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1 month ago

Walk in LoveEph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;Eph 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.Eph 5:3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;Eph 5:4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.Eph 5:5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Eph 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;Eph 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of LightEph 5:9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),Eph 5:10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.Eph 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;Eph 5:12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.Eph 5:13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.Eph 5:14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."Eph 5:15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,Eph 5:16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.Eph 5:17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;Eph 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;Eph 5:21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.Ephesians 5:1-2Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God's example. His great love for us led him to sacrifice himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind—a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service.Ephesians 5:4Obscene stories and coarse jokes are so common that we begin to take them for granted. Paul cautions, however, that improper language should have no place in the Christian's conversation because it does not reflect God's gracious presence in us. How can we praise God and remind others of his goodness when we are speaking coarsely?Ephesians 5:5-7Paul does not forbid all contact with unbelievers. Jesus taught his followers to befriend sinners and lead them to him (Luk 5:30-32). Instead, Paul writes against the lifestyle of people who make excuses for bad behavior and recommend its practice to others—whether they are in the church or outside of it. Such people quickly pollute the church and endanger its unity and purpose. We must befriend unbelievers if we are to lead them to Christ, but we must be wary of those who are viciously evil, immoral, or opposed to all that Christianity stands for. Such people are more likely to influence us for evil than we are to influence them for good.Ephesians 5:8As people who have light from the Lord, our actions should reflect our faith. We should live above reproach morally so that we will reflect God's goodness to others. Jesus stressed this truth in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:15-16).Ephesians 5:10-14It is important to avoid the "worthless deeds of evil and darkness" (any pleasure or activity that results in sin), but we must go even further. Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right.Ephesians 5:14This is not a direct quote from Scripture but was probably taken from a hymn well known to the Ephesians. The hymn seems to have been based on Isa 26:19; Isa 51:17; Isa 52:1; Isa 60:1; and Mal 4:2. Paul was appealing to the Ephesians to wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping.Ephesians 5:15-16By referring to these days as evil, Paul was communicating his sense of urgency because of evil's pervasiveness. We need the same sense of urgency because our days are also difficult. We must keep our standards high, act wisely, and do good whenever we can.Ephesians 5:18-19The effects of alcohol are obvious, but what happens when we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit? In these verses, Paul lists three by-products of the Spirit's influence in our lives: singing, making music, and giving thanks. Paul did not intend to suggest that believers only discuss religious matters, but that whatever we do or say should be permeated with an attitude of joy, thankfulness to God, and encouragement of others. Instead of whining and complaining—which our culture has raised to an art form—we are to focus on the goodness of God and his mercies toward us. How would others characterize your words and attitudes?Ephesians 5:18Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary "high," to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension. We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have but with how much of us the Holy Spirit has. Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw constantly on his power.Ephesians 5:20When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart—in all things God works for our good if we love him and are called by him (Rom 8:28). Thank God, not for your problems but for the strength he is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life. You can be sure that God's perfect love will see you through.The Great Commission “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NAS95)HICJ.org/the-good-newsSome Study Comments marked LASB are taken from Life Application Study Bible, copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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1 month ago

Difference between dead faith and living faith. ... See MoreSee Less

Is There A Pulse? Dead Faith vs. Living Faith

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Podcast Episode · Blessed Hope Chapel · 22 February · 1h 6m

