114 Bible Verses about Spiritual
Most Relevant Verses
That which comes first is not the spiritual, but the human; afterwards comes the spiritual;
And we speak of these gifts, not in language taught by human philosophy, but in language taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things in spiritual words.
But the man with spiritual insight is able to understand everything, although he himself is understood by no one.
Since we, then, sowed spiritual seed for you, is it too much that we should reap from you an earthly harvest?
The merely intellectual man rejects the teaching of the Spirit of God; for to him it is mere folly; he cannot grasp it, because it is to be understood only by spiritual insight.
In the next place, Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts.
But I, Brothers, could not speak to you as men with spiritual insight, but only as worldly-minded-mere infants in the Faith of Christ.
Blessed is the God and Father of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has blessed us on high with every spiritual blessing, in Christ.
Seek this Love earnestly, and strive for spiritual gifts, above all for the gift of preaching.
From Thematic Bible
Adorning » Spiritual » General references
Adorning » Spiritual » White raiment, the heavenly garment
And I tell you that Elijah has already come, and people have not recognized him, but have treated him just as they pleased. In the same way, too, the Son of Man is destined to undergo suffering at men's hands."
He who conquers shall be clothed in these white robes, and I will not 'strike his name out of the Book of Life'; but I will own him before my Father, and before his angels.
Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
And round the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these I saw twenty-four Councillors sitting clothed in white robes; and on their heads they had crowns of gold.
After this, in my vision, I saw a vast throng which no man could number, of men from every nation and of all tribes, and peoples, and languages. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, robed in white, holding palm branches in their hands.
Adorning » Spiritual » The robe of righteousness, the saint's adorning
Armour » Spiritual » Weapons and armour of the saints
Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground against the stratagems of the Devil.
But let us, who belong to the Day, control ourselves, and put on faith and love as a breast plate, and the hope of Salvation as a helmet.
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
By the Message of Truth, and by the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Assurance » Spiritual
That is why I am undergoing these sufferings; yet I feel no shame, for I know in whom I have put my faith, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until 'That Day.'
let us draw near to God in all sincerity of heart and in perfect faith, with our hearts purified by the sprinkled blood from all consciousness of wrong, and with our bodies washed with pure water.
In the hope that they, being bound to one another by love, and keeping in view the full blessedness of a firm conviction, may be encouraged to strive for a perfect knowledge of God's hidden Truth,
Because the Good News that we brought came home to you, not merely as so many words, but with a power and a fulness of conviction due to the Holy Spirit. For you know the life that we lived among you for your good.
And by this we know that we have learned to know him--by our laying his commands to heart.
Beauty » Spiritual
Boasting » Spiritual
Some, however, of the branches were broken off, and you, who were only a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and came to share with them the root which is the source of the richness of the cultivated olive. Yet do not exult over the other branches. But, if you do exult over them, remember that you do not support the root, but that the root supports you. But branches, you will say, were broken off, so that I might be grafted in. read more.
True; it was because of their want of faith that they were broken off, and it is because of your faith that you are standing. Do not think too highly of yourself, but beware. For, if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
My mission from Christ was not to baptize, but to tell the Good News; not, however, in the language of philosophy, lest the cross of the Christ should be robbed of its meaning. The Message of the Cross is indeed mere folly to those who are in the path to Ruin, but to us who are in the path of Salvation it is the very power of God. For Scripture says-'I will bring the philosophy of the philosophers to nought, and the shrewdness of the shrewd I will make of no account.' read more.
Where is the Philosopher? where the Teacher of the Law? where the Disputant of to-day? Has not God shown the world's philosophy to be folly? For since the world, in God's wisdom, did not by its philosophy learn to know God, God saw fit, by the 'folly' of our proclamation, to save those who believe in Christ! While Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks study philosophy, We are proclaiming Christ crucified!-to the Jews an obstacle, to the Gentiles mere folly, But to those who have received the Call, whether Jews or Greeks, Christ, the Power of God and the Wisdom of God! For God's 'folly' is wiser than men, and God's 'weakness' is stronger than men. Look at the facts of your Call, Brothers. There are not many among you who are wise, as men reckon wisdom, not many who are influential, not many who are high-born; But God chose what the world counts foolish to put its wise men to shame, and God chose what the world counts weak to put its strong things to shame, And God chose what the world counts poor and insignificant-- things that to it are unreal-to bring its 'realities' to nothing, So that in his presence no human being should boast. But you, by your union with Christ Jesus, belong to God; and Christ, by God's will, became not only our Wisdom, but also our Righteousness, Holiness, and Deliverance, So that-in the words of Scripture-'Let him who boasts make his boast of the Lord!'
Body » Resurrection of » Spiritual
Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
And as we have borne the likeness of him who came from the dust, so let us bear the likeness of him who came from Heaven.
Even while in our present body we sigh, longing to put over it our heavenly dwelling,
When the Christ, who is our Life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Brethren » Spiritual » The family of God
For those whom God chose from the first he also destined from the first to be transformed into likeness to his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest among many Brothers.
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
And consequently it was necessary that he should in all points be made like 'his Brothers,' in order that he might prove a merciful as well as a faithful High Priest in man's relations with God, for the purpose of expiating the sins of his People.
But do not allow yourselves to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Father, the heavenly Father.
And the King will reply 'I tell you, as often as you did it to one of these my Brothers, however lowly, you did it to me.'
Christ » Words of characteristics of » Spiritual
It is the Spirit that gives Life; mere flesh is of no avail. In the teaching that I have been giving you there is Spirit and there is Life.
Circumcision » Spiritual
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ.
And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men.
Clothing » Spiritual » White raiment, the heavenly garment
And I tell you that Elijah has already come, and people have not recognized him, but have treated him just as they pleased. In the same way, too, the Son of Man is destined to undergo suffering at men's hands."
He who conquers shall be clothed in these white robes, and I will not 'strike his name out of the Book of Life'; but I will own him before my Father, and before his angels.
Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
And round the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these I saw twenty-four Councillors sitting clothed in white robes; and on their heads they had crowns of gold.
After this, in my vision, I saw a vast throng which no man could number, of men from every nation and of all tribes, and peoples, and languages. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, robed in white, holding palm branches in their hands.
Clothing » Spiritual » The robe of righteousness, the saint's adorning
Consequences of sin » death » Physical » Spiritual » Separation from God
Darkness » Spiritual
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
But, if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be darkened. And, if the inner light is darkness, how intense must that darkness be!
For, although you were once in Darkness, now, by your union with the Lord, you are in the Light. Live as 'Children of Light'- -
The ground of his condemnation is this, that though the Light has come into the world, men preferred the darkness to the Light, because their actions were wicked.
Deafness » Spiritual
Dearth » Spiritual
death » Spiritual
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and through sin came death; so, also, death spread to all mankind, because all men had sinned.
With their powers of discernment darkened, cut off from the Life of God, owing to the ignorance that prevails among them and to the hardness of their hearts.
And he 'himself carried our sins' in his own body to the cross, so that we might die to our sins, and live for righteousness. 'His bruising was your healing.'
death » Spiritual » Of the wicked
But God said to the man 'Fool! This very night your life is being demanded; and as for all you have prepared--who will have it?'
Debtors » Spiritual
Moreover, you are not your own masters; you were bought, and the price was paid. Therefore, honor God in your bodies.
I have a duty to both the Greek and the Barbarian, to both the cultured and the ignorant.
For you do not forget the loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ--how that for your sakes, although he was rich, he became poor, so that you also might become rich through his poverty.
We have learned to know what love is from this--that Christ laid down his life on our behalf. Therefore we also ought to lay down our lives on behalf of our Brothers.
Diligence » Spiritual
Do not you say that it still wants four months to harvest? Why, look up, and see how white the fields are for harvest!
I could wish that I were myself accursed and severed from the Christ, for the sake of my Brothers-my own countrymen.
Being myself an Apostle to the Gentiles, I exalt my office, in the hope that I may stir my countrymen to rivalry, and so save some of them.
Enlightenment » Spiritual
But you are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, God's own People,' entrusted with the proclamation of the goodness of him who called you out of Darkness into his wonderful Light.
Indeed, the same God who said 'Out of darkness light shall shine,' has shone in upon our hearts, so that we should bring out into the light the knowledge of the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
Feasts » Of new moons » Spiritual
Then a voice said to me 'Write-- "Blessed are those who have been summoned to the marriage feast of the Lamb."' And the voice said-- 'These words of God are true.'
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and, after saying the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: "Take it; this is my body."
A second time he sent some servants, with orders to say to those who had been invited 'I have prepared my breakfast, my cattle and fat beasts are killed and everything is ready; come to the banquet.'
Fulness » Spiritual » Warnings against worldly fulness
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
Fulness » Spiritual » Fulness of blessing
Fulness » Spiritual » Fulness of joy
I have told you all this so that my own joy may be yours, and that your joy may be complete.
And I know that, when I come to you, it will be with a full measure of blessing from Christ.
Fulness » Spiritual » Fulness of the spirit
Do not drink wine to excess, for that leads to profligacy; but seek to be filled with the Spirit of God, and speak to one another in psalms and hymns and sacred songs.
Fulness » Spiritual » Fulness of wisdom
And therefore we, from the very day that we heard this, have never ceased praying for you, or asking that you may possess that deeper knowledge of the will of God, which comes through all true spiritual wisdom and insight.
Fulness » Spiritual » Fulness of God
And to understand--though it surpasses all understanding--the love of the Christ; and so be filled to the full with God himself.
Fulness » Spiritual » The overflowing cup
Gifts from God » Spiritual » Christ, the saviour
"If you knew of the gift of God," replied Jesus, "and who it is that is saying to you 'Give me some water,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you 'living water'."
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that every one who believes in him may not be lost, but have Immortal Life.
"In truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "Moses did not give you the Bread from Heaven, but my Father does give you the true Bread from Heaven; For the Bread that God gives is that which comes down from Heaven, and gives Life to the world."
Gifts from God » Spiritual » Faith
For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf.
For it is by God's loving-kindness that you have been saved, through your faith. It is not due to yourselves; the gift is God's.
Gifts from God » Spiritual » Wisdom
If one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask wisdom from the God who gives freely to every one without reproaches, and it will be given to him.
Gifts from God » Spiritual » Repentance
On hearing this statement, they said no more, but broke out into praise of God. "So even to the Gentiles," they exclaimed, "God has granted the repentance which leads to Life!"
Gifts from God » Spiritual » Grace
No; the gift that God gives is for a nobler end; and that is why it is said--'God is opposed to the haughty, but gives help to the humble.'
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Christ the chief of
"If you knew of the gift of God," replied Jesus, "and who it is that is saying to you 'Give me some water,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you 'living water'."
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that every one who believes in him may not be lost, but have Immortal Life.
"In truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "Moses did not give you the Bread from Heaven, but my Father does give you the true Bread from Heaven; For the Bread that God gives is that which comes down from Heaven, and gives Life to the world."
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Rest
And to give relief to you who are suffering, as well as to us, at the Appearing of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with his mighty angels, 'in flaming fire.'
Come to me, all you who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest!
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Faith
For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf.
For it is by God's loving-kindness that you have been saved, through your faith. It is not due to yourselves; the gift is God's.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Are through Christ
Every one of us, however, has been entrusted with some charge, each in accordance with the extent of the gift of the Christ. That is why it is said--'When he went up on high, he led his captives into captivity. And gave gifts to mankind.'
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Pray for
If you, then, wicked though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those that ask him!
Ask, and your prayer shall be granted; search, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Wisdom
If one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask wisdom from the God who gives freely to every one without reproaches, and it will be given to him.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Glory
I have given them the honor which thou has given me, that they may be one as we are one--
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Grace
No; the gift that God gives is for a nobler end; and that is why it is said--'God is opposed to the haughty, but gives help to the humble.'
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » The holy ghost
If you, then, naturally wicked though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him!"
"A curse upon you and upon your money," Peter exclaimed, "for thinking that God's free gift can be bought with gold!
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Righteousness
There is a contrast, too, between the gift and the results of the one man's sin. The judgment, which followed upon the one man's sin, resulted in condemnation, but God's gracious Gift, which followed upon many offences, resulted in a decree of righteousness. For if, by reason of the offence of the one man, Death reigned through that one man, far more will those, upon whom God's loving- kindness and his gift of righteousness are lavished, find Life, and reign through the one man, Jesus Christ.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » A new heart
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » To be used for mutual profit
Whatever the gift that each has received, use it in the service of others, as good stewards of the varied bounty of God.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Not repented of by him
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Strength and power
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Eternal life
The wages of Sin are Death, but the gift of God is Immortal Life, through union with Christ Jesus, our Lord.
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Peace
the Gifts of God » Spiritual » Repentance
On hearing this statement, they said no more, but broke out into praise of God. "So even to the Gentiles," they exclaimed, "God has granted the repentance which leads to Life!"
Glory » Spiritual » Is the work of the holy ghost
And all of us, with faces from which the veil is lifted, seeing, as if reflected in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory, as it is given by the Lord, the Spirit.
Glory » Spiritual » Is given by God
Glory » Spiritual » Is given by Christ
I have given them the honor which thou has given me, that they may be one as we are one--
Glory » Spiritual » Is the work of the holy spirit
And all of us, with faces from which the veil is lifted, seeing, as if reflected in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory, as it is given by the Lord, the Spirit.
