Article Title: LETTERS (from ‘The Life Application Bible)
Shared by: Craig Lock
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“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
LETTERS * (from THE LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE) * FOLLOWS THE GOSPELS (In THE BIBLE)
Notes and comment sourced from the LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE published by Tyndall House Publishers, Inc, Wheaton, Ilinois, USA. Key words: Life Application Bible, Tyndall House Publishers, Christianity, Bible, Letters
INTRODUCTION Here are some of my notes from the Letters in the Life Application Study Bible (in point form). This material has been sourced from my studies, extracts and notes from LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE published by Tyndall House Publishers (1996)
As I research and study this excellent Bible (New Living translation) given to me by my good friend, Lindsay, ‘The Prophet’ (“just another nobody for Jesus”) , I’m taking notes. And as I learn and grow spiritually… so in turn, am passing on these words of wisdom (eternal). I hope, I trust that they may encourage, empower, uplift and hopefully even perhaps inspire you as they do me. And this is my reason for sharing.
Thank you sincerely to the many contributers, as`well as Tyndall House Publishers for the immense work you have put into your inspiring ‘New Possibility Thinkers Bible’ and for encouraging me from the depths of despair to pursue my dreams through thinking endless possibilities through faith in Jesus Christ.
craig
“Only when you’ve been in the deepest valley can one know how magnificent it feels to stand on the highest peak.” – powerful and inspiring words from former US President, Richard Nixon *
“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you’ll hit neither” – CS Lewis
INTRODUCTION
And each day the devout “Prophet” diligently read his green-jacketed Bible and made notes. He also passed on his knowledge to his disciples, who visited him in his small flat, which was known as the “Church of Holy Truth and Wisdom” in the local community. The “Prophet” was an excellent teacher, explaining the beliefs of Christianity simply to his frequent visitors. Though he had little money, he was a very generous man with a wonderful gift of hospitality bestowing tea, coffee and biscuits on all who called, many of them “lost souls” (the “ten percenters” as he called them), those poor people, who had lost meaning and direction in life)… and he got even better at his simple teachings to his friends, as the holy spirit filled him with even more clarity with the slow passing of the years. * Here are some of my notes from the NEW TESTAMENT # (which I’ll add to from time to time), which I find extremely helpful, encouraging, empowering and inspiring in my daily living…in every aspect of my life…TODAY and EVERYDAY
# New King James Version “A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die.” * ACTS Purpose: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church. The church can be a vibrant agent for change in the world (for the better). Acts is the connecting link between Christ’s life and the Life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters Key verse: “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8) After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter breached boldly and performed many miracles. Because of the Holy Spirit, God’s people were empowered, so they could accomplish their tasks. The Holy Spirit is available to empower believers… TODAY. We should turn to the Holy Spirit to give us the strength, courage and insight to accomplish our work for God. The gospel could not be confined to one corner of the world. This was a faith that offered hope to ALL humanity. Witness, love and serve. * ROMANS Purpose: To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome. Paul presents the Good News: Salvation is open to ALL. We are saved by grace (unearned, undeserved favor from God) through faith (complete trust) in Christ and his finished work.. Through Him we can stand before God, justified, “not guilty” (3:21 – 5:21)
KEY VERSE “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (5:1) * 1 CORINTHIANS Purpose To identify problems in the Corinthian Church, to offer solutions, and to teach the believers how to live for Christ in a corrupt society. Key Verse “Now dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony, so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1:10) * GALATIANS We are saved by faith, not by the good that we do. Have you placed your whole trust and confidence in Christ? He alone can forgive you and bring you into a relationship with God. When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. Just as we are saved by faith, not deeds, we also grow by faith.
* EPHESIANS To strengthen and encourage the churches in the area Key Verses: ” We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all” (4:4-6) God’s Purpose According to God’s eternal, loving plan, He directs, carries out and sustains our salvation. Unity in Christ
PHILLIPPIANS Purpose: To thank the Phillipians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these believers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them in their faith. Key Verse “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ. Be humble. Laying aside self-interest is essential for all our relationships. We are to take Christ’s attitude in serving others. We must renounce personal recognition and fulfillmerit. When we give up our self interest, we can serve with joy, love, and kindness. We can have joy, even in hardship. Joy does not come from outward circumstances, but from inward strength. Followers of Christ get their joy from Christ within. 1.Joy in suffering 2.Joy in serving 3. Joy in believing 4. Joy in giving What we put into our mind, determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent , and worthy of praise. Focus all your energies towards winning the race. Spiritual exercise will help you grow in faith and character. “For I can do everything with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength I need.” (4:13) Can we really do everything? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. Ask Christ to strengthen YOU! “And this same God, who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (4:19) “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (4:23) *
COLOSSIANS Purpose: To combat errors in the church and show believers have everything they need in Christ, the fullness of God The Author of Reconciliation. Basis of the believer’s hope. The source of a believer’s power for a new life. In this letter Paul clearly teaches that Christ has paid for sin, that Christ has reconciled us to God… and that Christ gives us the power to grow spiritually and be all that we can become. Union with Christ Because our sin has been forgiven and we have been reconciled to God, we have a union with Christ that can never be broken. Because Christ is God, he is head of the church We must not cling to our own ideas and try to blend them into Christianity. Christ is our hope and our true source of wisdom.
