Purpose:

This article presents five steps to deal with our personal crises - steps that are scriptural, methodical, and effective.  All of us at times either have faced or will face personal crises.  Circumstances like this strike at the core of our being – physical, spiritual, and emotional.  The Bible is a great comfort to us any time, but especially during difficult times - such as the times we are going through now. 

Step 1:  Recall God's Promises 

The first place to turn to is to the Bible.  Get your attention off of your problem and on to God.  Read and meditate upon God’s promises.  This step has a vastly therapeutic effect. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling."  (Psalm 46:1-3)

For your encouragement, I have included links to 26 additional "promises passages" from God's word.  You may see all of these verses written out in just one click here (Ref. 1 - "Bible Verses for Times of Crisis"). 

Additional promises: Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 16:8; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 34:4; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 56:3-4; Psalm 68:19-20; Psalm 91:1-6; Psalm 103:1-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3-4; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 11:28; John 14:27; Romans 8:28; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:6-7; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Revelation 21:4.

Read your Bible regularly, not just when you have a crisis.  Memorize scripture verses.  That way, when a crisis arises, you can immediately draw upon familiar, comforting words of scripture, and you will be well-equipped to deal with difficult situations when they occur (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Step 2:  Put Your Trust in God through Prayer

Prayer is an open conversation with God.  Even a short prayer, "Help me," is long enough.  Talk with God and ask him to take care of your problem.  Trust God to act (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Ask God to take care of your problem according to God's will, not your own (1 John 5:14-15).  Trust that God is in control of the situation.

Step 3:  Solicit Prayer Support from other Christians

Other Christians can bring you much encouragement by praying with you or for you.  Share your need or concern with Christian friends, and ask for their prayers.  When you are "down," others can pray from strength and lift you up.  "Plug in" with one or more small groups of Christians, for example, a Bible study or prayer group, or a fellowship group.  Small groups can provide you tremendous personal support (Matthew 18:19-20; Galatians 6:2; James 5:16).

Step 4:  Believe that God Will Act

Keep the faith.  Remember that you have prayed.  Keep on praying.  Don’t give up.  Feed your faith, not your doubts.  Whichever one you feed will grow (Luke 18:1-8; Mark 9:21-24; Psalm 37:5; Hebrews 11:1).  God will do what he promises.

Step 5:  Testify Publicly to the Results that God Provides

Tell others how God answered your prayers.  By this, you will encourage other people.  Jesus expects you to “go public” with your testimony about his work in your life – that God may be glorified (Matthew 10:32; Mark 5:18-20; Psalm 66:16, 1 Peter 3:15).

-------------------------------------
Praise God that God's word never passes away (Matthew 24:35)!  We can always count on God to help us through difficult times.  God's promises are true and everlasting.

Reference:
1.  http://www.scriptureway.com/bible-verses-for-times-of-crisis.html

This lesson explains Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This lesson is the third in a series on God's Invitations in the Bible, specifically, the "Comes" of God's word.  The first lesson in the series is "Come Now, Let Us Reason Together (Isaiah 1:18)" (Ref. 1).  The second lesson is "God's Great Invitation - Come, Satisfy Your Thirst" based on Isaiah 55:1 (Ref. 2).

     Consider.  What heavy burden is weighing you down today?

     I will give you rest.  Jesus himself is the Rest Giver (Ref. 4).  Only Jesus can dispel your fear (John 14:27).   Only Jesus can forgive your sin (Mark 2:9-11).  Only Jesus can give you peace in your soul and a clean conscience (Numbers 6:24-26, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 10:22).  Do you want the rest that only Jesus provides?  Then come to Jesus by faith.  As soon as you come to Jesus you will get that rest (Ref. 4).

     Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.  HELPS Word-studies defines a yoke as a wooden bar placed over the neck of a pair of animals so they can pull together (see illustration).  Figuratively, a yoke is what unites (joins) two people to move (work) together as one (Ref. 5).

Notice that in Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus gives us a two-part summons.  Our response to both parts is needed for a full Christian life.  In the first part (as we discussed above), Jesus invites us to come to him for pardon, refreshment, and rest.  In the second part, Jesus asks us to take on his yoke -- to submit our wills to him, to learn from him, to obey him, to serve him, and to become like him (Ref. 4).

Coming to Jesus is not just a one-time experience -- it is for a lifetime.  Coming to Jesus includes willingly taking on the yoke of Jesus by learning from him and serving him the rest of our lives in an ongoing relationship.  Are you willing to submit to his yoke?

     You will find rest for your souls.  Jesus promises that when we take his yoke upon us by accepting his teaching and by serving him that we will find rest for our souls.  The Greek word here for rest means inner rest (tranquility) (Ref. 6).  Jesus quotes the prophet Jeremiah, "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls'" (Jeremiah 6:16).

     Apply.  In prayer, give your heavy burden to Jesus.  Receive from him the rest that he promises.  Submit your will to him, and willingly receive his yoke of instruction.  Serve Jesus gladly, joyfully yoked with him in an ongoing relationship.