Good » Tidings » Spiritual
"I am Gabriel," the angel answered, "who stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Healing » Spiritual
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, For he has consecrated me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and restoration of sight to the blind, To set the oppressed at liberty,
Heirs » Spiritual » Spiritual
For the promise that he should inherit the world did not come to Abraham or his descendants through Law, but through the righteousness due to faith.
And, since you belong to Christ, it follows that you are Abraham's offspring and, under the promise, sharers in the inheritance.
And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, since we share Christ's sufferings in order that we may also share his Glory.
You, therefore, are no longer a slave, but a son; and, if a son, then an heir also, by God's appointment.
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
Heritage » Spiritual
In him, I say, for by our union with him we became God's Heritage, having from the first been destined for this in the intention of him who, in all that happens, is carrying out his own fixed purpose;
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
given us the new Life of undying hope, that promises an inheritance, imperishable, stainless, unfading, which has been reserved for you in Heaven--
And now I commend you to the Lord and to the Message of his Love--a Message which has the power to build up your characters, and to give you your place among all those who have become Christ's People.
Since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your recompense. You are serving Christ, the Master.
Hope » Spiritual » Abides forever
And may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and, in his loving-kindness, gave us unfailing consolation and good ground for hope,
If only you remain true to your Faith, firm and immovable, never abandoning the hope held out in the Good News to which you listened, which has been proclaimed among all created things under Heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
Meanwhile Faith, Hope, and Love endure-these three, but the greatest of these is Love.
Hope » Spiritual » Enabled abraham to become the father of the faithful
And that 'hope never disappoints.' For the love of God has filled our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given us;
With no ground for hope, Abraham, sustained by hope, put faith in God; in order that, in fulfillment of the words-'So many shall thy descendants be,' he might become 'the Father of many nations.'
Hope » Spiritual » Believers called to testify concerning
Revere the Christ as Lord in your hearts; always ready to give an answer to any one who asks your reason for the hope that you cherish, but giving it humbly and in all reverence,
Hope » Spiritual » The scriptures the source of
Whatever was written in the Scriptures in days gone by was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance, and through the encouragement drawn from the Scriptures, we might hold fast to our hope.
Hope » Spiritual » The saving element in life
By our hope we were saved. But the thing hoped for is no longer an object of hope when it is before our eyes; for who hopes for what is before his eyes?
Hope » Spiritual » Inspires to clean living
And every one who has this hope with regard to Christ tries to make himself pure--as Christ is pure.
Hunger » Spiritual
like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Ignorance » Spiritual » General references to
With their powers of discernment darkened, cut off from the Life of God, owing to the ignorance that prevails among them and to the hardness of their hearts.
Be like obedient children; do not let your lives be shaped by the passions which once swayed you in the days of your ignorance,
Imitation » Of worldly people and customs condemned » Spiritual
Obey your Leaders, and submit to their control, for they are watching over your souls, as men who will have to render an account, so that they may do it with joy, and not in sorrow. That would not be to your advantage.
Do not forget your Leaders, the men who told you God's Message. Recall the close of their lives, and imitate their faith.
This was not because we had not a right to receive support, but our object was to give you a pattern for you to copy.
All that you learned and received and heard and saw in me put into practice continually; and then God, the giver of peace, will be with you.
Inheritance » Earthly » Spiritual
In him, I say, for by our union with him we became God's Heritage, having from the first been destined for this in the intention of him who, in all that happens, is carrying out his own fixed purpose;
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
given us the new Life of undying hope, that promises an inheritance, imperishable, stainless, unfading, which has been reserved for you in Heaven--
And now I commend you to the Lord and to the Message of his Love--a Message which has the power to build up your characters, and to give you your place among all those who have become Christ's People.
Since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your recompense. You are serving Christ, the Master.
The law of God » Described as » Spiritual
Life » Spiritual
The thief comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy; I have come that they may have Life, and may have it in greater fullness.
Jesus answered: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one ever comes to the Father except through me.
"I am the Life-giving Bread," Jesus said to them; "he that comes to me shall never be hungry, and he that believes in me shall never thirst again.
And, though it is those very Scriptures that bear testimony to me, you refuse to come to me to have life.
But these have been recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God--and that, through your belief in his Name, you may have Life.
Life » Spiritual » Spotless, general references to
So that he might himself bring the Church, in all her beauty, into his own presence, with no spot or wrinkle or blemish of any kind, but that she might be holy and faultless.
Therefore, dear friends, in expectation of these things, make every effort to be found by him spotless, blameless, and at peace.
That religious observance which is pure and spotless in the eyes of God our Father is this--to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the world.
Life » Spiritual » Necessitates death to sin and self
I have been crucified with Christ. So it is no longer I that live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and, as for my present earthly life, I am living it by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
And that he died for all, so that the living should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose for them.
Indeed, we who still live are continually being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the Life also of Jesus may be exhibited in our mortal nature.
Life » Spiritual » Secured through faith
In truth I tell you that he who listens to my Message and believes him who sent me, has Immortal Life, and does not come under condemnation, but has already passed out of Death into Life.
But these have been recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God--and that, through your belief in his Name, you may have Life.
But, if Christ is within you, then, though the body is dead as a consequence of sin, the spirit is Life as a consequence of righteousness.
So let it be with you-regard yourselves as dead to sin, but as living for God, through union with Christ Jesus.
Life » Spiritual » Christ the supreme object of
For that was why the Good News was told to the dead also--that, after they have been judged in the body, as men are judged, they might live in the spirit, as God lives.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
Life » Spiritual » Sustained by the word of God
Life » Spiritual » Love the demonstration of
We know that we have passed out of Death into Life, because we love our Brothers. The man who does not love remains in a state of Death.
Men » Spiritual » Evil men put to silence
Mind » Spiritual
Let the spirit of Christ Jesus be yours also.
For 'who has so comprehended the mind of the Lord as to be able to instruct him?' We, however, have the very mind of Christ.
To be earthly-minded means Death, to be spiritually minded means Life and Peace;
Nation » Spiritual » Sins of
Nation » Spiritual » The righteous cultivate the spirit of
But the wisdom from above is, before every thing else, pure; then peace-loving, gentle, open to conviction, rich in compassion and good deeds, and free from partiality and insincerity.
They are to be men of irreproachable character, who are faithful husbands, whose children are Christians and have never been charged with dissolute conduct or have been unruly.
Try earnestly to live at peace with every one, and to attain to that purity without which no one will see the Lord.
Nation » Spiritual » Rebellion against
Yet in the very same way these men, too, cherishing vain dreams, pollute our human nature, reject control, and malign the Mighty.
Therefore he who sets himself against the authorities is resisting God's appointment, and those who resist will bring a judgment upon themselves.
Preparation » Spiritual » Abandonment of idols
Preparation » Spiritual » Cleansing of God's temple
Preparation » Spiritual » Personal purification
If, then, a man has escaped from the pollution of such errors as I have mentioned, he will be like a thing kept for better use, set apart, serviceable to its owner, ready for any good purpose.
Preparation » Spiritual » Returning unto the lord
He shall go before him in the spirit and with the power of Elijah, 'to reconcile fathers to their children' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and so make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."
Reputation » Spiritual
Every one has heard of your ready obedience. It is true that I am very happy about you, but I want you to be well versed in all that is good, and innocent of all that is bad.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ about you all, because the report of your faith is spreading throughout the world.
Faith made the sacrifice which Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain's, and won him renown as a righteous man, God himself establishing his renown by accepting his gifts; and it is by the example of his faith that Abel, though dead, still speaks. Faith led to Enoch's removal from earth, that he might not experience death. 'He could not be found because God had removed him.' For, before his removal, he was renowned as having pleased God; But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that God exists, and that he rewards those who seek for him. read more.
It was faith that enabled Noah, after he had received the divine warning about what could not then be foreseen, to build, in reverent obedience, an ark in which to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world, and became possessed of that righteousness which follows upon faith. It was faith that enabled Abraham to obey the Call that he received, and to set out for the place which he was afterwards to obtain as his own; and he set out not knowing where he was going. It was faith that made him go to live as an emigrant in the Promised Land--as in a strange country--living there in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who shared the promise with him. For he was looking for the City with the sure foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Again, it was faith that enabled Sarah to conceive (though she was past the age for child-bearing), because she felt sure that he who had given her the promise would not fail her. And so from one man--and that when his powers were dead--there sprang a people as numerous 'as the stars in the heavens or the countless grains of sand upon the shore.' All these died sustained by faith. They did not obtain the promised blessings, but they saw them from a distance and welcomed the sight, and they acknowledged themselves to be only aliens and strangers on the earth. Those who speak thus show plainly that they are seeking their fatherland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they could have found opportunities to return. But no, they were longing for a better, a heavenly, land! And therefore God was not ashamed to be called their God; indeed he had already prepared them a city. It was faith that enabled Abraham, when put to the test, to offer Isaac as a sacrifice--he who had received the promises offering up his only son, of whom it had been said-- 'It is through Isaac that there shall be descendants to bear thy name.' For he argued that God was able even to raise a man from the dead--and indeed, figuratively speaking, Abraham did receive Isaac back from the dead. It was faith that enabled Isaac to bless Jacob and Esau, even with regard to the future. Faith enabled Jacob, when dying, to give his blessing to each of the sons of Joseph, and 'to bow himself in worship as he leant upon the top of his staff.' Faith caused Joseph, when his end was near, to speak of the future migration of the Israelites, and to give instructions with regard to his bones. Faith caused the parents of Moses to hide the child for three months after his birth, for they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they would not respect the King's order. It was faith that caused Moses, when he was grown up, to refuse the title of 'Son of a Daughter of Pharaoh.' He preferred sharing the hardships of God's People to enjoying the short-lived pleasures of sin. For he counted 'the reproaches that are heaped upon the Christ' of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, looking forward, as he did, to the reward awaiting him. Faith caused him to leave Egypt, though undaunted by the King's anger, for he was strengthened in his endurance by the vision of the invisible God. Faith led him to institute the Passover and the Sprinkling of the Blood, so that the Destroyer might not touch the eldest children of the Israelites. Faith enabled the people to cross the Red Sea, as if it had been dry land, while the Egyptians, when they attempted to do so, were drowned. Faith caused the walls of Jericho to fall after being encircled for seven days. Faith saved Rahab, the prostitute, from perishing with the unbelievers, after she had entertained the spies with friendliness. Need I add anything more? Time would fail me if I attempted to relate the stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah, and those of David, Samuel, and the Prophets. By their faith they subdued kingdoms, ruled righteously, gained the fulfillment of God's promises, 'shut the mouths of lions,' quelled the fury of the flames, escaped the edge of the sword, found strength in the hour of weakness, displayed their prowess in war, and routed hostile armies. Women received back their dead raised to life. Some were tortured on the wheel, and refused release in order that they might rise to a better life. Others had to face taunts and blows, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were tortured, they were swan asunder, they were put to the sword; they wandered about clothed in the skins of sheep or goats, destitute, persecuted, ill-used-- men of whom the world was not worthy--roaming in lonely places, and on the mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though they all won renown by their faith, they did not obtain the final fulfillment of God's promise;
Rest » Spiritual
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly-minded, and 'you shall find rest for your souls';
We must, therefore, be very careful, though there is a promise still standing that we shall enter upon God's Rest, that none of you even appear to have missed it. For we have had the Good News told us just as they had. But the Message which they heard did them no good, since they did not share the faith of those who were attentive to it. Upon that Rest we who have believed are now entering. As God has said-- 'In my wrath I swore--"They shall never enter upon my Rest;"' Although God's work was finished at the creation of the world; read more.
for, in a passage referring to the seventh day, you will find these words-- 'God rested upon the seventh day after all his work.' On the other hand, we read in that passage-- ' They shall never enter upon my Rest.' Since, then, there is still a promise that some shall enter upon this Rest, and since those who were first told the Good News did not enter upon it, because of their disbelief, again God fixed a day. 'To-day,' he said, speaking after a long interval through the mouth of David, in the passage already quoted-- 'If to-day you hear God's voice harden not your hearts.' Now if Joshua had given 'Rest' to the people, God would not have spoken of another and later day. There is, then, a Sabbath-Rest still awaiting God's People. For he who enters upon God's Rest does himself rest after his work, just as God did. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter upon that Rest, so that none of us fall through such disbelief as that of which we have had an example.
Rivers » Jordan » Spiritual
And the angel showed me 'a river of the Water of Life,' as clear as crystal, issuing from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Sleep » Spiritual » Symbol of death
Falling on his knees, he called out loudly: "Lord! do not charge them with this sin;" and with these words he fell asleep.
Sleep » Spiritual » General references to natural
Then he came to his disciples, and found them asleep. "What!" he said to Peter, "could none of you watch with me for one hour?
Suddenly so great a storm came on upon the Sea, that the waves broke right over the boat. But Jesus was asleep;
Sleep » Spiritual » Warnings against
The rest grew callous; as Scripture says--'God has given them a deadness of mind--eyes that are not to see and ears that are not to hear--and it is so to this very day.'
For everything that has its true character made manifest is clear as light. And that is why it is said--'Sleeper, awake! Arise from the dead, and the Christ shall give thee light!'
This I say, because you know the crisis that we have reached, for the time has already come for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; our Salvation is nearer now than when we accepted the Faith.
