(The following is adapted from our F.E. Marsh commentaries)
The believer in Christ must always say, along with the Psalmist, “I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2 ESV). Consider the way this fleshes out in the following truths:
1. In ourselves there is no good thing…
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.”
(Romans 7:18 )
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
(2 Timothy 3:12)
This promise in 2 Timothy 3 guarantees persecution for serious believers in Jesus Christ. In a church world where many treasure comfort and popularity, this promise is not well-received. READ MORE
You asked for it. We listened. We prayed. God provided. … READ MORE
"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin." (Psalm 51:1-2) This psalm was born … READ MORE
"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) The ministers of the Gospel should be men who are not too easily affected by praise or criticism, but simply speak out the benefit and the glory of Christ and seek the salvation of … READ MORE
Christian, if studying the Bible isn’t really your thing, can we chat for a minute? While Christianity isn’t dependent upon our academic inclinations, nor our interest in reading in general—to suggest those who are illiterate, have a learning disabi … READ MORE
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth that is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that … READ MORE
The following has been adapted from the works of F.E. Marsh. The Lord gives at least a sevenfold strengthening to His people as they trust Him. The strength of His grace to empower. "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My … READ MORE
A letter to the one with secret sins (adapted from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon). Dear Pretender, You look quite nice on the outside. Your conduct is outwardly upright, amiable, generous and Christian. But you indulge in some sin which the eyes … READ MORE
The leadership at Blue Letter Bible places a priority on discipleship for our staff. Since our ministry here involves helping others grow in their understanding of God's Word—through the BLB's tools and resources—we want to make sure that we are gro … READ MORE