References
1.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/come-now-let-us-reason-together-isaiah-118
2.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/gods-great-invitation-come-satisfy-your-thirst
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2872.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/matthew/11.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2218.htm
6.  https://biblehub.com/greek/372.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/11.htm
8.  https://biblehub.com/interlinear/matthew/11-30.htm
9.  https://biblehub.com/greek/5543.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1645.htm

This lesson explains God’s great invitation in Isaiah 55:1, "Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters," and "Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

This lesson is the second in a series on God's Invitations in the Bible, specifically, the "Comes" of God's word.  The first lesson in the series was "Come Now, Let Us Reason Together (Isaiah 1:18)" (Ref. 1).

     Consider.  Are you are spiritually thirsty or hungry?  Come to God and find true refreshment and nourishment for your soul. 

     Everyone who thirsts.  God invites thirsty people to come to him.  When you are thirsty, you know that you have an intense desire to satisfy your thirst (for example, with a drink of water).  When you are a sinner you may already sense your need for salvation (Matthew 5:6, Ref. 2).  God, and only God, is the one who can satisfy your thirst.  The Psalmist recognized the thirsting of his soul when he wrote, "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2). 

     Come to the waters.  God himself is the source of the water that truly refreshes and revives.  Isaiah describes God as the source of this spiritual water.  The Lord said, "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants" (Isaiah 44:3).  Likewise, when Jesus, the Son of God, encountered the Samaritan woman at the well, he said to her, "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:13-14).  God invites you to come to him to satisfy your spiritual thirst (John 7:37).    
 

     And you who have no money, come, buy and eat.  God invites people who have no money (literally, no silver) to come to him (Ref.3).  Come to God and receive the food that truly satisfies your hungry soul.

No money is required to buy what God offers because God provides it free.  A poor person cannot pay for it, and a rich person cannot purchase it.  God freely offers salvation to people in our time because Christ has already paid the price (1 Peter 1:18-19).  To receive salvation, God only requires that we put our faith and trust in his Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Ref. 4).

God provides food that truly satisfies.  God alludes to the food that satisfies in Isaiah 55:2, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Scripture tells us that the real blessing which truly satisfies people's wants and desires is Jesus himself.  Jesus said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35, Ref. 5).

     Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.  In Isaiah 55:1, wine and milk are figurative for God's choicest blessings (Ref. 6).  Wine is a gift of God (Genesis 27:28).  Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, brought wine and bread together to Abraham (Genesis 14:18).  The Psalmist wrote that wine gladdens the heart of man (Psalm 104:14-15).  Milk provides nourishment needed for sustenance and growth (Proverbs 27:27, 1 Peter 2:2).

God offers spiritual blessing without money and without price.  No silver or gold can buy the blessing which God offers (Ref. 7).  Jesus Christ himself is the gift that God freely offers (John 3:16, Ref. 4).  Jesus Christ is the all-sufficient supply for every thirst of the human soul (John 7:37, Ref. 8). 

How will you respond to God's great invitation? 

     Apply.  Accept God's great invitation.  Come to God and find true satisfaction for the hunger and thirst of your soul.  Accept Jesus Christ, God's Son, who promises, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).

References
1.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/come-now-let-us-reason-together-isaiah-118
2.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/isaiah/55.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3701.htm
4.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/the-most-important-offer-you-will-ever-receive 
5.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/jesus-is-the-bread-of-life
6.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2461.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/55.htm
8.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/isaiah/55.htm

This lesson is the first in a series on the "Comes" of God's word.  This lesson describes God's invitation in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

     Consider.  In Isaiah 1:18-20 (Old Testament), God's forgiveness was conditional on the people's obedience to God.  How do people today receive God's forgiveness now that Christ has paid the penalty for sin?

     Introduction.  Being accused of having hands full of blood was a serious accusation.  Yet, that is exactly how the Lord accused the people of Judah and Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:1) in Isaiah 1:15, "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood."  Having hands full of blood is a symbol for the cruel wrongs the people had committed including the guilt of actual murder (Isaiah 1:21, Ref. 1).  Isaiah had already spoken against the people for their rebellion against God (Isaiah 1:2) and for the insincerity of their sacrifices, offerings, festivals, and prayers (Isaiah 1:11-15). 
  

     Come Now.  In Isaiah 1:18, God says "Come now."  The Hebrew word for come is halak, which means to go, come, walk (Ref. 2).  Here in Isaiah 1:18 "Come" is a summons for the recipient of the message to approach the speaker (God).  Although God does not force the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come to him, God strongly urges the people to come to him that they might receive his pardon.  Likewise, today God strongly urges all sinners to come to him. 

