Tag Archives: Christ

Righteousness of God

God is righteous. This fact is learned very early in the cycle of Christian maturity. Righteousness is an attribute of God that is unchanging and perpetual.

What do we mean when we say God is righteous? The dictionary defines righteous as “characterized by uprightness or moral character.” God’s righteousness is not simply something He does, it is who He is. Righteousness is a component of God’s character.

The Bible speaks often of God’s righteousness. Psalm 7:11 declares “God is a righteous Judge.” Psalm 33:5 relates the truth that God loves righteousness and justice. These examples are only two of many throughout the entirety of the Bible that speak to this attribute of God.

May we consider the implications of this truth? God is righteous all the time. He is in a perpetual state of being “right.” Such a truth is impossible for us to comprehend in our limited, sinful state and yet we know it is true.

God is righteous when things don’t go well in this life. He is righteous when my prayers are answered in the way I desire and when they are not answered as I had hoped. God’s righteousness in not contingent upon the circumstances of our life even when do not understand His ways or His will.

Ultimately, God is righteous in saving sinners. What is the reason for this? God punished Jesus in our place. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) Jesus was condemned so that we could go free.  (Romans 8:1) We are justified in God’s sight and given the righteousness of Christ through salvation. (Titus 3:7) 

May we give thanks today to the God is always righteous and just!

Tony French

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Final Instructions

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teachingyou received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Today, let us peruse Paul’s final instructions to the church of Thessalonica. Though written centuries ago, these truths are still vital to Christians in the present. May God direct us as we apply these Scriptural lessons to our lives.

**Avoid idle and disruptive folks (6-8) (11-12)

**Work and allow the Lord to provide (9-10)

**Keep doing good (13)

**Warn fellow Believers (14-15)

Tony French

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Thoughts

3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Three thoughts from 2 Thessalonians 3……………….

**Pray for the proclamation of the Gospel

**Trust in the Lord’s Faithfulness

**Trust in the Lord’s direction


Pray for those who serve and minister in the gospel ministry. Trust in the faithfulness of God as He will never let you down. Trust the Lord to lead you in all things. These active steps of obedience will yield fruit in your life and in the lives of others.

God bless you,

Tony French

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Worldly Approval

The Hollow Ring of Worldly Approval

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

Luke 6:26

In our social media-driven age, the temptation to seek likes, follows, and constant affirmation is stronger than ever. But Jesus warns us about the danger of living for the applause of others. When we compromise our beliefs or water down the truth to gain approval, we risk becoming like the false prophets of old who told people what they wanted to hear rather than God’s truth.

This doesn’t mean we should intentionally be offensive or difficult. As Paul advises, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). However, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo.

Tony French

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Comfort

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Let us consider three thoughts from 2 Thessalonians 2 as we seek the Lord. I pray these truths will comfort, encourage, and direct us as we follow Christ.

**Give thanks for your salvation

**Hold Fast to the Word of God

**Be Comforted in Christ

God bless you!

Tony French

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Born For Us

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7

The Savior has come. Sing hallelujah!

The Savior has arrived. Let us give thanks to the Lord.

The Savior is here. There is now hope for the hopeless.

The Savior has come. There is help for the helpless.

The Savior has appeared. The forgiveness of sins is possible.

The Savior has entered. Jesus takes away our guilt and gives us His righteousness.

The Savior is with us. And He is with us forevermore!

May God bless you all with a glorious Christmas Season.

Tony French

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Goodness of God

Let us consider a few thoughts about the goodness of God from the Scriptures.

**God’s goodness is the displayed in His mercy.

Isaiah 60:10 “The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you.

**God’s goodness is granted unto those who seek Him in righteousness.

Psalm 5:12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

**God’s goodness will lead us to repentance and relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

**God’s goodness calls people to salvation.

Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

God is eternally good!

Tony French

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A Warning About Wealth

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between two paths: the way of the world and the way of the Kingdom. While the world beckons with its glittering promises of wealth, pleasure, and acclaim, there’s a deeper, more fulfilling path that leads to true joy and eternal satisfaction.

Today, may we ponder the warnings against worldliness found in Luke 6:24-26 and reflect on the profound wisdom these verses offer for our lives. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:24-26)

These words might seem harsh at first glance, but they carry a loving warning from a God who desires the best for His children. While wealth is not inherently evil, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Trust in the Lord, your Provider. He will be your supply always.

Tony French

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Living In Trials

9But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

How do we cope during tough times? These times come upon us and often overwhelm our sense of peace and contentment. Learning to live in these seasons of life is key for the Christian as we can often be the most vivid example of faith in Christ when we are experiencing the tribulations found under the sun.

Be encouraged today with four helps for the Christian found in 1 Thessalonians 4

**Love God and Love Others (9-10)

**Live In An Orderly Fashion by living Productive Lives (11-12)

**Live in light of Jesus’ Return (13-17)

**Comfort others with the Hope of Christ’s Victorious Return

Tony French

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Truth Teller

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:6-11

In the end, the question “Who is Jesus?” isn’t just about accumulating knowledge. It’s an invitation to a transformative relationship. It’s a call to believe Him, trust Him, and serve Him with our whole hearts. As we do so, we’ll find that Jesus is not only who He claims to be but that He is everything we need and more than we could ever imagine.

In that vein, let us examine one more attribute of Jesus from Luke 6 today.

**Jesus is the Truth Teller

In His interactions with the religious leaders, Jesus consistently spoke truth, even when it made people angry. This reminds us of several important points:

  • Truth doesn’t change with societal shifts or popular opinion
  • God’s truth applies to all people, in all places, and at all times
  • Speaking truth, even in love, may sometimes make others uncomfortable or angry

As followers of Christ, we’re called to speak the truth in love, not compromising on God’s Word while also not speaking from a place of anger or hatred.

Tony French

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