Bible Studies
Free to copy and paste as you want.
In Times of Stress or Need
Pray, Believe, and Confess the Word of God
Assurance of God's love: Jeremiah 31:3- Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; NKJV; John 3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...
Assurance that God is with me: Romans 10:9-10- that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Psalm 16:8- I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
In fear: 2 Timothy 1:7- God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.; John 14:27- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Doubt or Fear: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV
In stress and worry: Philippians 4:6-7- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
In sickness: Isaiah 53:5- and with his stripes, we are healed.; Psalm 103:3- Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
In Trials and Suffering: Psalm 34:19- Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. KJV; Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose. KJV
In Financial need/ Provisions: Matthew 6:33- But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.; Malachi 3:10- Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. I'm sure we would all want God to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on us.
Need comfort: Psalm 119:50- This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life. NKJV; John 14:26- But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Promotion: Psalm 75:6-7- For promotion cometh not from the east nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. KJV; 1 Peter 5:6- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: KJV
Salvation of family and others- Acts 16:31- So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”; 2 Peter 3:9- The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, As some count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Mercy- Psalm 86:15- But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.; Deuteronomy 7:9- Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Suggestions
1) Know that God hears our prayers. Matthew 7:7- Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: KJ
2) Pray about situations and problems. Lord, what are we going to do about this? Lord, you see the problem. READ PSALM 142.
3) Give God something to work with. (Praise Him, give thanks, speak the Word of God, help someone else, bring all the tithes into the storehouse, give an offering)
4) Pray for boldness for witnessing- evangelism. People are important to God. God loves everyone and everyone needs to have the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
5) Pray that God will use you to love and reach others.
The Love of God
Why is God's love important? One reason is because God is love (1 John 4:8 tell us this). His very nature is love.
If you know God, then you know love.
All verses are New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
1) 1 John 4:7b-8- for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
2) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
3) Galatians 5:4-6 NIV 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.- So love comes through faith.
4) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
The love of God:
1) John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2) This is God's kind of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
3) Ephesians 3:18-19: may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the width, and length, and depth, and height- 19 to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
4) 1 John 4:19-21: We love Him because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this is the commandment have we from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
5) I'm preaching to myself here as well. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: For the love of God compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. I'm not perfect at this, but this is my goal.
6) Romans 2:4: Or despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
7) Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. A question: How do we demonstrate God's love?
8) Romans 5:5: Now hope does not disappoint; because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
9) John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. Who did that for us?
Discipleship- Following Jesus
Introduction: After watching a teaching video on Intimacy Based Discipleship by Billy Humphrey at GateCity Church of Lawrenceville, GA and praying about it, I have revised this Bible study on discipleship. The more I follow Jesus, the more I realize it's about a relationship with Him.
Jesus said: “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV
It took me a while in my life to find out that “eternal life”is to know the Father and know His Son, Jesus; not a place where a Jesus believer goes when they die. It's about having a relationship with God.
All Bible verses are from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
1) It is important to know that discipleship is about a relationship- knowing Jesus and following Him.
The words Jesus said to many of His first disciples were “Come, follow Me.”
He also said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
In Matthew 11:28-29 we read,”Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
2) How do you get to know Him?
You spend time with Him
You pray
You read the Bible (His word)
If you get the relationship right, then you'll be walking right (please see the verses below). Many Christians focus so much on what they are doing and not doing, that it's more like a self-effort, performance-based walk rather than a relationship with God. In Hebrews 11:6 it says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” If your trusting in your own works to save you or to please God, you're on the wrong path.In Romans 10:9 it says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” In other words, He is your Lord, you are going to follow Him. It's a gift, He loves you and He died for your sins and you receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Repentance literally means to re-think. You realize you've been going in the wrong way, you confess your sins, and decide to follow Him as the Lord of your life. It's a heart attitude. As you seek Him in prayer, reading and confessing the word of God, and letting Him instruct you, you will become more like Him. You may not be perfect at following Him, but if you mess up, you confess it to Him and move on believing that He forgives you because of the blood of Jesus and sacrifice He made.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NASB- “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” It is important to know that we are living for Him, not our own selfish desires.
Ephesians 3:19 ESV- "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God."
Luke 10:39, 42 says,”And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” So Jesus commended Mary for choosing the good part of sitting at His feet and hearing His word.
3) So what should we do as disciples?
Fix our eyes on Jesus (looking unto Jesus. The founder and perfecter of our faith... Hebrews 12:2).
