve was deceived by Satan to doubt God’s love for her. Historically, God gave people chance to repent and clean up their act, yet destruction fell on those who didn’t heed His good advice. Help is utilized when we are willing to receive God’s grace, yet it’s refused when an arrogant attitude does without God. Selfish knowledge that strays from Truth may entice us to wander so far as to take the devil’s dangerous hook that pulls us into deep trouble. People carelessly lingering in rejection of the faith, risk separating themselves from their Creator. Almighty God judges the living and the dead, saving from damnation only those whose faith thanks and trusts His beloved Son who did the work to make the way to eternal paradise for us.

Colossians 1:9

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9

How are you filled?

The Creator’s gifts and opportunities fill up each need, one-moment-at-a-time.

• gas for a car
  
• water for hydration
• food for energy
• seasoning for taste
• friendly time for emotional support
• the Word for forgiveness, life-saving growth and spiritual health
  

The Helper provides faith in the Water of Baptism and Word. Faith-opened-minds are eager to be continuously filled with wisdom which consistently recognizes the need for Jesus.

Since our Creator loves us so much, He patiently orchestrates opportunities for us. 

The omnipresent God is just, loving, safe and good. He calls us to hear we have a desperate need for a Savior; plus, about grace we don’t deserve. We can’t save ourselves. Jesus first loved us so we may inherit blessings that belong to Him alone.  

Learn about how to listen to or read the Bible which is God-breathed. Unity allows us to give and receive encouragement to face challenges. Christ of Scripture picks us up since we fall short of expectations. Jesus was born to work for us. He finished all that was necessary to remove our sin and give us His righteousness. He says his body and blood are given for us, faith believes in, with and under the bread and wine, we experience the divine heavenly reality of our Savior. He keeps us alive, empowered and connected to mercy. When we fail, being sealed by baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, nothing can separate us from the love He has for us. Our freedom either receives or rejects the Truth. To reject the Holy Spirit’s gifts would be our own fault.

Colossians 1:9-10

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:9-10

 

Everyone is needy.

Our own and others’ failures consequentially affect lives. How do we deal with it? Each of us needs what Christ supplies: cleansing of sin for deliverance from evil and the certain hope—security of salvation. 

To ignore personal sin and difficulties which extend from it while imposing a demanding attitude upon others would be considered an attempt to usurp authority that belongs to God. An arrogant, apathetic or vengeful heart makes bad choices that hurt the message of the Gospel. Rejecting the Holy Spirit’s gifts of faith (Word and Sacraments) by purposely being inactive and unfed allows spiritual weakness to set in. Starving oneself this way risks division from God for eternity.

Jesus sent the Counselor to live within all people. 

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20

Everyone who is willing to receive help, grasps the fullness of Scriptural knowledge and is filled with understanding that love and goodness comes from our Creator. Nothing we could ever think, discover, or do on our own matches or tops the pure, magnificent, meaningful, purpose of the ultimate ruler of the universe Jesus Christ. Trusting God’s concern for us, Faith calls us to pray for others as Paul writes,

“that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. …as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority” Colossians 2:2-4, 6-10

Jesus died and was raised from the dead for us. He will never die again.

“You have been made new, for you have “been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Col. 2:12). We have been buried and raised with Christ.  We are “in Christ” and thus Christians are a new creation!” in.lcms

Read more about the universal renewal. 

Jesus will be back. 

By that time, everyone will have had opportunity to embrace the faith that is set on heavenly power. The original glory of creation will be fully restored to perfection, including complete healing of all believers, dead or alive, who are protected with grace and Scriptural guidance to life everlasting. Whoever abandons the faith sets themselves up to be harshly judged along with unbelievers who reject it.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Faith kills fixation on negativity—redirects focus into the Word of eternal life.

God hates whining, complaining and blaming. Expecting perfection of ourselves and others, idolizing ourselves and others as objects to satisfy selfish purposes—this doesn’t work. God loves us while we are yet sinners—fully knowing we don’t have capacity for perfection because of sin in our lives. He designed us to be able, by faith, to appreciate and trust He is perfectly true, good, and right.

