Faith
Good Tidings of Great Joy
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)
“Good Tidings” means good news or joyful messages. The phrase is often associated with happiness, hope, and positive announcements. It is prominently mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where an angel announces the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds:
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10, KJV)
This announcement of “good tidings” refers to the joyous news of the birth of the Savior. The message announced by the angel in Luke 2:10–11 is a message of hope for all people in the world. Here’s why:
ALL MEN ARE SINNERS, SEPARATED FROM GOD, AND ARE BOUND TO ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
All men are sinners
All men are separated from God because of sin.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:23)
Man’s efforts to reach God and salvation by his good works, keeping the law, living a good life, religion etc. have failed. No one is good enough to save himself. All men are condemned to eternal fire.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT OUR ONLY HOPE IS IN JESUS.
God loves us and He sent Jesus for our salvation.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16)
Christ died for our sins.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
Jesus is the only way to the Father.
The only hope of salvation is Jesus
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(Romans 15:13)
Without Christ, we are hopeless and miserable
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(Ephesians 2:12)
TO BE SAVED, YOU MUST RECEIVE JESUS BY FAITH AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR
What must you do to be saved?
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
(Acts 16:30-31)
Admit that you are a sinner
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(Luke 18:13)
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:10)
Realize that your good works cannot save you
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(2 Timothy 1:9)
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
(Isaiah 64:6)
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
(James 2:10)
Acknowledge that the only basis of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
(Hebrews 9:22)
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
(Hebrews 10:10)
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
(1 Peter 1:18-19)
Repent, that is change your mind from going on your sinful way.
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
(Luke 13:3)
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
(Isaiah 55:7)
Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you to pay for all your sins, and that he rose from the dead
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:9-10)
Call on the Lord, receiving Him by faith
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:13)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:12)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 5:24)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
(John 6:47)
There is rejoicing for every sinner that repents and trust in Jesus as Savior.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Luke 2:10)
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
(Luke 15:7)
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
(John 15:11)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Here below are some lessons that you can answer:
EXPOSITION OF JAMES 2:17
James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead”. What is dead? The answer is ‘faith”. Dead faith is without works while living faith has works. Dead faith does not produce good works while living faith produces good works. What is meant by a dead faith? A dead faith is a functionless faith and a worthless faith. It is faith without understanding, without real conviction, without sorrow of sins, without repentance, without direction, without basis, without emotion, without love, without willingness, without real trust in Christ, and it is a mere intellectual belief. It is a false trust or false acceptance of Jesus. False trust does not produce works but true faith results in good works. A further analysis of the verse reveals that:
- Faith comes first before good works. Example: I do not do good works to have faith rather I have faith that is why I do good works.
- Good works are produced by true faith.
- Good works are manifestations of real faith. Verse 18 says, “show me….”
- Good works show what kind of faith a person has – true or false.
- The issue here is the kind of faith. It does not say that good works are requisites to salvation. It shows that a living or real faith has the ability and willingness to show it through good works. Example. A young girl who is your neighbor claims to be a student of a prestigious school, but you never saw her wear the uniform required by that school, and not one of your neighbors saw her go to that school. Of course, you won’t believe her. She has nothing to show. In the same way, if there is a person who claims to be a Christian or a believer, but he is not willing to be baptized, and he does not serve God, of course, you won’t believe him.
James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”. A dead body does not move to have the spirit. A living body moves because it has a spirit. A spiritually dead sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, rather a person works and serve God because he has the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8: 9,14). If a sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, how can he receive the Holy Spirit? The answer is by hearing the gospel and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord, Acts 10:43-44; Eph.1:13. Intellectual or mere belief will not result to doing good works but a person who sincerely believes and trust in Jesus will prove it by his good works. Merely believing in the existence of God and the historical event that Christ died for man’s sins will not result to salvation. James 2:19 says, “…the devil also believe and tremble”. Many people have faith like that of the demon and think that they will go to heaven. To be sure that you are saved first, you must have truly repented of your sins and trusted Jesus as Savior (Jn.1:12; Luke 13:3). Second, you must have the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the assurance from God’s word (Rom.8:17; I John 5:11-13). Third, you prove it by living a “changed life” (II Cor.5:17; I John 2:3-4). James 2;18 says, “I will show thee my faith by my works”.
By E. J.
Faith can move mountains
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)
When I was a little boy, we used to stroll around Ramon Magsaysay Park along the coast. As time went by, I saw there was a change because the land area of the park extended toward the sea. The Engineers filled the seashore with earth to extend the area of the park. Where did they get some earth to fill a portion of the seashore? Usually, they got them from the mountains. Some mountains were made plain and they filled the sea with land. All are possible by faith.
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Mark 9:23 KJV)
There might be some dreams or goals that seem so hard to achieve. But all things are possible to him who believes.
“SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN”
Why not just keep it in your mind? Why do I have to say it? I was memorizing a chapter in the book of Proverbs, and it helps a lot when I recite it verbally rather than just trying to memorize it with my mind. I have also experienced that it is hard for a plan to materialize if you just keep it within you. When you share your plans with your team or congregation, then it is easier to work them out. When you speak to a mountain, you will hear an echo. As a leader, you need to have a clear vision and goal. When you share your vision with others, and they catch it up, you will hear their positive responses and they will the more encourage you to pursue it. Successful organizations usually have clarity of visions and goals, and they often write them on their walls for their team to memorize.
“BE THOU REMOVED AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA”
We may look at our problems as big as a mountain. But no matter how big our problems are, God is greater than our problems. No matter what obstacles are hindering our path to success, God will help us through, we only need to believe. God must have a purpose of placing them there for us to fully depend on Him and grow. We just need to trust God.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)
When we experience problems, difficulties, and weaknesses, remember that God allowed such for us to rely on Him. When we trust in the Lord and work to develop those weaknesses into strengths or to solve those problems by doing right, little by little, we will find success.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)
“ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER BELIEVING”
The “ALL THINGS” referred to here are the things that you asked in prayer believing. Did you pray and doubt, then that is not believing. Doubt is a sin.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 KJV)
Doubt hinders our prayer.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8 KJV)
However, you need to understand that it is not faith in yourself that makes prayer effective but rather faith in God. Faith in God grows through hearing and understanding God’s word.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 KJV)
If your trust is in man, your boss, your fellows, or in yourself, you will have the tendency to drift away from the truth and there is a consequence.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
(Jeremiah 17:5-6 KJV)
If you trust the Lord, you will be blessed indeed.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 15:7 KJV)
(Since Christ was speaking to the disciples who were already saved, thus, He was speaking to them about faith in their daily walk. “The just shall live by faith” Gal. 3:11).
E. J.
RELATED TOPICS :
Salvation by grace through faith
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. — (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Hello friend, here below is a lesson about Salvation by grace through faith.
The Value of Truth
By E. Jardinel
Is there a difference when you believe a lie or when you believe the truth? When you believe a lie, it affects your judgment, your decision, your attitude, and your future negatively. You will make wrong decisions due to a false balance and wrong judgment. You will lose God’s blessings when you disregard opportunities intended for you due to a negative attitude. But when you have right judgments based on truth, your decisions will lead you to the solution of every problem toward a blessed life.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
(Proverbs 11:5)
Like in the parable of the talent, the person who received the one talent thought that his Lord was so strict and so, because of the fear of failure, did not use that one talent given him. He did not understand the favor and opportunities which were given him and thus, became so ungrateful.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:24–29)
WHY WE SHOULD KNOW THE TRUTH
It is our responsibility to know the truth to be able to make wise judgments and decisions.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
(Proverbs 28:4–5)
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
(Proverbs 11:1)
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
(Proverbs 30:8)
The truth liberates us from the bondage of sin and falsehood.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31–32)
SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. (Psalms 119:113)
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133)
Knowing, applying, and sharing the principles of truth, will help us grow firm and strong.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
(Ephesians 4:14–15)
The Bible, God’s word is truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(John 17:17)
HOW WE CAN KNOW THE TRUTH
Meditate daily on God’s word.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
(Joshua 1:8)
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
(Jeremiah 17:7–8)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(John 15:7–8)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 15:16)
Study God’s word regularly.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15)
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
(Proverbs 15:28)
Seek Counsel from Godly men.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(Psalms 1:1–2)
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14)
Listen carefully to instructions and preachings.
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
(Proverbs 12:1)
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
(Proverbs 13:1–2)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17)
Don’t rely on feelings.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:9)
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
(Proverbs 28:26)
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
(1 John 3:20)
HOW WE CAN APPLY THE TRUTH
Repent of every sin.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
Be careful of your talk.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29)
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
(Proverbs 11:13)
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
(Proverbs 26:20)
Be patient, loving, and forgiving.
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
(1 John 2:9–10)
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
(Colossians 3:12–13)
Obey God’s word by faith.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(James 1:22-24)
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
(Galatians 3:11)
Overcome your weaknesses and fears by dependence on God.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
(Acts 4:29)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:31)
Examine yourselves.
We are to examine ourselves whether we are doing things that please God or not. We should not allow falsehood and lies to dominate our lives and thoughts for such will affect our decisions and judgments. Instead, we should seek the truth, follow, and obey the truth. Following the truth diligently will result to greater blessings and favors from God.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (Proverbs 11:27)
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
(Proverbs 12:11)
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. (Proverbs 12:2)
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. (Proverbs 13:15)
Related Lessons and Quizzes:
Consider how great things He has done for you
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)
Consider how great things the Lord has done for us. God has blessed us in many ways. Despite our many shortcomings, yet He has shown His goodness and kindness.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
(2 Timothy 2:13)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
(Romans 2:4)
God has provided us a Savior, Jesus. That very moment we received Him by faith, we have become God’s children (John 1: 12). He has guided us as we travel in this life by His word and Spirit and helped us go through a long the storms of life. God has been so good in the past and He will always be good in the future.