Walk by faith (For we walk by faith and not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7)
Pray and worship Him (praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- Ephesians 6:18)
Know the word of God (Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)
(If you continue in My word, then you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:31-32 NASB)Be a doer of the word (But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.- James 1:22)
Love other believers (By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:35) Is it hard work sometimes? Yes, you may want or feel like doing other things at times, but stay on track and keep your focus on Him. You will then enjoy the peace and joy that He gives, and you won't be shaken by trials and circumstances that come your way.
Allan
Growing in Christ
All verses are in the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
1) Knowing the love of God-
a) 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abide these faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. What is love? Some say it's a feeling. What is God's kind of love?
See Below God's love- definition:
b) 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...
c) Ephesians 3:17-19 KJV That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is breath and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all fulness of God. Jeremiah 31:3...Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
d) Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God's love for us is endless, because He is love.
Other verses: John 3:16; Psalm 57:10; Ephesians 4:15
2) Be baptized in water-
a) Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
b) Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
3) Knowing who you are in Christ (the Anointed One)-
a) 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Philemon 6- that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
b) 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
c) Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4) Walking by Faith- Living by Faith-
a) Faith working through love: Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
b) 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. Not by how things appear to be.
c) Romans 1:17 The just shall live by faith. This seems like a step up from walking by faith; living by faith-that's extreme, but it must be possible.
d) 1 Peter 1:21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
e) James 2:20 ...that faith without works is dead? An example would be looking for a job. You launch out in faith by praying, sending our resumes, contacting people, a keeping your ears open for opportunities.
f) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is believing for what you don't see in the natural.
g) 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. You need to speak the word of God.
h) Romans 10:8-10 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
i) Also Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. See also: Mark 10:46-52- Bartimaeus healed; Luke 8:43-48- the woman with the issue of blood healed; Matthew 21:18-22- Jesus spoke to the fig tree
5) Know what God has called you to.
a) 1 Peter 2:9 KJV But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
b) Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
c) Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
d) Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
e) See also Titus 2:11-14. See also: Philippians 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9
6) Know the importance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
a) Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
b) Acts 11:16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Jude 1:20
c) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
d) Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. He's talking about the personal gift of tongues, not speaking out in a church in tongues and having it interpreted.
7) Walk in the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-5 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
This is quite a lot to understand:
a. Set free from the law and under grace to live a godly life (Jesus is your Lord). If I'm understanding this right, those who are born again (in Christ Jesus) have been set free from the law which includes the ten commandments. The purpose of the law was to be a tutor or schoolmaster to lead us to Christ (as it mentions in Galatians 3:24). Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. The law reveals sin. But we are under grace because it is through faith that we are justified, not by trying to live according to the law in our own power, or by trying to clean up our act, or by being good. The purpose of grace however is not so we can be free to sin (God forbid as it says in Romans 6:1-3); but to realize we've been set free from sin and (as it says in Titus 2:11-13 - to teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,).
b. You walk in the Spirit by realizing point 1 above and by setting your mind on things of the Spirit (the Word of God, prayer, etc.) as in Romans 8:5-9- 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
c. Realize the results of this: Walking in the Spirit: life and peace, fruit of the Spirit, relationship with God, following Jesus Walking in the flesh: self effort, death, strife, things listed in Galatians 5:19-21
Faith, The Word of God, and the Law
Faith
First, how does faith come? Roman 10:17- Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The Greek word rhema is used for word (of God) in this instance.There are two different words used in the New Testament for the word of God- logos and rhema. Rhema is like God speaking directly to you about a certain situation. He may not speak out loud, but it might be something that comes to your mind or your inner person as you pray, read the Bible, or as you're going about your daily routine. Rhema or God speaking to you should always line up with the Bible. If it doesn't, it may not be God speaking to you at that time. Logos is the Bible, the written word of God. God can speak in many different ways.
The Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16-KJV- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
John 17:17-KJV- Thy word is truth. logos
Hebrews 4:12-KJV- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper that any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. logos
2 Peter 1:19-21-NKJV- And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. logos
The Law
Purpose of the Law
Romans 7:7-KJV- What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Galatians 3:24-27-KJV- Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Walking in the Flesh vs. Walking in the Spirit
Walking in the Flesh (self-effort; trying to please God with your own efforts- Remember, But without faith it is impossible to please him.- Hebrews 11:6 ) vs. Walking in the Spirit- led by the Holy Spirit
Romans 7:19-KJV- For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
How do you get out of this problem? Read Romans 7:24-25
Walking in the Spirit
Realize Jesus has set you free from sin. Basis- Romans 6:18
Romans 8:5-NKJV- For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Set you mind on the things of the Spirit. Renew you mind with the word of God. Basis- Romans 12:2;
Realize it's about your relationship with God the Father and Jesus. John 17:3
Pray, pray, pray!
