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The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NIV
The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NIV
CHARLES F. STANLEY
LIFE PRINCIPLES
BIBLE
CHARLES F. STANLEY
GENERAL EDITOR
www.ThomasNelson.com
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Welcome to
The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible
Dear Friend, The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible
was written to provide powerful insight into
the principles written in Gods Word. These
When I was a young man, I had the op- lessons are ones that I have learned personally
portunity to spend two very important and during my sixty years of ministry, and it is my
intensely rich weeks with my grandfather. He prayer that they will become principles that
was a godly man, who loved the Lord with God will use in your life to teach you more
his whole heart. And though he did not have about himself and to draw you closer to his
a formal education, he was tremendously wise heart. There is no substitute for a personal
and had great insight into the principles of relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the
Gods Word. One of the first things he taught very core of Gods message to each one of
me was this: Obey God and leave the conse- us. If we want to know him, we need to get
quences to him. No matter what he tells you to know his Son.
to do, do it and trust him for the outcome. The various features and helps included in
This is a principle that I have learned to live this Bible are not designed to be a substitute
by each day. There is nothing too great for for personal Bible study. Instead, they are
God. He is above and over all things. He is meant to be signposts to help you journey
sovereign, omnipotent, and omnipresent. My even deeper into Gods Word. You can pray
greatest needs are all met within him. and ask the Lord to open your heart to his
The second thing my grandfather told Word so that you will understand his prin-
me was to read my Bible every day. After ciples and learn to apply them to your life.
his death, I was given his Bible and knew They are timeless.
the moment it was placed in my hands that
In this resource, I have highlighted many
he had lived what he preached. Every page
of the most crucial ones so that you might
was well-worn, and most bore the marks of
grow in your faith and learn to trust God in
intense Bible study. Over the years, I have
every area of your life. By surrendering our
come to realize that Gods Word offers the
lives to him and then asking him to teach us
wisdom and insight I need at every turn. I
his truths, we can put into practice the Life
cannot and never will encounter anything
Principles he has given us. We also can learn
that is beyond him and the principles he has
to live a life of spiritual success and avoid the
written in Scripture.
snares and traps that lead to ineffectiveness,
The Christian life is a wondrous adven- heartache, and disappointment. Gods great-
ture, full of twists and turns, good times est goals for your life are for you to know
and also difficult challenges. Through all of him and then for you to live your life com-
it, Gods Word is our greatest resource for mitted to him.
insight, wisdom, hope, and guidance. Every
Throughout this Bible youll find several
problem we face has its solution in the Word
features designed to help you get the most
of God. Where there is a need for comfort,
out of your time in Gods Word:
peace or courage, he provides it. To find
his wisdom, there is simply no substitute Book introductions to each of the 66
for spending time alone with him in prayer books of the Bible offer helpful back-
and the study of his Scriptures. Each year, ground information and alert you to
I receive countless letters from people who some of the most crucial Life Principles
ask if there is a way for them to know Gods found in each book.
will for their lives. The answer is yes. But be- Life Principles articles highlight thirty of
fore he will reveal this to us, we need to get the Bibles most critical principles for
to know himthe way he thinks, acts, and successful Christian living. They focus on
demonstrates his love for us. crucial topics such as building intimacy
with God, prayer, obedience, dealing with verse or one portion of a verse. Also, be sure
adversity, and more. to ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand
What the Bible Says About articles bring what that verse means and how to make a
Scriptural insight to bear on a wide vari- practical application of it.
ety of topics of special concern to all If you find a promise, a provision, a
believers in Christ: the Holy Spirits guid- requirement, or a commandment that you
ance, the process of spiritual growth, sense he is giving you, record it in your note-
experiencing forgiveness, listening to God book. Doing this faithfully day after day helps
and many more. you to begin to think the way God thinks.
Answers to Lifes Questions focus on You will start to use the mind of Christ,
the many challenges we face in our which the Bible says you have (1Co 2:16).
Christian faith as we try to live for God in You also will begin to see life from his per-
a world often hostile to our growth in spective, which will help you understand how
grace. How do we deal with jealousy or you need to live each day. The more you
bitterness, or how do we gain Gods learn about God, the richer your life will be-
mind in a tough situation? Youll find come through the knowledge of his Word.
those kinds of questions answered here. By surrendering your life to God and fol-
Life Examples briefly consider the lives of lowing his principles of obedience, you will
scores of Gods choice servants spot- be on the road to great blessing and reward.
lighted in the Bible, with a special eye You will have the ability to live a liberated
toward discerning how their experiences lifefree from sin and full of Gods good-
can encourage and help us. ness, grace, and mercy. When you obey him,
Life Lessons offer more than 2,500 you can anticipate that he will reveal exciting
insights into individual Bible verses and new things to you. Never forget that the key
passages, emphasizing the practical and to crossing any bridge successfully is faith
personal nature of Gods Word to us. and obedience. Jesus said, Whoever has my
Gods Promises highlight more than 300 commands and keeps them is the one who
of the Lords promises to his people loves me. The one who loves me will be
promises meant to encourage, strengthen, loved by my Father, and I too will love them
and fill us with hope. and show myself to them (Jn 14:21). The
act of understanding his Word and obeying
The Life Principles Indexes and the him comes from personal growth and inti-
Promises Index, located in the front of macy with the Lord. The closer you draw to
the Bible, give you a convenient way to him, the more you will know about him.
