Tagged: Bible Study

“Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it.” —Romans 5:20 Most people believe that sin is increasing. Look at abortion, racism, ethnic cleansings, promiscuity, violence, the breakdown of the family, economic injustices, persecution, etc. Yet where sin increases, grace overflows “all the more.” Consequently, grace is always sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). The most evil, sinful situation is always surpassed by God’s grace. No circumstance in life is ever hopeless. There is never reason to despair. There is always reason to hope. Thus, we can “rejoice in hope” (Rm 12:12), for it “will not leave us disappointed” (Rm 5:5)....

“The words, ‘It was credited to him,’ were not written with him alone in view; they were intended for us too. For our faith will be credited to us also if we believe in Him Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” —Romans 4:23-24 God promised Abraham that He would remove the supposed curse of childlessness and make him the father of many nations. Although Abraham was nearing one hundred years old without these promises fulfilled (Rm 4:19), “he never questioned or doubted God’s promise; rather, he was strengthened in faith and gave glory to God, fully persuaded that...

“As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.” —Exodus 17:11 Moses at first prayed intermittently while Joshua fought a battle. Moses learned from experience that he needed to pray continually during the time of the battle. Moses had no thought of praying always during daily life; he was just learning to pray always during a battle. Well over a thousand years later, Jesus spoke of “the necessity of praying always and not losing heart” (Lk 18:1). No one...

“Hence, all depends on faith, everything is grace.” —Romans 4:16 All depends on faith — marriage, parenting, finances, health, education, happiness, security, etc. Therefore, in every area of our lives, we should seek opportunities to act in faith. We should not try to maintain the status quo but break new ground by acting in faith. Would daily prayer with your spouse take faith? If so, do it. Would having another child take faith? Whatever it takes, “walk by faith” (2 Cor 5:7). Where are the faith opportunities in your life? Would it take more faith to quit or continue your...

“I have no one with me but Luke.” —2 Timothy 4:11 St. Luke never saw or heard Jesus, but he knew things about Him that even Jesus’ closest followers had not realized. This motivated Luke to write his Gospel and its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. Luke epitomizes Jesus’ statement: “Blest are they who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29). Although Luke had not seen Jesus, he knew Jesus more deeply than many of those who had walked and talked with Jesus (see 1 Pt 1:8). The Holy Spirit gave Luke many special insights into the person...