     Let Us Reason Together.  The Hebrew word for let us reason together, yakach, means to decide, adjudge, prove, and argue (Ref. 3, Job 13:15).  The idea is that of a legal process in which each party maintains his own case (Ref. 4, Isaiah 43:26).  God proposes to present to the people of Judah and Jerusalem the principles on which he is willing to forgive their sins and bestow his pardon (Ref. 5).  God describes the terms for pardon in Isaiah 1:18-20.     

     Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet.  The stain of the people's sins are bright red and indelible like the scarlet dye used by the ancients.  The ancients made scarlet and crimson dyes from the dried bodies of the insect (worm), Coccus ilicis found on oak trees in Spain and in the countries east of the Mediterranean (Ref. 5, Ref. 6, Ref. 7).

When it was time for the female Coccus ilicis to give birth, she would attach herself permanently to an oak tree.  Her body protected her eggs until the larvae were hatched and able to live on their own.  As the mother died, she oozed a crimson fluid which stained her body and the surrounding wood.  The death of the female Coccus ilicis paints a picture of the death of Christ who sacrificed his blood on the wood of the cross that others, by believing in him, may live (Ref. 7, Ref. 8).

The scarlet dye was indelible.  Cotton material was dipped in this color twice so the stain was permanent (Ref. 5).  The stain of the red dye (and likewise the stain of sin in the human heart) could not be washed away by man alone.  That is why we as sinners need God's action to wash us clean. 

The scarlet dye was known since early in the Old Testament times, centuries before the prophet Isaiah.  For further study, I suggest you check these cross references:

• Genesis 38:24-30 - A midwife tied a scarlet thread on Perez's hand at birth.
• Joshua 2:1, Joshua 2:15-18, Joshua 6:22-23 - Rahab saved the Israelite spies and her family with a scarlet cord.
• Exodus 26:1, Exodus 36:8 - The tabernacle curtains included scarlet material.
• Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:21 - The excellent wife clothed her household in scarlet.
• Matthew 27:27-28 - Soldiers put a scarlet robe on Jesus before they crucified him.
  
  

     They will be White as Snow.  Only God can forgive sin.  Only God can cleanse people and wash away their sin.  David recognized this principle.  He prayed to God, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" (Psalm 51:1-2).  David also wrote, "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7).  White symbolizes innocence and purity (Ref. 9).  "White as snow " is "a powerful figurative description of the result of forgiveness" (Ref. 10 below).       

     Though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.  Scarlet and crimson are similar reddish colors.  Scarlet is bright red with an orange tint.  Crimson is a strong, bright, deep red color combined with some blue or violet, resulting in a small degree of purple (Ref. 11).  Crimson is associated with the stain of blood (Isaiah 1:15, Ref. 12).  The ancients employed crimson color to dye wool (Ref. 5). 

The Hebrew word for red in the phrase "red like Crimson" is adom, which means glaring, flagrant in Isaiah 1:18 (Brown-Driver-Briggs, Ref. 13).

Though their sins are flagrant and appear as deep stains, God, upon their repentance and reformation, will remove their sins so they will be like wool restored to its original, undyed whiteness (Ref. 14).

     Forgiveness - by Obedience or By Faith?  In the Old Testament, God's relationship with man was based on obedience to God.  Isaiah confirms this point in regard to God's forgiveness.  In Isaiah 1:18 God offers forgiveness and cleansing to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.  However, God's forgiveness and cleansing was conditional based on their willingness to obey God.  Isaiah 1:19-20 describes the conditions for God's forgiveness, and the consequences for not obeying God.  "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 1:19-20, italics added).  For further study on God's relationship with man in the Old Testament based on obedience, I suggest reading Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

In the New Testament, God's relationship with man is based on faith in Christ.  The Apostle Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).  Faith in Christ means believing in, trusting in, and having confidence in Christ (Ref. 15).  Peter preached to the Gentiles gathered in Cornelius' house that through the name of Jesus everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:34-43).  God's power to cleanse our sins "white as snow" is through the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7).

Let's review the main principles in this lesson:
1.  God invites all sinners to come to him that we might receive his pardon (Isaiah 1:18).
2.  The stain of sin is red as scarlet (Isaiah 1:18).
3.  Only God can wash our sins white as snow (Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:7).  As a result of Christ's death, we know that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
4.  In the Old Testament, God's forgiveness was conditional on the people's obedience to God (Isaiah 1:18-20).  In the New Testament, God provides forgiveness and cleansing through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8, Acts 10:43).

     Apply.  If you do not know Christ, come to him, confess your sin, and ask him to forgive you.  Put your faith and trust in him and walk in the cleansed life that Christ has given you.  If you do have faith in Christ as your Savior, walk with him in the light.  Thank him for forgiving your sin and for cleansing you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7-9). 