study Gods principles and promises in
the Old and New Testaments. This is what makes the journey into Gods
truth so exciting. You have the guarantee
As you read Gods holy Word, I encour- that the Lord will reveal more of himself and
age you to keep a notebook and a pen nearby his goodness to you as you mature in your
so you can record the dates and times of your relationship with him. He also will pour out
interactions with the Lord. As he shows you his blessings on your life until it overflows
fresh truths, write them down. If he convicts with joy, peace, and goodness; and I believe
you of a certain sin or attitude, make a note that as you put into practice his principles,
of it and write your prayer confessing that you will enjoy the abundant life that Jesus so
particular sin. If he gives you a moment of earnestly desires to give to you (Jn 10:10). It
joy, praise him in writing. If you have ques- is my prayer that you will not only discover
tions, write those down as well, and ask the the treasure of his infinite love and truth, but
Holy Spirit to teach you Gods truth for that you will walk in the light of his goodness
every situation. You will also want to use each and every day. There is only one way to
other Bible helps, such as dictionaries and do this, and it is by knowing God through
commentaries, to shed light on difficult pas- prayer and the study of his Word.
sages. Dont try to read large portions of the
Bible at one time; sit and meditate on one Charles F. Stanley
LUKE
L uke, a physician, writes with the compassion and warmth of a family doctor as he
carefully documents the perfect humanity of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. He
emphasizes Jesus ancestry, birth and early life before moving carefully and chronologi-
cally through his earthly ministry.
At the very beginning of his Gospel, Luke tells his audience that he wasnt an
original apostle or even an eyewitness to Jesus words and works. Many believe Luke
came to faith in Christ through the ministry of the apostle Paul, whom he befriended
and accompanied on some of his missionary journeys. Luke may have been a Gentile
convert to Christianity, making him the only non-Jewish writer of a New Testament
book (he also penned the Acts of the Apostles). Luke has a fondness for parables; of
the twenty-five he includes in his Gospel, seventeen do not appear anywhere else. He
also describes seven of Jesus miracles that were not mentioned in the other two Syn-
optic Gospels.
Lukes Gospel includes many details of Jesus life omitted from the other three
Gospels. Only Luke records a detailed account of Jesus birth and the events surround-
ing it. He includes the angelic announcement to Jesus mother, Mary, and the fact that
she would give birth to the Messiah. He also records the story of the conception and
birth of John the Baptist. Only Luke includes an account of the boyhood of Jesus.
Luke presents Jesus as a man of great compassion and intense emotions. Luke
alone, for example, records how Jesus looked out over the holy city of Jerusalem and
wept over its coming destruction. Luke also shows us that Jesus had a very sympa-
thetic attitude toward women, the poor, the sinners, the sick and the dying. Christs
resurrection ensures that his purpose is fulfilled:
To seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10).
As you read Luke, watch
Kata Loukon, According to Luke, is the for the life principles that
ancient title added to this Gospel at a very early play an important role in
date. The Greek name Luke appears only three this book:
times in the New Testament (Col 4:14; 2Ti
1. Our intimacy with Godhis
4:11; Phm 24). highest priority for our lives
Theme: Jesus is the Son of Man. determines the impact of our
lives. See Luke 1:4; 3:11; 5:16;
Author: Luke. 10:42; 11:1; 12:15.
Time: Most scholars believe Luke wrote his 22. To walk in the Spirit is to
Gospel a few years before he wrote the Acts obey the initial promptings of
the Spirit. See Luke 4:1.
of the Apostles, which he likely penned circa 10. If necessary, God will move
AD 63 or 64. heaven and earth to show us his
Structure: Luke starts his Gospel by explaining will. See Luke 7:30.
that he had thoroughly investigated Jesus story 23. You can never outgive God.
See Luke 14:14.
and had written his account based on his careful 30. An eager anticipation of
investigations. The first two chapters of this the Lords return keeps us living
Gospel contain several incidents unique to Luke productively. See Luke 21:34.
that are related to Jesus birth and early life.
LIFE LESSONS
1:3 I myself have carefully investigated 1:17 He will go on before the Lord, in
everything from the beginning. Luke wanted the spirit and power of Elijah... to make
the recipient of his letter to know that he had ready a people prepared for the Lord. In
accurately researched the life of Jesus Christ. ancient times, the arrival of a king was her-
Because he was a physician, we can conclude alded by a forerunner so that his subjects could
that his research was investigative and exten- prepare for his appearance. The cities would
sive. Only after careful study that probably hold great festivals, and everything would be
included interviewing the people who knew the cleaned and repaired so that the king would
Savior personally, did he begin to write. see his dominion at its best. When the King
of kings came to earth, the same was true
1:4 That you may know the certainty of (Isa40:3; Mal3:1). John the Baptist preached
the things you have been taught. The Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare
wants us to know that the Bible contains his the people for the coming of Jesus Christ. Like
truth, and it can be trusted in all that it declares Elijah before him, he bravely and powerfully
(2Ti3:1617; Heb4:12). The Gospels are not proclaimed the truth of the peoples need for
a collection of religious fairy tales. They are repentance and salvation.
the source of eternal truthGods revelation
of himself and how we can have an intimate
relationship with him.
LIFE LESSONS
1:30 But the angel said to her, Do not give birth to the Savior of the world, but she
be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with also had to bear the public shame of people not
God. The favor of God is worth any discom- understanding what he was doing through her
fort it might entail. The Lord chose Mary to and through Jesus.
LIFE LESSONS
1:37 No word from God will ever 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed
fail. We can trust God even in the most dif- that the Lord would fulfill his promises to
ficult of circumstances, because no problem is her! What would have happened had Mary
too tough for him to handle and no challenge not believed Gabriels words? Would she have
is beyond his power to overcome. He has the disqualified herself from being the mother
ability to do what he says he will do. of Jesus? The fact is, she did believe and she
obeyed God. Her obedience set the stage for
the Lords blessings. He not only fulfilled his
word in her, he also used her to accomplish his
prophecy to our lost and dying world.