Christ took all punishment for our weakness, failures, and abuse. The Holy Spirit instills a deep desire to put on Christ’s compassionate heart toward everyone. Despite the chaos of this temporary world and our human nature, we get help by regularly studying His Word. We can pray not to indulge temptations of body and mind and ask for opportunities to forgive, encourage and comfort each other. Thankfully opportunities exist to repent and place gratitude where praise is due.

Living in Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

Colossians 3:12-13

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

Season speech with God-pleasing grace in Jesus over the reality of sin.

Tell it transparently, gently, so people will want more of the hope He provides for us. We all need to be reminded eternity is coming! For those who love Jesus, every tear will be wiped away. For those who have not yet received faith in the Savior, we pray their chance will be grasped before it is too late. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit fills us, stirs souls—opens eyes, ears, hearts and minds—to humbly receive God’s Word. 

Live and rest patiently with joy knowing you are loved by God.

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Pausing to add the one single ingredient of gratitude changes the flavor of everything. 

Pray first—it’s the way of Christian living!

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23

Remember, or learn if you have not yet heard, how heartily the Lord works for us.

Purely out of His generosity, God shows His love for sinners. His Son was born on earth to suffer and take on all sin at the cross. The work of Jesus—tempted, yet remained purely innocent—selflessly, willingly endured a tortured death so the sovereign power of His resurrection redeemed humanity and the corruption of the entire world. Believers may repent! Forgiven, delivered from the domain of darkness, presented with the blessed certain hope of His glory—not because we deserve it in any way, shape or form—by growing in the grace God supplies in His Word. The Holy Spirit’s gifts keep us trusting Jesus. By faith, the Gospel continuously instills knowledge that He

• completely knows each high celebration and every low situation we face
  
• moves, shapes, transforms us
  
• calms anxiety with His peace
  
• cancels debt of sin for which Christ paid at the cross
  
• intercedes for us
• clears guilt
• is always there for us to hear and answer prayers 
• equips us to work and give
• guards, protects, guides by the Word
• provides contentment and confidence 
• reveals the purpose our Creator designed within us
• promotes growth and rest
• patiently renews our will to trust His help to endure until He makes all things new
  

Truth of our loving God’s grace for us, by the energy of Christ, enables us to  

• put heart into work he gives us to do so we, thankfully, do it for the Lord
• pray with thanksgiving
• recognize lies of the devil
• resist evil of the world
• flee temptation
• suffer and wait while thanking God that His will be done
• be renewed in knowledge that His ways and timing are higher than ours
• take up worship opportunities to hear the Gospel
• be built-up for the walk in Him according to His Spirit
  
• believe promises
• remember blessings of being reconciled to God
  
• look forward to the final resurrection when Jesus returns
• reflect Light that generously shines on, lives in and penetrates through us
• forgive, bear with, and carry out compassion through kindness toward others
  
• plant seeds that might win hearts
• keep peace
• carefully be wise during this existence among all people
• celebrate unity and encouragement among believers
  
• teach about faith, hope and love in cold, dark places of life on this earth

The atoning sacrifice of Jesus for us means thankful living in every circumstance of this life. Loving gifts come by the faith provided for us to have a thankful

• clear conscience in Christ
  
• heart filled with joy even in sorrow
  
• soul looking forward to a bodily resurrection for eternity with our Savior
• voice praising Jesus and inviting others to join
• creative mind and helpful hands equipped to work for the Lord

More on Colossians

• Intro
  
• Video
• Study
  
• Podcast (211-214)
  
• Discuss   
• Hymn Sing
  
• Lyrics (pdf)

Philippians Bible Sketches

What do you love about inspiration and encouragement?

 

Have you been consoled so you are equipped to comfort others?

 

Are you grateful for warmth radiating from participation in a church family?

Are you extending and appreciating affection and sympathy?

Philippians 2:1-2

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

The King of Unchanging Love is born for us!

