It is wonderful that you are considering joining a church. It is our hope that through this study and the ones that follow, you will develop a Biblical understanding of what being a church member is all about. What is a Church? Sometimes you hear people make statements like “I believe in God, but I reject organized religion”, or “I’m a Christian but I worship God in my own way at home”. What these people have really done is attempt to separate Christ from his church. Their profession of a … [Read more...]
Attitudes of the Heart – Forgiveness
As we come to the end of our studies on the attitudes of the heart, what we quickly realize is that each and everyone of these attitudes is, in some measure, simply a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ. Each of these is a byproduct of the Spirit of Christ working in us, making us more and more like Him (Rom 8:9; Col 1:27; Gal 4:19). This study’s attitude of forgiveness is no different. It is a remarkable attribute of Jesus Christ who came into this world to forgive sinners (Acts 5:31; 1 … [Read more...]
Attitudes of the Heart – Humility
Humility is required to have the proper, biblical view of God, self and others. Jesus Christ exuded humility. It was one of His chief characteristics (Isa 42:1-4, Zec 9:9). As such, when the Christian grows in the faith, maturing into Christ-likeness, he will increasingly the humility that Christ himself possessed (2 Cor 10:1). The opposite of humility is pride. Pride is at the top of God’s hate list! Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, … [Read more...]
Attitudes of the Heart – Compassion
In this lesson we are going to consider an attitude of the heart which is closely related to love. Compassion is inseparable from genuine love. True love always results in loving action (1 Cor 13). For this reason we often see the phrase “moved with compassion” in scripture (Matt 9:36; Matt 4:14; Matt 18:27). Compassion begins in the heart, but it doesn’t stay there. It overflows into loving action. Compassion involves love, sympathy, pity, and even sorrow. To be compassionate is to share in … [Read more...]
Attitudes of the Heart – Unity
Unity is not technically an “attitude” but the desire for, and pursuit of unity can certainly be classified as an attitude of the heart. God’s desire for the church is perfect unity. Jesus prayed that the church “may be one” (John 17) and for this reason, much of the Spirit’s internal work has the purpose of producing spiritual unity in the church (Eph 4). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 2 Corinthians 13:11 … [Read more...]