Tag Archives: Christian

Purity

1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

1Thessalonians 4:1-11

How can we remain pure in a world that is filled with perversity? Paul’s words to the church at Thessalonica are of great value as we pursue holiness in a fallen society. Consider the following commands……

**Hold to the Word of God

**Seek Sexual Purity

**Learn Self-Control

**Learn Thought-Control

**Realize that sexual sin is destructive

Resisting lustful temptations is not easy and simple. Our society is awash in temptations of every sort. Let us hold to God’s Word and pray for Holy Spirit empowerment to flee the sins that surround us. The price of sin is way too high to pay!

Tony French

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Miracle Worker

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

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day struggled to accept the truth about Jesus. Their inability to see beyond their traditions and preconceptions led them to oppose the very One they should have embraced. Let’s not make the same mistake. Instead, let’s open our hearts to truly know Jesus for who He is by looking at another of Jesus’ attributes from Scripture.

**Jesus is the Miracle Worker

The account of Jesus healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath beautifully illustrates His miraculous power. With just four words – “Stretch out your hand” – Jesus reversed the natural course of disease and restored what was lost.

This miracle reveals several truths about Jesus:

  • He can reverse the natural order of things
  • He can restore what seems irretrievably lost
  • His actions are motivated by love

These truths apply not just to physical healing but to our spiritual condition as well. When we come to Christ, He reverses the curse of sin, restores our relationship with God, and pours out His love upon us.

Tony French

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Treating Others Well (1)

10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:10-13

How should we treat others? Who should we respond to those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ? Paul’s letters deal with this subject extensively. Here are three practices from 1 Thessalonians 2 that will help us behave towards others well.

**We should treat others rightly

**We should encourage and strengthen others

**We should help others to know the truth

Tony French

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The Good News

1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

How should we share the good news of salvation. Paul answers this question in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. As Christians, we should share the gospel……………………..

**With Confidence

**With Strength

**With Purity

**With Sincerity

**With Tenderness

**With Love

Tony French

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The Standard

1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:1-5

Many folks have different opinions about the nature and character of Jesus. But what does the Bible reveal about Jesus? Luke 6 reveals important truths about Christ that we need to see. Today, we will explore one of these topics in detail.

**Jesus is the Standard

In a world where the Pharisees and Sadducees believed their interpretations were the ultimate standard, Jesus boldly declared Himself as the true measure of Scriptural hermeneutics. He is the one who defines, fulfills, and perfects the law.

This truth serves as a powerful reminder for us today. How often do we, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, elevate our preferences and traditions to the level of Scripture? We must be cautious not to add to or subtract from God’s Word. Jesus alone is the head of the church, and His Word is our ultimate authority.

Tony French

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Serve The Lord

Dear Christian, are you serving the Lord? Are you willing to serve through your local church and your daily life? What often separates service from non-service is a willing heart in the life of the believer. God will use us for His glory if we are willing to serve.

The Word of God reveals several important truths in regards to service for the Christ-follower. Let us examine a few today.

The Bible encourages us to serve. We are commanded to serve the LORD with gladness in Psalm 100:2 and in other passages. Christians are exhorted to serve as Jesus did. (Matthew 20:28)

Believers are equipped to serve as well. Paul tells us that we are all given spiritual gifts that are to be used in service to the church. (1 Corinthians 12:11) Are you seeking to discover and use your gifts to build up the body of Christ?

 God enables Christians to serve as He works in and through us. The Scriptures tell us for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) There is a measure of mystery to how God works in our lives. We will not comprehend all that God is doing at times. But, we can rest assured that He will enable us to serve in our local context.

We are encouraged to serve. God has equipped us to serve. And the Lord has enabled us to serve. May we commit to serving Christ the rest of lives!

Tony French

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Ecclesiastes Conclusion

9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright–words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

What should we do based on Solomon’s teachings? After all, he searched high and low and far and wide for meaning and purpose in life. What did he finally learn about these matters and what is his final wisdom for us?

The entirety of this book is distilled in three simple and powerful life lessons. Here they are.

**Fear God!  Have a healthy respect for the power, person, and preeminence of God at all times. He is God, we are not.

Fearing God in this manner requires a relationship with Christ. He gave His life to for us so that we may be forgiven, restored, and reconciled to God. We show our respect and fear for God by believing His Word and trusting Him for salvation.

**Keep his commands! Solomon declares obedience to God as the “whole duty of man.” We are called to be surrendered to God day by day. Our obedience springs from our salvation. After all He has done for us, we can seek to obey Him.

**Finally, live with a realization that we will stand before God in judgment. Our lives are not our own. Every person who has ever lived will not escape His judgment. Whether good or evil, all acts that take place will be judged by God. We are all accountable to Him.

The book ends with these three lessons. As we conclude, may we take a moment to give thanks for Jesus. Without Christ, we are hopeless, our lives have no lasting value, and life and death are meaningless. But through Christ, we have hope for the future. We have hope for heaven. And we have meaning and purpose that lasts. “To God be the glory, great things he has done.” (1 Samuel 12:24)

Tony French

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The Christ

What does Jesus do for us? How does our Christianity impact our daily lives? I would encourage with these thoughts today.

Christ saves us……………….

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Christ secures us…………….

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Christ sustains us……………..

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Christ strengthens us………………

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

May God richly bless you.

Tony French

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Judgement

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

This section concludes with a final warning. We will all be judged. The New Testament tells us that all will be judged by God. Both believers and non-believers will ultimately appear before Him.

Believers will give an account for how they have spent their lives. Though our salvation is secure, we will appear before Christ to answer for our works. Christian, live in light of this judgement.

Unbelievers will be judged for their rejection of God. All who refuse to believe, will be cast into the lake of fire to remain for all eternity (Revelation 21).

Our task is to share the gospel with lost people so that they may come to the knowledge of truth and be saved. Let us live in a way that honors God and draws persons to the cross. We only have one life to live. We should dedicate our lives to serving the Savior.

Tony French

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Our Shield

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

In a world full of spiritual dangers, the Bible acts as our shield and armor. Psalm 119:11 declares, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” When we internalize Scripture, it becomes a protective force against temptation and sin.

The Bible provides us with clear guidelines on right and wrong, helping us discern truth from falsehood. It warns us of the deceitfulness of our own hearts and the subtle traps of the enemy. By staying rooted in God’s Word, we arm ourselves against the schemes of the evil one and the allure of worldly temptations.

Given the tremendous impact of God’s Word in our lives, it’s crucial that we make engaging with Scripture a daily priority. Here are a few practical suggestions:

** Set aside a specific time and place for Bible reading and prayer each day.

**Create a reading plan to help you systematically work through the Bible.

**Meditate on what you read, asking God to reveal its application to your life.

**Memorize key verses that speak to your current circumstances or struggles.

**Join a Bible study group to gain insights from others and stay accountable.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to gain information, but to experience transformation. As James 1:22 exhorts us, we must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Tony French

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