LIFE LESSONS
1:7475 Serve him without fear in holi- (Lk1:69,73), and then referring to the last
ness and righteousness before him. Those thing the Lord said in Malachi, Zechariah was
who fear God do not have to fear anything confirming that God had indeed kept every
else. When we commit ourselves wholeheart- aspect of his promise to send the Savior. The
edly to serving the Lord, we can enjoy the great good news that the Israelites had been longing
blessings that come with holiness and righ- to hear had finally arrived.
teousness.
2:7 She wrapped him in cloths and
1:78 The rising sun will come to us placed him in a manger. Amazingly, God
from heaven. Zechariah was referring to the stepped into this world not as the reigning king
prophecy of Malachi4:2, You who revere my with pomp and ceremony, but as the humble
name, the sun of righteousness will rise. This of child who was wrapped in simple swaddling
course, was speaking about the Messiah. By first clothes. Far from a royal crib, Jesus first resting
listing Gods covenants to David and Abraham place was a primitive feeding trough.
LIFE LESSONS
2:10 The angel said to them, Do not announcement of his Sonthe Savior of the
be afraid. I bring you good news that will world. The angel told them not to fear, but to
cause great joy for all the people. God cares open their eyes and watch for the wonderfully
about everyone, despite his or her occupation good thing that the Lord was doing for them
or standing in society. By Jewish tradition, shep- and for the whole worldsomething that
herds were known to be spiritually unclean. Yet would bring great joy to everyone.
the Lord chose these men to proclaim the birth
LIFE LESSONS
2:50 They did not understand what he (Lk1:1119). Likewise, God created you
was saying to them. Even as a boy, Jesus spoke for a very special purpose. Even before you
of spiritual issues in ways that his hearers often were born, he had great plans for you as well
did not understand. Serious Christ-followers, (Ps139:1316; Eph2:10).
however, strive to gain understanding, as did
Mary (Lk2:51) and his disciples (8:9). 3:11 Anyone who has two shirts
should share with the one who has none,
2:51 He went down to Nazareth with and anyone who has food should do the
them and was obedient to them. Jesus is the same. An intimate relationship with God is
only begotten Son of God, but he was placed in about far more than merely enjoying warm
the care and under the authority of his earthlyfeelings toward the Creator of the universe.
parents, Mary and Joseph. He submitted to Any genuine love for the Lord will move a
them, not as an inferior, but as an example of person to perform real acts of love toward
obedience to us. others (Jas2:1516; 1Jn3:1618). It also stirs
peoples hearts toward salvation, commitment
3:4 A voice of one calling in the wilder- and obedience.
ness, Prepare the way for the Lord. John
faithfully fulfilled the calling given to him 3:14 Dont extort money and dont
even before his birth, which was announced accuse people falselybe content with your
by the angel Gabriel to his father Zechariah pay. John the Baptist did not advise soldiers
LIFE LESSONS
to go into another profession. He did, however, 3:23 Jesus himself was about thirty
instruct them to act justly and mercifully with years old when he began his ministry. Jesus
those under their authority. spent three decades preparing for his ministry,
most of it in almost total obscurity. Most of the
time, those whom God uses greatly he first puts
through a period of preparation outside of the
bright lights of fame and notoriety.
LIFE LESSONS
4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the 4:13 When the devil had finished all
Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the this tempting, he left him until an opportune
wilderness. To walk in the Spirit is to obey time. Satan does not attack us in the same way
the initial promptings of the Spirit. This does at all times. He looks for opportune moments,
not mean life will always be easy or problem- when we feel weakest or most discouraged,
free. Sometimes the Lord will lead us into the to suggest that God cannot be trusted and we
wilderness or into situations that are difficult. must take matters into our own hands. How do
In fact, this often happens after times of great we fend off his lies? By walking daily with the
spiritual growth or victory. However, if we trust Lord in prayer, studying his Word and staying
and obey him, we will surely triumph, and our strong in our faith (1Pe5:811).
relationship with him will grow even deeper
and stronger.
LIFE LESSONS
4:21 Today this scripture is fulfilled in outset of his ministry Jesus announced that he
your hearing. Those in the synagogue under- is the Savior and Redeemer that Israel and the
stood that the text Jesus read (Isa 61) referred world had been awaiting.
to the prophesied Messiah. Therefore, at the
LIFE LESSONS
5:11 They pulled their boats up on compassionately touching the lepera man
shore, left everything and followed him. The no one dared to touch. Jesus always gives us
particulars of what Jesus requires of his disciples exactly what we need.
vary tremendously, but of all followers he
demands total allegiance. He must be Lord of 5:16 Jesus often withdrew to lonely
all, not merely one significant voice among places and prayed. Jesus cherished his times
many others. alone in prayer. As our example, he shows us
that none of us can afford to skip our devo-
5:13 Jesus reached out his hand and tional times alone with the Lord. We were made
touched the man. I am willing, he said. for an intimate relationship with him, and that
Be clean! And immediately the leprosy left cannot happen if we never communicate with
him. Jesus did not have to touch people to cure him or listen to him.
them (Lk7:110), but he made a point of
eads of
27After this, Jesus went out and saw rain, rub them in their hands and eat
g
a tax collector by the name of Levi the kernels. 2Some of the Pharisees
sitting at his tax b ooth. Follow me, asked, Why are you doing what is un
Jesus said to him, 28and Levi got up, lawful on the Sabbath?