* 1 THESSALONIANS Purpose To strengthen the Christian Thessalonians in their faith and give them the assurance of Christ’s return Key Verse “For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.” (4:14) * 1 TIMOTHY Purpose: To give encouragement and instruction to Timothy, a young leader To give practical advice to the ministry. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. “There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people.” (2:6) We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again – Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’s sacrifice brought new life to all people.
* 2 TIMOTHY Paul passed on to Timothy the torch of leadership Tells us to use his gifts with boldness, prepare others to follow him in the ministry, be disciplined and ready to endure suffering, keep his eyes and mind focussed on Christ. Paul, the missionary apostle was a man of deep faith, undying love, constant hope, tenacious conviction, and profound insight. And he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us God’s message. Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth, but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission. “With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News.” (1:8) “Teach these great truths to trustworthy people, who are able to pass them on to others.” (2:2) “It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” (3:17). The purpose: to equip us to do good.
Paul’s final words… “I have fought the (a) good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteousness Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me, but for all who regularly look forward to his glorious return.” (4:7-8) * TITUS Are you putting your faith into action by serving others?
PHILEMON Purpose To convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to accept him as a brother in the faith. * HEBREWS
Hebrews is a masterful document written to Jews who were evaluating Jesus or struggling with this new faith. The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better, Christianity is superior, Christ is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation. Purpose To present the sufficiency and superiority of Christ Key Verse: “The Son reflects God’s own glory, and everything about him reflects God exactly.” (1:3) Jesus alone can forgive our sins. He has secured our forgiveness and salvation by his death on the cross. Jesus guarantees our access to God, the Father. He intercedes for us, so that we can boldly come to the Father with our needs. Christ removed sin. Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of God’s revelation through the centuries. “Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” (12:1) Faith: Faith is confident trust in God’s promises. God’s greatest promise to us is that we can be saved through Jesus. Endurance Faith enables Christians to face trials – the commitment to stay true to God when we are under fire. Endurance builds character and leads to victory. * JAMES (the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church) Purpose To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior. James says, it is not enough to talk the faith WE MUST LIVE THE FAITH Prove it by your actions! Genuine faith will inevitably produce good deeds Read James and become a doer of the Word (1:22-25) Key Verse: “Now someone may argue, Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ I say, ‘I can’t se your faith if you don’t have good deeds; but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” (2:18) Sincere service. Put our faith into action. Love one another. Prayer is part of God’s healing process. Be responsible for how we live each day. Belief, faith, trust * 1 PETER
Offer encouragement to suffering Christians “These trials are only to test your faith.” … So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1:7) “Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil” (3:11,12) * 2 PETER Purpose To warn Christians about false teachers and to exhort them to grow in their faith in and knowledge of Christ. To encourage followers. Key Verse: “As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness.” (1:3) Christ’s Return One day Christ will create a new heaven and earth, where we will live forever. As Christians, our hope is in this promise. But with Christ’s return, comes his judgment on all who refuse to believe. “Their words are like a light shining in a dark place – until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.” (1:19)
* 1 JOHN Purpose: To reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teachings. John is the apostle of love, and love is mentioned throughout this letter. Love is action – showing others we care- not just saying it. To show love we must give of our time and money to meet the needs of others. John presents God as “life” (5:1-21) John was written to let you know the reality of God through your faith in Christ. 1. God is light Live in the light. God is truth. 2. God is love Discern false prophets. 3. God is life Make the most of every opportunity
* 2 JOHN Purpose To emphasize the basics of following Christ – truth and love – and to warn against false teachers. Christ is truth and love in person. Recommit yourself to being a person of truth, of love and of obedience Watch out for false teachers. Key Verse “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” (1:6)
* 3 JOHN Purpose To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life, his faith. John encourages Gaius to practice hospitality, continue to walk in the truth, and do what is right. Generously giving to others. Love the truth and reflect Christ’s values in your relationships.
SUMMARY Hospitality: John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others. Faithfulness: Gaius and Demetrius were commended for their faithful work in the church. They were held up as examples of faithful, selfless servants. * JUDE (brother of Jesus and James) Keep strong in the faith and oppose heresy. Beware the danger of false teachers. The duty to fight for God’s truth. Amen
from LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE published by Tyndall House Publishers (1996)
“Lord, Make my ‘little’ life a window for Your light to shine through, a mirror to reflect Your love to everyone I meet.”
Shared by craig
“I’m just a pencil in the hands of God.” – Mother Teresa
God IS blessing you
“What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”
“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you’ll hit neither” – CS Lewis
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-bookshttp://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglockwww.lulu.com/craiglock and https://www.xinxii.com/asresults.php?s4=craig+lock&sid=1
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
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PPS
“When (or is it perhaps if??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith and love be the wings of the chariot that carried you there.”
– Craig (as adapted from the words of Jonathan Edwards, a former minister in Massachusetts (New England)
May the light of God shine brightly on your path up ahead
WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS? 