In 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul shared four statements that he called “true statements.” These statements are an important part of our Christian faith. Today and over the next few days we will look at these true statements.
The first true statement is found in 1 Timothy 1:15. “Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them.” When was Paul the “worst sinner”? Before he became a Christian, Paul did terrible things to Christians. He took Christians and put them in jail and even helped others who were killing Christians.
Paul realized how much God loved Him, and he knew that he was saved only by God’s grace. That helped Paul in his ministry. When he told someone about Jesus, he also shared how God’s love and grace had saved him.
Jesus came to earth to show us a better way to live. But more importantly, He came to bring us forgiveness and salvation. That is the Good News we need to share with other people.
Tell someone about God’s love and grace today!
True Statements (1)
December 26
December 26, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
Hello 2020!
December 31, 2019 • Jo Krueger
Have you enjoyed the devotions over the past few months? I hope you have been encouraged and strengthened by God’s message in the New Testament books of Romans through Revelation. But maybe now you are thinking, “So what should I do now? I have studied the entire Bible. What do I do next?” The answer is that you keep on studying the Bible. God’s Word has the answers to all of life’s questions. The more we study the Bible, the more we learn. God doesn’t want us to study through the Bible and then forget it. He wants us to read it again and again and keep learning more and more. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:17 why studying the Bible is important. “Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” Reading and studying the Bible will prepare you to live in the world and help you do good things for God. Tomorrow a new year is starting. Make a plan to keep on studying the Bible every day of 2020. Pray and ask God to encourage you through His Word. And then share what you have learned with others!
Good-bye 2019!
December 30, 2019 • Cathy Garvin
We can look back over the past year of 2019 and remember the good things that have happened. We may also remember times of frustration, sickness, loneliness or sadness. We know what has happened during the past year. But we do not know what will happen in the future. Only God knows what will happen to us in 2020. Maybe exciting things will happen to us next year. Maybe we will face difficult times and decisions. Or maybe Jesus will return in 2020 and take us to live with Him forever. We may not know what will happen in 2020. But we can know how we should act as Christians in 2020. Paul talked about this in Colossians 2:7. “You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Paul’s words in Colossians are wonderful advice for us as we begin a new year — depend on Jesus, study the Bible so that you can understand it well, and never stop giving thanks to God. Stay close to God, and He will bless you and provide for you in the new year!
True Statements (4)
December 29, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
Today we will look at Paul’s final “true statement” which we can find in Titus 3:7-8. “We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. This is a true statement. And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.” How does Paul say that God makes us right with Him? We are made right through His grace. Why does God want to save us? Because He wants us to be His children and share eternal life with Him. When we realize how we can become right with God and why He wants to save us, we will want to use our lives for doing good things. These good things are not for ourselves. We do these good things to help other people and show them God’s love. Take time today to think about how God has saved you. Next, think about how wonderful it will be to live with Him in heaven. And finally, use your life to do good things that lead other people to know about God.