left everything and followed him. 3
Jesus answered them, Have you
29Then Levi held a great banquet for never read what David did when he
Jesus at his h ouse, and a large c rowd and his companions were hungry? 4He
of tax collectors and others were eat entered the h ouse of God, and taking
ing with them. 30But the Pharisees and the consecrated b read, he ate what is
the teachers of the law who belonged lawful only for priests to eat. And he
to their sect complained to his disci also gave some to his companions.
ples, Why do you eat and drink with 5Then Jesus said to them, The Son of
tax collectors and sinners? Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
31
Jesus answered them, It is not 6On an other Sabbath he went into
the healthy who need a doctor, but the the synag ogue and was teaching, and
sick. 32I have not come to call the righ a man was there whose right hand
teous, but sinners to repentance. was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and
the teachers of the law were looking
Jesus Questioned About Fasting for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they
33They said to him, Johns disciples watched him closely to see if he would
often fast and pray, and so do the dis heal on the Sabbath. 8But Jesus knew
ciples of the Pharisees, but y
ours go on what they were thinking and said to
eating and drinking. the man with the shriveled hand, Get
34
Jesus answered, Can you make up and stand in front of everyone. So
the friends of the bride groom fast he got up and stood there.
while he is with them? 35But the time 9Then Jesus said to them, I ask you,
will come when the bridegroom will which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do
be taken from them; in t hose days they good or to do evil, to save life or to de
will fast. stroyit?
36He told them this parable: No one 10He looked around at them all, and
tears a piece out of a new garment then said to the man, Stretch out your
to patch an old one. Otherwise, they hand. He did so, and his hand was
LIFE LESSONS
6:9 I ask you, which is lawful on the to Jesus question should have been obvious.
Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save Sadly, these religious leaders had added so
life or to destroy it? Every law or command- many stipulations to his commands that they
ment that God ever gave to his people, he gave prevented people from practicing the spirit
for their own good (Dt10:13). The Lord takes of the Lawloving God and serving others
no pleasure in regulations that destroy, injure (Mt23:1328).
or allow injustice to remainso the answer
LIFE LESSONS
6:12 One of those days Jesus went out 6:35 He is kind to the ungrateful and
to a mountainside to pray, and spent the wicked. If God were not kind to the unap-
night praying to God. Jesus spent all night preciative and ungodly, where would any of us
in prayer immediately before he chose the be (Ro5:8)? The Lord will always judge sin, but
twelve disciples who would accompany him he desires that we would turn from our sin and
everywhere. Whenever we make any deci- receive his salvation so that he can bless us, not
sionmajor or minorwe should follow his judge us (1Pe3:9). Likewise, we must be kind
example and wholeheartedly seek his counsel. to all peopleshowing them Gods love and
mercyin the hope that they will repent and
be saved (2Ti2:2426).
LIFE LESSONS
6:44 Each tree is recognized by its own 6:45 A good man brings good things
fruit. What kind of fruit do you bear? How out of the good stored up in his heart...
would your family, co-workers and neighbors For the mouth speaks what the heart is full
describe you? Would they say you are loving of. Your speech says a lot about you. Is your
or selfish? Godly or unscrupulous? The way to conversation tainted by complaining and curs-
measure the effectiveness of your walk with ing? Or is it characterized by praise for the Lord
the Lord is to see what is being produced. Are and sound wisdom? This shows what is stored
people being drawn to God through you, or are in your heart, and if it is negative, you should
they turned off to him because of your ways? reevaluate what youve been focusing on. Set
You can only make a difference in this world for your heart on God because then good, helpful
Christ if you abide in him (Jn15:5). speech will flow from you.
LIFE LESSONS
7:15 The dead man sat up and began prison, John had begun to doubt whether Jesus
to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his was the promised Messiah. In his grace, the
mother. This was not the only time Jesus raised Lord showed the discouraged John the truth.
a dead person back to life. He who is called the In the number and variety of his miracles, Jesus
Word of life (1Jn1:1) is Lord of both the was doing what no Old Testament prophet had
dead and the living (Ro14:9). ever done.
7:21 At that very time Jesus cured many 7:30 The Pharisees and the experts in
who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, the law rejected Gods purpose for them-
and gave sight to many who were blind. In selves. It is possible to reject the Lords will
LIFE LESSONS
and even work against it. This will never happen true condition of our sinful hearts and the ter-
accidentally, however, or take place despite rible penalty of our transgressions, his immense
your desires. If you want to know Gods will sacrifice for us inspires deep love and devotion
for your life, he will move heaven and earth to (Ro3:1026;6:23).
show it to you. But you have to choose it and
obey him. 8:23 Some women... were helping to
support them out of their own means. Luke
7:47 Whoever has been forgiven little came from a culture that largely dismissed or at
loves little. If we refuse to see the magnitude least downplayed the importance of women,
of our sin, the Lords sacrifice may not seem yet he often highlights the contributions of
significant to us. But when we understand the women in the ministry of Jesus. He thus
LIFE LESSONS
anticipates the message of Galatians3:28, the light of the world, Jesus Christ (Jn8:12), as
You are all one in Christ Jesus. your Lord and Savior, you cannot hide that you
know him. Rather, you must allow his light to
8:16 No one lights a lamp and hides it shine through you so that others can also have
in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, his lightso they also can accept the salvation
they put it on a stand, so that those who he offers.
come in can see the light. When you accept
to cure diseases, 2and he sent them But he said to his disciples, Have
out to proclaim the kingdom of God them sit down in g roups of a
bout fif
and to heal the sick. 3He told them: ty each. 15The disciples did so, and
Take nothing for the journeyno everyone sat down. 16Taking the five
staff, no bag, no bread, no money, loaves and the two fish and looking
no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you up to heave n, he gave thanks and
enter, stay there until you leave that broke them. Then he gave them to the
town. 5If people do not welcome you, disciples to distribute to the people.
leave their town and shake the dust 17They all ate and were satisfied, and
off your feet as a testimony a gainst the disciples picked up twelve basket
them. 6So they set out and went from fuls of broken pieces that were left
vill age to vill age, proc laimi ng the over.
good news and healing people every
where.