References
1.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/isaiah/1.htm
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Isaiah 1:15 
2.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1980.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3198.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/isaiah/1.htm
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Isaiah 1:18
5.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/isaiah/1.htm
Barnes' Notes on the Bible - Isaiah 1:18
6.  https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Scarlet
7.  https://www.discovercreation.org/blog/2011/11/20/the-crimson-or-scarlet-worm/
8.  https://studybible.info/strongs/H8438 
9.  https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/White
10.  The NIV Study Bible, Zondervan Bible Publishers, 1985, note on Isaiah 1:18 
11.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_red
12.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/1.htm
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 1:18
13.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/119.htm
14.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/jfb/isaiah/1.htm
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary - Isaiah 1:18
15.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).  This lesson explains the "I am the life" portion of this verse.  I encourage you to read first the two predecessor lessons which explain the "I am the way" and "I am the truth" portions of this verse.  Here are the links:

"Jesus is the Way to Heaven" (Ref. 1)
"Jesus is the Truth" (Ref. 2)

The About the Way page also teaches about the Way of God in the Old Testament and the Way in the New Testament.

     Consider.  What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ said "I am the life"?

     Jesus is the Creator and Source of Life.  Jesus Christ is the source or fountain of all life.  Scripture tells us "For by Him all things were created" and "All things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16).  John writes, "All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being" (John 1:3).  

The Greek word for life is zóé, which means both physical (present) and spiritual (particularly future) existence (Ref. 3).  Life always comes from and is sustained by God.

"Life" here has no limitation, and includes life of the body, the life of the soul, the life of the spirit, life in the present, and life in the future (Ref. 4).

     Life is through Christ rather than the Law.  Jesus' Jewish listeners were familiar with the law given through Moses.  Yes.  God gave the law (Exodus 20:1-17, Exodus 24:12).  Yes.  God instructed the Israelites to obey the law (Deuteronomy 30:15-18).  However, the law itself did not impart life.  Only Jesus can impart life.  I suggest that this point is central to what Jesus meant when he said "I am the life."

The Apostle Paul emphasizes faith in Christ versus the inability of the law to impart life.  "If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:21).  "For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law" (Galatians 3:21).  "The law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24, italics added).      

     Jesus is the Key to Blessed Life.  Jesus spoke about the sheep under his care, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they [believers] may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10, brackets added).  The Greek word for abundantly in this verse is perissos, which means all-around and going beyond the expected limit (more than enough) (Ref. 5).  As believers in Christ, Jesus cares for us and meets our needs.  David, the Psalmist, captured this truth when he wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake" (Psalm 23:1-3). 
 

     Jesus is the Giver of Eternal Life.  Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28, italics added).

The Greek word for eternal in eternal life is aiónios, which means unending, and age-long (Strong's Concordance - Ref. 6).  Aiónios includes the character of that which lasts for an age, as contrasted with that which is brief and fleeting (Ref. 6).  "Aiónios does not focus on the future per se, but rather on the quality of the age it relates to.  Thus, believers live in eternal life right now, experiencing this quality of God's life now as a present possession" (Helps Word-studies - Ref. 6, Ref. 7).

Jesus Christ is the life.  Jesus imparts life that the law cannot impart.  Jesus is the key to a blessed life.  To those who believe in him, Jesus gives eternal life - the quality of life which begins now and continues into eternity after our physical death.  Thanks be to God for Jesus who is our life!

     Apply.  Take time now to thank God for the life that he gives you through his Son, Jesus Christ.

References
1.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/jesus-is-the-way-to-heaven
2.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/jesus-is-the-truth
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2222.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm
(Ellicott's Commentary on John 1:4)
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4053.htm
6.  https://biblehub.com/greek/166.htm
7.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/what-is-eternal-life

This lesson provides a word study of the keywords in Romans 1:16 where the Apostle Paul says "I am not ashamed of the gospel."  

     Consider.  Do you know what Paul means when he says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel"?

     I am Not Ashamed.  As believers in Christ, we should not be ashamed to be identified with Christ, and we should not be ashamed to present the good news of salvation in Christ to others.  The Apostle Paul recognized the world's opposition to Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Ref. 1, Ref. 2, Ref. 3).  Yet Paul did not shrink away from preaching Christ; instead, he glorified in it.  In Romans 1:15, Paul writes, "So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome" (italics added).

In Romans 1:16 the Greek word for the verb to be ashamed of means disgraced, like someone being "singled out" because they misplaced their confidence or support" (Ref. 4).  The world thought Paul should be ashamed.  To the Jews "the thought of a crucified Messiah" was "a revolting folly" (Ref. 5).  To the Greeks the worship of a crucified wrongdoer was a detestable superstition (Ref. 5).  Paul kept his confidence in Christ.  He in no way felt disgraced because he represented Christ.  Paul continued to preach the gospel despite the world's opposition. 

Paul encouraged his protégé, Timothy, "Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:8). 

     Of the Gospel.  The Greek word for gospel in Romans 1:16 is euaggelion (pronounced as yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on).  Euaggelion means God's good news (Ref. 6).  The good news about Jesus Christ is the gospel.  Specifically, Jesus Christ through his death on the cross has procured eternal salvation for all who put their faith in him.  By God's grace, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life when we put our faith in Christ (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:8).  That is the message.
  