Therefore watch, for you cannot be sure when the Master of the house is coming-- whether in the evening, at midnight, at daybreak, or in the morning-- Lest he should come suddenly and find you asleep.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Radiant lives, of the saints
So as to prove yourselves blameless and innocent-- 'faultless children of God, in the midst of an evil-disposed and perverse generation,' in which you are seen shining like stars in a dark world,
He was the 'Lamp that was burning' and shining, and you were ready to rejoice, for a time, in his light.
And all of us, with faces from which the veil is lifted, seeing, as if reflected in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory, as it is given by the Lord, the Spirit.
Spiritual » Blindness » Examples of
But, if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be darkened. And, if the inner light is darkness, how intense must that darkness be!
Let them be; they are but blind guides; and, if one blind man guides another, both of them will fall into a ditch."
Blind indeed! Which is the more important? The offering? or the altar which gives sacredness to the offering?
But their minds were slow to learn. Indeed, to this very day, at the public reading of the Old Covenant, the same veil remains unlifted; only for those who are in union with Christ does it pass away.
Spiritual » Adoption » Adultery
Spiritual » Hunger select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Ps 42; 84
like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Ps 42; 84
like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Destitution of the truth
and incessant wrangling on the part of these corrupt-minded people who have lost all hold on the Truth, and who think of religion only as a source of gain.
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
Remember that you were at that time far from Christ; you were shut out from the citizenship of Israel; you were strangers to the Covenants founded on God's Promise; you were in the world without hope and without God.
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Of God
Think what love the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called 'Children of God'; as indeed we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it has not learned to know him.
Yet God, in his abundant compassion, and because of the great love with which he loved us, Even though we were 'dead' because of our offenses, gave Life to us in giving Life to the Christ. (By God's loving-kindness you have been saved.)
But God puts his love for us beyond all doubt by the fact that Christ died on our behalf while we were still sinners.
Spiritual » Instruction » Examples of spiritual
This man began to speak out fearlessly in the Synagogue; and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the Cause of God to him more carefully still.
Then Philip began, and, taking this passage as his text, told him the Good News about Jesus.
Spiritual » Quickening » General references to spiritual quickening
Spiritual » Poverty » Destitution of the truth
and incessant wrangling on the part of these corrupt-minded people who have lost all hold on the Truth, and who think of religion only as a source of gain.
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
Remember that you were at that time far from Christ; you were shut out from the citizenship of Israel; you were strangers to the Covenants founded on God's Promise; you were in the world without hope and without God.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Food
I am the Door; he who goes in through me will be safe, and he will go in and out and find pasture.
Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. To him who conquers-- to him I will give a share of the mystic manna, and I will give him a white stone; and on the stone shall be inscribed a new name, which no one knows except him who receives it."
Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. To him who conquers-- to him I will give the right 'to eat the fruit of the Tree of life, which stands in the Paradise of God.' "
I am the Living Bread that has come down from Heaven. If any one eats of this Bread, he will live for ever; and the Bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I will give for the Life of the world."
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Enlightenment, spiritual
But you are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, God's own People,' entrusted with the proclamation of the goodness of him who called you out of Darkness into his wonderful Light.
Indeed, the same God who said 'Out of darkness light shall shine,' has shone in upon our hearts, so that we should bring out into the light the knowledge of the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
Spiritual » Enlargement » Enlightenment
But you are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, God's own People,' entrusted with the proclamation of the goodness of him who called you out of Darkness into his wonderful Light.
Indeed, the same God who said 'Out of darkness light shall shine,' has shone in upon our hearts, so that we should bring out into the light the knowledge of the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
Spiritual » Physical inflicted physical healed » Brethren
For those whom God chose from the first he also destined from the first to be transformed into likeness to his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest among many Brothers.
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
And consequently it was necessary that he should in all points be made like 'his Brothers,' in order that he might prove a merciful as well as a faithful High Priest in man's relations with God, for the purpose of expiating the sins of his People.
But do not allow yourselves to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Father, the heavenly Father.
And the King will reply 'I tell you, as often as you did it to one of these my Brothers, however lowly, you did it to me.'
Spiritual » Hearing » Heritage
In him, I say, for by our union with him we became God's Heritage, having from the first been destined for this in the intention of him who, in all that happens, is carrying out his own fixed purpose;
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
given us the new Life of undying hope, that promises an inheritance, imperishable, stainless, unfading, which has been reserved for you in Heaven--
And now I commend you to the Lord and to the Message of his Love--a Message which has the power to build up your characters, and to give you your place among all those who have become Christ's People.
Since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your recompense. You are serving Christ, the Master.
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » To God encouraged
and keep within the love of God, while waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to bring you to Immortal Life.
His answer was: "'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.'
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » Exhortations to those engaged in
Spiritual » Foundation » General references to
For there is a passage of Scripture that runs-- 'See, I am placing in Zion a choice and precious corner-stone; And he who believes in him shall have no cause for shame.'
Everyone, therefore, that listens to this teaching of mine and acts upon it may be compared to a prudent man, who built his house upon the rock.
You have been built up upon the foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus himself being 'the corner- stone.'
Spiritual » Hearing » Heirs of God
For the promise that he should inherit the world did not come to Abraham or his descendants through Law, but through the righteousness due to faith.
And, since you belong to Christ, it follows that you are Abraham's offspring and, under the promise, sharers in the inheritance.
And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, since we share Christ's sufferings in order that we may also share his Glory.
You, therefore, are no longer a slave, but a son; and, if a son, then an heir also, by God's appointment.
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
Spiritual » Of God's word sins of » Imitation
Obey your Leaders, and submit to their control, for they are watching over your souls, as men who will have to render an account, so that they may do it with joy, and not in sorrow. That would not be to your advantage.
Do not forget your Leaders, the men who told you God's Message. Recall the close of their lives, and imitate their faith.
This was not because we had not a right to receive support, but our object was to give you a pattern for you to copy.
All that you learned and received and heard and saw in me put into practice continually; and then God, the giver of peace, will be with you.
Spiritual » Examples of growth » Healing of spiritual disease
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, For he has consecrated me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and restoration of sight to the blind, To set the oppressed at liberty,
Spiritual » Refining » The refining influence of afflictions
Spiritual » Light » God a light
These, then, are the Tidings that we have heard from him and now tell you-- 'God is Light, and Darkness has no place at all in him.'
Night will cease to be. They have no need of the light of a lamp, nor have they the light of the sun; for the 'Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.'
Spiritual » Light » Reflected from believers
So as to prove yourselves blameless and innocent-- 'faultless children of God, in the midst of an evil-disposed and perverse generation,' in which you are seen shining like stars in a dark world,
For, although you were once in Darkness, now, by your union with the Lord, you are in the Light. Live as 'Children of Light'- -
It is you who are the Light of the world. A town that stands on a hill cannot be hidden.
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Coming with power
Then I heard 'what seemed to be the shout of a vast throng, like the sound of many waters,' and like the sound of loud peals of thunder, crying-- 'Hallelujah! For the Lord is King, our God, the Almighty.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with strange 'tongues' as the Spirit prompted their utterances.
And I heard a loud voice in Heaven which said-- 'Now has begun the day of the Salvation, and Power, and Dominion of our God, and the Rule of his Christ; for the Accuser of our Brothers has been hurled down, he who has been accusing them before our God day and night.
"I tell you," he added, "that some of those who are standing here will not know death till they have seen the Kingdom of God come in power."
Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Kingdom of Christ
They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; so, too, will those with him who have received the Call and are chosen and faithful.
I tell you, some of those who are standing here will not know death till they have seen the Son of Man coming into his Kingdom."
So that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and be seated upon twelve thrones as judges of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus," he went on, "do not forget me when you have come to your Kingdom."
"My kingly power," replied Jesus, "is not due to this world. If it had been so, my servants would be doing their utmost to prevent my being given up to the Jews; but my kingly power is not from the world."
Spiritual » Resurrection » Man, raised from spiritual death
And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins!
And, through our union with Christ Jesus, God raised us with him, and caused us to sit with him on high,
And, if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give Life even to your mortal bodies, through his Spirit living within you.
For, if their being cast aside has meant the reconciliation of the world, what will their reception mean, but Life from the dead?
Spiritual » Cleansing » Spiritual encouraged
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Make your hands clean, you sinners; and your hearts pure, you vacillating men!
With these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that pollutes either body or spirit, and, in deepest reverence for God, aim at perfect holiness.
And now why wait any longer: Be baptized at once, wash away your sins, and invoke his Name.
If, then, a man has escaped from the pollution of such errors as I have mentioned, he will be like a thing kept for better use, set apart, serviceable to its owner, ready for any good purpose.
And every one who has this hope with regard to Christ tries to make himself pure--as Christ is pure.
Spiritual » Renewal » Man, strengthened and renewed by the holy spirit
Therefore, as I said, we do not lose heart. No, even though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
not as the result of any righteous actions that we had done, but in fulfillment of his merciful purposes. He saved us by that Washing which was a New Birth to us, and by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit,
And clothe yourselves with that new self, which, as it gains in knowledge, is being constantly renewed 'in resemblance to him who made it.'
Do not conform to the fashion of this world; but be transformed by the complete change that has come over your minds, so that you may discern what God's will is--all that is good, acceptable, and perfect.
Spiritual » Crowns » Darkness
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
But, if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be darkened. And, if the inner light is darkness, how intense must that darkness be!
For, although you were once in Darkness, now, by your union with the Lord, you are in the Light. Live as 'Children of Light'- -
The ground of his condemnation is this, that though the Light has come into the world, men preferred the darkness to the Light, because their actions were wicked.
Spiritual » Adoption » Adorning
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » Treasures
Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
"If you wish to be perfect," answered Jesus, "go and sell your property, and give to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; then come and follow me."
More than that, I count everything as loss, for the sake of the exceeding value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. And for his sake I have lost everything, and count it as refuse, if I may but gain Christ and be found in union with him;
storing up for themselves what in the future will prove to be a good foundation, that they may gain the only true Life.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again, and then, in his delight, went and sold everything that he had, and bought that field.
Spiritual » Of children encouraged » Investments
Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
"If you wish to be perfect," answered Jesus, "go and sell your property, and give to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; then come and follow me."
More than that, I count everything as loss, for the sake of the exceeding value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. And for his sake I have lost everything, and count it as refuse, if I may but gain Christ and be found in union with him;
storing up for themselves what in the future will prove to be a good foundation, that they may gain the only true Life.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again, and then, in his delight, went and sold everything that he had, and bought that field.
Spiritual » Ignorance » General references to
With their powers of discernment darkened, cut off from the Life of God, owing to the ignorance that prevails among them and to the hardness of their hearts.
Be like obedient children; do not let your lives be shaped by the passions which once swayed you in the days of your ignorance,
Spiritual » Cleansing » Composure
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
And to give relief to you who are suffering, as well as to us, at the Appearing of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with his mighty angels, 'in flaming fire.'
But I count my life of no value to myself, if only I may complete the course marked out for me, and the task that was allotted me by the Lord Jesus--which was to declare the Good News of the Love of God.
Even if you should suffer for righteousness, count yourselves blessed! 'Do not let men terrify you, or allow yourselves to be dismayed.'
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; take care not to be alarmed, for such things must occur; but the end is not yet here.
Spiritual » Temple » General references to
What agreement can thee be between a temple of God and idols? And we are a temple of the Living God. That is what God meant when he said--'I will dwell among them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Do not you know that you are God's Temple, and that God's Spirit has his home in you?
Again, do not you know that your body is a shrine of the Holy Spirit that is within you-the Spirit which you have from God?
and, as living stones, form yourselves into a spiritual House, to be a consecrated Priesthood, for the offering of spiritual sacrifices that will be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
You have been built up upon the foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus himself being 'the corner- stone.' United in him, every part of the building, closely joined together, will grow into a Temple, consecrated by its union with the Lord. And, through union in him, you also are being built up together, to be a dwelling-place for God through the Spirit.
Spiritual » Sowing » Surgery
If you live in obedience to your earthly nature, you will inevitably die; but if, by the power of the Spirit, you put an end to the evil habits of the body, you will live.
Therefore destroy all that is earthly in you--immorality, uncleanness, passions, evil desires, and that greed which is idolatry.
We recognize the truth that our old self was crucified with Christ, in order that the body, the stronghold of Sin, might be rendered powerless, so that we should no longer be slaves to Sin.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ.
Spiritual » Hearing » Spiritual of believers
Mark this, my dear Brothers--Let every one be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry;
But by that in the good ground are meant those who, having heard the Message, keep it in the good, rich soil of their hearts, and patiently yield a return.
Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Kingdom of heaven
For the Kingdom of Heaven is like an employer who went out in the early morning to hire laborers for his vineyards.
Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
"The Kingdom of Heaven," he said, "may be compared to a king who gave a banquet in honor of his son's wedding.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again, and then, in his delight, went and sold everything that he had, and bought that field.
Another parable which Jesus told them was this-- "The Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
Spiritual » Crowns » Deafness
Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Preaching of
With abundant proofs, he showed himself to them, still living, after his death; appearing to them from time to time during forty days, and speaking of all that related to the Kingdom of God.
However, when they came to believe Philip, as he told them the Good News about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Jesus, however, said to them: "I must take the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the other town also, for that was why I was sent."
