God's Promises

Acceptance
What does God really think of me? Am I really accepted by God? Why is Jesus' death on the cross necessary for my salvation? Verses "To the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6 "Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9 "You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." John 15:16 "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him, In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will." Ephesians 1:5 "Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." Ephesians 1:11 "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." Acts 10:35 "Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." Romans 15:7 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh not of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12 "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge." 2 Corinthians 1:21 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. " Matthew 11:28 "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 "And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:10 "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kindgdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:14

Accountability
How does God call us to live? What responsibilities accompany our privileges as believers and American citizens? Why should I join a church? Learning more about God with other believers Verses "Each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12 "The one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48 "In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." 1 Corinthians 4:2 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 "Keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36 "If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it." Proverbs 9:12 "I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36

"God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?'" Luke 12:20 "Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin." Deuteronomy 24:16 "We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification." Romans 15:1-2 "Bretheren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Galatians 6:1 "The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity,nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself." Ezekiel 18:20

Addiction
"Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive form the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Rom 6:11-14 "Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please." Galatians 5:16-17 "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:24-25 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Romans 8:2

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." Romans 8:5-9 "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3 "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5 "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7 "Finally, bretheren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute , if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Phillipians 4:8-9 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Ambition
"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of

the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 "Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:29-31 "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:11-12 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10 "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." John 9:4 "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John." Acts 18:25 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."'" Matthew 4:8-10 "Earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way." 1 Corinthians 12:31 "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" John 5:44

Anger
How do I know if I am angry? What are the consequences of anger? How do I handle my anger in an appropriate manner? How can I be freed from my anger?

Verses "Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing." Psalm 37:8 "A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. A quicktempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated." Proverbs 14:16-17 "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly."Proverbs 14:29 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." Proverbs 16:32 "Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Matthew 5:22-24 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14 "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord. 'BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21

"BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger." Ephesians 4:26 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32 "But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth." Colossians 3:8 "For we know Him who said, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.' And again, 'THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.'" Hebrews 10:30 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

Belief
Should I really believe that God will bless me? Does it matter what I believe now that Jesus is my Savior? How can I be sure to make wise decisions? Verses "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." Acts 10:43 "Just as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed." Romans 9:33 "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." John 1:12 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36 "For this is contained in Scripture: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.'" 1 Peter 2:6 "They said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" Acts 16:31 "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." John 12:46 "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.'" John 6:35 "Jesus said to him, '"If You can?" All things are possible to him who believes.'" Mark 9:23 "Jesus said to him, 'Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.'" John 20:29 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." John 6:47 "Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction." Romans 3:22 "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him." Romans 6:8 "The Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." Galatians 3:22 "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 4:14 "For this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16 "This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us." 1 John 3:23 "Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe." Jude 1:5

"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29

Bible
Where do I begin reading the Bible? Is the Bible really trustworthy and reliable? What makes the Bible so important for believers? Does God speak to me through the Bible? More about the Bible . . . Verses Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8 Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 Not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. Joshua 23:14 As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30 Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:11-12 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself, the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. Isaiah 45:22-23 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21

Business
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." Joshua 1:8 "Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.'" Isaiah 48:17 "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2 "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:18 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:5-10 "You will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed." 1 Chronicles 22:13 "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 "Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:3-4 "I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn." 1 Kings 2:2-3

"If they hear and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures." Job 36:11 "Masters grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven." Colossians 4:1 "We urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

Children
What does it mean to discipline my child without breaking his or her spirit? How do I keep my kids on my team? How do I witness to my children? Verses "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5 "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him." Proverbs 22:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother." Proverbs 29:15 At that time Jesus said, 'I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants." Matthew 11:25 "They said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" Acts 16:31 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.'"

Acts 2:39 "All your sons will be taught of the LORD; and the well-being of your sons will be great." Isaiah 54:13 "When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.' And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them." Mark 10:14-16 "Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers." Proverbs 17:6 "From the mouth of infants and nursing babes you have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease." Psalm 8:2 "The lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children." Psalm 103:17 "It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Epehsians 6:1,4 "I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread. All day long he is gracious and lends, and his descendants are a blessing." Psalm 37:25-26 "May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor." Psalm 72:4 "We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children." Psalm 78:4-6 "The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You." Psalm 102:28

"He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!" Psalm 113:9 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:22 "In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge." Proverbs 14:26 "A righteous man who walks in his integrity -- How blessed are his sons after him." Proverbs 20:7 "Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die." Proverbs 23:13

Christian Fellowship
Why should I join a church? What tools are there for sharing my faith? There are divisions in my church. What should I do? Verses "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:3,7 "Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord...because we are members of His body." Ephesians 5:2,19,30 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