Christians don’t only go to church, we are the Church. The faith is important—we depend on it. Good news of great joy comes to us! We get help we seriously need to trust and honor Jesus. His sacrificial love and mercy provides power for us to repent. We come whether things seem to be well or we’re sad, tired and hungry. Craving the Word preached—we’re filled. Air is light. Voices sing poetic hymns. Fed with tangible gifts, we’re absolutely forgiven and strengthened. For wisdom, bright smiles, simple “good morning” greetings, plus many more beautiful reasons—we come together as often as possible. 

The Bible won’t disappoint. 

Believers have an awesome certain hope of the future. There’s guidance for living moment-by-moment, plus, clarification of exactly why we may let go of worry. We praise the self-forgetful obedience of Jesus, who for our sake, willingly endured the punishment for all sin. Gratitude motivates us to share what we may, one-day-at-a-time, by the grace of God. The Holy Spirit does the rest, so we can rest.

Curious? 

Check out this church locator. Introduce yourself to people. Ask questions. We all forget… don’t be afraid to ask again and again.

Philippians 2:9-10

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-10

Love shares Truth; it does not affirm what is false.

Eventually, everyone will be raised from the dead, bow to Jesus, and be judged according to reception or rejection of the faith available for everyone. 

Philippians 2:14-15

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15

No grumbling or disputing?

None? Tell that to an infant who’s hungry and needs a diaper change. Maturity is a process. Thankfully, Jesus died to cover our lack of contentment during trials and difficulties. Our Heavenly Father is the author and perfecter of faith which patiently cooperates with others. It’s purpose makes us glow like the moon in darkness, reflecting the love of the Son!

Thank the Lord for love that shines! 

My family traveled to spend time with me! As I held my 20-month-old granddaughter on my hip, the tiny beauty mark on my neck was right in her line of vision. Her sweet little arms, dimpled hands, perfectly positioned tiny fingers pointed out my mole. Even toddlers notice differences that don’t seem right. We may wish our spots, blemishes, needs and differences would disappear; however, they’re part of who we are. Unique are our purposes in this life together. We depend on our all-knowing Creator who made each of us to function within His plan that’s higher than we know. A bit later, this darling little girl came to me with non-verbal sounds and an inquisitive look which begged me to ask if she wanted to show me something. She nodded yes, grabbed my finger and walked me places to explore. Twice, she stopped to look at the graduation portraits on my shelves. As she pointed to her dad’s cousins one-by-one, I was delighted to introduce her to each of my nieces and nephews by name. I’m blessed for opportunity to play and interact with this wonderful child, a gift from God. Memories washed through me of her great-great-grandmothers, my mother and my own precious children at this age. Similar to how her parents taught her to say, “Iowa” on their way home, God lovingly teaches us and desires we all be saved by abundant grace in Truth of the Gospel.

In this world, it is easy to slip into grumbling. 

Chronic complaining and sinful criticism are as annoying as a leaky drip that just won’t stop. Putting ourselves in another’s shoes, acknowledging their pain, lovingly setting boundaries and practicing patience, often, aren’t first-response actions that come to our human minds. The devil tempts us to doubt anything having to do with God’s good law of grace. Ignoring problems, retaliating injuries, minimizing fault and blame-shifting responsibility are evil lies to aggravate bad situations and oppose the blessed discipline of the Gospel.

Faith allows us to pour our complaints out in prayer.

Confident that correction, healing and growth come from outside ourselves, in Christ, we prayerfully dive deeply into the Word’s wisdom. With practice, its broad light and blessings become our own to share. Everyone fails, but Jesus never does. He covered everyone at the cross. Cherish the magnitude of His patience with us—the pure effectiveness His love has over consequences of sin in this world. Things don’t go as we expect, but then we must remember that what we expect may not be in the plan for the goodness God has in store for us and others. We pray, listen and wait.

Jesus is God. We are not.

By faith, we’re impacted by grace loving, kind, gentle, humble, reasonable, teachable and caring people who are pleasant to be around. We can take them seriously. 

The arrogant and harsh—not so much. Look out for worldly and spiritual conceit. It is grossly problematic to rely on human rules, desires, education, wealth, status, age or position in life more than the God of peace. 