After John had been committed to prison, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God--
Shortly afterwards, Jesus went on a journey through the towns and villages, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve,
Spiritual » Sowing » Striving
"Strive to go in by the small door. Many, I tell you, will seek to go in, but they will not be able,
I press on to the goal, to gain the prize of that heavenward Call which God gave me through Christ Jesus.
Under all circumstances let your lives be worthy of the Good News of the Christ: so that, whether I come and see you, or whether I hear of your affairs at a distance, I may know that you are standing firm, animated by one spirit, and joining with one heart in a common struggle for the Faith taught by the Good News,
Every athlete exercises self-restraint in everything; they, indeed, for a crown that fades, we for one that is unfading.
It is for that I toil, struggling with all the energy which he inspires and which works powerfully within me.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Walking with God
Yet there are some few among you at Sardis who did not soil their robes; they shall walk with me, robed in white, for they are worthy.
Spiritual » Battles » Beauty
And I saw the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending new out of Heaven from God, like a bride adorned in readiness for her husband.
So that he might himself bring the Church, in all her beauty, into his own presence, with no spot or wrinkle or blemish of any kind, but that she might be holy and faultless.
Yours should be, not the external adornment of the arrangement of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or the putting on of dresses, but the inner life with the imperishable beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit; for this is very precious in God's sight.
Spiritual » Crowns » Debtors
Moreover, you are not your own masters; you were bought, and the price was paid. Therefore, honor God in your bodies.
I have a duty to both the Greek and the Barbarian, to both the cultured and the ignorant.
For you do not forget the loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ--how that for your sakes, although he was rich, he became poor, so that you also might become rich through his poverty.
We have learned to know what love is from this--that Christ laid down his life on our behalf. Therefore we also ought to lay down our lives on behalf of our Brothers.
Spiritual » Spiritual necessities emphasized by Christ » New Birth
But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that God exists, and that he rewards those who seek for him.
Indeed, under the Law, almost everything is purified with blood; and, unless blood is shed, no forgiveness is to be obtained.
"In truth I tell you," answered Jesus, "unless a man owes his birth to Water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
And Salvation is in him alone; for there is no other Name in the whole world, given to men, to which we must look for our Salvation."
"In truth I tell you," answered Jesus, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have not Life within you.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Weapons
The weapons for our warfare are not earthly, but, under God, are powerful enough to pull down strongholds.
And receive 'the helmet of Salvation,' and 'the sword of the Spirit'--which is the Message of God--always with prayer and supplication.
But Jesus answered: "Scripture says--'It is not on bread alone that man is to live, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
God's Message is a living and active power, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing its way till it penetrates soul and spirit--not the joints only but the very marrow--and detecting the inmost thoughts and purposes of the mind.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Moses' fellowship with God
Spiritual » Physical inflicted physical healed » Body
Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
And as we have borne the likeness of him who came from the dust, so let us bear the likeness of him who came from Heaven.
Even while in our present body we sigh, longing to put over it our heavenly dwelling,
When the Christ, who is our Life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Spiritual » Physical inflicted physical healed » Bondage
But throughout my body I see a different law, one which is in conflict with the law accepted by my reason, and which endeavors to make me a prisoner to that law of Sin which exists throughout my body.
Surely you know that, when you offer yourselves as servants, to obey any one, you are the servants of the person whom you obey, whether the service be that of Sin which leads to Death, or that of Duty which leads to Righteousness.
Spiritual » Sleep » Warnings against
The rest grew callous; as Scripture says--'God has given them a deadness of mind--eyes that are not to see and ears that are not to hear--and it is so to this very day.'
For everything that has its true character made manifest is clear as light. And that is why it is said--'Sleeper, awake! Arise from the dead, and the Christ shall give thee light!'
This I say, because you know the crisis that we have reached, for the time has already come for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; our Salvation is nearer now than when we accepted the Faith.
Therefore watch, for you cannot be sure when the Master of the house is coming-- whether in the evening, at midnight, at daybreak, or in the morning-- Lest he should come suddenly and find you asleep.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Dawn, spiritual, the coming of Christ ushers in the
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
And still stronger is the assurance that we have in the teaching of the Prophets; to which you will do well to pay attention (as if it were a lamp shining in a gloomy place), until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.
Spiritual » Examples of growth » Harvest
Let us never tire of doing right, for at the proper season we shall reap our harvest, if we do not grow weary.
"The harvest," he said, "is abundant, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Owner of the harvest to send laborers to gather in his harvest.
Spiritual » Crowns » Dawn
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
And still stronger is the assurance that we have in the teaching of the Prophets; to which you will do well to pay attention (as if it were a lamp shining in a gloomy place), until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Shining faces, general references to
There his appearance was transformed before their eyes; his face shown like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
If the system of religion which involved Death, embodied in a written Law and engraved on stones, began amid such glory, that the Israelites were unable to gaze at the face of Moses on account of its glory, though it was but a passing glory,
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Dullness, condemned
Hypocrites! You know how to judge of the earth and the sky; how is it, then, that you cannot judge of this time?
How is it that you do not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to listen to my Message.
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Drought
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Examples of love to God
For God is not unjust; he will not forget the work that you did, and the love that you showed for his Name, in sending help to your fellow Christians--as you are still doing.
Spiritual » Kingdom » General references to
"In truth I tell you," answered Jesus, "unless a man owes his birth to Water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
"My kingly power," replied Jesus, "is not due to this world. If it had been so, my servants would be doing their utmost to prevent my being given up to the Jews; but my kingly power is not from the world."
This I say, Brothers-Flesh and blood can have no share in the Kingdom of God, nor can the perishable share the imperishable.
For the Kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and gladness through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual » Progress » A characteristic of the righteous
And all of us, with faces from which the veil is lifted, seeing, as if reflected in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory, as it is given by the Lord, the Spirit.
Spiritual » Power » Fills life with healing influences
Because the Good News that we brought came home to you, not merely as so many words, but with a power and a fulness of conviction due to the Holy Spirit. For you know the life that we lived among you for your good.
For the Spirit which God gave us was not a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control.
And pray that, in proportion to the wealth of his glory, he will strengthen you with his power by breathing his Spirit into your inmost soul,
God did miracles of no ordinary kind by Paul's hands; So that people would carry home to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body, and their diseases would leave them and the wicked spirits go out of them.
My Message and my Proclamation were not delivered in the persuasive language of philosophy, but were accompanied by the manifestation of spiritual power,
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Sanity
We are engaged in confuting arguments and pulling down every barrier raised against the knowledge of God. We are taking captive every hostile thought, to bring it into submission to the Christ,
When they came to Jesus, they found the possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind--the very man who had had the 'Legion' in him--and they were awe-struck.
For the Spirit which God gave us was not a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control.
But, when he came to himself, he said 'How many of my father's hired servants have more bread than they can eat, while here am I starving to death!
Spiritual » Feasts » Prepared in abundance for believers (select reading pr 91-6)
Then a voice said to me 'Write-- "Blessed are those who have been summoned to the marriage feast of the Lamb."' And the voice said-- 'These words of God are true.'
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and, after saying the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: "Take it; this is my body."
A second time he sent some servants, with orders to say to those who had been invited 'I have prepared my breakfast, my cattle and fat beasts are killed and everything is ready; come to the banquet.'
Spiritual » Sowing » The blessings of
For he who sows the field of his earthly nature will from that earthly nature reap corruption; while he who sows the field of the spirit will from that spirit reap Immortal Life.
Spiritual » Future rest of the saints restoration » Spiritual, of the penitent
Spiritual » Physical inflicted physical healed » Circumcision
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ.
And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men.
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » Utterance
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with strange 'tongues' as the Spirit prompted their utterances.
And at the same time pray for us, that God may give us an opening for our Message, so that we may speak of the truths hidden in the Christ--the truths for which I am in chains!
And, remembering how you excel in everything--in faith, in teaching, in knowledge, in unfailing earnestness, and in the affection that we have awakened in you--I ask you to excel also in this expression of your love.
And on my behalf also, that, when I begin to speak, words may be given me, so that I may fearlessly make known the inmost truth of the Good News,
For through union with him you were enriched in every way-in your power to preach, and in your knowledge of the Truth;
Spiritual » Traffic » Exhortations to men to engage in
Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again, and then, in his delight, went and sold everything that he had, and bought that field.
But the prudent ones answered 'No, for fear that there will not be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell it, and buy for yourselves.'
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Examples of
As saddened, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things!
I know your persecution and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know, too, the slander that come from those who declare that they are Jews, though they are not, but are a Congregation of Satan.
For you do not forget the loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ--how that for your sakes, although he was rich, he became poor, so that you also might become rich through his poverty.
For through union with him you were enriched in every way-in your power to preach, and in your knowledge of the Truth;
Spiritual » Enlargement » failure
Since, then, there is still a promise that some shall enter upon this Rest, and since those who were first told the Good News did not enter upon it, because of their disbelief,
If any man's work is burnt up, he will suffer loss; though he himself will escape, but only as one who has passed through fire.
The rain poured down, the rivers rose, the winds blew and struck against that house, and it fell; and great was its downfall."
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Discernment
The merely intellectual man rejects the teaching of the Spirit of God; for to him it is mere folly; he cannot grasp it, because it is to be understood only by spiritual insight.
But 'solid food' is for Christians of mature faith--those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish right from wrong.
Spiritual » Hearing » Highway
Spiritual » Adoption » Attraction
"No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me draws him to me; and I will raise him up at the Last Day.
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Pride
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
The Pharisee stood forward and began praying to himself in this way--'O God, I thank thee that I am not like other men-- thieves, rogues, adulterers--or even like this tax-gatherer.
"If you had been blind," replied Jesus, "you would have had no sin to answer for; but, as it is, you say 'We can see,' and so your sin remains.
Some, I hear, are puffed up with pride, thinking that I am not coming to you.
Spiritual » Adoption » Armour
Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground against the stratagems of the Devil.
But let us, who belong to the Day, control ourselves, and put on faith and love as a breast plate, and the hope of Salvation as a helmet.
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
By the Message of Truth, and by the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Showers
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Rivers
And the angel showed me 'a river of the Water of Life,' as clear as crystal, issuing from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By giving opportunities for choice
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
Every one has heard of your ready obedience. It is true that I am very happy about you, but I want you to be well versed in all that is good, and innocent of all that is bad.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ about you all, because the report of your faith is spreading throughout the world.
Faith made the sacrifice which Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain's, and won him renown as a righteous man, God himself establishing his renown by accepting his gifts; and it is by the example of his faith that Abel, though dead, still speaks. Faith led to Enoch's removal from earth, that he might not experience death. 'He could not be found because God had removed him.' For, before his removal, he was renowned as having pleased God; But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that God exists, and that he rewards those who seek for him. read more.
It was faith that enabled Noah, after he had received the divine warning about what could not then be foreseen, to build, in reverent obedience, an ark in which to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world, and became possessed of that righteousness which follows upon faith. It was faith that enabled Abraham to obey the Call that he received, and to set out for the place which he was afterwards to obtain as his own; and he set out not knowing where he was going. It was faith that made him go to live as an emigrant in the Promised Land--as in a strange country--living there in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who shared the promise with him. For he was looking for the City with the sure foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Again, it was faith that enabled Sarah to conceive (though she was past the age for child-bearing), because she felt sure that he who had given her the promise would not fail her. And so from one man--and that when his powers were dead--there sprang a people as numerous 'as the stars in the heavens or the countless grains of sand upon the shore.' All these died sustained by faith. They did not obtain the promised blessings, but they saw them from a distance and welcomed the sight, and they acknowledged themselves to be only aliens and strangers on the earth. Those who speak thus show plainly that they are seeking their fatherland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they could have found opportunities to return. But no, they were longing for a better, a heavenly, land! And therefore God was not ashamed to be called their God; indeed he had already prepared them a city. It was faith that enabled Abraham, when put to the test, to offer Isaac as a sacrifice--he who had received the promises offering up his only son, of whom it had been said-- 'It is through Isaac that there shall be descendants to bear thy name.' For he argued that God was able even to raise a man from the dead--and indeed, figuratively speaking, Abraham did receive Isaac back from the dead. It was faith that enabled Isaac to bless Jacob and Esau, even with regard to the future. Faith enabled Jacob, when dying, to give his blessing to each of the sons of Joseph, and 'to bow himself in worship as he leant upon the top of his staff.' Faith caused Joseph, when his end was near, to speak of the future migration of the Israelites, and to give instructions with regard to his bones. Faith caused the parents of Moses to hide the child for three months after his birth, for they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they would not respect the King's order. It was faith that caused Moses, when he was grown up, to refuse the title of 'Son of a Daughter of Pharaoh.' He preferred sharing the hardships of God's People to enjoying the short-lived pleasures of sin. For he counted 'the reproaches that are heaped upon the Christ' of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, looking forward, as he did, to the reward awaiting him. Faith caused him to leave Egypt, though undaunted by the King's anger, for he was strengthened in his endurance by the vision of the invisible God. Faith led him to institute the Passover and the Sprinkling of the Blood, so that the Destroyer might not touch the eldest children of the Israelites. Faith enabled the people to cross the Red Sea, as if it had been dry land, while the Egyptians, when they attempted to do so, were drowned. Faith caused the walls of Jericho to fall after being encircled for seven days. Faith saved Rahab, the prostitute, from perishing with the unbelievers, after she had entertained the spies with friendliness. Need I add anything more? Time would fail me if I attempted to relate the stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah, and those of David, Samuel, and the Prophets. By their faith they subdued kingdoms, ruled righteously, gained the fulfillment of God's promises, 'shut the mouths of lions,' quelled the fury of the flames, escaped the edge of the sword, found strength in the hour of weakness, displayed their prowess in war, and routed hostile armies. Women received back their dead raised to life. Some were tortured on the wheel, and refused release in order that they might rise to a better life. Others had to face taunts and blows, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were tortured, they were swan asunder, they were put to the sword; they wandered about clothed in the skins of sheep or goats, destitute, persecuted, ill-used-- men of whom the world was not worthy--roaming in lonely places, and on the mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though they all won renown by their faith, they did not obtain the final fulfillment of God's promise;
Spiritual » Light » General references to
But you are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, God's own People,' entrusted with the proclamation of the goodness of him who called you out of Darkness into his wonderful Light.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'
Spiritual » Desire select readings, psalms 42; 84 » Disease
Hearing this, Jesus said: "It is not those who are in health that need a doctor, but those who are ill. I did not come to call the religious, but the outcast."
