New Believer's Bible Sample - Flipbook - Page 20
CO R N E R S T O N E S
page A22
The following notes examine how honesty and integrity should characterize
our lives.
• God wants us to be truthful see Proverbs 12:22, page 589
• We should be above criticism see Daniel 6:3-4, page 809
• We need to set an example for others see Titus 2:6-8, page 1172
• Our conduct should cause others to glorify Christ see 1 Peter 2:9-12, page 1201
Joy
One noticeable change that takes place in a new believer’s life is the inner
joy he or she receives. In fact, joy is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit that
should be evident in a believer’s life (see Galatians 5:22-23). This joy can be
experienced despite our outer circumstances or inward emotions. Even when
sorrows come our way, the Holy Spirit gives us an inner joy and peace that cannot be taken away. Below are some of the ways in which you can experience
God’s joy in your life.
• Studying God’s Word helps us to experience his joy see Nehemiah 8:1-18,
page 452
• Sharing our faith results in joy see Psalm 126:5-6, page 568
• Salvation brings joy see Isaiah 12:3, page 635
• Joy is found in knowing whom you belong to see Romans 15:13, page 1086
• Overlooking petty issues frees us to experience joy see 1 Corinthians 1:10-17,
page 1091
• Trusting God is the source of inexpressible joy see 1 Peter 1:8, page 1200
Love
On one occasion Jesus was asked which commandment was the most important. He replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel!
The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your
God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The
second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mark 12:29-31).
These are the two most important commandments, because if you truly love
God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you will want to do what
pleases him. In the same way, if you really love others as much as you love
yourself, you will be concerned for their welfare and will treat them accordingly. Before you can effectively love God, however, you must first realize how
much he loves you.
Scripture explains that “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ
to die for us while we were still sinners” who had no relationship with him
(Romans 5:8). The more we realize this wonderful truth, the more our love for
