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	<title>Bible Study Planet</title>
	
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		<title>The Kingdom of God</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:47:38 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Basics]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Is the Kingdom of God here now? Is it still to come? Or both?<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)</p></blockquote>
<p>The kingdom of God really means the reign of God; it means the law and the rule of God. </p>
<p><strong>The Kingdom Is Here</strong></p>
<p>In one sense the kingdom of God has already come. It came when the Lord Jesus was here. He said, “If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” He said in effect, “The kingdom of God is here now; I am exercising this power, this sovereignty, this majesty, this dominion; this is the kingdom of God”.</p>
<p><strong>The Kingdom In The Heart Of Believers</strong></p>
<p>The kingdom of God is also here at this moment in the hearts and lives of all who submit to Him, in all who believe in Him. The kingdom of God is present in the heart of all those who are truly Christian. Christ reigns in such people. </p>
<p><strong>The Future Kingdom</strong></p>
<p>But the day is yet to come when His kingdom shall have been established here upon the earth. That day is coming. The whole message of the Bible looks forward to that. Christ came down from heaven to earth to found, to establish, and to bring in this kingdom. </p>
<p>He is still engaged upon that task and will be until the end, when it shall have been completed. The He will, according to Paul, hand it back to God the Father, “that God may be all in all.”</p>
<p>When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” we are praying for the success of the gospel, its sway and power; we are praying for the conversion of men and women; we are praying that the kingdom of God may come everywhere in the world.</p>
<p>It means that we should be anticipating the day when all sin and evil and wrong and everything that is opposed to God shall finally have been routed that the name of God may be glorious and magnified over all. </p>
<p>- Martyn-Lloyd Jones</p>
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		<title>Jesus from Genesis to Revelation</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:58:42 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[lists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Bible, from cover to cover, answers the question, "Who is this Jesus?''  <p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>The Bible, from cover to cover, answers the question,<br />
“Who is this Jesus?”</p></blockquote>
<h3>In the Old Testament:</h3>
<p>- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.</p>
<p>- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.</p>
<p>- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.</p>
<p>- In Numbers, He is your guide.</p>
<p>- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.</p>
<p>- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.</p>
<p>- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.</p>
<p>- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.</p>
<p>- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.</p>
<p>- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.</p>
<p>- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.</p>
<p>- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.</p>
<p>- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.</p>
<p>- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.</p>
<p>- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.</p>
<p>- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.</p>
<p>- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.</p>
<p>- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.</p>
<p>- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..</p>
<p>- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.</p>
<p>- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.</p>
<p>- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.</p>
<p>- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.</p>
<p>- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.</p>
<p>- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.</p>
<p>- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.</p>
<p>- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.</p>
<p>- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.</p>
<p>- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.</p>
<p>- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.</p>
<p>- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.</p>
<p>- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.</p>
<p>- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.</p>
<p>- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.</p>
<p>- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.</p>
<p>- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts. </p>
<p>- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.</p>
<h3>In the New Testament:</h3>
<p>- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.</p>
<p>- In Mark, He is the servant.</p>
<p>- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.</p>
<p>- In John, He is the Son of God.</p>
<p>- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.</p>
<p>- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.</p>
<p>- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.</p>
<p>- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.</p>
<p>- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.</p>
<p>- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.</p>
<p>- In Philippians, He is your joy.</p>
<p>- In Colossians, He is your completeness.</p>
<p>- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.</p>
<p>- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.</p>
<p>- In I Timothy, He is your faith.</p>
<p>- In II Timothy, He is your stability.</p>
<p>- In Titus He is your reason for serving.</p>
<p>- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.</p>
<p>- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.</p>
<p>- In James, He is the power behind your faith.</p>
<p>- In I Peter, He is your example.</p>
<p>- In II Peter, He is your purity.</p>
<p>- In I John, He is your life.</p>
<p>- In II John, He is your pattern.</p>
<p>- In III John, He is your motivation.</p>
<p>- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.</p>
<p>- In Revelation, He is your coming King.</p>
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		<title>Christianity 101: Justification</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Christianity 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Theology]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Justification is the most important teaching in Christianity. If we get it wrong we loose the gospel.
