The first promise that there would be a Christmas was given by God after Adam sinned, and is recorded in Genesis 3:14-20. "So the Lord God said to the serpent: 'Because you have done this, you are cursed more than [...]
Look up these scriptures in your Bible. Read them in several versions: Thanksgiving "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). Williams' translation is, "Make it a habit [...]
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Several years ago, a pastor made an appointment to see me. He said he had heard of my ministry, and he needed to talk with [...]
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25 ESV). What a time to start singing! And what a time to start singing praises! If it was you [...]
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity... For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and [...]
"Your words were found, and I ate them; and your word was to me the joy and gladness of my heart" (Jeremiah 15:16). "When your words showed up, I ate them -- swallowed them whole. What a feast!" (Message Bible). [...]
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (II Corinthians 1:21-22). Suppose I [...]
"Do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" (II Corinthians 13:5 ESV). "Surely you know that Christ Jesus is in you?" (GNB). It would seem that Paul found it difficult to understand a Christian who was [...]
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere" (II Corinthians 2:14). It amazes me how many who teach "in Christ" truths emphasize [...]
"Out of my bondage, sorrow and night; Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come; Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus I come to Thee". So reads the first verse of the popular invitational hymn by William Sleeper. It is based [...]