Truth is all about Jesus, who by the essence of who He is, supplies us with every need of ours and confidence in the excellent knowledge of his will.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord.

Honesty, warmth and hope—God’s plan of mercy in Jesus points those who love Him to an undeserved, promised nonetheless, blissful eternity! Rejoice always surrounded by people who rejoice! Celebrate being united in the supportive body of Christ!

Philippians 4:6-7

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Breathe in grace, exhale repentance. Repeat. Relax.

Pray alone and with others. Immerse yourself in Scripture. Go to church. Listen to Christian podcasts, Bible studies and sacred music. As you are able, take a walk; bundle-up in cold climates. Praise God for the marvelous complex beauty of His creation.

Our Savior listens when we tap into powerful prayer for

• establishing a habit to pray continuously to Our Father in Heaven
  
• inspiration to set excellent goals that are helpful to others
  
• mindfulness of if/what/how/when/why to plan/say/do
• vision to fully comprehend and confess our own failures, both to God and to anyone we come to realize we’ve hurt 
  
• courage to conform to God’s will
  
• willingness to admit our own mistakes
• thanksgiving of complete forgiveness
  
• ability to forgive others

Thankfully, there’s peace in God’s presence. Christ took on the sin of the world and defeated it for us at the cross.

• His scarred hands hold what’s beyond ours to control or accomplish while He preserves our faith and protects us
  
• He hears heartfelt confessions, removes guilt, and replaces emptiness with comfort
  
• He enlightens us with gifts to share with others by actions that reflect His love
  

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

The Holy Spirit untwists deception, puts a positive spin on Truth, uplifts attitudes and prepares us to reflect the Light of Christ.

Glorious things belong to us who are covered by the grace of Jesus. Faith stirs hearts into action. God’s abundant peace and blessing help us listen carefully. We enjoy opportunities to worship regularly. Undeserved, unearned by us—faith frees us!

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

We aren’t crushed and destroyed because the power belongs to Christ. 

When we hurt and face tough times, the Holy Spirit’s nudges remind us what He is giving us to do with the help of God. He tells us to pray and promises to deliver us from evil. His life-saving mercy comforts. His patience essentially protects and preserves our body, soul and sanity in the midst of human confusion, suffering and sorrow. God has special ways of cheering us on, reminding us of many blessings in our lives!

At the cross, our Redeemer innocently suffered as our Substitute for the joy of saving us. He willingly took the wrath and punishment we deserve for our sins and the sins committed against us. He defeated death and the devil. After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then others in a locked room where He spoke to them of peace. Before He ascended to sit with our Father in heaven,

he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

God’s design of salvation doesn’t measure success by our perfection, quality of work, or decision. He sees us through Jesus-goggles, measuring success by Christ’s merit. Mercifully supplied with contentment in His Word and Sacraments which nourish, open eyes/hearts/minds, strengthen and guide—we trust God’s love for us not only forgives—Jesus also removes what separates us from Him. The Holy Spirit disciplines us to grow up and trust, not ourselves, but Jesus who guarantees life with Him when He returns! So, we share this good news of opportunity to be gathered by the Lord of Creation in eternal paradise! Since we know it’s possible to miss out on that promise when someone rejects gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for opportunities and courage to lovingly warn friends, family and anyone who is not worshiping Jesus.

More

• Video summary
• Read or listen to Philippians (4 short chapters)

Pray

“Lord, forgive me when I forget that all people are precious to You. When personal prejudices and poor first impressions turn me away from loving my neighbor, remind me that, in Christ, we are one. In His name I pray. Amen.” Mustard Seed

Ephesians Bible Sketches

What points you to assurance?

 

How can you be sure of your future?

 

What in the world is hardest for you?

Sometimes things just fall into place easily, though this is not always the case. By faith, life for us in Christ offers hope, wellness, and forgiveness of trespasses.

1. Sin—we missed the bullseye: God’s target of being perfect.
2. Transgression—we took the dare to cross the line.
3. Iniquity—unevenness; we’re good sometimes and sometimes we’re bad.

