Scriptural Topics
The Scriptures are all powerful in breaking down strongholds, raising up those who are pressed down, and guiding us into experiencing the Lord’s victory over all things. In this segment we set forth a series of subjects with appropriate Scriptures that strengthen faith, and lead to overcoming in the Lord.
Subject areas will be changed regularly, and previous scriptural readings and commentaries may be accessed by clicking different weeks in the calendar below.
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Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11-12.
Note that the Lord is speaking about His own joy being in us, and His desire that we may receive it as an ongoing possession. In our morning prayers when we receive His indwelling life by faith, we may specifically receive His joy to be manifested in all our circumstances.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Neh 8:10.
The Lord came to share His life with us, and joy is one of the attributes of His indwelling life. When we are besieged with sorrow, we may receive His joy in the name of Jesus Christ by faith, knowing that His joy will drive sorrow out of our hearts. Do not be deterred by doubt, but persist with determination, and you will be a recipient of His joy. We can, by faith, receive joy from the Lord in states of sorrow and downcastness, and we will discover its marvellous power to impart overcoming strength to body soul, and spirit.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith � the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9.
Christianity is the only religion in which believers can rejoice at the salvation of our souls. In other religions there is a striving to reach a standard of perfection that will please their god, but without any certainty of going to heaven. This reading rightly tells us that we can rejoice now, knowing that once we have believed and made our confession of salvation, we are saved and our name is written in the book of life in heaven.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. John 6:57.
Jesus did not depend on His own capacity to do the Fathers work, but continually drew on the life of the Father within Him to accomplish the work. Here He is saying that as He lived, we should do likewise. His faith was not on His own capacity, but fixed firmly on that of His Father working within Him. We too should not rely on our abilities, but those of the Lord within us, even to drawing on His faith to receive His blessings.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:20. KJV.
This reading is in the present continuous tense, and so Paul is telling us about His continual walk experiencing Christs indwelling life. His carnal nature is being continually put to death by the Spirit, and replaced by the manifestation of Christs indwelling life. Paul then goes on to say that he is enabled to engage in this walk by the faith of the Lord who dwells in him. He does not rely on his own faith, but draws on the faith of the Lord, who willingly imparts it to him.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh 8:10.
The Lord came to share His life with us, and joy is one of the attributes of His indwelling life. When we are besieged with sorrow, we may receive His joy in the name of Jesus Christ by faith, knowing that His joy will drive sorrow out of our hearts. Do not be deterred by doubt, but persist with determination, and you will be a recipient of His joy. We can, by faith, receive joy from the Lord in states of sorrow and downcastness, and we will discover its marvellous power to impart overcoming strength to body soul, and spirit.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9.
Christianity is the only religion in which believers can rejoice at the salvation of our souls. In other religions there is a striving to reach a standard of perfection that will please their god, but without any certainty of going to heaven. This reading rightly tells us that we can rejoice now, knowing that once we have believed and made our confession of salvation, we are saved and our name is written in the book of life in heaven.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.
John 6:57.
Jesus did not depend on His own capacity to do the Fathers work, but continually drew on the life of the Father within Him to accomplish the work. Here He is saying that as He lived, we should do likewise. His faith was not on His own capacity, but fixed firmly on that of His Father working within Him. We too should not rely on our abilities, but those of the Lord within us, even to drawing on His faith to receive His blessings.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20. KJV.
This reading is in the present continuous tense, and so Paul is telling us about His continual walk experiencing Christs indwelling life. His carnal nature is being continually put to death by the Spirit, and replaced by the manifestation of Christs indwelling life. Paul then goes on to say that he is enabled to engage in this walk by the faith of the Lord who dwells in him. He does not rely on his own faith, but draws on the faith of the Lord, who willingly imparts it to him.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6.
Jesus is the way to all fulfilment to righteousness, salvation, and life here now, and in eternity. He is living truth through whom we can see spiritual truth all things, and by Him to walk and speak in the truth.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. John 12:36.
Jesus is the light of truth, and the light of life. It is His truth that leads to life and fulfilment in our spiritual walk and growth. This reading encourages us to believe in His life giving Spirit that dwells in us, not trusting in our own capabilities, but do all things in union with Him. By doing this we are called sons of light.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4-5.
In Jesus was the life from the Father that enabled Him to accomplish all things. Jesus told us to live in like manner. As He depended on the life of the Father to do all things, He wants us to believe that His life in us enables us to accomplish all things. In the darkness of the world, His life shines in us and through us. The world does not comprehend the light of Christs life in us, nor can it overpower it.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13.
Paul believed in the power of Christs indwelling presence, relying on Christ rather than himself, and so he could say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, or enables me.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9.
When Paul prayed for deliverance from a debilitating physical ailment, the Lord replied with the statement, My strength is made perfect in weakness. In a state of physical, emotional, or psychological weakness, we can by faith receive strength from the Lord to revive us and sustain us.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35.
To love one another is a decision, and an act of our wills. We must choose to allow Jesus to manifest His love for all men through us, that we may truly represent Him. That choice should be reflected in our morning prayers by choosing to know His love for all men throughout the day. It is the manifestation of the Lords love through us that convicts others that we are His disciples.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and abide in His love. John 15:9-10.
Here, not only are we assured that Jesus loves us, but He also wants us to abide in His love. To abide is to remain in a state of personally knowing that Christs love is in us, and that He loves us in all circumstances, even when we sin or dishonour Him. Even though His love never diminishes, its manifestation is manifested when we keep His commandments.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16.
