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What the Bible Says About Your Identity in Christ

Hosanna Wong

By Hosanna Wong

What names are you answering to? It’s easy to forget who we are in the midst of life’s struggles. But, as believers, we can trust what the Bible tells us about our identity in Christ, and how we should live in light of those truths. Today’s post from bestselling author Hosanna Wong will explore some of those key identity Scriptures, offering insight and encouragement by unpacking nine names God calls us.

God knew that throughout our lives we’d be told lies about who we are and who we are not. Our Creator’s words show us who we were created to be, and who we have always been. Remember, no one has the power to define you but the One who created you. And the names God calls you may be very different from the other names you’ve been told.

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What is the Presence of God?

By Susie LarsonSusie Larson

What is the presence of God? Christians often talk about “seeking God’s presence” or praying for God “to be present with us in this place.” But what exactly does that mean?

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” It’s in God’s presence that we find the fullness of joy. And, as Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, “The joy of the Lord is [our] strength.” It’s in God’s presence where we receive correction, direction, comfort, and assurance. God’s presence brings clarity to our confusion, hope in place of despair. Continue reading

Friendship Will Make or Break Your Life

Justin Whitmel Earley: Isolation may be the norm of modern life, but it does not have to be the story of your life. Learn to foster life-giving friendships.By Justin Whitmel Earley

I often think about the beginning of the world.

You may think that’s a bit strange, but I think you should try it. It goes like this:

One day God is being quintessential God, making things from nothing, and he’s doing it with his covenant friends—the Son and the Holy Spirit.

To imagine it right, you have got to see that they all think this whole creation thing is a spectacularly grand idea. It won’t be without hiccups, they know, but they are providentially confident it will turn out to be a smashing success.
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Unlock the Depths of Scripture with 4 core Bible study tools

Bible Gateway is the online Bible tool. For 30 years we’ve made the Bible available for free, and accessible to anyone who wants to read the Bible. It is the backbone of our faith, and we encourage even deeper Bible study to grow your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Studying the Bible, with the right tools, deepens understanding of God’s Word, providing insight into how to live your life.

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What Does Biblical Freedom Really Mean?

Karrie Garcia: Biblical freedom allows us to reclaim what the Enemy has robbed from us so we can live the story of who God created us to be.By Karrie Garcia

I was taught that God wants us to live freely, but I never understood what that kind of freedom meant or felt like. It seemed like a good idea in theory, but elusive—I had no idea how to grab a hold of it. Granted, there were seasons of my life when I felt free but really wasn’t.

If freedom meant being carefree and uninhibited, that kind of freedom was mine during the years I was addicted to drugs (more on that in my book). I was free to make the decisions I wanted and do whatever made me feel good in the moment, but that freedom never brought me peace. I was free but not fully alive. I was enslaved to my own freedom—which was really counterfeit freedom.

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The Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible: Multiple Translations for Multiple Audiences

The Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible has been trusted and used for more than five generations. It is a study and reference work that is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation.

Why has it been so popular since its release in 1908? Because this unique reference Bible enables you to follow Scripture’s teachings on thousands of topics throughout the entire Bible. Its chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study, with over 100,000 references that are listed in the Bible’s margins covering over 8,000 topics that span the entire Bible.

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The Secret to Unity, Joy, and Peace in Philippians 4:2-9, 21-23

In this posting, we are concluding the blog series with content from biblical scholar Scot McKnight. McKnight has recently published New Testament Everyday Bible Study series with HarperChristian Resources. McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides original meaning, fresh interpretation, and practical application.

In this blog series, we’ve been sharing Scot’s insights and wisdom on the book of Philippians. It is available as a book as well: Philippians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Kingdom Living in Today’s World.

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Why Imitation is Crucial to Common Life in Philippians 3:12-4:1

In this tenth posting, we are continuing the blog series with content from biblical scholar Scot McKnight. McKnight has recently published New Testament Everyday Bible Study series with HarperChristian Resources. McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides original meaning, fresh interpretation, and practical application.

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Why Confession is Imperative for Our Common Life in Philippians 3:1b-11

In this ninth posting, we are continuing the blog series with content from biblical scholar Scot McKnight. McKnight has recently published New Testament Everyday Bible Study series with HarperChristian Resources. McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides original meaning, fresh interpretation, and practical application.

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Why Friendship is Vital to a Common Life in Philippians 2:19-3:1a

In this eighth posting, we are continuing the blog series with content from biblical scholar Scot McKnight. McKnight has recently published New Testament Everyday Bible Study series with HarperChristian Resources. McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides original meaning, fresh interpretation, and practical application.

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