The BIG Picture (Shorts)

The thought that God may be displeased with us can be frightening, but it is also the greatest joy when we know He is pleased with us. However, we cannot please God by doing things we think He wants. We must give Him what He says He desires, which is faith. Thankfully, God tells us in His Word that faith is what He desires the most. He wants us to trust Him and believe what He says. The Bible tells us how much God loves us, despite our sins, and how He sent His Son to die for us on the cross so that we can be saved. But sadly, many people don't believe Him and instead, turn away from His gracious offer, “going about to establish their own righteousness”, Rom.10:3. They think that God will accept their efforts and ignore their sins. But this is presumption, not faith. How can a just God ignore sin? We should be grateful that God, by His incredible love, paid for our sins Himself so that we can be free. Salvation is "the gift of God" that we can only receive through fait...

Men's wisdom is based on knowledge of physical reality which is temporary and opinionated, and this is why there are so many variations of it and why ultimately it becomes complicated and bloated. If we spend too much time gaining knowledge from too many different sources, we run the risk of stacking too much detail over the simplicity of the truth. It is advisable at times to stop and take stock of what we currently believe, —really! Evaluate what you have collected mentally and determine what info you may have hoarded up over time and if it has started to influence your thoughts, your views, and your stance on faith. Like the Galatians, have you knowingly or unknowingly added things to the pure uncomplicated grace gospel and to our 'mystery' doctrine of faith without works? Are we living ambassadors of the grace gospel and of simple obedience to the Holy Spirit, or have we become the advocates of a complicated and philosophical message and a lifestyle bloated with the ima...

The majority of Christians seem content in knowing just the basics of the Bible. Most of their knowledge is gained from listening to preachers, not reading the Bible for themselves. Interestingly, Bible skeptics are willing to read the Bible because their true motive is to “catch [God] in His words” Mk.12:13, “that they might accuse Him” Matt.12:10. Yet, compared to the minority of committed Bible students who find the deep truths of the Bible, these “self-confident” skeptics are ultimately blind to the truth and ignorant in spiritual understanding, 1Cor.2:14! Why is the Bible difficult to read? Why do Christians rarely read it? Why do skeptics hate the pure words of God? The problem is not with the King James Bible. The problem is with the heart of man. The Bible discerns his heart and motives, Heb.4:12. Reading scripture is like a mirror that reflects back his true image! Its only when 'self' dies, and Christ lives in us that the Bible makes sense and becomes a joy to stud...

It is important to note that the Spirit mentioned in Gal.5:22-23 is not referring to the human spirit, but rather the Holy Spirit within believers. It is the presence of God's Spirit within them that produces the "fruit of the Spirit", seen as virtues that are evident in those who “walk in the Spirit.” These virtues are not achieved through human effort but are behaviors that develop naturally in a believer as they release themselves in obedience to the Spirit. The "fruit of the Spirit" are qualities that are not typically valued by society. While the world may admire traits like self-confidence and authority, the Spirit encourages qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Consider the difference. These spiritual qualities create a harmonious environment for those around them, in contrast to the isolating traits of self-reliance and power that the world admires. As Paul says concerning spiritual...

Every day thousands of images bombard us, whether through TV, radio, social media, newspaper, or personal experience. In the light of this assault, Paul encourages us to oppose these images with pure content. It is not enough to cast out wrong thinking from our minds. If we reject a thought by sheer will, it will come back when we stop exercising our will. The mind cannot stand a vacuum. It will always draw something into it, good or evil. If we do not structure God’s thoughts into our thinking, thoughts opposed to God will direct our thinking. If we displace the world’s thoughts with God’s thoughts, we take on a new orientation, or attitude. We form God’s frame of reference or bearing about things. Learn to think the Word. Things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report and virtue, and praiseworthy. Psa 119:9,11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ... (11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin aga...

In 2Tim.3:16, Paul encourages Timothy to use the scriptures as a powerful tool in his ministry. Teaching (what you need to know): Impartation of knowledge and understanding of God's Word. Teaching guides one in the principles and doctrines of the truth, enabling learning and growth in the faith. Reproof (behaviour; does it match the doctrine?): The act of correcting or pointing out errors in belief or behaviour according to the Word. It's about moral and spiritual discipline aiming to bring one back to the right path when one has strayed. Correction (amendment to match doctrine): It implies rectifying mistakes or misconceptions. It is associated with adjustment to align with one's doctrine. Training in Righteousness (conduct and discipline): Instruction that develops a character that's in accordance with God's standards of righteousness. It involves the pursuit of virtue as defined by the Word. These 4 elements together comprehensively equip believers for every ...

Sadly, most modern churches today do not rightly divide the word of truth between the mystery doctrine for the Body of Christ and the prophetic scriptures for Israel. If one does not keep these doctrines apart, one corrupts its contents and skews the doctrines. Using your analogy, they are mixing old and new wines together, creating a blended version that is distasteful. All scripture is God’s inspired words that we can learn from and grow to understand God’s great redemption plan for all of creation, but we have to study the scriptures correctly and apply it in the right context. What is the doctrine we apply? It is not prophecy, nor is it the Kingdom doctrine. It is that which our apostle Paul has written to us concerning the cross work of Christ and the spiritual ‘new’ man that God is creating, the Body of Christ. Unless the church recognizes this, they will continue to mix old wine in new wineskins. ______________ Join my WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on you...