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » Times of spiritual refreshing
And not only that, but we exult in God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, through whom we have now obtained this reconciliation.
I have the utmost confidence in you; I am always boasting about you. I am full of encouragement and, in spite of all our troubles, my heart is overflowing with happiness.
And many who were paralyzed or lame were cured, so that there was great rejoicing throughout that city.
But, when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the Treasurer saw no more of him; for he continued his journey with a joyful heart.
Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and there began to preach the Christ. The people, one and all, listened attentively to what Philip told them, when they heard of, and saw, the miracles which he was working.
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » Thirst
Spiritual » Relationships the church, its spiritual relationships » Heirship with Christ entailed in
And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, since we share Christ's sufferings in order that we may also share his Glory.
And in the very place where it was said to them-"Ye are not my People", they shall be called Sons of the Living God.'
To that eminent Christian, Rufus, and to his mother, who has been a mother to me also;
This is my reason for sending Timothy to you. He is my own dear faithful child in the Master's service, and he will remind you of my methods of teaching the Faith of Christ Jesus-methods which I follow everywhere in every Church.
Spiritual » Kinship, family of God its spiritual relationships » Heirship with Christ entailed in
And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, since we share Christ's sufferings in order that we may also share his Glory.
And in the very place where it was said to them-"Ye are not my People", they shall be called Sons of the Living God.'
To that eminent Christian, Rufus, and to his mother, who has been a mother to me also;
This is my reason for sending Timothy to you. He is my own dear faithful child in the Master's service, and he will remind you of my methods of teaching the Faith of Christ Jesus-methods which I follow everywhere in every Church.
Spiritual » Receptivity » General references to
So those who accepted his teaching were baptized, and about three thousand people joined the disciples on that day alone.
But by the seed which was sown on the good ground is meant the man who hears the Message and understands it, and really yields a return, sometimes one hundred, sometimes sixty, sometimes thirty fold."
These Jews of Beroea were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the Message with great readiness, and daily examined the Scriptures to see if what was said was true.
This, too, is a reason why we, on our part, are continually thanking God--because, in receiving the teaching that you had from us, you accepted it, not as the teaching of man, but as what it really is--the teaching of God, which is even now doing its work within you who believe in Christ.
Spiritual » Hope » Abides forever
And may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and, in his loving-kindness, gave us unfailing consolation and good ground for hope,
If only you remain true to your Faith, firm and immovable, never abandoning the hope held out in the Good News to which you listened, which has been proclaimed among all created things under Heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
Meanwhile Faith, Hope, and Love endure-these three, but the greatest of these is Love.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Watchmen
Obey your Leaders, and submit to their control, for they are watching over your souls, as men who will have to render an account, so that they may do it with joy, and not in sorrow. That would not be to your advantage.
Spiritual » Life » Necessitates death to sin and self
I have been crucified with Christ. So it is no longer I that live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and, as for my present earthly life, I am living it by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
And that he died for all, so that the living should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose for them.
Indeed, we who still live are continually being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the Life also of Jesus may be exhibited in our mortal nature.
Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Near at hand
At that time Jesus began to proclaim-- "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
And so may you, as soon as you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Spiritual » Mind » Mind of Christ
Let the spirit of Christ Jesus be yours also.
For 'who has so comprehended the mind of the Lord as to be able to instruct him?' We, however, have the very mind of Christ.
Since, then, Christ suffered in body, arm yourselves with the same resolve as he; for he who has suffered in body has ceased to sin,
Spiritual » Mind » Spiritual mind
Let the spirit of Christ Jesus be yours also.
For 'who has so comprehended the mind of the Lord as to be able to instruct him?' We, however, have the very mind of Christ.
To be earthly-minded means Death, to be spiritually minded means Life and Peace;
Spiritual » Life » Secured through faith
In truth I tell you that he who listens to my Message and believes him who sent me, has Immortal Life, and does not come under condemnation, but has already passed out of Death into Life.
But these have been recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God--and that, through your belief in his Name, you may have Life.
But, if Christ is within you, then, though the body is dead as a consequence of sin, the spirit is Life as a consequence of righteousness.
So let it be with you-regard yourselves as dead to sin, but as living for God, through union with Christ Jesus.
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » Demands entire consecration
A soldier on active service, to please his superior officer, always avoids entangling himself in the affairs of ordinary life.
Call to mind those early days in which, after you had received the Light, you patiently underwent a long and painful conflict.
The Dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to fight with the rest of her offspring-- those who lay to heart the commands of God and bear their testimony to Jesus; and he took his stand on the sea-shore.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Demands entire consecration
A soldier on active service, to please his superior officer, always avoids entangling himself in the affairs of ordinary life.
Call to mind those early days in which, after you had received the Light, you patiently underwent a long and painful conflict.
The Dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to fight with the rest of her offspring-- those who lay to heart the commands of God and bear their testimony to Jesus; and he took his stand on the sea-shore.
Spiritual » Kings spiritual kingship, conditions of » Fidelity
For if, by reason of the offence of the one man, Death reigned through that one man, far more will those, upon whom God's loving- kindness and his gift of righteousness are lavished, find Life, and reign through the one man, Jesus Christ.
You are the men who have stood by me in my trials; And, just as my Father has assigned me a Kingdom, I assign you places,
Are you all so soon satisfied? Are you so soon rich? Have you begun to reign without us? Would indeed that you had, so that we also might reign with you!
Spiritual » Enlargement » Exercise
The man who had received the three thousand pounds went at once and traded with it, and made another three thousand.
And that is my reason for reminding you to stir into flame that gift of God, which is yours through your ordination at my hands.
As for profane legends and old wives' tales, leave them alone. Train yourself to lead a religious life;
Spiritual » Encouraged » In love
And for you, may the Lord fill you to overflowing with love for one another and for every one, just as we are filled with love for you;
And indeed you do act in this spirit towards all the Brethren throughout Macedonia. Yet, Brothers, we urge you to still further efforts.
Spiritual » Immaturity » Inability to receive strong doctrine
Brothers, do not show yourselves children in understanding. In wickedness be infants, but in understanding show yourselves men.
But I, Brothers, could not speak to you as men with spiritual insight, but only as worldly-minded-mere infants in the Faith of Christ. I fed you with milk, not with solid food, for you were not then able to take it. No, and even now you are not able; you are still worldly.
Spiritual » Conditions of fruit-bearing » Abiding in Christ
I am the Vine, you are the branches. He that remains united to me, while I remain united to him--he bears fruit plentifully; for you can do nothing apart from me.
No discipline is pleasant at the time; on the contrary, it is painful. But afterwards its fruit is seen in the peacefulness of a righteous life which is the lot of those who have been trained under it.
But now that you have been set free from the control of Sin, and have become servants to God, the fruit that you reap is an ever-increasing holiness, and the end Immortal Life.
Spiritual » Talk » Used in everyday life
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By leading men in a difficult way
Spiritual » Kings spiritual kingship, conditions of » Spiritual cleansing
and 'he shall rule them with an iron rod, as when earthen vessels are broken in pieces' (as I myself have received from my Father)
and from Jesus Christ, ' the faithful Witness, the First-born from the dead, and the Ruler of all the Kings of the earth.' To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his own blood-- and he made us ' a Kingdom of Priests in the service of God,' his Father! --to Him be ascribed glory and dominion for ever. Amen.
Spiritual » Liberty » The presence of the spirit secures
And the 'Lord' is the Spirit, and, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
But, on account of the false Brothers who had stolen in, the men who had crept in to spy upon the liberty which we have through union with Christ Jesus, in order to bring us back to slavery--
Spiritual » Kings spiritual kingship, conditions of » Victory over satan
Then I saw thrones, and to those who took their seats upon them authority was given to act as judges. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony to Jesus and because of the Message of God, for they had refused to worship the Beast or its image, and had not received the brand on their foreheads and on their hands. They were restored to life, and they reigned with the Christ for a thousand years.
Night will cease to be. They have no need of the light of a lamp, nor have they the light of the sun; for the 'Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.'
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » A spiritual crown
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The Devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tempted, and may undergo persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to death, and I will give you the Crown of Life.
Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. To him who conquers-- to him I will give a share of the mystic manna, and I will give him a white stone; and on the stone shall be inscribed a new name, which no one knows except him who receives it."
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Without defect
Bearing a rich harvest of that righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
For the outcome of life in the Light may be seen in every form of goodness, righteousness, and sincerity--
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Abandonment of idols
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Endurance
Reassuring the minds of the disciples, urging them to remain true to the Faith, and showing that it is only through many troubles that we can enter the Kingdom of God.
These persecutions will vindicate the justice of God's judgment, and will result in your being reckoned worthy of God's Kingdom, for the sake of which you are now afflicted;
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Growth
Now on this subject I have much to say, but it is difficult to explain it to you, because you have shown yourselves so slow to learn. For whereas, considering the time that has elapsed, you ought to be teaching others, you still need some one to teach you the very alphabet of the Divine Revelation, and need again to be fed with 'milk' instead of with 'solid food.' For every one who still has to take 'milk' knows nothing of the Teaching of Righteousness; he is a mere infant. read more.
But 'solid food' is for Christians of mature faith--those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish right from wrong.
Therefore, let us leave behind the elementary teaching about the Christ and press on to perfection, not always laying over again a foundation of repentance for a lifeless formality, of faith in God-- teaching concerning baptisms and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment. Yes and, with God's help, we will. read more.
For if those who were once for all brought into the Light, and learned to appreciate the gift from Heaven, and came to share in the Holy Spirit, and learned to appreciate the beauty of the Divine Message, and the new powers of the Coming Age-- if those, I say, fell away, it would be impossible to bring them again to repentance; they would be crucifying the Son of God over again for themselves, and exposing him to open contempt. Ground that drinks in the showers that from time to time fall upon it, and produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; but, if it 'bears thorns and thistles,' it is regarded as worthless, it is in danger of being 'cursed,' and its end will be the fire. But about you, dear friends, even though we speak in this way, we are confident of better things--of things that point to your Salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not forget the work that you did, and the love that you showed for his Name, in sending help to your fellow Christians--as you are still doing. But our great desire is that every one of you should be equally earnest to attain to a full conviction that our hope will be fulfilled, and that you should keep that hope to the end. Then you will not show yourselves slow to learn, but you will copy those who, through faith and patience, are now entering upon the enjoyment of God's promises. When God gave his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater by whom he could swear, he swore by himself. His words were-- 'I will assuredly bless thee and increase thy numbers.' And so, after patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the fulfillment of God's promise. Men, of course, swear by what is greater than themselves, and with them an oath is accepted as putting a matter beyond all dispute.
Spiritual » Encouraged » Into Christ
But holding the truth in a spirit of love, we shall grow into complete union with him who is our Head--Christ himself.
Then you will live lives worthy of the Master, and so please God in every way. Your lives will be fruitful in every kind of good action, and your characters will grow through a fuller knowledge of God;
Spiritual » Labourers » Great opportunity afforded to
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's harvest field, God's building.
Do not you say that it still wants four months to harvest? Why, look up, and see how white the fields are for harvest! Already the reaper is receiving wages and gathering in sheaves for Immortal Life, so that sower and reaper rejoice together.
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By striving after the Christ ideal
But holding the truth in a spirit of love, we shall grow into complete union with him who is our Head--Christ himself.
And this shall continue, until we all attain to that unity which is given by faith and by a fuller knowledge of the Son of God; until we reach the ideal man--the full standard of the perfection of the Christ.
Spiritual » Immaturity » Necessity for tutelage
And so is it with us; when we were under age, as it were, we were slaves to the puerile teaching of this world;
My point is this--As long as the heir is under age, there is no difference between him and a slave, though he is master of the whole estate. He is subject to the control of guardians and stewards, during the period for which his father has power to appoint them.
Spiritual » Labourers » Prayer for the increase of
In the evening the owner of the vineyard said to his steward 'Call the laborers, and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, and ending with the first.
And he said to his disciples: "The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Owner of the harvest to send laborers to gather in his harvest."
Spiritual » Knowledge » A cause for exultation
Spiritual » Life » Christ the supreme object of
For that was why the Good News was told to the dead also--that, after they have been judged in the body, as men are judged, they might live in the spirit, as God lives.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
Spiritual » Crowns » The crown of glory
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The Devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tempted, and may undergo persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to death, and I will give you the Crown of Life.
Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.
Spiritual » Life » Sustained by the word of God
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Sympathetic service
Then the King will say to those on his right 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, enter upon possession of the Kingdom prepared for you ever since the beginning of the world. For, when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was a stranger, you took me to your homes;
Then, raising his eyes and looking at his disciples, Jesus spoke as follows: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By demanding great sacrifices
Spiritual » Rest » Lost by stubbornness
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Humility
Blessed are those who have been persecuted in the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » Dedication of God's house
Spiritual » Immaturity » Continuance in the primary department
For whereas, considering the time that has elapsed, you ought to be teaching others, you still need some one to teach you the very alphabet of the Divine Revelation, and need again to be fed with 'milk' instead of with 'solid food.'
like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Spiritual » Fulness » Fulness of blessing
Spiritual » Victory promises of ultimate triumph » Over severest afflictions
Who is there to separate us from the love of the Christ? Will trouble, or difficulty, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?
Spiritual » Relationships the church, its spiritual relationships » Obedience secures the benefits of
His reply, spoken to them all, was: "My mother and my brothers are those who listen to God's teaching and do what it bids."
For any one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » Peter, the profane fisherman becomes a man whose very shadow heals
Then Peter began to swear, with most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man." At that moment a cock crowed;
The consequence was that people would bring out their sick even into the streets, and lay them on mattresses and mats, in the hope that, as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some one of them.
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » John the vindictive jew becomes the apostle of love
Dear friends, let us love one another, because Love comes from God; and every one who loves has received the new Life from God and knows God.
But the people there did not welcome him, because his face was set in the direction of Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said: "Master, do you wish us to call for fire to come down from the heavens and consume them?"
Spiritual » Kinship, family of God its spiritual relationships » Obedience secures the benefits of
His reply, spoken to them all, was: "My mother and my brothers are those who listen to God's teaching and do what it bids."
For any one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Spiritual » Fulness » Fulness of joy
I have told you all this so that my own joy may be yours, and that your joy may be complete.
And I know that, when I come to you, it will be with a full measure of blessing from Christ.
Spiritual » Rest » True response found in God
Spiritual » Rest » The divine presence gives
Spiritual » Victory promises of ultimate triumph » Over evil influences of men
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » The woman of samaria of unsavoury reputation becomes an evangel of truth
"I have no husband," answered the woman. "You are right in saying 'I have no husband,'" replied Jesus, "For you have had five husbands, and the man with whom you are now living is not your husband; in saying that, you have spoken the truth."
Spiritual » Hope » Enabled abraham to become the father of the faithful
And that 'hope never disappoints.' For the love of God has filled our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given us;
With no ground for hope, Abraham, sustained by hope, put faith in God; in order that, in fulfillment of the words-'So many shall thy descendants be,' he might become 'the Father of many nations.'
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » The cold-hearted philippian jailer becomes a sympathetic friend
And that very hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds, and he himself and every one belonging to him were baptized without delay.
On receiving so strict an order, the Governor put them into the inner cell, and secured their feet in the stocks.
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Eternal life
Every good thing given us, and every perfect gift, is from above, and comes down to us from the Maker of the Lights in the heavens, who is himself never subject to change or to eclipse.
And I give them Immortal Life, and they shall not be lost; nor shall any one snatch them out of my hands.
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » The death of Christ
And in the same way with the cup, after supper, saying "This cup is the new Covenant made by my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in memory of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death-till he comes.
Spiritual » Light promised » To the followers of Christ
Jesus again addressed the people. "I am the Light of the World," he said. "He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life."
He who loves his Brother is always in the Light, and there is nothing within him to cause him to stumble;
Spiritual » Light promised » To the obedient
Spiritual » Liberty » The mission of Christ to proclaim
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, For he has consecrated me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and restoration of sight to the blind, To set the oppressed at liberty,
Spiritual » Liberty » The truth the instrumentality
Spiritual » Vision » Afflictions prepare for
Spiritual » Power » Source of spiritual power
But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit shall have descended upon you, and shall be witnesses for me not only in Jerusalem, but throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By proposing hard tasks
Yet, when he heard of the illness of Lazarus, he still stayed two days in the place where he was.
Looking up, and noticing that a great crowd was coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip: "Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?" He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he meant to do.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Watching
For you all are 'Sons of Light' and 'Sons of the Day.' We have nothing to do with night, or darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as others do. No, let us be watchful and self-controlled.
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » Saul the bloodthirsty persecutor becomes paul, the tender-hearted brother
It was then that Paul made the reply: "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart like this? For my part, I am ready not only to be bound, but even to suffer death at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus."
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the High Priest,
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Worshipping
Spiritual » Examples of growth » The boy Christ
And Jesus grew in wisdom as he grew in years, and 'gained the blessing of God and men.'
Spiritual » Transformation characters transformed by conversion » The restless demoniac becomes a quiet disciple
Night and day alike, he was continually shrieking in the tombs and among the hills, and cutting himself with stones.
When they came to Jesus, they found the possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind--the very man who had had the 'Legion' in him--and they were awe-struck.
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By cultivating the understanding
Brothers, do not show yourselves children in understanding. In wickedness be infants, but in understanding show yourselves men.
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By putting away childish things
When I was a child, I talked as a child, I felt as a child, I reasoned as a child; now that I am a man, I have done with childish ways.
Spiritual » Examples of growth » The thessalonians
Brothers, it is our duty always to thank God about you, as is but right, considering the wonderful growth of your faith, and because, without exception, your love for one another is continually increasing.
Spiritual » Power » Enables men to speak with authority
The Apostles continued with great power to bear their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's blessing rested upon them all abundantly.
Meanwhile Stephen, divinely helped and strengthened, was showing great wonders and signs among the people.
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Cleansing of God's temple
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » Spiritual weapons
The weapons for our warfare are not earthly, but, under God, are powerful enough to pull down strongholds.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Spiritual weapons
The weapons for our warfare are not earthly, but, under God, are powerful enough to pull down strongholds.
Spiritual » Encouraged » In fruitfulness
And he who supplies 'seed to the sower, and bread for eating,' will supply you with seed, and cause it to increase, and will multiply 'the fruits of your righteousness').
Spiritual » Power » Accompanies the baptism of the holy spirit
But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit shall have descended upon you, and shall be witnesses for me not only in Jerusalem, but throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
When suddenly there came from the heavens a noise like that of a strong wind rushing by; it filled the whole house in which they were sitting.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Believers called to
God will not fail you, and it is he who called you into communion with his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant grace
God has power to shower all kinds of blessings upon you, so that, having, under all circumstances and on all occasions, all that you can need, you may be able to shower all kinds of benefits upon others.
Spiritual » Perception » The wise man
Spiritual » Labourers » Worthy of reward
Those Officers of the Church who fill their office well should be held deserving of especial consideration, particularly those whose work lies in preaching and teaching. The words of Scripture are-- 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain.' and again-- 'The worker is worth his wages.'
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Many varieties of
But the fruit produced by the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindliness, generosity, trustfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law!
Spiritual » Moral Brankruptcy » The bankrupt servant
And therefore the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he had begun to do so, one of them was brought to him who owed him six million pounds; And, as he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold towards the payment of the debt, together with his wife, and his children, and everything that he had.
Spiritual » Examples of moral and spiritual bankruptcy » The bankrupt servant
And therefore the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he had begun to do so, one of them was brought to him who owed him six million pounds; And, as he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold towards the payment of the debt, together with his wife, and his children, and everything that he had.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Witnessing
So as to prove yourselves blameless and innocent-- 'faultless children of God, in the midst of an evil-disposed and perverse generation,' in which you are seen shining like stars in a dark world,
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant supplies
And my God, out of the greatness of his wealth, will, in glory, fully satisfy your every need, through your union with Christ Jesus.
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » Past mercies
Spiritual » Rest » Eternal
Then I heard a voice from Heaven saying 'Write-- "Blessed are the dead who from this hour die in union with the Lord." "Yes," answers the Spirit, "that they may rest from their toil. Their good deeds go with them."'
Spiritual » Victory promises of ultimate triumph » Over all satanic powers
Then I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire; and, standing by this sea of glass, holding the harps of God, I saw those who had come victorious out of the conflict with the Beast and its image and the number that formed its name.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Spiritual receptivity the condition of
I am standing at the door and knocking! If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in, and will feast with him, and he shall feast with me.
Spiritual » Crowns » Cast at jesus' feet
the twenty-four Councillors prostrate themselves before him who is seated on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever, and throw down their crowns before the throne, saying--
Spiritual » Crowns » To be guarded
I will come quickly. Hold to what you have received, that no one may take your crown.
Spiritual » Moral Brankruptcy » The laodicean church
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
Spiritual » Examples of moral and spiritual bankruptcy » The laodicean church
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked!
Spiritual » Relationships the church, its spiritual relationships » Saints in heaven and earth united in
Spiritual » Relationships the church, its spiritual relationships » All barriers broken down
It follows, then, that you are no longer strangers and aliens, but are fellow-citizens with Christ's People and members of God's Household.
Spiritual » Moral Brankruptcy » The gentiles
Remember that you were at that time far from Christ; you were shut out from the citizenship of Israel; you were strangers to the Covenants founded on God's Promise; you were in the world without hope and without God.
Spiritual » Kinship, family of God its spiritual relationships » Saints in heaven and earth united in
Spiritual » Kinship, family of God its spiritual relationships » All barriers broken down
It follows, then, that you are no longer strangers and aliens, but are fellow-citizens with Christ's People and members of God's Household.
Spiritual » Examples of moral and spiritual bankruptcy » The gentiles
Remember that you were at that time far from Christ; you were shut out from the citizenship of Israel; you were strangers to the Covenants founded on God's Promise; you were in the world without hope and without God.
Spiritual » Kings spiritual kingship, conditions of » Endurance
If we continue to endure, we shall also share his throne. If we should ever disown him, he, too, will disown us.
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Personal purification
If, then, a man has escaped from the pollution of such errors as I have mentioned, he will be like a thing kept for better use, set apart, serviceable to its owner, ready for any good purpose.
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Discovered by spiritual vision
That your minds may be so enlightened that you may realize the hope given by God's Call, the wealth of the glory of his heritage among Christ's People,
Spiritual » Riches general references to » God's blessing the source of
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » Young soldiers enlisted
This, then, is the charge that I lay upon you, Timothy, my Child, in accordance with what was predicted of you--Fight the good fight in the spirit of those predictions,
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » A fight of faith
Run the great race of the Faith, and win the Immortal Life. It was for this that you received the Call, and, in the presence of many witnesses, made the great profession of Faith.
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » Invisible foes
For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Young soldiers enlisted
This, then, is the charge that I lay upon you, Timothy, my Child, in accordance with what was predicted of you--Fight the good fight in the spirit of those predictions,
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » A fight of faith
Run the great race of the Faith, and win the Immortal Life. It was for this that you received the Call, and, in the presence of many witnesses, made the great profession of Faith.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » Invisible foes
For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant power
To him who, through his power which is at work within us, is able to do far more than anything that we can ask or conceive--
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » The delights of God's word
Spiritual » Persuasion » Of the inseparable love of God
For I am persuaded that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Archangels, nor the Present, nor the Future, nor any Powers, Nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
Spiritual » Persuasion » Of the divine keeping power
That is why I am undergoing these sufferings; yet I feel no shame, for I know in whom I have put my faith, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until 'That Day.'
Spiritual » Immaturity » Instability of faith
Then we shall no longer be like infants, tossed backward and forward, blown about by every breath of human teaching, through the trickery and the craftiness of men, towards the snares of error;
Spiritual » Fulness » Fulness of the spirit
Do not drink wine to excess, for that leads to profligacy; but seek to be filled with the Spirit of God, and speak to one another in psalms and hymns and sacred songs.
Spiritual » Fulness » Fulness of wisdom
And therefore we, from the very day that we heard this, have never ceased praying for you, or asking that you may possess that deeper knowledge of the will of God, which comes through all true spiritual wisdom and insight.
Spiritual » Fulness » Fulness of God
And to understand--though it surpasses all understanding--the love of the Christ; and so be filled to the full with God himself.
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Produced in all periods of life
Spiritual » Talk » Spiritual thoughts expressed in music
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Found in spiritual assemblies
For where two or three have come together in my Name, I am present with them."
Spiritual » Crowns » The crown of righteousness
And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give me on 'That Day'--and not only to me, but to all who have loved his Appearing.
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Perennial
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By permitting men to suffer when in the pathway of duty (paul and silas)
After beating them severely, the Magistrates put them in prison, with orders to the Governor of the Jail to keep them in safe custody. On receiving so strict an order, the Governor put them into the inner cell, and secured their feet in the stocks.
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Walking
For, although you were once in Darkness, now, by your union with the Lord, you are in the Light. Live as 'Children of Light'- -
Spiritual » Riches general references to » More precious than earthly
For he counted 'the reproaches that are heaped upon the Christ' of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, looking forward, as he did, to the reward awaiting him.
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Unsearchable
Yes, to me, who am less than the least of all Christ's People, was this charge entrusted!--to tell the Gentiles the Good News of the boundless wealth to be found in the Christ,
Spiritual » Riches general references to » A paradox
Spiritual » Riches general references to » Enduring
Spiritual » Conditions of fruit-bearing » Spiritual receptivity
But by the seed which was sown on the good ground is meant the man who hears the Message and understands it, and really yields a return, sometimes one hundred, sometimes sixty, sometimes thirty fold."
