Serve Christ with Humility

Philippians 3:4-7  Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:  5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

More than anyone else, the Apostle Paul could have boasted of himself.  He was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” with Pharisaical training and a zeal for the law.  In fact, he was “blameless” concerning the law.  In addition, he was intellectually sharp and and well-respected.  By his own admission, he could have had “confidence in the flesh”.  But he didn’t. Continue reading

What Is the Work of God?

Christians often talk about “doing the Lord’s work” or “serving God”, but what is the ultimate work of God?  Jesus provides us with a definition that may surprise you.

John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Continue reading

Choosing the Best Course of Action

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall : but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

This verse teaches us that it is not wise to go it alone.  We are all falliable and need counsel because our own reasoning by itself will fail us.  Our very nature is revealed by Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked : who can know it? Continue reading

How God Justifies Sinners

Justification is a key doctrine in Christianity.  The basic problem is: (1) all human beings are sinners and (2) God is holy and must judge sin.  Justification has to do with how God justifies sinners (declares them to be righteous) so that they can be accepted by Him.  The following is one of many verses that address this doctrine.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Continue reading

Getting Direction for Your Life

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

These two verses are among the more familiar ones in the Bible.  As I was reading these verses recently, one word jumped out at me.  Used twice in this passage, the word “all” is of particular importance. Continue reading