     For it is the power of God.  The Greek word for power in Romans 1:16 is dunamis (pronounced as doo'-nam-is).  Dunamis means (miraculous) power, might, and strength (Ref. 7).

"The gospel is the inherent, omnipotent power of God operating in the salvation of a lost soul who accepts it" (Ref. 8 below).  Cross references: 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Peter 3:1-5.

     For salvation.  The Greek word for salvation is sótéria.  HELPS Word-studies defines salvation (sótéria) as "God's rescue which delivers believers out of destruction and into His safety" (Ref. 9).  

Salvation is entirely God's doing, not something that we achieve by works or by "trying to live a good life" without Christ.  Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Cross references: Luke 19:9, Acts 4:12.   

     To everyone who believes.  The Greek word for believe is pisteuó which means believe, have faith in, trust in, and have confidence in (Ref. 10).

The phrase "to everyone who believes" describes the condition, or terms, on which God confers salvation (Ref. 11).  God confers salvation on sinners who by faith put their trust in and rely upon God's Son, Jesus Christ.  Salvation is the present possession of all true Christians who believe in and put their confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Cross references: Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, 2 Timothy 1:12.

     To the Jew First and Also to the Greek.  God confers salvation on all people who put their faith and trust in Christ.  Paul initially preached the good news to Jewish hearers (Acts 13:14-16).  Paul later turned to the Gentiles after his Jewish listeners repudiated the message (Acts 13:46, Acts 28:28). 

The world thought then (and still thinks now) that Paul's message about Christ was (is) foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18, Ref. 1).  Yet, Paul was neither disgraced nor ashamed of the gospel.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.  Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross, has procured forgiveness of sins and provides eternal life to all who put their faith and trust in him. 

     Apply.  Think about and write down the definition of the gospel in your own words.  Pray that God will provide you opportunities to present the gospel to others.  God will help you to be unashamed of the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation and eternal life he provides to those who believe in him.

References
1.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/the-word-of-the-cross-foolishness-or-power
2.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/biblical-definition-of-the-world
3.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/the-world-hates-jesus-and-his-disciples
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1870.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm (Pulpit Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:18)
6.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2098.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1411.htm
8.  Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, Kenneth S. Wuest, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973
9.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4991.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
11.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/romans/1.htm
(Notes on the Bible by Albert Barnes [1834] - Romans 1:16)

This article is the third in a series on the "'Fear Nots' of the Bible" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).  This article presents the "Fear not" angelic encounters with Zacharias, Mary, and the shepherds in Luke chapters 1 and 2.

     Consider.  Do you regard the announcement of the birth of Jesus as good news?  If so, are you telling others?  Are you rejoicing because you know Jesus as your Savior?

     Introduction.  Angels are active in both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures.  Angels bring announcements and special messages of encouragement from God to specific people.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for angel is aggelos.  Aggelos means a messenger or delegate, someone sent by God to proclaim His message (Ref. 3).   Matthew chapter 1 describes the first appearance of an angel in the New Testament.  An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20).  

Supernatural angelic appearances to humans in the scriptures often, but not always, begin with "Fear not," also translated as "Do not fear" or "Do not be afraid" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2). 

     The Angel Gabriel Appears to Zacharias.  Luke 1:5-25 tells us about the angel Gabriel's appearance to the priest Zacharias and the angel's message foretelling the birth of John the Baptist.

When Gabriel appears to Zacharias in the temple, Zacharias is troubled and fearful (Luke 1:12).  In Luke 1:13 NKJV, the angel's message to Zacharias has four main points: 1) "Do not be afraid" ("Fear not" in the KJV), 2) "Your prayer is heard," 3) "Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son" and 4) "You shall call his name John."  Gabriel tells Zacharias that John will be great in the sight of the Lord (Luke 1:15), will be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15), will turn back many children of Israel to the Lord (Luke 1:16), and will go before the Lord (Luke 1:17).

The angel Gabriel tells Zacharias that this message is good news, also translated as glad tidings (Luke 1:19 NASB, Luke 1:19 NKJV).  The Greek word for good news and glad tidings is euaggelizó (Ref. 4).  We will see the same word again in Luke 2:10.

Scripture tells us that Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous and blameless in following the Lord's commandments (Luke 1:5-6).  However, Zacharias does not believe (have faith in, trust in) the angel's "good news" message (Luke 1:20, Ref. 5).  Disbelief in God's message has consequences.  Zacharias is not able to speak until the prophecy is fulfilled when John is born (Luke 1:57, 63).  When his mouth is opened, Zacharias speaks and praises God (Luke 1:64).

Gabriel greets Mary with the words, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" (Luke 1:28)  The Greek word for favored is charitoó, which means highly-favored because receptive to God's grace (Ref. 7). 

The Scripture says, "Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be" (Luke 1:29).  Unlike Zacharias (Luke 1:12), Mary was not terrified by the angel's appearance or presence.  However, she was perplexed by what the angel meant by his greeting.  The angel responds and tells her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast favour with God"(Luke 1:30 KJV).