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about Peter Declares That Jesus Is the
all that was going on. And he was per Messiah
plexed because some were saying that 18Once when J esus was praying in
John had been r aised from the dead, private and his disciples were with
8others that Elijah had appeared, and him, he a sked them, Who do the
still others that one of the prophets of crowds say Iam?
long ago had come back to life. 9But 19They replied, Some say John the
Herod said, I beheaded John. Who, Baptist; others say Elijah; and still oth
then, is this I hear such things about? ers, that one of the prophets of long
And he tried to see him. ago has come back to life.
LIFE LESSONS
8:53 They laughed at him, knowing that 9:13 He replied, You give them some-
she was dead. As a physician, Luke wanted his thing to eat. The Lord will never command
audience to know that the child Jesus healed us to do something without also providing
was really and truly dead. One day, Jesus will whatever is required to obey him. In this case,
destroy death altogether (1Co15:21), but in feeding five thousand men seemed absolutely
this passage, he clearly showed his mastery impossible, but he provided what they needed,
over it. and there were even leftovers.
LIFE LESSONS
9:20 Who do you say I am? Peter 9:2930 As he was praying, the appear-
answered, Gods Messiah. Ultimately, this is ance of his face changed, and his clothes
the question we must all answer and the foun- became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two
dation of our confession of faith (Ro10:910). men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious
To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe splendor, talking with Jesus. Peter, James and
that he is God incarnate, born of a virgin, John knew Jesus as a great teacher and son of
crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the a carpenter from Nazareth, but here they saw
third day and fully capable of forgiving our sins him as they never dreamed they wouldas
and reconciling us to himself. We trust that all the glorified Messiah. Also, Elijah and Moses
he taught is true, we have eternal life because were talking to himMoses the greatest of the
of him, and all he has promised and has been lawgivers, and Elijah the greatest of the Old
prophesied about him will be fulfilled. Is this Testament prophets. So Jesus was also revealing
what you believe? Do you have faith that Jesus himself to be the fulfillment of the Law and the
is the Savior? Who do you say he is? prophets (Mt5:1718; Lk24:4447).
LIFE LESSONS
9:43 They were all amazed at the creations all the same, and we must do our best
greatness of God. The majesty and greatness to represent him with love and mercy so that
of God is displayed in many ways. In this case, it others will believe and be saved (2Co5:1721;
was demonstrated in his irresistible power over 2Ti2:2426).
an unclean spirit. We should always remember,
His kingdom rules over all (Ps103:19), and 10:2 The harvest is plentiful, but the
he is certainly able to help us, no matter what workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
challenge we face. therefore, to send out workers into his har-
vest field. The Lord invites us to partner with
9:55 Jesus turned and rebuked him in expanding his kingdom. Even though
them. The disciples still did not understand he is the One who draws people to himself and
who they really were in Christ. Sometimes we redeems them, he still leaves the proclamation
do not act like the new men and women he of the message to us.
is transforming us into either. Yet we are new
LIFE LESSONS
10:20 Do not rejoice that the spirits that our greatest cause for rejoicing should
submit to you, but rejoice that your names be our salvation. Evangelism is therefore a
are written in heaven. We tend to get more important work than we may imagine
excited about miracles like curing cancer and (Jn14:12).
casting out demons, but the Lord teaches us
about many things, 42but few things done on earth as it is in heaven. e4Greek
everyone who is indebted to us f4Some
are need edor indeed only one.b manuscripts temptation, but deliver us from
Mary has chosen what is better, and it the evil one g8Oryet to preserve his good
will not be taken away from her. name
LIFE LESSONS
10:42 Few things are neededor 11:1 Lord, teach us to pray. The
indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is disciples often saw Jesus off by himself in
better, and it will not be taken away from prayer. Seeing the power, wisdom and joy in
her. God created us to enjoy a deep and inti- his life, they asked him to teach them to pray
mate relationship with himself. While works of as he did. They wanted to connect with God
service are important, they must never eclipse in an intimate relationship and experience his
the fellowship he wants to experience with each awesome presence. Are our lives characterized
of us. by our time before the throne of grace? Do we
inspire others to communicate with and listen
to the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
11:28 Blessed rather are those who We delight his heart when we choose to rely
hear the word of God and obey it. God on the power of the Holy Spirit to do what he
always promises to bless joyful obedience. commands us to do.
LIFE PRINCIPLE 21
OBEDIENCE ALWAYS
BRINGS BLESSING.
Luke11:28
LIFE LESSONS
11:44 You are like unmarked graves, 11:45 Teacher, when you say these
which people walk over without knowing things, you insult us also. In hearing the
it. How were the scribes and Pharisees like rebuke to the Pharisees, the lawyers were
unmarked graves? Because just as touching the convicted about their own sins of hypocrisy
dead defiled a person, so their teachings were and leading people astray. This upset them.
causing people to remain unclean. These reli- Although Jesus knew how to answer tough
gious leaders emphasized legalistic compliance questions in a manner that delighted his
to religious dogma and manmade traditions hearers, he did not neglect the truth to remain
instead of encouraging people to genuinely popular. He never shrank from rebuking those
submit to the Lord. Consequently, they were who needed it in the hope that they would
leading people to eternal separation from him repent and be saved.
instead of showing them how to be saved.