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>What Justification Means</h3>
<p>To be justified means to be declared not guilty of all sin and penalty of God&#8217;s Law. God treats those who are justified as righteous and treats them as if they have kept all of His law. </p>
<h3>How We&#8217;re Justified</h3>
<p>We cannot justify ourselves by any work we do because our works fall short of God&#8217;s standard:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God&#8230;&#8221;  (Rom 3:23)</p></blockquote>
<p>Justification is a gift from God:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;&#8230;and are justified by his grace as a gift&#8230;&#8221; (Rom 3:24)</p></blockquote>
<p>The gift of justification is Christ taking our place in judgment by paying for our sins on the cross. </p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;&#8230;through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation [payment] by his blood, (Rom 3:24-25)</p></blockquote>
<p>At the cross we gave Christ our sin and He gave us His righteousness:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.&#8221; (2 Cor 5:21)</p></blockquote>
<p>This gift is received by faith alone. This means trusting completely in Christ to pay the penalty of our sin:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;&#8230;to be received by faith.&#8221; (Rom 3:25)</p></blockquote>
<p>“Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6) so that he might take away their sins. Christ has no sin of his own, but is punished for human sin. We have no righteousness of our own, but we take the divine righteousness when we come to Christ in faith, and now stand accepted before God.</p>
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		<title>January’s Top 10 Most Popular Studies</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:29:33 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Popular]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Emergency Bible verses, 4 types of Christians and how we know we're saved lead January's top 10!<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>Thank you to everyone who visited Bible Study Planet in January 2010. God bless you all!</p></blockquote>
<p><b>Most Popular Bible Studies</b><br />
1) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/emergency-bible-numbers/">Emergency Bible Numbers</a><br />
2) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/four-types-of-christians/">Four Types of Christians</a><br />
3) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/where-to-put-your-troubles/">Where To Put Your Troubles</a><br />
4) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/what-is-the-gospel-2/">What Is The Gospel?</a><br />
5) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/seven-ways-god-loves-us/">Seven Ways God Loves Us</a><br />
6) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/the-art-of-living-a-christian-life/">The Art Of Living A Christian Life</a><br />
7) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/eight-ways-god-sees-us/">Eight Ways God Sees Us</a><br />
8) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/an-overview-of-the-bible-2/">An Overview Of The Bible</a><br />
9) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/how-do-we-know-were-saved-2/">How Do We Know We&#8217;re Saved?</a><br />
10) <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/four-ways-to-enjoy-this-day/">Four Ways To Enjoy This Day</a></p>
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		<title>Emergency Bible Numbers</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:17:51 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[We have a great list of passages you can turn to in any situation.<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>- When you&#8217;re sad, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014&#038;version=NIV">John 14 </a></p>
<p>- When you don&#8217;t feel loved, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:38-39&#038;version=NIV">Romans 8:38-39</a></p>
<p>- When you&#8217;ve sinned, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201:8-9&#038;version=NIV">1 John 1:8-9</a></p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re facing danger, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2091&#038;version=NIV">Psalm 91</a> </p>
<p>- When people have failed you, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2027&#038;version=NIV">Psalm 27</a></p>
<p>- When God feel far from you, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&#038;version=NIV">Psalm 139 </a></p>
<p>- When your faith needs encouraging, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011&#038;version=NIV">Hebrews 11</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re scared, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&#038;version=NIV">Psalm 23</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re worried, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&#038;version=NIV">Matthew 6:25-34</a></p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re hurt, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:12-17&#038;version=NIV">Colossians 3:12-17</a> </p>
<p>- When you feel no one is on your side, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31-39&#038;version=NIV">Romans 8:31-39</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re seeking rest, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011:25-30&#038;version=NIV">Matthew 11:25-30</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re suffering, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:18-30&#038;version=NIV">Romans 8:18-30</a> </p>
<p>- When youfee you&#8217;re failing, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121&#038;version=NIV">Psalm 121</a> </p>
<p>- When you pray, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%206:9-13&#038;version=NIV">Matthew 6:9-13</a></p>
<p>- When you need courage, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201&#038;version=NIV">Joshua 1</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re in need, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:19&#038;version=NIV">Philippians 4:19</a> </p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re hated because of your faith, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&#038;version=NIV">John 15</a> </p>