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1 month ago

He Will Not Forsake His SaintsPsa 37:1 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.Psa 37:2 For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb.Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.Psa 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.Psa 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.Psa 37:6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.Psa 37:8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.Psa 37:9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.Psa 37:10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.Psa 37:11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.Psa 37:12 The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth.Psa 37:13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees his day is coming.Psa 37:14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct.Psa 37:15 Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken.Psa 37:16 Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.Psa 37:17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the LORD sustains the righteous.Psa 37:18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever.Psa 37:19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have abundance.Psa 37:20 But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish—like smoke they vanish away.Psa 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.Psa 37:22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be cut off.Psa 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.Psa 37:24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.Psa 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.Psa 37:26 All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing.Psa 37:27 Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever.Psa 37:28 For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.Psa 37:29 The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever.Psa 37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.Psa 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip.Psa 37:32 The wicked spies upon the righteous And seeks to kill him.Psa 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand Or let him be condemned when he is judged.Psa 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.Psa 37:35 I have seen a wicked, violent man Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.Psa 37:36 Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more; I sought for him, but he could not be found.Psa 37:37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright; For the man of peace will have a posterity.Psa 37:38 But transgressors will be altogether destroyed; The posterity of the wicked will be cut off.Psa 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.Psa 37:40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.Psalms 37:1We should never envy evil people, even though some may be extremely popular or excessively rich. No matter how much they have, it will fade and vanish like grass that withers and dies. Those who follow God live differently from the wicked and, in the end, will have treasures in heaven. What an unbeliever gets on earth may last a lifetime, but what you get from following God lasts forever.Psalms 37:4-5David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? To delight in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. Thus, to delight in the Lord, we must know him better. Knowledge of God's great love for us will indeed give us delight.To commit ourselves to the Lord means entrusting everything—our lives, families, jobs, possessions—to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in him (Psa 37:5), believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait patiently (Psa 37:7) for him to work out what is best for us.Psalms 37:8-9Anger, rage, and losing our temper are very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control. We should not worry; instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safekeeping. When you dwell on your problems, you will become anxious and angry. But if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace. Where do you focus your attention?Psalms 37:11Being lowly hardly seems the proper demeanor to deal with enemies. God's warfare, however, must be carried out with calm faith, humility before God, and hope in his deliverance. Jesus also promises a sure reward for those with humble attitudes (Mat 5:5).Psalms 37:21You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way he or she handles money. The wicked person steals under the guise of borrowing. The righteous person gives generously to the needy. Wicked people, therefore, focus on themselves, while righteous people look to the welfare of others.Psalms 37:23-24The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out.Psalms 37:25Because children starve today, as they did in David's time, what did David mean by these words? The children of the righteous need not go hungry because other believers should help them in their time of need. In David's day, Israel obeyed God's laws, which ensured that the poor were treated fairly and mercifully. As long as Israel was obedient, food would be available for everyone. When Israel forgot God, the rich took care of themselves only, and the poor suffered (Amo 2:6-7).When we see a Christian brother or sister suffering today, we can respond in one of three ways: (1) We can say, as Job's friends did, that the afflicted person brought this on himself. (2) We can say that this is a test to help the person develop more patience and trust in God. (3) We can help the person in need. David would approve of only the last option. Although many governments today have their own programs for helping those in need, this is no excuse for ignoring the poor and needy within our reach.The Great Commission “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NAS95)HICJ.org/the-good-newsSome Study Comments marked LASB are taken from Life Application Study Bible, copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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HICJ

4 months ago

God upholds our just cause; he is our vindicator (one who clears us from criticism and justifies us before others). In this life, we may face many injustices: (1) we may be falsely accused and misunderstood by friends and enemies; (2) we may not be truly appreciated by others for the love we show; (3) the true value of our work and service may not be duly rewarded; (4) our ideas may be ignored. But God is to be praised, for he sees and remembers all the good we do, and it is up to him to decide the timing and the appropriateness of our rewards. If we do not trust him to vindicate us, then we will be susceptible to hatred and self-pity. If we do trust him, we can experience God's peace and be free from the worry of how others perceive us and treat us. “For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously.” (Psalms 9:4, NAS95)The Great Commission “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NAS95)HICJ.org/the-good-newsSome Study Comments marked LASB are taken from Life Application Study Bible, copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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HICJ

4 months ago

But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. “"Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:26-33, NAS95)Matthew 10:29-31Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to him than they are. You are so valuable that God sent his only Son to die for you (Jhn 3:16). Because God places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats or difficult trials. These can't shake God's love or dislodge his Spirit from within you.This doesn't mean, however, that God will take away all your troubles (see Mat 10:16). The real test of value is how well something holds up under the wear, tear, and stress of everyday life. Those who stand up for Christ in spite of their troubles truly have lasting value and will receive great rewards (see Mat 5:11-12).Matthew 10:32Anyone who acknowledges Jesus Christ (that is, publicly confesses faith in or declares allegiance to him) will be acknowledged by Christ before his Father in heaven. Jesus' followers would face earthly courts of law where they would have to publicly claim to belong to Jesus Christ, usually at their peril (Mat 10:17-25). Genuine discipleship always involves acknowledging Jesus Christ, whether or not we face pressure and persecution.The Great Commission “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NAS95)HICJ.org/the-good-newsSome Study Comments marked LASB are taken from Life Application Study Bible, copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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HICJ

4 months ago

“"But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” (Matthew 19:30, NAS95)Jesus turned the world's values upside down. Consider the most powerful or well-known people in our world—how many got where they are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come, the last will be first. Don't forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits. Be willing to make sacrifices now for greater rewards later. Be willing to accept human disapproval, while knowing that you have God's approval.HICJ.org/the-good-newsSome Study Comments marked LASB are taken from Life Application Study Bible, copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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HICJ

4 months ago

Godlessness in the Last Days, Avoid such men as these“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NAS95) ... See MoreSee Less

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HICJ

4 months ago

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:6-12, NAS95) ... See MoreSee Less

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HICJ

4 months ago

The Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:12-13, NAS95) ... See MoreSee Less

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HICJ

4 months ago

For God So Loved the World “"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."” (John 3:16-21, NAS95)The Great Commission “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NAS95) ... See MoreSee Less

The Good News! | HICJ

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The Good News! by HICJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Evangelism, The Good News, Topic Study The Gospel Everlasting life, Salvation, Mercy and Grace how do I get it? Are you a Good person? Let’s see if you are a ...

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