Read Mark 11:24. Besides asking, what other aspect does Jesus mention in connection with prayer? Asking alone is not enough. There is a second important aspect that needs to be present in our prayers: faith. The book of Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please” God (Heb. 11:6, NASB). When we … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 7:7. Before we can receive anything from God, we have to ask for it. Why is our asking so important, if God knows everything anyhow? Asking reveals our desire and expresses our trust in God. Through prayer we approach Him, from whom we seek support and help. When we ask God, we also … Continue reading –>
Even though clothed in a pious cloak, many prayers are guided by questionable motives. We might pray that someone’s life be spared because we do not like living alone. We might pray for success in God’s work because we are playing an important role in it. We might pray for the conversion of a person … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: John 15:7; Matt. 7:7; Ps. 66:18; James 1:6-8; 1 John 5:14-15; Acts 2:38. Memory Text: “The Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. … Continue reading –>
“This is the work in which we also are to be engaged. Instead of living in expectation of some special season of excitement, we are wisely to improve present opportunities, doing that which must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of exhausting the powers of our mind in speculations in regard … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 2:4-11, Acts 2:16-21. What was the result of the Holy Spirit’s being poured out on the New Testament believers? The Holy Spirit was responsible for the most powerful missionary outreach that history had witnessed to that point. God can do more through a small group that is united in their devotion to Him … Continue reading –>
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:5-6). What is Paul telling us here about unity and where it comes from? Unity in faith and doctrine is accomplished only in faithfulness to the Word of God. The Lord, … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 17:11; and John 5:39, John 5:46-47; John 8:31-32. What is a distinguishing mark of a true disciple of Christ? Why is the Bible so indispensable in pointing us to Christ and in helping us to follow Him faithfully? The primary means by which the Holy Spirit unites us with Christ is through the … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. How does baptism unite us with Christ and with the Spirit? It is the Holy Spirit who unites us into one body of believers. The public entrance into Christ’s spiritual kingdom is through baptism. We are baptized into a specific church body. Thus, baptism has a distinct communal dimension and important … Continue reading –>
The Holy Spirit unites us in manifold ways. We would not exist as a church if the Holy Spirit would not first unite us with Christ. Christ is the head of the church (see Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 5:23). Through the Holy Spirit, we are effectually united to Christ Himself. Being united with Christ is the … Continue reading –>