Clinging to Jesus, He carries us through what we cannot get through alone. 

He makes a Way out of fiery trials of body, mind and spirit—hardships, disharmony and death. It’s no surprise difficulties are happening to us. We’ve had to expect them ever since Eve and Adam wanted more than what had been given them and they took the dare to break the law. Though we may try to do the right thing, we’re fully aware that, at times, we either haven’t tried or haven’t succeeded. No degree of determination seems to reach the high standards we want to achieve. Perfectly meeting the goals we set and others expect, isn’t happening. Honestly, we aren’t always loving the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind and soul; nor are we loving our neighbor as ourselves. 

A few examples of things to repent of, perhaps often…

• Lack of being a blessing to others by offering nourishing care and honor
  
• Holding grudges
• Attempts to control situations and manipulate people
  
• Close ears to others’ concerns and desires
  
• Harshly lord over people
  
• Even after releasing, repenting and receiving forgiveness—allowing resentment to creep up and resurface
  
• Lack of refraining from corrupting talk that causes people to sin
• Claiming to love someone, yet regarding them as an object to satisfy own desires
• Ignorance and ingratitude for all that God supplies
• Halfhearted persistence of prayer and devotion to God’s Word
  
• Apathy or considering participation in the faith irrelevant
  

What is the good pleasure of God’s will?

To the praise of His glorious grace, it pleases God to save us. The Bible reveals everything! The sum of God’s plan and timing is Jesus, His beloved Son.

Ephesians 2:4-6

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-6

It’s not on us. 

It’s on Jesus who took the punishment for our guilt at the cross. The Holy Spirit lavishes us with wisdom and understanding of the mystery of His will according to the eternal purpose in Christ. Suffering leads us to sift, refine and focus on Jesus who withstood every temptation without failing. Relational harmonious coexistence flows from the Gospel’s compassion which promises that God’s peace is for everyone who willingly receives it!

Holy Baptism saves us from our futile foolishness when the Holy Spirit seals our adoption into the family of faith. Our Father teaches and disciplines to help us grow up. Opportunities to hear Truth of assurance surround us. Having free will, we either look to Scripture for help to do what pleases God, or not. Salvation is ours by grace, in Christ, by the faith given and on the pure authority of His Word. Jesus will come again; then believers will have full possession of His glory. When unbelievers deny or reject this gift of the Holy Spirit, they choose their own devastating end.

All of God’s wrath, which we deserve, is put on Christ for us because our Creator loved us before he made us! He designed the Way to keep us His own! Poured out with the touch of water and sound of His Word in Baptism, the faith itself is given to us in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By nature, apart from Jesus, every single human inherited rebellious selfishness that wants to embrace sin of body, mind and spirit. God wants us to inherit His incorruptible plan since our corruption has no hope; no decision or effort of our own can work out a way to save ourselves.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

We are God’s workmanship. His love is made alive in us through Christ. By faith, we pray to do the good opportunities He planned for each of us to do. He wants us to discover and carry out His beautiful works of art He placed within us to bring us joy we can spread!

Ephesians 2:19-20

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, Ephesians 2:19-20

Filled with hope at God’s house, we grow, care and look forward to life together forever with our Savior.

When Jesus died and rose, the New Testament of Christ’s Body and Blood in the gift of The Lord’s Supper is ready for us to forgive us. Rather than remaining in the wrath of God, we’re consistently renewed in Christ so that we may, to the praise of His glory, be strengthened in faith to enjoy the inheritance He has prepared for us.

Ephesians 3:14-21

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT

 

Gifts you can’t choose—you can only receive or refuse, then keep or lose.

Amazing grace means the cross Jesus willingly bore for us declares us right and perfect in our Heavenly Father’s eyes! God be praised! The wonderful part of our Creator’s good gift for us is that the Holy Spirit puts things into the hearts of people who open up to listen and do not block Him out of their lives. He provides wellness for individual souls and collectively in our life together. He’s constantly revealing the Truth of what’s in the Bible for us to know relating to our personal reconciliation with God and between each other. Minds gradually mature to be generous in love when frequently renewed by faith. Knowledge of Christ’s mercy and humble gentleness equips us to patiently build each other up in merciful gentle love. 