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » An everlasting name
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Spiritual knowledge
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Spiritual rest
Come to me, all you who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest!
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » A new heart
Spiritual » Examples of growth » The boy samuel
Spiritual » Light promised » To the just
Spiritual » Persuasion » Of the certainty of the divine promises
All these died sustained by faith. They did not obtain the promised blessings, but they saw them from a distance and welcomed the sight, and they acknowledged themselves to be only aliens and strangers on the earth.
Spiritual » Encouraged » Formation
Yes, and for this very reason do your best to supplement your faith by goodness, goodness by knowledge, knowledge by self-control, self-control by endurance, endurance by piety,
Spiritual » Perception » Nehemiah
Spiritual » Perception » David
Spiritual » Vision » The holy spirit the author of
He will honor me; because he will take of what is mine, and will tell it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; that is why I said that he takes of what is mine, and will tell it to you.
Spiritual » Vision » Uses the telescope of faith
Faith caused him to leave Egypt, though undaunted by the King's anger, for he was strengthened in his endurance by the vision of the invisible God.
Spiritual » Power » Mightier than physical forces
Spiritual » Talk » Christ the topic of
It happened that very day that two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem, Talking together, as they went, about all that had just taken place.
Spiritual » Rest » Found in Christ's service
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly-minded, and 'you shall find rest for your souls';
Spiritual » Spiritual necessities emphasized by Christ » Inward righteousness
Indeed I tell you that, unless your religion is above that of the Teachers of the Law, and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Spiritual » Spiritual necessities emphasized by Christ » A childlike spirit
"I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all.
Spiritual » Relationships the church, its spiritual relationships » Brotherhood of, recognized by Christ
For he who purifies, and those whom he purifies, all spring from One; and therefore he is not ashamed to call them 'Brothers.'
Spiritual » Moral Brankruptcy » Inhabitants of jerusalem
Spiritual » Kinship, family of God its spiritual relationships » Brotherhood of, recognized by Christ
For he who purifies, and those whom he purifies, all spring from One; and therefore he is not ashamed to call them 'Brothers.'
Spiritual » Examples of moral and spiritual bankruptcy » Inhabitants of jerusalem
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Warring
The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant entrance
For thus you will be given a triumphant admission into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » The blessings of a spiritual life
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By partaking of the deeper truths of the gospel
But 'solid food' is for Christians of mature faith--those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish right from wrong.
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » Brings joy in the night season
Spiritual » Light promised » To the church of the future
Spiritual » Encouraged » In grace and knowledge
and advance in the love and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All glory be to him now and for ever.
Spiritual » Knowledge » Obedience, the condition of receiving
So, in reply, Jesus said: "My teaching is not my own; it is his who sent me. If any one has the will to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching is from God, or whether I speak on my own authority.
Spiritual » Knowledge » Liberates the soul from all error
So Jesus went on to say to those Jews who had believed him: "If you remain constant to my Message, you are truly my disciples; And you find out the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."
Spiritual » Vision » Given in answer to prayer
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Grown only upon good ground
Some, however, fell on good soil, and yielded a return, sometimes one hundred, sometimes sixty, sometimes thirty fold.
Spiritual » Talk » Concerns the things of God
Spiritual » Talk » The habit of the saints
Spiritual » Hope » Believers called to testify concerning
Revere the Christ as Lord in your hearts; always ready to give an answer to any one who asks your reason for the hope that you cherish, but giving it humbly and in all reverence,
Spiritual » Tests divine methods used for testing believers » By permitting temptation
My Brothers, whatever may be the temptations that beset you from time to time, always regard them as a reason for rejoicing, Knowing, as you do, that the testing of your faith develops endurance.
Spiritual » Conflict characteristics of » An inward battle
But throughout my body I see a different law, one which is in conflict with the law accepted by my reason, and which endeavors to make me a prisoner to that law of Sin which exists throughout my body.
Spiritual » Warfare characteristics of » An inward battle
But throughout my body I see a different law, one which is in conflict with the law accepted by my reason, and which endeavors to make me a prisoner to that law of Sin which exists throughout my body.
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » The return from captivity
Spiritual » special reasons for Joy » Love of Christ
Though you have never seen him, yet you love him; though you do not even now see him, yet you believe in him, and exalt with a triumphant happiness too great for words,
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » All the teachings of the gospel
I want you to recall what was foretold by the holy Prophets, as well as the Command of our Lord and Savior given to you through your Apostles.
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » The wonderful works of God
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By overcoming temptation
I write, Fathers, to you, because you have learned to know him who has been from the Beginning. I write, Young Men, to you, because you are strong, and God's Message is always in your hearts, and you have conquered the Evil One.
Spiritual » Light promised » To the benevolent
Spiritual » Light promised » To the upright
Spiritual » Persuasion » Of the divine ability
On the contrary, his faith gave him strength; and he praised God, in the firm conviction that what God has promised he is also able to carry out.
Spiritual » Perception » The shunammite woman
Spiritual » Encouraged » Through "the word"
like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Spiritual » Encouraged » Unto perfection
Therefore, let us leave behind the elementary teaching about the Christ and press on to perfection, not always laying over again a foundation of repentance for a lifeless formality, of faith in God--
Spiritual » Liberty » Spiritual, a mark of the new dispensation
Spiritual » Liberty » The bondage of sin broken
Yet not without the hope that some day Nature, also, will be set free from enslavement to decay, and will attain to the freedom which will mark the Glory of the Children of God.
Spiritual » Vision » Heart purity essential to
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Spiritual » Hope » The scriptures the source of
Whatever was written in the Scriptures in days gone by was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance, and through the encouragement drawn from the Scriptures, we might hold fast to our hope.
Spiritual » Hope » The saving element in life
By our hope we were saved. But the thing hoped for is no longer an object of hope when it is before our eyes; for who hopes for what is before his eyes?
Spiritual » Life » Love the demonstration of
We know that we have passed out of Death into Life, because we love our Brothers. The man who does not love remains in a state of Death.
Spiritual » Rest » Appropriated by faith
Upon that Rest we who have believed are now entering. As God has said-- 'In my wrath I swore--"They shall never enter upon my Rest;"' Although God's work was finished at the creation of the world;
Spiritual » Victory promises of ultimate triumph » Over malign spiritual forces
Remember, I have given you the power to 'trample upon serpents and scorpions,' and to meet all the strength of the Enemy. Nothing shall ever harm you in any way.
Spiritual » Victory promises of ultimate triumph » Over worldly allurements
because all that has received the new Life from God conquers the world. And this is the power that has conquered the world--our faith!
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Mary magdalene
Meanwhile Mary was standing close outside the tomb, weeping. Still weeping, she leant forward into the tomb,
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » In the communion of saints
While they were talking about these things and discussing them, Jesus himself came up and went on their way with them;
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Testimony an aid to
It is of what we have seen and heard that we now tell you, so that you may have communion with us. And our communion is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Warms the heart
"How our hearts glowed," the disciples said to each other, "while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the Scriptures to us!"
Spiritual » Crowns » The crown of life
Blessed is the man who remains firm under temptation, for, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of Life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Spiritual » Moral Brankruptcy » The prodigal son
After he has spent all that he had, there was a severe famine through all that country, and he began to be in actual want.
Spiritual » Examples of moral and spiritual bankruptcy » The prodigal son
After he has spent all that he had, there was a severe famine through all that country, and he began to be in actual want.
Spiritual » Conditions of fruit-bearing » Death of the old life
In truth I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains solitary; but, if it dies, it becomes fruitful.
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Thomas
At this, Thomas, who was called 'The Twin,' said to his fellow-disciples: "Let us go too, so that we may die with him."
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Peter
Then, a second time, Jesus asked: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he answered, "you know that I am your friend." "Tend my sheep," said Jesus.
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Paul
It was then that Paul made the reply: "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart like this? For my part, I am ready not only to be bound, but even to suffer death at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus."
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » The holy spirit
If you, then, naturally wicked though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him!"
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant life
The thief comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy; I have come that they may have Life, and may have it in greater fullness.
Spiritual » Abundance, of God's gifts » Abundant joys
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » The words of Christ concerning benevolence
I left nothing undone to show you that, laboring as I labored, you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said himself-- 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » Is quickened by the holy spirit
But the Helper--the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name--he will teach you all things, and will recall to your minds all that I have said to you.
Spiritual » Receptivity » Martha received him into her house
She had a sister called Mary, who seated herself at the Master's feet, and listened to his teaching;
Spiritual » Perception » Peter
Then Peter began. "I see, beyond all doubt," he said, "that 'God does not show partiality,'
Spiritual » Liberty » A new law of life sets free
For through your union with Christ Jesus, the Law of the life- giving Spirit has set you free from the Law of Sin and Death.
Spiritual » Fulness » The overflowing cup
Spiritual » Vision » Believers alone possess
In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will still see me; because I am living, you will be living also.
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » The product of heavenly wisdom
But the wisdom from above is, before every thing else, pure; then peace-loving, gentle, open to conviction, rich in compassion and good deeds, and free from partiality and insincerity.
Spiritual » Talk » Tends to religious fervency
"How our hearts glowed," the disciples said to each other, "while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the Scriptures to us!"
Spiritual » Rest » Vainly sought in escape from trouble
Spiritual » Hope » Inspires to clean living
And every one who has this hope with regard to Christ tries to make himself pure--as Christ is pure.
Spiritual » Fellowship with Christ » Leaves its impress upon the life
When the Council saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and found that they were uneducated men of humble station, they were surprised, and realized that they had been companions of Jesus.
Spiritual » Examples of growth » John the baptist
The child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the Wilds till the time came for his appearance before Israel.
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Returning unto the lord
He shall go before him in the spirit and with the power of Elijah, 'to reconcile fathers to their children' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and so make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."
Spiritual » Riches general references to » The inheritance of God's elect
Listen, my dear Brothers. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the things of this world to be rich through their faith, and to possess the Kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?
Spiritual » Conditions of fruit-bearing » Contact with living water
Spiritual » Conditions of fruit-bearing » Chastening, or pruning
Any unfruitful branch in me he takes away, and he cleanses every fruitful branch, that it may bear more fruit.
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » The sinful women
And for this, I tell you, her sins, many as they are, have been pardoned, because she has loved greatly; but one who has little pardoned him, loves but little."
Spiritual » Examples of love for Christ » Mary of bethany
So Mary took a pound of choice spikenard perfume of great value, and anointed the feet of Jesus with it, and then wiped them with her hair. The whole house was filled with the scent of the perfume.
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Faith and love
Listen, my dear Brothers. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the things of this world to be rich through their faith, and to possess the Kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » Perseverance
But Jesus answered: "No one who looks back, after putting his hand to the plough, is fitted for the Kingdom of God."
Spiritual » Memory calls to mind » The lord as a deliverer
Spiritual » Examples of growth » Paul
Saul's influence, however, kept steadily increasing, and he confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by the proofs that he gave that Jesus was the Christ.
Spiritual » Perception » The samaritan woman
Spiritual » Perception » Jesus
When Jesus became aware of the way in which they were debating, he turned to them and exclaimed: "What are you debating with yourselves?
Spiritual » Knowledge » Obtained by acquaintanceship with God
Spiritual » Knowledge » Leads to eternal life
And the Immortal Life is this--to know thee the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent as thy Messenger.
Spiritual » Power » Gives men courage to rebuke sin
Spiritual » Power » Jesus the supreme example of
Moved by the power of the Spirit, Jesus returned to Galilee. Reports about him spread through all that neighborhood;
Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Working
We must do the work of him who sent me, while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
Spiritual » Conditions of entrance into » New Birth
"In truth I tell you," exclaimed Jesus, "unless a man is reborn, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
good Tidings » Spiritual
"I am Gabriel," the angel answered, "who stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Watchmen » Spiritual
Obey your Leaders, and submit to their control, for they are watching over your souls, as men who will have to render an account, so that they may do it with joy, and not in sorrow. That would not be to your advantage.
Way provided » Spiritual
Weapons » Spiritual » Sword of the spirit
Then will 'Wickedness Incarnate' appear, but the Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his lips, and annihilate him by the splendor of his Coming.
To the Angel of the Church in Pergamus write:-- "These are the words of him who holds the sharp two-edged sword:--
And receive 'the helmet of Salvation,' and 'the sword of the Spirit'--which is the Message of God--always with prayer and supplication.
God's Message is a living and active power, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing its way till it penetrates soul and spirit--not the joints only but the very marrow--and detecting the inmost thoughts and purposes of the mind.
Weapons » Spiritual » General references to weapons
The weapons for our warfare are not earthly, but, under God, are powerful enough to pull down strongholds.
And receive 'the helmet of Salvation,' and 'the sword of the Spirit'--which is the Message of God--always with prayer and supplication.
But Jesus answered: "Scripture says--'It is not on bread alone that man is to live, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
God's Message is a living and active power, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing its way till it penetrates soul and spirit--not the joints only but the very marrow--and detecting the inmost thoughts and purposes of the mind.
Weapons » Spiritual » Trust in weapons vain
Words » Christ's, characteristics of » Spiritual
It is the Spirit that gives Life; mere flesh is of no avail. In the teaching that I have been giving you there is Spirit and there is Life.