Focus on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
Remember Jesus is your Lord. Read Luke 6:46
Deny ungodliness and look forward to the appearing of Jesus. Be zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14
Obey out of love for what He has done for you. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; John 14:15
Know, believe and confess God's word. 2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 18:21; Romans 10:8
Put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:13-18
Humility- humble yourself. 1 Peter 5:6
Forgive everyone who has hurt you. Matthew 6:14
Love God and love others. Matthew 22:37-40; Colossians 3:14
His strength- not mine. Philippians 4:13
We listen to the written word of God- the Bible and the spoken word of God God can speak to us in any number of ways: a still small voice, other people, signs, a donkey, our circumstances. Always test it to see that it agrees with what the Bible says.
We step out in faith to do the things God has for us. We expect God to act.
2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV- For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Have your faith be based on the word of God and the character of God (for example: We know He is faithful).
Test the fruit. Galatians 5:22-23
How To Be An Overcomer
The following things have helped me in my life to overcome the evil one and live a life as Jesus intended. If you don't believe there is an evil one (the devil; satan) or don't believe the Bible, then this probably won't help you. In the Bible it says that “The thief only comes to steal and kill and destroy” - John 10:10 ESV. There's a lot of that that going on, on the earth today. But the good news is that Jesus comes that we may life...and have it more abundantly- see John 10:10 NKJV. You have to be willing to put the Bible (the word of God) into practice for this to work.
1) "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -James 4:7 NKJV First we are submitted to God (confessing Jesus as our Lord), then we resist the devil (see number 2 below), and he will flee from us.
2) Next, here is a key point in dealing with the evil one, the devil. In 1 John 2:14 NKJV it says, “I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” According to this verse, the word of God has to remain in you. So, how do you get the word of God to remain in you? You read it, meditate on it, speak it, and think about it.
When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he spoke and quoted Scriptures. When we are tempted, we need to have an arsenal of Scriptures ready to quote to the devil. We need to speak the Scriptures -”And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,”- 2 Corinthians 4:13 NKJV. In short, Faith Speaks.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV and “So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
3) Set your mind on things above: “looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith...”- Hebrews 12:2 ASV “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 NASB
4) Realize the importance and the power of the blood of Jesus. Pray to God and thank Him for the blood of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for you and thank Him for forgiveness of your sins and His protection. We plead (a legal term meaning “petition”) the blood of Jesus over our lives, our household, our house and the door posts thereof, and all of our stuff.
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 ESV. The blood of the new covenant in Jesus speaks a better word than the old covenant of the law, because it is the final sacrifice for sin.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Revelation 12:11 NKJV (They overcame the evil one- satan)
5) Pray in the Spirit.
When we pray in the Spirit, we pray being led by the Holy Spirit. This has helped me a lot in my later years.1 Corinthians 14:15 ESV says, “I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” Some versions say understanding instead of mind, but I believe it's the same thing.
So what does this mean? I can pray in my native language (led by the Spirit) or I can pray with my spirit (in tongues). The tongues in this case is personal prayer language in a language you don't know. There is also a Spiritual gift of tongues that is for meetings or church gatherings that should always be interpreted, but this passage is not speaking about that. If you ask God for a personal prayer language of tongues, then why would He give a serpent?- Luke 11:11 God gives good gifts to His children. If you want to learn more being baptized in or being filled with the Holy Spirit and receiving the personal prayer gift of tongues, look up verses in the New Testament about the Holy Spirit and tongues and ask God to give you revelation on it.
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation”.- Matthew 26:41 ESV.
6) Be a part of a community of faith-filled believers that can encourage you and you can encourage them.
Blessings, Allan
Overcoming Difficulties in Troubled Times- A Biblical Perspective
We all have difficulties in life. This is meant for those who are believe in Jesus and confess Him as their Lord. In the Bible, these difficulties are called troubles, trials, and tribulation. As believers, we have the power to overcome these difficulties and live in the abundant life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10. Again it's not that we won't have troubles, but that we can live above the difficult circumstances.
Your difficulties may be sickness, or relationships, or circumstances in the world, or lack of money to pay the bills, or something else, but God can help us get through these troubled times. It is comforting to for believers to know that God says: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; ...He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:14-15 NKJV)
All the following verses are in the New King James Version.
Romans 8:35,38 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It may seem difficult in troubled times to be of good cheer, but all it takes is a decision. We can choose whether to rejoice or not.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” We all need that perfect peace in difficult circumstances.
Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Allan