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:1-7

Trusting the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and direction brings contentment and joy! Ephesians 4:24 instructs to “put on the new self” created in the form of God’s righteousness by Jesus’s work on the cross. Christ is present in the Word for us and in us at His Table. Love won’t fade or wither which springs up from the Spirit’s strength and forgiveness; it seeks and shares Truth of our one Lord and Savior in one Baptism forever. Even when we choose to walk away and intentionally lose God, He does not lose sight of us; He wants us back. The power of being covered and clean in Christ’s saving work for us allows that we always, until we die or Christ returns, can repent and return to our Baptism by the faith sealed in the promise of the Word. God tells His children to be honest, share and talk with anyone who hears; not block people from the powerful love we have within us.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32

Do you see the Bible as a lamp on the path to take, an actual Light given for us?

While the Law exposes darkness, disobedience, and lack of trust in God, the Gospel of Jesus forgives and guides our walk. Children of the Light take what God supplies and aim to please Him along the way. Fully clothed in the whole armor designed to attain the trust that keeps repenting—even when grace seems hard to understand, unreasonable by worldly standards, and too good to be true—we praise the Giver of Light!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20

Schemes of the devil are no match for us on our own. 

They thrive on negativity, division, and all that leads to death. Sinful desires of rebellion act as flaming darts in attempt to steal our inheritance Christ has won for us.

We need God’s armor to guard our hearts and minds. Thankfully, He delights in filling us with His encouraging Spirit. By the means of grace Christ provides to protect and preserve the faith through every trial and test. In the peace of His Truth, forgiven believers discern, through the Word, what positively pleases the Lord. Determined to reflect God’s self-giving love, we are equipped to repent, grow, forgive, and uplift others in prayer to our loving Father. Others may or may not choose to forgive and live in harmony with us; yet, shining in Christ who intercedes our repentant prayers, we are reconciled to God, forgiven for our own confessed failures and imperfection. We enjoy the fruits of Christ’s compassion. In gratitude for His mercy, we worship the Lord our King.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:23

Jesus is assurance of God’s love for us right here and now. 

Certain hope for believers is that when our Savior returns, the dead will be raised to see His glory which will surround all who praise Him in an eternal place with no more sorrow or pain.

More goodies on Ephesians

• Read or listen to the book (about 15 minutes)
• Insight on the details

Galatians Bible Sketch

Where is freedom to be free?

 

Who keeps every promise?

Where does the good we share come from?

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

God Almighty is pure; the only source of everything trustworthy, good and just. God’s moral perfection—the very goodness of His creation—is His design. The Gospel of Jesus is vital for life eternal. 

God’s commands are extremely helpful in life, yet following His standards perfectly isn’t possible, nor does it earn a ticket out of hell. Explaining sin for what it is, the law portion of the Bible exposes many types of temptations we come up against and defines the magnitude of our failures:

• the good that we fall short of saying, doing and thinking 
• the unhealthy, damaging, prideful things we say, carry out and hold in our minds
  

No fraction of doing it right contributes; it’s not an option. Since we were conceived and born in sin, into a world cursed because of sin, the law was given because of our sin, not the other way around. Scripture serves our just God’s loving purpose to wake us up and give us exactly what we need: escape in Christ. The negative consequences of the curse are hard to bear for all people. Each and every single sin is evil in God’s eyes—He hates evil. The Heavenly Father loves us so much that He designed a Way out from the despair and ruin of being under the weight of everything gone wrong. All who believe, rest in the fact He gave up His Only Son to remove sin, death and the power of the devil.

