If you are a believer, then you are “sanctified”, you are a saint (same root word). The word sanctification means “to set apart for a particular purpose.” There is no ceremonial act—not even baptism or the Lord’s Supper—which is needed in order to be saved, or sanctified. This may be confusing, however, because the Bible often talks about, even exhorts us to, sanctification as a goal. This is because there is more than one aspect to God’s setting us apart; he sets apart in different ways and for different purposes.
Bible Study
Does Prayer Really Change Anything?
Every Christian knows we are supposed to pray. In fact, most of us would probably rate prayer as one of the top five things we are supposed to be doing as a believer. Yet many of us have doubt that haunts the back of our minds: “Does this really make any difference?” Why should we pray? What difference, if any, does prayer make? No question, or answer, could be more important.
Is the Sabbath Command Still Relevant?
The fourth of the Ten Commandments is found in Exodus 20:8-11, encapsulated with “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…” Some well-meaning Christians contend that this command is no longer applicable to us today because we are “not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14), and because some see Christ as the fulfillment of this law per Colossians 2:16-17:
Pray For All People
Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 The Big Idea: The prayers of the Church should be as big hearted as the God we claim to worship, and as global and expansive as his purposes and activities on earth.
Wage the Good Warfare
Text: 1 Timothy 1:17-20 The Big Idea: Only a big view of God, and a big heart for God, will inspire you to faithfulness. 1) To the King goes the glory. Question to consider: Why would Paul include this song of praise (17) in his letter? 2) To the faithful goes the war. Question to consider: What would it look like for me to wage the good war faithfully? 3) To Satan goes the shipwrecked. Question to consider: Is there any area in my life where Satan has been exploiting a weakness?
Jesus Came To Save Sinners
Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-16 The Big Idea: No matter who you are or what you may be feeling, the gospel of grace through Jesus Christ is worthy of your trust. 1) I thank him who has given me strength. 2) Grace, faith, and love are in Christ Jesus. 3) Christ Jesus came to save sinners.
Entrusted With the Glorious Gospel
The church of Jesus Christ has been entrusted with the gospel of Christ. This is both a sobering responsibility and a beautiful privilege. It is not enough to identify and reject false teaching in the church. We have to embrace and foster affection for what is good and glorious and godly. This is how Paul addresses the issue of false teaching in his letter to Timothy.
Christ Jesus Is Our Hope
As Paul writes his first letter to Timothy, his opening words remind us that “Christ Jesus is our hope.” That’s what this letter is all about. That’s what the Christian message is all about. That’s what the Bible is all about. And so that’s what our lives should be all about.
Timothy: From Ordinary to Extraordinary
In the Bible it is clear that some of its heroes are particularly gifted: few of us can benchpress a city gate like Samson, or quote most of the Old Testament from memory like Paul. But the young man Timothy, to whom Paul writes two letters included in the New Testament, does not seem to be such a person.
May His Name Be Renowned
As we come to the conclusion of the book of Ruth, we are meant to draw some conclusions, to learn some vital life lessons. In the conclusion of Boaz and Ruth’s story, we learn God’s way really is best. In the conclusion of Naomi’s story, we see there is always hope. And in the conclusion of the whole book, we learn it is not about us at all — it is all about the fame of the Redeemer Jesus Christ!
I Have Bought It All
The rip-roaring romance between Ruth and Boaz is but a shadow of the mutual love between Christ and his church. Yet, it does contain many instructive lessons for anyone seeking a similarly beautiful and successful romance. Or healthy relationships of any kind.
I Am a Redeemer
The rip-roaring romance between Ruth and Boaz is but a shadow of the mutual love between Christ and his church. Yet, it does contain many instructive lessons for anyone seeking a similarly beautiful and successful romance. Or healthy relationships of any kind.
FAQ: Should Christians Observe the Sabbath Command?
This series of brief videos offers bite-sized, meaningful answers to commonly asked questions. We hope they will be a help to you! Please also share them freely. If you would like to submit a question of your own, please note the contact info at the conclusion of the video. We look forward to hearing from you!
Is This Naomi?
The name Naomi means “pleasant.” Yet the life of Naomi in the first chapter of Ruth seems anything but pleasant. Naomi herself is brought to wonder, “Is this who I even am any more?” Yet Naomi’s story is that of the sweet bitterness of God’s affliction, of the pleasant paths of pain that God sends.
“Where You Go, I Will Go”
Ruth is not so much the story of Naomi’s provision but of God’s sufficiency. It is not so much a love story between Ruth and Boaz as it is between Ruth and God. And it is not so much a story of friendship between Ruth and Naomi as it is a story of the faithful friendship of God to them both. As we continue through the book of Ruth, make no mistake: like every other Bible book, the book of Ruth is ultimately about the exclusive glory of the one true God, and the foolishness and futility of seeking help