Gabriel then states the substance of his message to Mary.  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:31-33).

Then Mary asks Gabriel a very interesting question - "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (Luke 1:34)  The Greek word for know in this verse is ginóskó, which means know through personal experience and in this context refers to sexual intimacy (Ref. 8).  Mary did not doubt the angel's word.  From her humility and modesty she wondered how her pregnancy could be effected in her virgin state (Ref. 9).  The angel Gabriel replies and says, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35).  Gabriel also says, "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

Mary then humbly speaks her assent and consent to the will of God.  "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).  The Greek word for Let it be is ginomai, which means come into being, happen, and become (Ref. 10).

The angel then departs, having accomplished what he came for (Luke 1:38).

      The Angel Announces The Savior's Birth to the Shepherds.  In Luke 2:8-14 the gospel writer describes the glorious announcement of the birth of the Savior.  Previously, Luke had described the Angel Gabriel's message to Mary about the conception of Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).  In the verses immediately before the angel's announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:1-7), the gospel account informs us that Joseph and Mary had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and that her Son now was born.

The Scripture tells us that an angel (name not identified) suddenly stands before shepherds who were outside Bethlehem at night (Luke 2:8-9).  The scripture states "And the glory of the Lord shone around them" (Luke 2:9, italics added).  The brilliant glory of the Lord around the shepherds during the angel's announcement is unique compared to the appearance of Gabriel to Zacharias in Luke 1:8-25 and to Mary in Luke 1:26-38.  The Apostle Paul reports a similar encounter with bright light around himself and his traveling companions on the way to Damascus (Acts 26:13).

The shepherds "feared with a great fear" at the angel's sudden appearance (Luke 2:9 DRA).  The King James Version famously says "they were sore afraid" (Luke 2:9 KJV). 

The angel tells the shepherds, "Fear not" (Luke 2:10).  Yes, the appearance of the angel was supernatural; however, the angel's message about the birth of Christ is good news, not bad news.  "For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).  The Greek verb for bring good news is euaggelizó which also is translated as bring good tidings (Ref. 4).

The Greek word for Savior in Luke 2:11 is sótér, which means savior, deliverer, preserver (Strong's Concordance, Ref. 11).  Jesus Christ is our Savior because he "saves believers from their sins and delivers them into His safety" (HELPS Word-studies, Ref. 11, 1 John 4:14, 1 Timothy 1:15, Luke 19:10). 

The shepherds considered the angel's message, and then they went with haste, without delay to see the Savior themselves (Luke 2:15-16).  After they had seen Jesus, they told others the good news about Jesus (Luke 2:17).  Then the shepherds returned, "glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20).  

     Apply.  Like the shepherds, have you accepted the good news of the Savior for yourself?  If not, then believe that he is the Son of God as described in the scriptures, and ask him to forgive your sins.  Then go on your way rejoicing and tell others the good news about Jesus.

References
1.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/fear-nots-of-the-old-testament
2.  http://www.scriptureway.com/home/fear-nots-of-jesus
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/32.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2097.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
6.  https://biblehub.com/greek/3933.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/greek/5487.htm
8.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1097.htm
9.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/luke/1.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1096.htm
11.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4990.htm

This article is the second in a series on the "'Fear Nots' of the Bible."  The first article presented the "'Fear Nots' of the Old Testament" (Ref. 1).  In the Old Testament, God assured the Israelites, "Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10).  Moses encouraged the Israelites about the Lord's presence with them, "Do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).   

This article presents statements of Jesus where he tells us to "Fear not" or "Do not be afraid."  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, assures those who believe in him and follow him that we have no reason to fear.

     Consider.  In what areas of your life are you afraid?  With what circumstances or trials would you like Jesus to give you courage and peace?

     Definition.  Unless indicated otherwise, the verses in this article use the Greek word phobeó for fear or afraid (Ref. 2).  The New Testament uses phobeó to mean put to flight (withdraw from), terrify, frighten, dread, or reverence (Ref. 2). 

     Jesus Gives Us Courage in the Midst of Our Trials.  Recall the event when Jesus walked on the water of Lake Galilee late at night to come to his disciples who were struggling with rowing against the wind (read here, Mark 6:45-52).  In Mark 6:48 the Greek language uses a serious word to describe the disciple's situation.  The New American Standard Bible says the disciples were straining at the oars for the wind was against them.  The Greek word for straining is basanizó, which means a tormenting trial, to examine by using torture (Ref. 3).  Wow. 

Jesus took the initiative and came to his disciples during their tormenting trial at sea (Mark 6:48).  The disciples saw Jesus approaching, but did not recognize him at first.  They thought he was a ghost, and they were frightened (Mark 6:49-50).  Jesus said to them, and he says to us in our trial, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). 

