The Corinthians had responded to the gospel of God's grace and were saved from their immoral and idolatrous sinful life. However, Paul had received reports indicating their behavior had reverted to their past ways. Paul reminds them, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11).

"By faith Abraham obeyed..." (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham, the father of faith, is the subject of focus for the greater part of Hebrews 11. Observing his faith provides great insight into what pleases God.

Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be strengthened in Ephesians 3:14-21. This strength is needed for Christians to walk worthy of their calling, and bring glory to God. The prayer gives us insight into what this strength is, and how it is derived, as well as what it produces within us.

The first three characters the Hebrew writer utilizes to display the faith that pleases God are Abel, Enoch, and Noah (Hebrews 11:4-7). Faith acts on God's word, leads to right standing with God, is willing to change, is outspoken, affects others for good, and provides an example for all to follow.

The epistle to the Hebrews warned the brethren of apostasy. As they were suffering persecution, the writer explained, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…Now the just shall live by faith”(Hebrews 10:36, 38). An active and enduring faith is essential to pleasing God.

Luke recorded the activity of the church upon its establishment, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:42). What is significant about this doctrine? If the first Christians were so focused on the apostles' doctrine, should we be?

Luke recorded the activity of the church upon its establishment, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:42). What is significant about this doctrine? If the first Christians were so focused on the apostles' doctrine, should we be?

Often, circumstances arise which lead to reminiscence concerning loved ones who have passed. These moments also often times lead to meditations on what those passsed loved ones may think about current matters if they were around to express those thoughts. Usually, these conversations center around temporal matters which lack spiritual substance. The account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 aids us in considering what those loved ones might actually say to us with their new knowledge of experience upon their death. 

Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in John 4 provides insight into the mind of God concerning His thoughts on worhsip. The Samaritans and Jews had fundamental differences in their approach to the worship of God. Jesus' answer to the woman concerning this important subject is relevant to us today.

Every year in November we celebrate the beloved holiday of Thanksgiving. Christians need to realize that thanksgiving is not a day of the year, but an indispensable virtue of the faith in which we are called to walk - "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) As we give thanks to God each day He transforms us spiritually.

As Joseph approached his brothers who hated him, they mocked him saying, "Look, this dreamer is coming!" (Genesis 37:19) ("Lit. master of dreams," NKJV fn) As the account progresses, it becomes apparent that Joseph only ever revealed what God had revealed to him. Yet, despite his honest actions he was rejected and assaulted. Those who reveal the truth are often treated like Joseph, but they must remain faithful like him too.