• Unbelievers, living their best life here and now, later will severely suffer forever. Eternal punishment is real—we can’t ignore hell just because we don’t like the idea of a dark place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unbelievers don’t confess their sin and ask for forgiveness; they either deny they are sinning or try to make up for it by doing good.
• Believers, redeemed in Christ, have confidence the best is yet to come, eternally. Led by the Spirit, the faith given them is strengthened, as often as they hear the Word, to trust Jesus who lived perfectly, suffered, died in the place of all who cannot be perfect, rose and ascended to heaven; the work God the Father gave His Son in order to lift the curse and free sinners. By grace, undeserving believers can confess their sin, ask for forgiveness and be rewarded life everlasting.

Focusing on the restrictive aspect of the law distorts the Gospel of Jesus. If it were possible we were good enough to earn a relationship with God, which we aren’t, we wouldn’t need Jesus. Saying we have to do something to be saved is like having the audacity to say Jesus didn’t suffer enough.

Who inherits the blessings promised in Christ Jesus? 

The Holy Spirit continually leads those in genuine faith through the Gospel.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”… But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. … for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:13,22, 26-27

How can I confidently believe the Gospel promise?

Being baptized into Christ is to be completely clothed in His righteousness by adoption. The baptismal means of grace through faith that happens to us is the basis for assurance. There’s a unity created in baptism for all sinners. For Christ’s sake the world has been forgiven. Christ justifies by faith through His Word. He bore the curse of the law, in our stead, so that we are free from it. We are certain God deeply loves, knows and sees His baptized children through the lens of His Son Jesus who died to save us. 

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father! Galatians 4:4-6

Everyone’s natural inclination is to resist God or think there is more to being saved than simply receiving the gift. It is not us—it’s the Holy Spirit revealing Truth, faithfully creating hope and continually refreshing the life of believers as they are routinely drawn to read and hear His Word; seeing salvation by tasting and having fellowship in The Lord’s Supper.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. … For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:1,5

What happens when we belittle or discard the Word of God? 

To drop opportunities to seek, trust and draw near God in worship, puts faith at risk of being lost. To reject and refuse Christ is to declare God’s promises null and void for oneself. There’s an eternal penalty for abusing the faith by rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

How do we compassionately care about people; stop being petty and argumentative about everything?

But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Christ’s work on the cross belongs to everyone. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:15-18

Where’s motivation to step into freedom to love which is ours in Christ?

Inspiration is in the Word. Blessings of worshiping together—prayer, listening to sermons, singing meaningful hymns and studying the Bible—bring joy in remembrance that we depend, not on ourselves, but on Jesus who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14)

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

Fruit of the Spirit is catered for you by Christ Jesus—the substitute for sinners.

People claim excellent virtues and demand them from others. However, careful inspection of our own fruit, in light of knowing that even one slip-up or inadequacy separates us from God, makes clear we deserve to be cut off and thrown away. We’re desperately in need of a Savior to make us clean and grow toward the Light. 

Jesus taught people about goodness. He knew we can’t live up to His Father’s expectations. He was born to experience the evils of humanity, die by crucifixion and rise from the grave so that we may also. Perfectly, he said “no” to temptation and “yes” to becoming sin, taking our penalty to remove every mark, bruise and scar we’ve ever caused or taken from another. He finished everything needed to redeem all people of all time. Our Creator’s innocence and suffering at the cross is the center point where He atoned for the sin of the world and provides opportunity for new life made right in connection to faith in Him. You could see it like the stem of bananas connected to the stalk that feeds the fruit to grow and share essential nutrients that enhance heart health, help manage blood pressure, and boost a person’s mood. Our Creator supplies saving faith in His Word. Repentance and all the benefits of the Holy Spirit give purpose to the lives of all who believe and share it. Christ loves to hear from us and bless us with grace. He intercedes for us with our Heavenly Father so that we may be delivered from guilt of all our junk—selfish passion for power, greed, jealousy, impure desire and discontent.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26

How much do I need to do and how do I know I’ve done enough?

Salvation is 100 percent by faith in Jesus (nothing more, nothing less). Although there’s nothing anyone can do to be saved, the faith doesn’t clear us to indulge in whatever sin we want. Being led by the Spirit, faithful believers want to please God and are grieved over sin. Repentance is the freedom Truth supplies.

