For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. John 17:8 (ESV) During a conference on developing a personal relationship with God, a participant asked me how one can know God if one cannot see Him. The answer seemed so simple that I hesitated to respond. My hesitation stemmed from the phrase "if one cannot see Him." He reminded me of Thomas's situation,

For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8 (NKJV) It often happens that church members come to me after the sermon to ask questions about certain points we've discussed. Most of the time, their questions concern their lifestyle and how to live according to God's will. These are the kinds of questions most believers ask themselves, even those in positions of responsibility. For them

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) Sometimes, we trust someone because they're always there, no matter what we're doing. We consider them family, sharing our joys and secrets, because we think we can rely on them. This reassuring closeness prevents us from seeing that they aren't a true friend, but rather someone who manipulates us and uses us as a resource during their difficult time

And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 1 Kings 19:7 (NKJV) During an evangelism class, I was teaching the practical method for sharing the Gospel. A student remarked that the practical exercises in class weren't enough, that we needed to go out into the field and do it for real. He felt that all the students already knew each other and understood what we were doing. He believed

Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (NASB1995) God created us in a wonderful way, each with our own personality, character traits, strengths, and weaknesses. He loves us just as we are. He knows where we will stumble and where we will rise again. He also knows how we will interact with one another, who will support others, and who will struggle to do so

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 (NLT) Humility, although a virtue approved by God, is a quality or attitude that we all struggle to adopt, not because we are incapable of it, but rather because we don't want to be despised or feel inferior to others. We are too proud of ourselves and our worth to humble ourselves before others, even if it is for their good or to avoid a worse situation. It is this refusal to humbl

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NIV) Becoming a Christian to receive forgiveness for our sins and be saved is not the end of the salvation process that God has offered us in Jesus Christ. Although He has declared us righteous and holy, this does not make us perfectly holy, that is, without sin

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) Contrary to what many believe, leading them away from the faith, the Bible does not forbid desiring wealth or possessing material possessions. Nor does it say that we shouldn't have great ambitions. On the contrary, it contains numerous examples of men of faith whom God Himself chose to enrich, notably S

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV) When I was a child, I often saw people in my neighborhood taking care of one another. When a family was going through difficulties, the neighbors would comfort them and help them meet some of their needs. If there was a death in a family, the children would go to other families' homes to give the adults the time and space they needed to grieve. It was a practice I didn't understand a

O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (RSV) After spending a month in the hospital with little hope of survival, a man in his sixties went to a public square to celebrate his recovery from a heart condition that had nearly cost him his life. An elderly person suffering from the same ailment approached him and asked how he had recovered. He praised the cardiologist who had shown such patience during his hospitalization and

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) Most often, the first positive impression we have of a person is what attracts us to them. This impression can stem from their way of dressing, speaking, walking, expressing themselves, their intelligence, a project they presented, and many other qualities. As soon as a connection is made, we appreciate their presence. The best way to express this feeling is to say th

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples. John 13:35 (NLT) One of the subjects that constantly causes confusion, even among those who think they understand it, is love. Almost everyone, including Christians, has a false idea of ​​what it means to love. Love is often defined as a feeling of belonging and the strong emotions one feels for another person. However, the Bible does not define it this way. In my marriage counseling sessions, couple

Be in subjection [therefore] to every human institution for the Lord's sake; whether to [the] king as supreme. 1 Peter 2:13 (DARBY) This biblical passage leads many Christians to reflect on world events and how certain leaders govern their countries. They wonder whether they should truly submit to their authority and obey their laws. Some seek a plausible explanation to understand the extent of this obligation to obey, while others are adamant and refuse to submit. The Bible

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye! Matthew 7:5 (NASB) I remember witnessing an argument by a swimming pool between two friends who were trying to convince each other that they were the better swimmer. While they were exchanging insults, a woman swimming in the middle of the pool got a cramp and started to sink. Hearing her cries for help, they jumped into the water to rescue her. Th

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NKJV) The Bible is full of teachings about loving our neighbor. This is a truth to which God attaches particular importance, so much so that He included it in the Ten Commandments. If we take the time to carefully analyze the profound meaning and fundamental purpose of loving one another, we will all understand that this is what the world lacks today. F