They are zealous for God, but their zeal is not
based on knowledge... They did not submit to
Gods righteousness (Ro10:23).
LIFE LESSONS
12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two 12:15 Be on your guard against all
pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by kinds of greed; life does not consist in an
God. The Lord remembers even the sparrows abundance of possessions. True satisfaction
that end up for sale at the market and knows in life flows out of fulfilling the purpose for
their plight. So you never have to worry that which we were createdto enjoy an inti-
he has forgotten you. He knows your situation mate relationship with God. Wealth can never
and how best to deliver you from your troubles. substitute for a relationship with him, and it
Trust him. will ultimately only make the heart feel hollow
(Ecc6:2).
LIFE LESSONS
12:37 It will be good for those servants 12:48 From the one who has been
whose master finds them watching when he entrusted with much, much more will be
comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself asked. Jesus does not give us gifts, talents and
to serve, will have them recline at the table resources merely to spend them on ourselves.
and will come and wait on them. The Lord He gives them to us so that we will use them to
Jesus is coming again, and an eager anticipation expand his kingdom and to meet the needs of
of his return should keep us living productively. othersespecially fellow believers (1Co12:47;
Although servants attend to their superiors in Gal6:910).
this world, Jesus says that he, the master, will
bless his faithful disciples when he returns to
settle accounts.
LIFE LESSONS
13:3 I tell you, no! But unless you 13:16 Should not this woman... be
repent, you too will all perish. The victims set free on the Sabbath day...? When
of tragedies are not necessarily the recipients we care more for keeping rules than we do for
of divine judgment. Yet because we live in a the welfare of people made in Gods image,
dangerous world where tragedies occur without we miss the whole point of our existence.
warning, we must always be ready to meet our Romans13:10 explains, Love is the fulfillment
God (Heb9:27). of the law.
LIFE LESSONS
13:24 Make every effort to enter the earth, will draw all people to myself. He
through the narrow door, because many, offers salvation to everyone and would never
I tell you, will try to enter and will not be turn away someone who put his or her faith
able to. Not all roads lead to the Lord. Only in him (Ro10:913). Jesus is the only door to
one does, and that is through Jesus Christ. heaven and the only way for us to know the
Its not that the one true God is exclusive. Father (Jn10:7;14:6; Ac4:12), but absolutely
In fact, he is completely inclusive. Jesus said everyone has the opportunity to experience his
in John12:32, I, when I am lifted up from wonderful grace.
LIFE LESSONS
14:14 You will be blessed. Although people from heaven, God desires all people to
they cannot repay you, you will be repaid be saved and to come to a knowledge of the
at the resurrection of the righteous. No truth (1Ti2:4).
one ever outgives God. Any kind deed that we
do for someone elsewithout selfish motives, 14:26 If anyone comes to me and
but in Jesus name and for his sakewill be does not hate father and mother, wife
rewarded in heaven. The Lord loves to reward and children, brothers and sistersyes,
his faithful people, especially when we do even their own lifesuch a person cannot
things for his glory and not for personal gain. be my disciple. Jesus calls for an exclusive
commitment from his disciples. Everything else
14:23 The master told his servant, should pale in comparison to our love for him
Go out to the roads and country lanes and because he alone must be enthroned in our
compel them to come in, so that my house hearts.
will be full. Far from wanting to exclude
LIFE LESSONS
15:6 He calls his friends and neighbors about the redeemed who populate it without
together and says, Rejoice with me; I have talking about joy and gladness. Heaven is a very
found my lost sheep. The Lord is passionate happy place because we have been reconciled
about redeeming the lost. He takes great joy to the Lord (Ro5:11) and have the privilege
in reestablishing a close bond with his wander- of enjoying his wonderful presence. Joy is an
ing ones. attribute of God (Gal5:22), and we will surely
be delightfully blessed by our relationship with
15:10 There is rejoicing in the presence him forever.
of the angels of God over one sinner who
repents. Jesus cannot talk about heaven and
LIFE LESSONS
15:32 We had to celebrate and be glad, is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
because this brother of yours was dead and (Eph1:1314). We are irrevocably adopted
is alive again; he was lost and is found. into his family, which brings gladness and joy,
By giving the son a ring, sandals and a robe, both for us and for the Lord for all eternity.
the father restored the young man to his
position in the family. Likewise, when we 16:10 Whoever can be trusted with
accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our rela- very little can also be trusted with much, and
tionship with him is completely restored and whoever is dishonest with very little will also
we are given the promised Holy Spirit, who be dishonest with much. Faithfulness in the
LIFE LESSONS
small assignments the Lord gives us qualifies successful; the problem arises in how we try to
us for the opportunity to serve in greater and go about it. God says that to be great in the
more influential ways. Be obedient and faithful kingdom of heaven we must humbly serve others
where God plants you and watch what awe- and glorify himnot flaunt how great we are.
some things he does through your life.
16:31 If they do not listen to Moses
16:15 What people value highly and the Prophets, they will not be convinced
is detestable in Gods sight. Outwardly, even if someone rises from the dead. God
the Pharisees were the picture of religious did many wonders through Moses and the
pietyobserving every ritual and faithfully prophets and spoke through them about the
complying with each regulation. They pointed to Messiah, warned his people about judgment
their wealth as evidence of the Lords blessing. and admonished them to take care of the poor.
Yet they did these things to honor themselves, If the rich mans brothers would not heed their
not Godand the Lord condemned their instruction, how could a miracle change their
actions. There is nothing wrong with being minds? Likewise, Jesus performed all kinds of
LIFE LESSONS
miraclesincluding raising people from the However, it must be based completely on the
dead (Lk7:1215;8:4955; Jn11:144)and Lords ability, not our own. The almighty power
his enemies still crucified him. Even when he of God can work in an amazing way through a
was raised from the dead on the third day, the willing vessel (2Co4:7).
religious leaders still refused to believe in him.