The Greek word for courage is tharseó, which means emboldened from within (Ref. 4).  For the believer, bold courage is infused by the Lord and means "living out the inner confidence (inner bolstering) that is Spirit-produced" (Ref. 4).

By faith, Jesus gives us courage (inner boldness and confidence) during our trials.  His presence with us calms our storms (Mark 6:51, Mark 4:38-39).

     Believing in Jesus is the Remedy for Our Fear.  A synagogue official named Jairus came  to Jesus and urgently asked Jesus, "My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live" (Mark 5:22-23).  While on the way, bad news came from the house of the synagogue official.  "Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?" (Mark 5:35).  Jesus disagreed with the advice of the bad news bearer to not trust further in Jesus.  Jesus immediately said to Jairus, "Fear not, only believe" (Mark 5:36).  In the face of bad news, believing in (trusting in, having faith in) Jesus is the only remedy for our grief and fear (Ref. 5, Ref. 6). 

Jesus knew that he "had things under control."  Jairus only needed to believe.  Jesus went on to raise Jairus' daughter from the dead (Mark 5:40-42). 

     God Knows Us, Values Us, and Cares for Us.  Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).  English Theologian John Gill (1697 - 1771) wrote, "If God takes care of sparrows and is concerned for their lives, much more will he take care of his faithful ministers, and not suffer their lives to be taken away, till they have done the will and work of their Lord" (Ref. 7, Ref. 8).

      Jesus Gives Us Peace that the World Cannot Give.  On the evening before his death, Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).  Jesus gives his disciples peace.  The peace that Jesus gives dispels our fear.

The Greek word for peace in John 14:27 is eiréné.  Eiréné (peace) is God's gift of wholeness including peace of mind (Ref. 9).  The invocation of peace (shalom in Hebrew) also was a common Jewish farewell, in the Hebraistic sense of the health (welfare), security, safety, and prosperity of an individual (Ref. 10, 1 Samuel 1:16-18, 1 Samuel 20:42).

The Greek word for fear in John 14:27 is deiliaó, which means to be cowardly (Ref. 11).  Deiliaó is used only this one time in the New Testament. 

Jesus' presence and his words bring comfort, courage, and peace to his disciples then and now.  
 

     Apply.  If you do not yet know Jesus, put your faith and trust in him.  Believing in Jesus is the only remedy for your fear.  If you do know Jesus, and you are going through a difficult time, pray, and put your trust in Jesus.  He will provide you the comfort, courage, and peace that you seek.

References
1.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/fear-nots-of-the-old-testament
2.  https://biblehub.com/greek/5399.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/928.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2293.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
6.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/mark/5.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/matthew/10.htm
8.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gill_(theologian)
9.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm
11.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1168.htm

This article is the first in a series on the "'Fear Nots' of the Bible."  This article presents God's divinely encouraging "Fear not" and "Do not be afraid" statements from the Old Testament. 

     Consider.  In our troubles and challenges of life, God comes to us and says, "Fear not," and "Do not be afraid."  In addition to telling us, "Do not be afraid," God encourages us because God is with us and blesses us in a variety of ways.

     God is Our Shield.  Genesis 15:1 - "After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.'"  God is our protector and defense.

     God Blesses His People.  Genesis 26:24 - "And the Lord appeared to him* the same night and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.'"
* Isaac, Abraham's son

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bless as invoke divine care, confer prosperity, protect, and endow with favor (Ref. 1).

     God Saves His People.  When the Egyptian army was about to overtake the Israelites, and immediately before God divided the sea, Moses said to the Israelites, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today..." (Exodus 14:13). 

When the Moabites and Ammonites came to make war against Jehoshaphat, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he spoke to the Israelites (2 Chronicles 20:14).  "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:17).

The Hebrew word for salvation in Exodus 14:13 and 2 Chronicles 20:17 is yeshuah, pronounced yesh-oo'-aw (Ref. 2).  Yeshua also is the modern Hebrew name for Jesus of Nazareth (Ref. 3).  In English, the name Yeshua is extensively used by followers of Messianic Judaism (Ref. 3). 

     God Never Fails or Forsakes His People.  In Moses' last counsel to all the Israelite people, Moses said, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:1, 6). 

Moses then said to his successor, Joshua, "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

     God Strengthens Us, Helps Us, and Supports Us.  Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

    God is Our Companion in Trials.  Isaiah 43:1-2 - "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." 

God indeed has redeemed his people.  The Hebrew word for redeem is gaal, which means to act as a kinsman and to buy back a relative's property (Ref. 4).

God has already demonstrated that his promises in Isaiah 43:1-2 are true.  God parted the sea for the Israelites to pass through on dry land (Exodus 14:15-16).  God caused the Jordan River to rise up in a heap so it would not overflow the Israelites when they crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3:13-17).  Recall that King Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego cast into the blazing furnace of fire because they would not serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods (Daniel 3:16-20).  Scripture tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar saw in the fire a divine companion that God provided to be with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego during their trial.  "'Look!' he answered, 'I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God'" (Daniel 3:25). 