Living by faith in Christ is blessed by proper focus on the fruit He serves, by grace, now and forever with Him. Trust in God’s promises carries us past the past and through rough terrain, even death. There’s peace and joy in the walk that receives and appreciates pardon. According to God’s Word, we take in Christ’s body and blood for forgiveness and strength to grow, mature and multiply love. 

Faith in Jesus constantly steers us away from temptation to fall from grace by returning to the slavery of self-trust, wrongfully thinking we must earn God’s favor as the way to salvation. Without faith in Jesus, our insufficient best effort results in doubt, shame and division from freedom. 

As tension and hard times come, faith comforts and trusts Christ’s presence in this life. Hope clings to the patience Christ supplies until the Last Day arrives when everyone will see Jesus face-to-face. He promised to return and—separated from unbelievers—believers will remain with Him in the new creation for a great banquet in a house with many rooms, glorifying God, never again to have tears, sin and death. 

Faith which recognizes God’s sole authority to judge, says “yes” to every ounce of His mercy. 

The taste of bitterness is manipulative, punishing, blaming and grudge-holding; puts self above God. By faith, generous measures of repentance and mercy are supplied for each chaotic annoyance, failure and unrecognized sin. Abundant love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruit received from Jesus and gracefully shared. Gratitude enhances the deliciousness God feeds those who receive the Holy Spirit’s sweet faith in Christ’s work to pick up all who’ve fallen to the ground, spoiled rotten. Opportunities grasped by faith’s strength, forgive and pray for the hurting as well as those who hurt others.

Pray for self-control to not let faith go to your head and escape through carelessness. 

The struggle for personal accountability continues daily; so is need to repent and be reminded of God’s mercy. Arrogantly pointing, comparing and bullying others keep us from contentment. Discontent prevents humbly serving God by loving others unconditionally. Self-isolation by establishing estrangement prevents others from sharing God’s love with us.

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:3

Justice for sin has fallen on compassionate Jesus. 

Jesus brings undeserved peace. He doesn’t blow-off, trap, complicate, unsettle or hate like people do. By grace, honesty about our own great personal needs invites our Savior to tend and nourish meaningful relationships. Focusing on what Jesus has done for us makes it possible to love, thank and praise God who desires us to be trustworthy and vulnerable about our dependency on Jesus so we can be a light to help others who also struggle. There’s no condemnation for those who cling to Christ. God trains people to gratefully spread their joy which comes from the forgiveness Christ provides.

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:4-6

The Spirit of Truth supports and gently restores believers in Christ from damage and threat caused by fault and failing. Faith encourages being cautious about falling for Satan’s constant lies and temptations to fall from the grace which trusts Christ. Jesus sees and knows every detail of life as a human in this world. He bears our burdens, hearing prayers of repentance as well as prayers of caring for those who hurt us. To release resentment, Jesus draws us close with forgiveness, comfort, protection and peace. Faith motivates moving forward in Truth—thankfully, lovingly, purposely listening—receiving discernment and opportunities to love one another according to grace given.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Everyone needs the kindness of Christ’s simple and gentle freedom. 

The Holy Spirit opens minds to desire Truth. A humble fruitful way of life means responsibly digging into Scripture for growth and learning to wildly love others. Participating in healthy relationships involves willingness to be loved and receive fruit of the Spirit as well as share life loving each other. Trust not self, things, or others—trust Jesus who has all authority deserving praise and glory. Loving God, all things work together for good according to his purpose.

Go to church and sing it!

Almighty Father, bless the Word
Which through Your grace we now have heard.
Oh, may the precious seed take root,
Spring up, and bear abundant fruit!
Lutheran Service Book‎ 923

Juicy, fruity, tasty food for thought

• Freedom in Christ 
• Concerning Christian Freedom
• Galatians Study Part 1 or Playlist
• Radio Talk
• Discussing Issues
  
• 1517 Resources 
• From Women in Mission 
• Overview Video
• Forgiven Therefore Free: Galatians, Full Page Illustrations to Color
  
• Verse of the Day 
• Free Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Martin Luther