17:10 You also, when you have done
17:4 Even if they sin against you seven everything you were told to do, should say,
times in a day and seven times come back We are unworthy servants; we have only
to you saying I repent, you must forgive done our duty. Jesus does not want us to
them. Jesus is not encouraging irresponsible grow proud over the things he enables us to
behavior on the part of the offender, but mer- accomplish by his Spirit. So Paul writes, When
ciful and gracious behavior on the part of the I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am
person who has been wronged. Forgive as the compelled to preach (1Co9:16).
Lord forgave you (Col3:13).
17:18 Has no one returned to give
17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, praise to God except this foreigner? Often,
Increase our faith! We do not need more the most unlikely people are the ones who obey
faith to comply with the Lords instructions, God and give him glory. The Lord always accepts
but genuine faith. Its not the amount that their praise and frequently uses them as the
matterseven a mustard seed of faith will do. examples of a righteous heart.
LIFE LESSONS
18:1 Jesus told his disciples a parable to until he lets us know that we should stop pray-
show them that they should always pray and ing about something, he calls us to persevere in
not give up. There may be many reasons why faith and keep asking.
God does not answer our prayers quickly, but
LIFE LESSONS
18:34 The disciples did not understand from them, and they did not understand what
any of this. Its meaning was hidden from Jesus meant until after he rose from the grave
them. Why did the disciples so frequently (Lk24:1349). Thankfully, we now have the
misunderstand Jesus words? Can we blame Holy Spirit to help us understand how he is
faulty expectations, disobedience or some directing us (Jn14:26;16:1315; Jas1:5).
other cause? Luke says the truth was hidden
LIFE LESSONS
19:44 You did not recognize the time of ize that they were in the presence of God in the
Gods coming to you. How is it that the vast flesh? More to the point, do we realize it when
majority of people alive in Jesus day did not real- the Lord is doing something special in our midst?
LIFE LESSONS
20:20 Keeping a close watch on him, us to be on the alert for thembut even more
they sent spies, who pretended to be to make sure that we do not become one of
sincere. Every age has its false teachers and them ourselves. Each of us must guard our heart
religious impostors, ours included. Jesus told against ungodly teaching and the schemes of
LIFE LESSONS
unbelievers. We must also be careful to remain gious credentials to deceive others. Although
in the center of Gods will and under his pro- there is no longer condemnation for believ-
tection. ers (Ro8:1), those who faithfully obey the
Lord will receive greater rewards than those
20:47 These men will be punished who disregard their divine assignments or
most severely. Gods judgment will fall more serve God for their own selfish motives. Each
severely on those who pretend to serve him for will receive what he has earned (Ro2:58;
their own personal gain and who use their reli- 1Co3:1115).
LIFE LESSONS
21:13 And so you will bear testimony worry, but should always stand firm in our faith
to me. Just as the imprisonments of the apos- in the Lord.
tle Paul turned out to be divine opportunities
to testify about the gospel of Christ (Ac9:15; 21:24 Jerusalem will be trampled on
Php1:12), so God will use persecutions to make by the Gentiles until the times of the Gen-
his Word known. tiles are fulfilled. The times of the Gen-
tiles began when the Babylonians destroyed
21:18 Not a hair of your head will Jerusalem in 586 BC, and they will endure as
perish. Jesus reminds believers that he will long as Gentiles rule Jerusalem. Although the
always remain in control, and every detail Jews have had brief control of Jerusalem over
of our lives will be safe in his loving hands. the yearsespecially since the Six Day War in
Although we will certainly face persecution, 1967they will not truly take possession of the
not a hair of our heads will be touched without city until the Messiah, our Lord Jesus, returns.
his permission. And if we lose our lives for his God promised the land to his people, and he
sake, it will be according to his purpose and will keep his covenant with them to the end
timing. Our eternal lives are secure and our (Ge13:1418;28:1016;35:1012; Ex6:28;
victories are guaranteed. So we should not Eze37:2428).
LIFE LESSONS
21:34 Be careful, or your hearts will were marked with the blood of a lamb. During
be weighed down with carousing, drunken- the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Jews
ness and the anxieties of life, and that day observed their hasty escape from Pharaoh and
will close on you suddenly like a trap. A how the Lord sustained them in the desert.
constant awareness that the Lord could return Jewish men were required to go to Jerusalem to
at any time keeps us spiritually alert and living observe these two feasts. Therefore, Jews from
productively for the kingdom of God. When every nation were present to witness Christs
our focus is on Christs second coming, we will sacrifice on the cross.
not be as concerned with the trivial matters of
life but will be motivated to obey him and will 22:3 Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot,
diligently work to tell all people of the salvation one of the Twelve. Although others such as
he offers. Saul (1Sa16:14) and the Gadarene demoniacs
(Mt8:2833) were tormented by evil spirits,
22:1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, Judas is the only person whom the Bible explic-
called the Passover, was approaching. The itly says was possessed by Satan. Many Bible
Passover and the Festival of Unleavened scholars believe the antichrist will be as well
Bread both commemorated how the Lord had (Rev 1213), and both men are called doomed
delivered the Israelites from their bondage in to destruction (Jn17:12; also 2Th2:3). Yet
Egypt (Ex 12). The Passover celebrated how realize that whenever we refuse to submit
God spared the firstborn sons of Israel when to Gods will, we are aiding the enemys plan
the death angel passed over their houses, which (Jn8:4247).
