Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him. But He also knew that Peter would later seek forgiveness and restoration of their relationship…and in doing so, become a spiritually stronger man. Each one of us carry around times when we ourselves failed the Lord miserably, only to have Him mercifully forgive and restore us back to that right relationship with Him. Those failings have now become unique teaching opportunities in which we can build up and strengthen others we see wavering.
Tag: christ jesus
Hebrews 10:25 ” Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Even back in Biblical times people didn’t want to get up and go to Church! But it’s very important to meet together as a Body. Your Emotional/Spiritual gas tank needs to be filled by the encouragement from other Believers . By gathering as one, it allows us to worship and praise our God together… in order to take that renewed strength into the next week.
Hebrews 3:13 ” But exhort one another daily…”
There comes a time in a Believers life when we get lazy and apathetic about our Faith. We start thinking, “I’m saved, and that’s all that matters…” But the Lord doesn’t want us sitting back on our laurels, waiting to go to Heaven. We are to spur, implore, and occasionally give each other a pep talk to keep us all involved in the Lord’s work .
Colossians 3:16 ” Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
Admonishment needs to be done carefully and only after you’ve gained the right to do so. When we see someone going down the wrong path, we want to warn them, to alert them to possible consequences. But more importantly, we need to show them ways of correction. Because, admonishment just for the sake of lam-blasting someone is wrong if we can’t supply practical, sound judgment … wise words of correction…and hope.
I Thessalonians 2:12 “…encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”
Speaking comforting words to someone is much more than just consoling them with platitudes. Sometimes we need to be cheerleaders for God…reassuring and quieting fears – letting them know , “You can do this!” But also gently reminding them, that God is still in control and not to give up.
Acts 13: 15 ” Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
Paul and Barnabas had traveled to Pisidian Antioch and were in the Synagogue on the Sabbath when the Synagogue Leaders invited them to speak. The greatest words of encouragement you can give anyone is the Gospel message, and Paul did that, by telling them the Good News…that Jesus had died for their sins so they could have eternal life. To share the Gospel with others is the ultimate word of encouragement.
Acts 4:36 ” Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)…”
Barnabas not only had the spiritual gift of encouragement, but the nickname also. His mission and focus in life was to comfort and encourage others. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter…our Paraclete. Someone who comes up along side as a intercessor, advocate, encourager, and exhorter. To be a Barnabas, we need to be a Paraclete to others.
Romans 14:19 ” Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
To be an uplifting influence in a person’s life isn’t what the world wants to do. No, rather the world wants to degrade, defame, and depreciate. So as Believers, we have to take on the task ourselves…being the hands and feet of Jesus, we must take His example and become that positive uplifting influence to all around. The world tears people down…we must build them back up.
Jude 3 ” I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”
The Gospel has been given to us totally, fully, and completely. We are to study, learn, believe, and defend it. We are not to add to it, delete from it, or alter the wonderful message of salvation.
Habakkuk 1:13 ” Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do You tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? “
Habakkuk’s name means “wrestler”…and throughout this book, he wrestles with the question of why God would let evil go unpunished. We could easily ask the very same question today. Why do violent, murderous people continue to prey on the innocent? Where is Your justice Lord? It’s an age-old question that humanity has struggled with forever, and may never fully understand.
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