<p>- When you are losing hope, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thessalonians%202:16-17&#038;version=NIV">2 Thessalonians 2:16-17</a></p>
<p>- When you&#8217;re seeking peace, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:27&#038;version=NIV">John 14:27</a></p>
<p>- When youwant to do good works, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015&#038;version=NIV">John 15</a> </p>
<p>- When you want to live a happy life, call on Colossians <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:12-17&#038;version=NIV">3:12-17</a> </p>
<p>- When you don&#8217;t understand what God is doing, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055:8-9&#038;version=NIV">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> </p>
<p>- When you want to get along with others, call on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:9-21&#038;version=NIV">Romans 12:9-21</a> </p>
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		<title>Heirs of God</title>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:58:07 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Basics]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[What does it mean to be an heir of God, how do we qualify, and what is it we inherit?<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8220;And if children, then heirs &#8212; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.&#8221; (Romans 8:17)</p></blockquote>
<h3>How we become heirs of God</h3>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;And if children, then heirs&#8230;&#8221;</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>We aren&#8217;t heirs because:</strong></p>
<p>1) We are simply God&#8217;s creation<br />
Our text doesn&#8217;t say &#8220;if creatures, then heirs.&#8221;</p>
<p>2) Of our heritage<br />
&#8220;For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham&#8217;s children.&#8221; (Rom. 9:6-7)</p>
<p>3) Of our service<br />
&#8220;&#8216;Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?&#8217; Then I will tell them plainly, &#8216;I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!&#8221; (Matt 7:22-23)</p>
<p>4) Of our ceremonial observances<br />
&#8220;He is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised&#8221; ( Rom. 4:11)</p>
<p>We become heirs of God when we trust Christ for our salvation. Christ sacrifice on the cross brings us forgiveness of sin and adoption into the family of God. &#8211; &#8220;God sent his Son to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.&#8221; (Gal. 4:4)</p>
<p><strong>If we are heirs we have:</strong></p>
<p>1) Believed on Jesus<br />
&#8220;To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.&#8221; (John 1:12)</p>
<p>2) Been born again<br />
&#8220;Jesus declared, &#8216;I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.&#8217;&#8221; (John 3:3)</p>
<p>3) Received the spirit of adoption<br />
&#8220;God sent his Son to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. You are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.&#8221; (Gal. 4:4-5,7)</p>
<p>4) Are being renewed in the image of God<br />
&#8220;You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.&#8221; (Col. 3:9-10)</p>
<h3>What We Inherit</h3>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;heirs of God&#8230;&#8221; </em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Our inheritance qualifies us to be:</strong></p>
<p>1) Heirs of all things<br />
&#8220;The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.&#8221; (Rev. 21:7)</p>
<p>2) Heirs of salvation<br />
&#8220;Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?&#8221; (Heb. 1:14)</p>
<p>3) Heirs of eternal life<br />
&#8220;Being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.&#8221; (Titus 3:7)</p>
<p>4) Heirs of promise<br />
&#8220;When God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath.&#8221; (Heb. 6:17)</p>
<p>5) Heirs of the grace of life<br />
&#8220;They are heirs with you of the grace of life.&#8221; (1 Pet. 3:7)</p>
<p>6) Heirs of righteousness<br />
&#8220;By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.&#8221; (Heb. 11:7)</p>
<p>7) Heirs of the kingdom<br />
&#8220;Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?&#8221; (James 2:5)</p>
<h3>Joint Heirs With Christ</h3>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;fellow heirs with Christ&#8230;&#8221;</em></p></blockquote>
<p>1) We are only heirs if we are heirs with Christ, through Christ, and in Christ &#8211; &#8220;I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.&#8221; (John 14:6)</p>
<p>2) This shows the greatness of the inheritance &#8212; it is worthy of Jesus. </p>
<p>3) This guarantees it for us. Jesus will not lose it. His title deed and ours are one and indivisible. His taking us into union with himself secures our inheritance &#8211; &#8220;And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.&#8221; (John 6:39)</p>
<p>4) This reveals his love for us. That he would become a partner with us in all things is love unbounded. (1 John 3:1)</p>
<p>5) His prayer for us attains it &#8211; &#8220;I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.&#8221; (John 17:20)</p>
<p>6) His going into heaven before us prepares it &#8211; &#8220;I am going there to prepare a place for you.&#8221; (John 14:2)</p>
<p>7) His coming again will bring us the full enjoyment of it &#8211; &#8220;I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.&#8221; (John 14:3)</p>
<p>8) This joint heirship binds us to Jesus, since we are nothing and have nothing apart from him &#8211; &#8220;I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.&#8221; (John 14:5)</p>
<p>Let us joyfully accept present suffering with Christ, for it is part of the heritage. Let us believe in the glorification which is sure to follow in due time, and let us anticipate it with great rejoicing.</p>
<p>- Charles Spurgeon</p>
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		<title>Four Ways To Enjoy This Day</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[4 Things]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[four things]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[There are four things we can do to be blessed, and be a blessing to others, today.<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are four things we can do to be blessed, and be a blessing to others, today:</p>
