New Believer's Bible Sample - Flipbook - Page 19
page A21
CO R N E R S T O N E S
optional. It is the natural result of coming into union with God. Sometimes
there is confusion in this area of fruit bearing or works. See what the Bible has
to say about it.
• Our walk should match our talk see Matthew 7:21, page 901
• Our lives should show that God is at work in our hearts see Romans 7:4, page 1072
• Don’t trade your faith for works see Galatians 3:3, page 1125
• God saved us for a purpose see Ephesians 2:10, page 1133
• We must live out our faith see James 2:14-17, page 1194
Forgiveness
One of the great principles of the Christian life is forgiveness. Jesus modeled
this principle for us when he hung on the cross and prayed for the very people
who had put him there (see Luke 23:34). His words were so powerful and unexpected that they brought about the conversion of one of the criminals hanging on a cross next to him.
Because Jesus completely forgave us, he wants us to follow his example by
forgiving others. As Scripture says: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God,
therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children” (Ephesians
4:32–5:1). The Bible gives us several important characteristics of the forgiveness we should have for others.
• Forgiving others sets us free see Genesis 45:1-15, page 47
• God longs to forgive us see Isaiah 1:7-18, page 624
• God is always ready to give us a second chance see Hosea 6:1-3, page 823
• Forgiveness is central to restoring relationships see Obadiah 1:12-14, page 846
• Forgiveness is not selective see Matthew 5:43-48, page 898
• Forgiveness knows no limits see Matthew 18:21-35, page 916
• We must forgive others as God forgives us see Mark 11:25, page 946
• Forgiveness is the essence of Christlike love see Philemon 1:15-16, page 1176
Honesty and Integrity
Honesty and integrity seem to be in short supply these days. Yet the Bible
tells us that they are a part of the godly person’s life. Unfortunately, the world
tends to gloss over these aspects of the Christian life. It wants to characterize Christians as people who are out of touch with reality. But Christians are
simply people who allow God to influence every aspect of their lives—down
to the practical, everyday dealings of business, finances, and relationships.