     Apply.  How do you need God's encouragement today to "Fear not" or "Do not be afraid"?  Claim God's promises to be present with you, to bless you, to strengthen you, and to give you courage.

References 
1.  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bless
2.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3444.htm
3.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeshua
4.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1350.htm

This article explains the Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church to be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and be loving (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

     Consider.  In what areas of your personal life today are you being challenged to stand firm in your faith in Christ?  In what areas do you believe the church of Christ today needs to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy? 

     Introduction.  The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian church with a concise and sharp series of exhortations.  The first four exhortations in 1 Corinthians 16:13 - be alert (be watchful), stand firm in the faith, act like men (be courageous), and be strong - are like "pistol shots" or shouted military commands (Ref. 1).  In contrast, the last exhortation in 1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all that you do be done in love" - is more gentle.

Paul loved the church at Corinth, and he spent much time teaching them (Acts 18:1, 5, 11).  Even though Paul loved them and had taught them about Christ, he was concerned that they were "schismatic and factious," "ill-grounded in regard to very fundamental doctrines of the faith," undisciplined, and incapacitated for "vigorous warfare" (Ref. 1).  Paul includes these sharp and emotional exhortations at the end of his letter to help them preserve their souls and to stand firm against the enemies of truth.

     Be on the alert.  The Greek word for be on the alert is grégoreó.  Grégoreó means literally, stay awake, and figuratively, be vigilant, responsible, and watchful (Ref. 2).  Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church (to be alert, watchful) applies equally to us as believers in Christ today.  Paul urged the Corinthian church to guard constantly against evils such as dissension, erroneous doctrine, false teaching, and temptations, "lest the enemies of truth and of holiness should steal upon them and surprise them" (Ref. 3).  "They were to watch with the same vigilance that is required of a sentinel who guards a camp, lest an enemy should suddenly come upon them, and surprise the camp when the army was locked in sleep" (Ref. 3).

     Stand firm in the faith.  The Greek word for stand firm in 1 Corinthians 16:13 is stékó which means to persist, persevere, and stand fast (Ref. 4).  The Greek word for faith is pistis which means belief, trust, faith, and confidence (Ref. 5).  As believers in Christ, in addition to being watchful, we are to stand firm in the faith - that is, stand firm in our belief, trust, and confidence in Christ and in the word of God.  I suggest these examples for standing firm in the faith:

• Believing in and defending the absolute truths of the Bible (for example, Christ's sacrificial death for our sins and his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  Another example - believing in and relying upon the inspiration and authority of the Bible - "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Maintaining full confidence in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - we are able to stand firm because of who we trust (Jesus Christ).  David wrote, "My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2).  Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). 
• Remaining faithful to God when we encounter temptation (James 1:12-15, 1 Corinthians 10:13).  David wrote, "How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Your word" (Psalm 119:9).
• Trusting God through distress and affliction - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).
• Holding our ground and opposing the attempts of those who compromise Biblical standards to mimic worldly culture.  In contrast to imitating the world and compromising with the world, Jesus said that we are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).  The Apostle John wrote, "Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15, Ref. 6).
  
  

     Act like men (be courageous and brave).  Paul  uses the Greek word andrizó, which the 1995 New American Standard Bible translates as act like men (Ref. 7).  Andrizó means "properly, to act as a full-grown, mature man; (figuratively) to be responsible and courageous by taking the initiatives God reveals through faith" (HELPS Word-studies, Ref. 8).  Note the connection in the Greek definition between God providing the Christian believer faith and the Christian believer being courageous and brave to stand firm.  The Greek word andrizó (act like men) occurs only once in the New Testament - here in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (Englishman's Concordance, Ref. 8). 

Paul's message applies to both male and female believers today.  We are to be spiritually mature, courageous, and brave as we stand firm in the faith.

     Be strong.  In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul uses an unusual word which is translated as be strong.  The Greek word used here for be strong is krataioó.  Krataioó (be strong) means to prevail by God's dominating strength working in the believer through faith (Ref. 9).  Paul uses the same Greek word krataioó in his prayer for the church at Ephesus.  "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man ..." (Ephesians 3:14-16, italics added).

     Let all that you do be done in love.  Paul transitions from the captain's words of command in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to the gentler exhortation, "Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).  The Greek word for love in this verse is agapé, which means divine love (what God prefers) (Ref. 10).  As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, when we stand firm in the faith, we are to show God's divine love to others in everything that we say and do.  Paul describes the love we are to show others when he wrote, "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered ..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). 

     Apply.  In what area of your personal life do you need God's strength to help you stand firm?  What can you do to help the church of Christ today to stand firm against the enemies of God's truth?

References
1.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/1_corinthians/16.htm
2.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1127.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/1_corinthians/16.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4739.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm
6.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/do-not-love-the-world
7.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+16%3A13&version=NASB
8.  https://biblehub.com/greek/407.htm
9.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2901.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/greek/26.htm