Words of Christ » Characteristics of » Spiritual
It is the Spirit that gives Life; mere flesh is of no avail. In the teaching that I have been giving you there is Spirit and there is Life.
Topics on Spiritual
Abundance, Spiritual
Ephesians 3:20To him who, through his power which is at work within us, is able to do far more than anything that we can ask or conceive--
Abuse, Of Spiritual Things
1 Corinthians 9:18What is my reward, then? To present the Good News free of all cost, and so make but a sparing use of the rights which it gives me.
Adultery, Spiritual
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or what the world can offer. When any one loves the world, there is no love for the Father in him;
Appetite, Spiritual
John 7:37-39On the last and greatest day of the Festival, Jesus, who was standing by, exclaimed: "If any one thirsts, let him come to me, and drink.
Armor, Spiritual
Ephesians 6:11Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground against the stratagems of the Devil.
Babies Used As A Spiritual Image
1 Corinthians 3:1-2But I, Brothers, could not speak to you as men with spiritual insight, but only as worldly-minded-mere infants in the Faith of Christ.
Beauty, Spiritual
Romans 10:15And how are men to proclaim him unless they are sent as his messengers? As Scripture says--'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'
Betrothal, Spiritual
2 Corinthians 11:2I am jealous over you with the jealousy of God. For I betrothed you to one husband, that I might present you to the Christ a pure bride.
Birth, Spiritual
John 3:3"In truth I tell you," exclaimed Jesus, "unless a man is reborn, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Blessings, Spiritual
John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that every one who believes in him may not be lost, but have Immortal Life.
Bondage, Spiritual
2 Timothy 2:26and they may yet come to a sober mind, and escape from the snares of the Devil, when captured by the Lord's Servant to do the will of God.
Circumcision, spiritual
Romans 2:28-29For a man who is only a Jew outwardly is not a real Jew; nor is outward bodily circumcision real circumcision. The real Jew is the man who is a Jew in soul;
Clean, Spiritual Use
James 4:8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Make your hands clean, you sinners; and your hearts pure, you vacillating men!
Crowns, Spiritual Use
Revelation 19:12His eyes are flaming fires; on his head there are many diadems, and he bears a name, written, which no one knows but himself;
David, Spiritual Significance Of
Acts 2:29Brothers, I can speak to you the more confidently about the Patriarch David, because he is dead and buried, and his tomb is here among us to this very day.
Dividing Spiritual Blessings
Acts 1:17For he was one of our number and had his part allotted him in this work of ours."
drought, spiritual
John 7:37-39On the last and greatest day of the Festival, Jesus, who was standing by, exclaimed: "If any one thirsts, let him come to me, and drink.
equipping, spiritual
Matthew 12:18'Behold! the Servant of my Choice, My Beloved, in whom my heart delights! I will breathe my spirit upon him, And he shall announce a time of judgment to the Gentiles.
Escaping, Spiritual Things
Luke 21:36Be on the watch at all times, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is destined to happen, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man."
Fruit, Spiritual
James 3:13Who among you claims to be wise and intelligent? Let him show that his actions are the outcome of a good life lived in the humility of true wisdom.
Fruitfulness, Spiritual
Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit produced by the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindliness, generosity, trustfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Games, Spiritual
1 Corinthians 9:26I, therefore, run with no uncertain aim. I box-not like a man hitting the air.
Gifts From God, Spiritual
John 6:32"In truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "Moses did not give you the Bread from Heaven, but my Father does give you the true Bread from Heaven;
Inheritance, Spiritual
Hebrews 1:2has in these latter days spoken to us by the Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Labor, Spiritual Aspects Of
John 4:38I have sent you to reap that on which you have spent no labor; others have labored, and you have entered upon the results of their labor."
Land, Spiritual Aspects Of
Romans 8:19-20All Nature awaits with eager expectation the appearing of the Sons of God.
Leaders, Spiritual
Hebrews 5:4Nor does any one take that high office upon himself, till he has been called to do so by God, as Aaron was.
Light, Spiritual
1 John 1:5These, then, are the Tidings that we have heard from him and now tell you-- 'God is Light, and Darkness has no place at all in him.'
Many Spiritual Beings
Revelation 5:11Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
Maturity, Spiritual
Ephesians 4:13-15And this shall continue, until we all attain to that unity which is given by faith and by a fuller knowledge of the Son of God; until we reach the ideal man--the full standard of the perfection of the Christ.
Not Seeing Spiritual Things
Acts 9:7The men traveling with Saul were meanwhile standing speechless; they heard the sound of the voice, but saw no one.
Origins Of Spiritual Life
John 3:6-8All that owes its birth to human nature is human, and all that owes its birth to the Spirit is spiritual.
Poverty, Spiritual
Matthew 13:58And he did not work many miracles there, because of their want of faith.
Predestination, Spiritual Events
Matthew 11:25-26At that same time Jesus uttered the words: "I thank thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that, though thou has hidden these things from the wise and learned, thou hast revealed them to the child-like!
Purity, Moral And Spiritual
1 John 1:5These, then, are the Tidings that we have heard from him and now tell you-- 'God is Light, and Darkness has no place at all in him.'
Rest, Spiritual
1 Timothy 2:2especially for kings and all who are in high positions, in order that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in a deeply religious and reverent spirit.
Resurrection, Spiritual
Ephesians 2:1You yourselves were once dead because of your offenses and sins.
Riches, Spiritual
Romans 11:33-36Oh! the unfathomable wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments, how untraceable his ways! Yes--
Slavery, Spiritual
John 8:33-36"We are descendants of Abraham," was their answer, "and have never yet been in slavery to any one. What do you mean by saying 'you will be set free'?"
Sleep, Spiritual
Matthew 24:43-44But this you do know, that, had the owner of the house known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been on the watch, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
Spiritual Allegories
John 10:1-16In truth I tell you, whoever does not go into the sheepfold through the door, but climbs up at some other place, that man is a thief and a robber;
Spiritual Blindness, Consequences Of
Romans 1:20-22For ever since the creation of the universe God's invisible attributes-his everlasting power and divinity-are to be seen and studied in his works, so that men have no excuse;
Spiritual Blindness, In Unbelievers
1 Corinthians 2:14The merely intellectual man rejects the teaching of the Spirit of God; for to him it is mere folly; he cannot grasp it, because it is to be understood only by spiritual insight.
Spiritual Blindness, Removal Of
2 Corinthians 4:6Indeed, the same God who said 'Out of darkness light shall shine,' has shone in upon our hearts, so that we should bring out into the light the knowledge of the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ.
Spiritual Blindness, Results Of Sin
2 Corinthians 4:4Men whose minds have been blinded by the God of this Age, unbelievers as they are, so that the light from the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the very incarnation of God, should not shine for them.
Spiritual crowns
1 Corinthians 9:25Every athlete exercises self-restraint in everything; they, indeed, for a crown that fades, we for one that is unfading.
Spiritual Darkness
John 11:10But, if he walks about at night, he stumbles, because he has not the light."
Spiritual Dawn
2 Peter 1:19And still stronger is the assurance that we have in the teaching of the Prophets; to which you will do well to pay attention (as if it were a lamp shining in a gloomy place), until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.
Spiritual Deafness
2 Timothy 4:4They will turn a deaf ear to the Truth, and give their attention to legends instead.
Spiritual Death
Romans 6:23The wages of Sin are Death, but the gift of God is Immortal Life, through union with Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Spiritual Depths
1 Corinthians 2:10Yet to us God revealed it through his Spirit; for the Spirit fathoms all things, even the inmost depths of God's being.
Spiritual Desires
1 Thessalonians 2:17As for ourselves, Brothers, our having been bereaved of you even for a short time--though in body only, and not in spirit--made us all the more eager to see your faces again; and the longing to do so was strong upon us.
Spiritual Destitution
Matthew 5:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Spiritual Failure
Matthew 7:27The rain poured down, the rivers rose, the winds blew and struck against that house, and it fell; and great was its downfall."
Spiritual Famine, Relief Of
John 6:35"I am the Life-giving Bread," Jesus said to them; "he that comes to me shall never be hungry, and he that believes in me shall never thirst again.
Spiritual Fathers
1 Corinthians 4:15Though you may have thousands of instructors in the Faith of Christ, yet you have not many fathers. It was I who, through union with Christ Jesus, became your father by means of the Good News.
Spiritual Foundations
1 Corinthians 3:11For no man can lay any other foundation than the one already laid-Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Fulness
Matthew 5:6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1In the next place, Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts.
Spiritual Gifts, Given To Church
Ephesians 4:11And he it is who gave to the Church Apostles, Prophets, Missionaries, Pastors, and Teachers,
Spiritual Gifts, Importance Of Love
1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak in the 'tongues' of men, or even of angels, yet have not Love, I have become mere echoing brass, or a clanging cymbal!
Spiritual Gifts, Purpose Of
1 Corinthians 14:12And so with you; since your are striving for spiritual gifts, be eager to excel in such as will build up the faith of the Church.
Spiritual Gifts, Warnings About
1 Corinthians 14:39Therefore, my Brothers, strive for the gift of preaching, and yet do not forbid speaking in 'tongues.'
Spiritual Growth
2 Corinthians 9:10And he who supplies 'seed to the sower, and bread for eating,' will supply you with seed, and cause it to increase, and will multiply 'the fruits of your righteousness').
Spiritual Hunger
1 Peter 2:2like newly born infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may be enabled by it to grow till you attain Salvation--
Spiritual Ignorance
1 Corinthians 12:1In the next place, Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts.
Spiritual Illumination
John 14:26But the Helper--the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name--he will teach you all things, and will recall to your minds all that I have said to you.
Spiritual Immaturity
1 Corinthians 3:1But I, Brothers, could not speak to you as men with spiritual insight, but only as worldly-minded-mere infants in the Faith of Christ.
Spiritual Investment
Matthew 6:20But store up treasures for yourselves in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.
Spiritual life
John 6:63It is the Spirit that gives Life; mere flesh is of no avail. In the teaching that I have been giving you there is Spirit and there is Life.
Spiritual Life, Described By
Romans 6:11So let it be with you-regard yourselves as dead to sin, but as living for God, through union with Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Life, Maintained By
John 6:57As the Living Father sent me as his Messenger, and as I live because the Father lives, so he who takes me for his food shall live because I live.
Spiritual Life, Nature Of
Colossians 2:13And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins!
Spiritual Malnutrition
1 Corinthians 3:1-3But I, Brothers, could not speak to you as men with spiritual insight, but only as worldly-minded-mere infants in the Faith of Christ.
Spiritual Maturity
1 Corinthians 14:20Brothers, do not show yourselves children in understanding. In wickedness be infants, but in understanding show yourselves men.
Spiritual Mothers
1 Peter 3:6as Sarah did, who obeyed Abraham, and called him master. And you are her true children, as long as you live good lives, and let nothing terrify you.
Spiritual Night
1 Thessalonians 5:5For you all are 'Sons of Light' and 'Sons of the Day.' We have nothing to do with night, or darkness.
Spiritual Offspring
Galatians 3:29And, since you belong to Christ, it follows that you are Abraham's offspring and, under the promise, sharers in the inheritance.
Spiritual Perception
Mark 2:8Jesus, at once intuitively aware that they wee debating with themselves in this way, said to them: "Why are you debating in your minds about this?
Spiritual Progress
2 Corinthians 3:18And all of us, with faces from which the veil is lifted, seeing, as if reflected in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory, as it is given by the Lord, the Spirit.
Spiritual Striving
Philippians 1:27Under all circumstances let your lives be worthy of the Good News of the Christ: so that, whether I come and see you, or whether I hear of your affairs at a distance, I may know that you are standing firm, animated by one spirit, and joining with one heart in a common struggle for the Faith taught by the Good News,
Spiritual Treasures
2 Corinthians 4:7This treasure we have in these earthen vessels, that its all- prevailing power may be seen to come from God, and not to be our own.
Spiritual Understanding
Hebrews 13:12-13And so Jesus, also, to purify the People by his own blood, suffered outside the gate.
Spiritual Vitality
2 Thessalonians 1:3Brothers, it is our duty always to thank God about you, as is but right, considering the wonderful growth of your faith, and because, without exception, your love for one another is continually increasing.
Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:12For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
Spiritual Warfare, Armour
Romans 13:12-14The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
Spiritual Warfare, As Conflict
Ephesians 6:12For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
Spiritual Warfare, Causes Of
2 Peter 2:4Remember, God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them down to Tartarus, and committed them to caverns of darkness, to be kept under guard for judgment.
Spiritual Warfare, Enemies In
James 4:4Unfaithful people! Do not you know that to be friends with the world means to be at enmity with God? Therefore whoever chooses to be friends with the world makes himself an enemy to God.
Strength, Spiritual
Ephesians 6:10For the future, find strength in your union with the Lord, and in the power which comes from his might.
That Which Is Spiritual
John 4:24God is Spirit; and those who worship him must worship spiritually and truly."
Victory, Over Spiritual Forces
Hebrews 4:15Our High Priest is not one unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has in every way been tempted, exactly as we have been, but without sinning.
Wardrobe, Spiritual
Romans 13:12The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light.
Weakness, Spiritual
2 Corinthians 12:10That is why I delight in weakness, ill-treatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties, when borne for Christ. For, when I am weak, then it is that I am strong!
