salvation

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

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:

The greatest gift that you can receive

The Way of Salvation

DEPENDENCE ON GOD IN DISCIPLE-MAKING

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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Are you a Christian? If you claim to be a Christian, you must be following Christ, because a Christian is a follower of Christ. Be a disciple, a student of the word, a learner. Being a disciple is more than agreeing to religious truth. Rather, it is a commitment to follow Christ. Discipleship is a process of continuous learning and growth. Be a disciple, a follower of Christ.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple is in constant fellowship with Christ through regular prayer and meditation.

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)

A disciple bears fruit.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8 KJV)

A disciple responds to God’s love and obedience.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10 KJV)

A disciple is joyful.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11 KJV)

A disciple loves as Jesus loves.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13 KJV)

PERSONAL COMPETENCES OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple submits to a teacher who teaches him how to follow Jesus.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(Hebrews 13:17 KJV)

A disciple studies and learns Jesus’ words.

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 KJV)

A disciple learns Jesus’ way of ministry.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(Matthew 4:19 KJV)

A disciple imitates Jesus’ life and character.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:2-5 KJV)

A disciple finds and teaches other disciples to follow Jesus.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV)

WE MUST DISCIPLE

If we don’t disciple, will some disciples be active and committed to the great commission?

DEPEND ON GOD’S GRACE — GRACE TRANSFORMS

We are saved by grace through faith. We started by God’s in salvation, and so we continue to walk in our Christian life by God’s grace.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

As we are involved in discipleship, we must remember that we cannot do it on our own. But we need to rely on God’s grace to transform lives.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28 KJV)

There is grace in conversion, and so, in our whole journey of our Christian walk. God’s grace transforms. First, we are justified at the new birth. Then after salvation, the Spirit continues to work in our sanctification. That is the process of being Christ-like.

THE OBJECTIVE OF DISCIPLESHIP IS TRANSFORMATION.

The evidence of salvation is transformed lives.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:34-35 KJV)

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
(1 John 2:4-6 KJV)

FAITH IN GOD IN DISCIPLESHIP IS EVIDENT IN ONE’S DEDICATION

“God does not choose men and women because of what they are, but because of what they will become.”

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:3-6 KJV)

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV)

EXAMPLES OF FAITH IN THE BIBLE, HEBREWS CHAPTER 11.

ELDERS — They obtained a good report, (v.2).

ABEL — He offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (v.3).

ENOCH – He had a testimony that he pleased God, (v.5).

NOAH — He moved with fear, and prepared an ark ( v.7).

ABRAHAM – He obeyed and went, offered up Isaac under great test, (vv. 8-19).

SARA – received strength to conceive, v.11.

JOSEPH – made mention of the departing of Israel when he died, v.22.

MOSES – chose to suffer affliction with God’s people, etc. vv. 24-29.

RAHAB – perished not with unbelievers, v.31.

WE NEED FAITH THAT MOVES US TO ACTION

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:14-17 KJV)

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46-49 KJV)

FAITH THAT EMBRACES DISCIPLESHIP

REAL — Actively obey it.

HISTORICALLY defined by people who make action

DISTINGUISHED itself from intellectual or mere because it demonstrates proof.

THOUGHTFUL OBEDIENCE, not religious words.

— E. J.

RELATED LESSONS

The cost of discipleship

Spiritual qualification of a discipler

Build Friendship on Solid Ground

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
Photo by Huy ProShoot on Pexels.com

Pray for and with your friend

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:16 KJV)

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12 KJV)

Be patient and understanding of your friend’s shortcomings.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(Colossians 3:13-14 KJV)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2 KJV)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)

Help your friend to grow

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)

Share your meditations

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Colossians 3:16 KJV)

Be a good testimony

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)

Protect from the wrong influence

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. (Psalms 1:1 KJV)

Participate in the ministry

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Characteristics of a true friend

Friends in the ministry

Truth sometimes hurts but it is for good

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

My attention was caught by a kitten who was trying to enter a fence made of cyclone wire. Her head got entangled by the wires. She just cried due to the pain and couldn’t get her head out. So, I tried to help her by twisting her head gently, though she might be hurt just to get her head out. 

Photo by Lad Fury on Pexels.com

There is a saying, “Sometimes it takes pain to make us change our ways”. We are hesitant to speak the truth to a person we care for fear that she or he might get hurt. But if you love someone, you have to tell him or her what is right. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing. 

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
(1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV)

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
(3 John 1:3-4 KJV)

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
(Proverbs 12:18 KJV)

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
(Ephesians 5:13-17 KJV)

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
(Proverbs 15:23 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
(Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV)

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
(Proverbs 15:10 KJV)

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
(Proverbs 15:12 KJV)

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:8-10 KJV)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(John 3:19-21 KJV)

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
(1 Timothy 6:3-4 KJV)

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Psalms 119:105 KJV)

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
(Proverbs 3:12 KJV)

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
(Job 5:17 KJV)

Related Quizzes

The dangers of pride

What benefits can you get out of your problems

Why does God allow people to suffer

What should we do in times of many problems

Chastisement and Trials

The hindrance to gaining a clear conscience

The Value of Truth

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

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)

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The Value of Sound Doctrine

What the Bible teaches about Gossips

The Blessedness of Being Meek

True Wisdom

Christian Ethics