"That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself." Colossians 2:2 "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name." Malachi 3:16 "And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them." Luke 24:13,14,15 "We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng." Psalm 55:14 "I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; "I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." John 17:11,21-23 "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. "Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:1,42,46,47 "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." Romans 15:5-7 "Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Corinthians 1:10

"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:2,10 "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:3,27 "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." Philippians 2:1,2 "Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24,25

Christmas
I've heard the Christmas story many times, is it possible I'm missing something? Why did God choose a manger instead of a palace for Christ's birth? What does our response to Christmas say about our view of God? Why is Jesus known as the "name above every other name"? Is peace possible at Christmastime? What was the first gift ever given at Christmas? Does the virgin birth of Jesus really matter? What makes Jesus the greatest gift ever given? Why does it sometimes seem that our culture is hostile to the message of Christmas? Is there a difference between what the world thinks about Jesus and what Scripture says about Him? Why did JesusGod Incarnatecome to earth? Verses

"The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 "A child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:6-7 "As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." Micah 5:2 "The birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:18 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,' which translated means, 'GOD WITH US.'" Matthew 1:21-23 "The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.'" Luke 1:30-33 "Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7 "The angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" Luke 2:10-12 The shepherds began saying to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger." Luke 2:15-16

"The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 "When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." Galatians 4:4-5

Competition
"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11 "This you know, my beloved brethren. Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud." Proverbs 16:18-19 "He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." Proverbs 16:20 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." 2 Corinthians 10:4 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:5-6 "Then He said to them, 'Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.'" Luke 12:15 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9 "He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live." Proverbs 15:27

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered." Proverbs 28:25-26 "The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:24-25 "Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm." Proverbs 3:30

Condemnation
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:10, 12 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 "God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:17 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24 "For I will be merciful to their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12 "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25 "Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7

"I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'; and You forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!" Psalm 32:1 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.'" Revelation 12:10, 11 "Straightening up, Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.'" John 8:10, 11 "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, 'for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.'" Jeremiah 31:34 "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22 "For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him." 2 Chronicles 30:9

Contentment
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15 "Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment." 1 Timothy 6:6 "If they hear and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures." Job 36:11

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing." Psalm 37:7-8 "O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14 "For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good." Psalm 107:9 "The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil." Proverbs 19:23 "Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked." Proverbs 24:19 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance." Isaiah 55:2 "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." Philippians 4:11-12 "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content." 1 Timothy 6:8 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5 "As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake." Psalms 17:15 "The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!" Psalm 22:26 "With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation." Psalms 91:16 "Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." Psalms 103:5 "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat." Proverbs 13:4 "He will not accept any ransom, nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts." Proverbs 6:35

"Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, 'And what about us, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.'" Luke 3:14 "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

Correction
"For whom the Lord love He reproves, even as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:12 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal." Job 5:17-18 "Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law; that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:12-13 "But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32 "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him, for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ... Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:5-11

Depression
"Then he said to them, 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" Nehemiah 8:10 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5 "The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalms 34:17 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalms 147:3 "Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31 "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you." Isaiah 43:2 "So the ransomed of the LORD will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 51:11 "To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:3 "Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart." Luke 18:1 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in

any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Despair
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me.'" Hebrews 13:5-6 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5 "To You, O LORD, I called, and to the Lord I made supplication: What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper.

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:8-12 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8 "For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him." 2 Chronicles 30:9 "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:10-12 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil." Hebrews 6:19 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners." Isaiah 61:1 "He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:29-31 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Discipline
"For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you." Psalm 50:17 "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof." Proverbs 3:11

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life." Proverbs 6:23 "A wise son accepts his father's discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke." Proverbs 13:1 "Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored." Proverbs 13:18 "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 "For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ." Colossians 2:5 "Have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7 "God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11 "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." Revelation 3:19 "A fool rejects his father's discipline, but he who regards reproof is sensible." Proverbs 15:5 "Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof will die." Proverbs 15:10 "He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding." Proverbs 15:32 "Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the discipline of fools is folly." Proverbs 16:22 "Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death." Proverbs 19:18 "Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:27 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him." Proverbs 22:15

"Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12 "Do not hold back discipline from the child." Proverbs 23:13

Dissatisfaction
"The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing." Psalm 34:10 "For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:3 "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." Psalm 37:3 "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13 "O GOD, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. Psalm 63:1-5 "A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man's hands will return to him." Proverbs 12:14 "You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; then My people will never be put to shame." Joel 2:26 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." Psalm 103:1-5 "For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good." Psalm 107:9

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation." Isaiah 12:2-3 "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." 2 Corinthians 9:8 "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Isaiah 55:1 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6