Romans 12:9

If a man receives a new set of woodworking tools as a gift, but does not know how to use them properly he will make lopsided birdhouses and other poorly constructed projects. But an expert carpenter will know how to use his new tools to make many beautiful and useful items. God has given every believer at least one spiritual gift. But merely knowing what your gifts are and exercising them is not enough. We must always remember that the only right way to serve the Lord and others is to do so in genuine Christian love. Find out more from Dr. Donald Barnhouse.

Romans 12:9

The Bible declares that God is love and stresses the preeminance of love in the Christian life. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and an indispensible virtue in the life of every believer. But do you realize that hatred is just as much an attribute of God and just as much a Christian virtue as love is. God's perfect character demands a holy hatred of every manifestation of sin and evil. And if we are to reflect the character of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must hate that which is evil and which stands opposed to His holiness and righteousness.

Romans 12:9

In football, an elusive running back can make the other team's defense look foolish as he constantly slips from their grasp. The defense must pursue the runner, lay a hold of him, and tenaciously hold fast until they tackle him. In the Christian life, genuine goodness can be very elusive and difficult to maintain. We must learn to continually reject sin and evil and cling tenaciously to what is good in order to grow in our relationship with the Lord. Do you put love and goodness in action as a committed disciple of Jesus Christ?

Romans 12:10

Believers often sing this well known hymn, "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above." Indeed, the fellowship that exists between true believers must reflect the love and communion that exists between God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. Dr. Barnhouse asks the question, "Does genuine love for your brothers and sisters in Christ flow from your heart and shine forth in your life?"

Romans 12:11

If you are meddling in someone else's affairs, they might tell you to mind your own business. But sadly, Christians often pay far too much time and attention to our own business rather than our Father's business. Once, when Jesus was a boy, Joseph and Mary searched for Him throughout Jerusalem for three days. When they fianlly found Him in the Temple discussing the things of God with religious teachers, He said, "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business"? Do you share a similar passion to be about your Father's business?

Romans 12:12

The English writer, William Hazlett, wrote, "Hope is the best possession; none are completely wretched but those who are without hope." As we look across our world today, we can see overwhelming despair, hopelessness, and misery in the lives of those who do not know Jesus Christ. But God has reconciled us to Himself through the death and resurrection of His Son and given us the priceless possession of confident, certain hope. Do you rejoice in the hope that is yours in Jesus Christ?

Romans 12:12, 14

Scripture is filled with wonderful truths and promises from God that we embrace and cherish. But there is one we tend to overlook that may not seem to be wonderful to us. The Bible plainly states that all of us who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. The Christian walk is often a difficult and confusing pilgrimage through a lost and fallen world and we will face adversity along the way. How can we learn to face adversity with biblical wisdom in a way that will please the Lord and bring honor to His name?

Romans 12:12

If you just threw ingredients into a pot on the stove, you are more likely to make a mess instead of a meal. But if you follow the recipe, you can make a good dinner. Many believers have weak, powerless, and unsatisfying prayer lives because they do not pray according to the principles of God's Word. But if you know these biblical principles and carefully follow them, you can have a fruitful and effective prayer life. Do you make a mess of your prayer life or do you enjoy peace, power and blessing through prayer?