~ To speak highly of Jesus is not enough. (Matthew 12:30, John 3:36, 1 John 5:12)

~ Jesus is the Lord. (Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9-10)

~ Jesus is the only Savior. (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12)

~ Jesus is the coming righteous...

~ The Lord Jesus is the The Amen, True and Faithful One, and the beginning of Creation.

(Revelation 3:14)

~ God disciplines those He loves. (Hebrews 12:1-11)

~ Only God can bring to life the dead and the blind. He sends His people as His...

~ The Lord Jesus is Holy, true, and sovereign. (Mark 1:23, John 14:6, and Isaiah 45:6-7)

~ The Lord opens doors of salvation and ministry that no one can close. (Revelation 3:8 and 1

Corinthians 16:8)

~ The Lord promises His people...

~ The Lord Jesus is the only One who gives life, righteousness, security, and approval. (John

14:6)

~ Many people are pretending to be alive in Christ. (Matt. 7:21-23)

~ The Lord sees and oversees His righteous few even though the world often...

~ To move toward idols is to move away from the gospel and the Savior the gospel proclaims.

~ Maturing in Christ aims our worship toward our Savior and away from idols.

~ The Lord Jesus is authoritative and all knowing.

~ Those who honor Christ in times of trouble are noticed and will be honored.

~ His approval is the only approval that matters and the only approval that will last.

-God encourages, instructs, and gives hope to His people who face opposition and suffering for

their faith.

-Jesus is eternal and victorious over death. Reflecting on who He is fuels our faith in difficult

times.

-God encourages His church...

~ The Lord Jesus is present and sovereign overseeing His church.

~ Ministry and hard work can replace a genuine walk with God so be careful.

~ The Lord promises Himself and the blessings of heaven to any wearied person who comes to

Him.

~ Abiding is a relationship with Christ of continual dependence.

~ Those who know Christ and abide in Him will demonstrate His life to others.

~ We are commanded to keep abiding in Christ together as believers and bear continually more

...

~ Persecution is to be expected for all believers some time in our life.

~ Persecution for Christ reveals we are truly His.

~ Those persecuted will be rewarded by the Lord Himself.