LIFE LESSONS
22:31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked the alert to detect the activity of our adversary,
to sift all of you as wheat. When Peter so we can resist him and stand firm in the faith
denied Jesus three times, the enemy was invis- (1Pe5:811). We must also stay in the center of
ibly working behind the scenes to encourage Gods will so that we will not give the enemy an
his spiritual failure. We must always remain on opportunity to harm us (Eph4:1732).
LIFE LESSONS
22:42 Not my will, but yours be done. 22:61 The Lord turned and looked
Taking the penalty for every sin ever committed straight at Peter. What kind of look was it?
is an unimaginable burden, and it weighed on One that expressed compassion? Disappoint-
Jesus sinless heart. Yet here the Lord shows us ment? Resignation? Sorrow? We dont know.
how to gain the victory in the most difficult We only know that Jesus used it to remind Peter
situations and most heartbreaking circum- of his prophetic word, and that look caused
stances. We must completely submit our will Peter to weep.
to his wisdom and trust his unfailing love.
LIFE LESSONS
23:8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was interest in Jesus as Messiah or Savior; he simply
greatly pleased, because for a long time he wanted to see wonders performed for him. Yet
had been wanting to see him. From what he Jesus refused to speak a single word to the king.
had heard about him, he hoped to see him No one can ever manipulate him into doing his
perform a sign of some sort. Herod had no or her bidding.
LIFE LESSONS
23:34 Jesus said, Father, forgive do, we must imitate his example of forgiveness
them, for they do not know what they are (Mt18:2135; Eph4:32).
doing. Although their actions were cruel, the
Roman soldiers who carried out the crucifixion 23:43 Today you will be with me in
could not have understood the eternal impli- paradise. One thief had a change of heart
cations of what they had donethat they while on the cross, and Jesus accepted his
were crucifying the Lord. So Jesus extended expression of faith as genuine. Did the thief
his mercy to them, just as he offers it to each deserve such mercy? No. None of us do. But
of us. This is the nature of Gods unconditional the point is that Gods grace saves us, not our
loveno matter what we do, he still cares merit.
and bids us to return to him. This is also the
standard he calls us to. No matter what others
24 On the first day of the week, very 16but they were kept from recognizing
early in the morning, the wom him.
en took the spices they had prepared 17He asked them, What are you dis
and went to the tomb. 2 They found cussing together as you walk along?
the stone rolled away from the tomb, They stood still, their faces down
3but when they entered, they did not cast. 18One of them, n amed Cleopas,
find the body of the Lord J esus. 4While asked him, Are you the only one vis
they were wondering a bout this, sud iting Jerusalem who does not know
denly two men in clothes that gleamed the things that have happened there in
like lightning s tood beside them. 5In these days?
their fright the women bowed down 19What things? he asked.
with their faces to the g round, but the About Jesus of Nazar eth, they re
men said to them, Why do you look plied. He was a prophet, powerful in
for the living among the dead? 6He is word and deed before God and all the
not here; he has risen! Remember how people. 20The c hief p riests and our rul
he told you, w hile he was s till with you ers handed him over to be sentenced
in Galilee: 7The Son of Man must be to death, and they crucified him; 21but
delivered over to the h ands of sinners, we had h oped that he was the one who
be crucified and on the third day be was going to redeem Israel. And what
raised again. 8Then they remem is more, it is the third day since all this
bered his words. took place. 22In addition, some of our
9
When they came back from the women amazed us. They went to the
tomb, they told all these things to the tomb early this morning 23 but didnt
Eleven and to all the others. 10It was find his body. They came and told us
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the that they had seen a vision of angels,
mother of James, and the others with who said he was a live. 24Then some of
them who told this to the apostles. our companions went to the tomb and
11But they did not believe the women, found it just as the women had said,
because their words s eemed to them but they did not see Jesus.
like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up 25He said to them, How foolish you
and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he are, and how slow to believe all that
saw the s trips of linen lying by them the prophets have spoken! 26Did not
selves, and he went away, wondering
to himself what had happened. a13 Orabout 11kilometers
LIFE LESSONS
23:55 The women who had come with disillusioned, it was difficult for the disciples
Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and to believe that Jesus really had risen from the
saw the tomb and how his body was laid in dead. It was only after they saw the resurrected
it. People who want to discredit the resurrec- Lord and understood his victory over death that
tion have at times claimed that the disciples they became powerhouse witnesses for him.
went to the wrong grave. But this verse shows
that the women carefully noted which tomb 24:25 How foolish you are, and how
held Jesus body. slow to believe all that the prophets have
spoken! In many accounts, the disciples did
24:11 They did not believe the women, not at first believe that the Lord had risen or
because their words seemed to them like recognize him when he appeared to them.
nonsense. Because they were heartbroken and Usually it took hearing his voice or seeing him
ANSWERS
TO LIFES QUESTIONS
How do I handle nagging doubt?
Luke 24:38
LIFE LESSONS
perform some familiar action to open their eyes. disciples that he was not a ghost or figment
Unbelief can blind us to the Lords work, but of their imagination before they would accept
trusting God means looking beyond what we the truth of his bodily resurrection. Because we
can see to what he sees and is doing. Had they know for certain that his body was raised, we
believed in his word through the prophets, they can have full confidence that ours will be as
most likely would have anticipated the resurrec- well (1Co15:5054).
tion with joy instead of being consumed with
sorrow. 24:45 He opened their minds so they
could understand the Scriptures. The things
24:41 While they still did not believe of the Spirit of God are foolishness to the unbe-
it because of joy and amazement, he asked lieving natural man (1Co2:14). It always takes
them, Do you have anything here to the Lords wisdom and influence to help us
eat? Jesus had to prove to his unbelieving understand and accept the truth of his Word.