Only fear the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:10)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will avoid sinning.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
(Proverbs 16:6)
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
(Proverbs 16:17)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will obey God than man.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
(Acts 5:29)
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
(Psalms 118:8)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will follow God than his feelings.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:9)
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
(1 John 3:20)
Serve Him
We are saved to serve.
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:74-75)
We are to serve in newness of spirit.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)
We are to serve with gladness of heart.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
(Psalms 100:2)
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalms 2:11)
We are to serve God faithfully.
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
(Psalms 101:6)
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
In Truth
Jesus commanded to search the Scriptures.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
(John 5:39)
Paul appreciated the Bereans for Searching the Scriptures.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)
The Scriptures, God’s word is truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)
The Scriptures will make us wise to know the true way of salvation.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)
We are to worship God in spirit and truth.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
We are to choose today whom we will serve.
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:14-15)
With all your heart
Our responsibility to God is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
We are to know God sincerely with all our hearts through His words.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
We are to consider God’s great goodness in our lives to serve Him with all our hearts.
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)
When we sin, we must repent and confess our sins to the Lord.
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
(Joel 2:12)
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; (1 Samuel 12:20)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Whatever we do, we must do our work heartily as to the Lord and be grateful always.
And whatsoever ye do in wo d or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Related lessons and Quizzes:
Good Tidings
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings”
By E Jardinel
This is about the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary from Galilee went out of Nazareth City to Judea, into the City of David, Called Bethlehem to be taxed. But, the time came Mary had to deliver her baby. Because there was no room in the inn, Mary delivered her baby in a manger.
In the same country, there were shepherds abiding in the field watching their flock by night. The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. The angel said:
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)
I. FEAR NOT
THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE seems a surprise to them. The angel had a great message, to bring the good news. He had good intention which is for them to be joyful.
REASONS FOR FEAR. They did not know what was happening. They did not know who was bringing the message. They did not know what his intention was. They did not know what his message was.
PEOPLE TODAY HAVE MANY FEARS. They do not know what is happening in the world. We hear of wars, epidemic, poverty, killings. Many families are experiencing hardships, poverty, conflicts, sickness, and death. Many are living in this world in loneliness, without the right purpose and direction.
II. GOD’S MESSAGE is the GOOD NEWS of great joy which shall be to all people.
Many people seem afraid of hearing the Good News because they do not know God’s intention for their lives.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.(Jeremiah 29:11)
Everyone needs to hear the Good News because all men are sinners and in need of salvation.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;(Romans 3:23)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?(Mark 8:36)
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;(Hebrews 2:3)
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, HE WAS BURIED, BUT HE ROSE AGAIN.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;(1 Corinthians 15:3)
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:4)
THE BASIS OF THE GOOD NEWS IS THE BLOOD OF JESUS.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)
THE SCOPE OF THE GOOD NEWS IS ALL MEN.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Titus 2:11)
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
THE RESULT OF THE GOOD NEWS IS THE JOY OF SALVATION BY FAITH
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:32)
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Know God through His Word, the Bible.Happy Birthday!Birthday Greetings!
Greetings!
I have a very important message to you…
God loves you!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16 KJV)
For God, the creator of the universe and all things that exist.
So love, the greatest degree.
The world, that means all people in the world, that includes you…
That He gave, that is the greatest act
His only begotten Son, that is the greatest gift
That Whosoever, that means Christ died for everyone…
Believeth in Him, that is the only condition to be saved.
Should not perish, God is not willing that any should perish in hell.
But have everlasting life. That is life eternal, salvation.
There is no other greater gift that you can receive than the gift of eternal life. Without salvation, man would be lost forever in hell because of sin.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
— (Romans 3:23 KJV)For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. — (Romans 6:23 KJV)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? — (Mark 8:36 KJV)
Man cannot save himself by his own good works or efforts.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:10 KJV)Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:9 KJV)
The only way to be saved is through faith in Jesus, that He died on the cross for our sins.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 KJV)
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV)
And He claimed to be the only way to the Father.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(John 14:6 KJV)
To be saved, receive Jesus by faith.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
(John 6:47 KJV)But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:12 KJV)
Do you believe in Jesus as personal Lord and Savior?
What is His promise to those who receive and believe in Him according to John 1: 12 and John 6:47? (See verse above)
To know more click here -> The Greatest Gift That You Can Receive.
The Greatest Gift That You Can Receive
Edwin J.
A message from the Bible Correspondence Institute
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)
Kung Ikaw ay Pagod na Pagod, anong dapat gawin?
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
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