God wants us to have a strong faith that is living and active. We need a healthy faith if we are to make it through this life. But what does this faith look like? This lesson shows several of the most important characteristics of a vibrant, healthy faith.
The lessons from the previous year have been designed to help equip you and encourage you to stand in the face of trials and challenges. This is exactly what God expects of us in our walk with Him. This lesson helps solidify the ideals revolving around God's desire that you stand for truth and what is right.
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We who are of an accountable age have all faced the prospect of death for our sins. It was only through the graciousness of God, His nature of Love, that we have any hope at all. The message of the Bible is this idea. The message of Ephesians uses this idea as the foundation for unity in the church Jesus built.
God's call for unity with others means far more than assent to ideas. It is about love for others. Loving as God loves is challenging for us all, especially when we don't know people well (if at all). But this is the calling for Christians: Love as God loves. This discussion will give insight and encouragement to continue trying to do just that.
Christianity does not seek to alleviate all pain and suffering in this life. In fact, God teaches us that pain and suffering can be helpful to us. We know that growth only comes through pain, but what does God use that pain to accomplish? Is it worth the cost?
In Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus taught profound ideas about how to handle mistreatment. On the surface His words sound backward, strange, and impractical, but a closer look at the meaning shows perspectives that are as powerful as they are challenging. How can we rejoice in persecution? The answer lies in understanding the right perspective, focus, and decisions that will help you in any number of problems you face in life.
We have limited time and energy to dedicate to building larger social circles, and many of us might be tempted to simply maintain the ones we have without ever attempting expansion. What does the Bible say about these relationships we have developed? How can we realistically expand our social circles to increase our influence on others in the world? Relationship-building is part of our spiritual work. Learn more about what God says about it. (Screen is black until 7 min 31 sec.)