Jesus and God are one, and both abide in us by the Spirit. If God is love, Jesus also is love, and He is manifested to us as love - love for us personally, and love for all those in our midst. If we can receive His life by faith, it follows that we can receive His love for others also. When we are confronted by a person we find difficult to love, we can turn inwardly to the Lord, and receive His love for that person by faith, and the Lords love soon enters our heart.
Jesus is to us Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, Life, and Truth
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16.
Jesus and God are one, and both abide in us by the Spirit. If God is love, Jesus also is love, and He is manifested to us as love - love for us personally, and love for all those in our midst. If we can receive His life by faith, it follows that we can receive His love for others also. When we are confronted by a person we find difficult to love, we can turn inwardly to the Lord, and receive His love for that person by faith, and the Lord�s love soon enters our heart.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
The heavens and earth will shake; but the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. Joel 3:16.
The heavens is the atmosphere, the domain of Satans evil spirits, and the earth, the physical world its inhabitants and the world system. There will be a shaking of all areas controlled by Satan so that those under Satans dominion may see truth revealed, and be set free. During this period of utter turmoil, Gods children are promised protection and strengthening in their spirits to have assurance of their safe keeping in God.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust. Ps 91:1-2. Ps 91:1-2.
To know the secret place of the Most High, in the shadow of the Almighty, is to know that Gods Spirit dwells in us, and encompasses us. To dwell in this spiritual position is to retreat into it from the turmoil of the spiritual warfare in the world, and to remain there without leaving. This is a place of refuge from Satans attacks, assured of Gods faithfulness to keep us safe.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you. Isa 60:2. Isa 60:2.
This speaks of the last days when the whole world is immersed in darkness. We see this happening now as we look at the violence and destruction caused throughout every fabric of the world by those under the power of Satan. But in the midst of this time of darkness we are assured that there will be a world-wide spiritual revival in which the glory of the Lord will overshadow His people, and millions will be set free from bondage to Satan.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe. Prov 18:10. Prov 18:10.
The name of the Lord speaks of the totality of His divine attributes that are more than capable to overcome any circumstance that maybe prevailing against us. Those who seek refuge in the power of Gods name will be drawn into Gods safety and peace.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Ps 61:3-4.
The psalmists testimony of his experience of Gods faithfulness to protect him from Satans attacks provides equal assurance to those who receive it by faith.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
He Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
He will dwell on high;
His place of defence will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him,
His water will be sure. Isa 33:15-16.
The whole world is full of violence and bloodshed which is often vividly portrayed when we turn on our TV. It is so easy to be entrenched in it, and affected by the demonic spirits behind it. We need to be informed, but not let it touch us or transform us. The eyes of our hearts should be centred of the Lord, and the goodness He has brought into the world. This reading tells us that in trusting in the goodness of God we will be kept safe, and our provision ensured.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
And the day which is coming shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, that will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.
Mal 4:1-2.
This is not the day of the final judgment when the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire, because the righteous are still on the earth. This is the day in the reading below, when the glory of the Lord will fill the earth, consuming all darkness with the burning light of His truth, and bringing the power of the wicked to nothing by the glory of His coming. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The lawless one being Antichrist. 2 Thess 2:8. The Lord will arise with healing and restoration of individuals, and the Church in general.
Gods Provision in the Tribulation
But there the majestic Lord will be for us
A place of broad rivers and streams,
In which no galley with oars will sail,
Nor majestic ships pass by. Isa 33:21.
Again this is speaking of the glory and power of the Lord returning to fill the Church. The Lord will be to us as streams and rivers of nourishment. We will not be confronted by galleys or ships of war, and His safety and peace will overshadow us.
Believe in your heart Confess with your mouth Receive salvation
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. Rom 10:9-10.
In reality believing the truth about Jesus in our hearts must precede our confession. Confessing the Lord Jesus is to state with your mouth your belief that all that the bible says about Jesus is true - that He is the Son of God; that He came to earth borne of the virgin Mary to reveal God to us; that He bore the punishment for our sins by His death on the cross; that we are now righteous in Gods sight, and eternally saved; that He was raised from the dead to the throne of God.
Particular emphasis is placed on our belief that Jesus was raised from the dead because that is tangible proof of His divinity as Gods Son, raised by God by the power of His eternal Spirit.
Believe in your heart Confess with your mouth Receive salvation
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:10.
We are to believe with all of our hearts that by His death on the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for all of our sins, past, present, and future, and by that belief we are now righteous before God. After confessing our belief with our mouths, we can confidently claim our eternal salvation.
Believe in your heart Confess with your mouth Receive salvation
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. John 3:16.
This, probably the best known text relating to salvation, highlights the main differences between Christianity and other religions. The first fact is that God loves the whole world. There is no distinction between races, or even between those reputedly evil, or those of good character. It is Gods wish that every person in the world avails himself of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. The second important distinction is that salvation is not by works or reaching a standard of morality acceptable to God, but through belief in Jesus Christ, and His sacrificial death to bear the punishment of every mans sins.
Believe in your heart Confess with your mouth Receive salvation
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Eph 2:8-9.
The first fact presented is that we are saved by Gods grace, which is a stumbling block to many who try to earn their salvation, or even Christians who feel their salvation is in jeopardy when they fall into sin. If we attempt to justify ourselves by works, grace is no longer grace, and our self-centred works are repugnant in Gods sight. The second fact is that we are saved by faith, but even here we have no reason to boast, because the text declares that the very faith to receive is a gift from God.
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