<h3>1) Meditate On God&#8217;s Word</h3>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees;  I will not neglect your word.&#8221; (Psalm 119:14-16)</p></blockquote>
<p>God&#8217;s Word is a &#8220;light for our path.&#8221; (Ps 119:105) It brings us joy by &#8220;teaching, rebuking correcting and training us in righteousness,&#8221; (2 Tim 3:16) showing us what things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, (Phil 4:8) and by reminding us of all God&#8217;s promises. (Ps 119:76, Gal 3:14)  Take time everyday to read the Bible.</p>
<h3>2) Live Faithfully </h3>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.&#8221; (James 1:22)</p></blockquote>
<p>Christians represent the living God to a dying world. Whatever happens throughout the day our goal should be to &#8220;conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.&#8221; (Phil 1:27) </p>
<p>We should be faithful children, parents, spouses, employers, employees and friends, treating people the way the Bible tells us to, and remembering when we fall short &#8220;if we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.&#8221; (1 Jhn 1:9)</p>
<p>Another aspect of living faithfully is truly putting our faith in Christ, who we trust to not only pay for our sins, but also provide, guide, strengthen and comfort us.  (Rom 3:22-26, Phil 4:13,  2 Cor 12:9-10)</p>
<h3>3) Live For Others</h3>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;We are God&#8217;s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.&#8221; (Eph 2:10)</p></blockquote>
<p>We&#8217;re created in Christ to do good works, and He has blessed each of us with gifts which allow us to accomplish these works. Some are good at encouraging, some are able to teach, some love to pray, others have the gift of compassion… there are many different types of gifts but what they all have in common is the gifts God gives us are designed to serve others. </p>
<p>We&#8217;re encouraged to have the same attitude as Christ by &#8220;serving one another in love.” (Phil, 2:5-7, Gal 5:13)  A day spent living for others will fill your heart with joy because &#8220;it&#8217;s more blessed to give than to receive.&#8221; (Acts 20:35)</p>
<h3>4) Rejoice In the Lord Despite Any Earthly Circumstances</h3>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.&#8221; (John 16:33)</p></blockquote>
<p>Every day we should rejoice with “joy inexpressible” because we have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 1:3-4,8) Even when we go through hardships we still rejoice because we’re focused on this hope. </p>
<p>We rejoice in spite of the fact that the bank is about to foreclose, or the doctor has bad news, or whatever else comes our way. We rejoice because the source of our joy doesn’t come from our earthly circumstances, it comes from our heavenly standing. We rejoice always because we belong to Christ.</p>
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		<title>Live Beautifully</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BibleStudyPlanet/~3/vZgqesynvDA/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:22:15 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Devotional]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[All of Christ's work of grace is geared towards restorating the beauty of the Lord in His people.<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8220;Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.&#8221; Psalm 90:17</p></blockquote>
<p>Humanity was made to be beautiful. God&#8217;s ideal for man was spotless loveliness &#8212; man was made in God&#8217;s image. But sin has tarnished this image. We see the result of sin wherever we go. </p>
<p>All of Christ&#8217;s work of grace is geared towards restoring the beauty of the Lord in His people. In our Christian lives  His great work is the fashioning of holiness in us. </p>
<p>We’re commanded to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. Jesus Himself was &#8220;altogether lovely&#8221; (Song 5:16) and so His followers are to live in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil 1:27) </p>
<p>We’re commanded to put away all that is sinful, marring, every blot and blemish, every unholy desire, feeling and affection, everything that would defile, and put on whatever is lovely and Christ-like. </p>
<p>The things which are noble, just, pure, lovely, and good are the things we’re to focus on so we may live a beautiful, redeemed life. (Phil 4:7-9)</p>
<p>The goal is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ which, we’re promised in 1 John 3:2-3, we shall attain:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>- J.R. Miller</p>
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		<title>7 Ways God Loves Us</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:00:12 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Basics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Today we look at seven ways God loves us through Christ.<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1) God loves us with <em>Atoning</em> love.</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (Jhn 3:16-17)</p></blockquote>
<p>God’s love for us is what motivated Him to send Christ into the world to save us. Christ paid for our sins, which had separated us from Him.  This sacrifice not only brings us peace with God, it also brings us into a personal, loving relationship with Him. (Rom 5:1-5)</p>
<p>God’s atoning love through Christ is the source of all our spiritual blessings.</p>
<p><strong>2) God loves us with <em>Calling</em> love.</strong> </p>
<blockquote><p>“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet 2:9)</p></blockquote>
<p>Another way God shows His love for us is by calling us out of the darkness of sin and into the light of fellowship with Him.</p>
<p>Even more, because God has called us to Himself, He promises to protect that relationship (Jhn 10:28) and never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5, 1 Thes 5:23-25)</p>
<p>God’s calling love is a promise to always be with us.</p>
<p><strong>3) God loves us with <em>Redeeming</em> love.</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>“God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:3-4)</p></blockquote>
<p>Because of our sinful nature, we have no power to fulfill God’s law. But God’s love is shown through Christ who redeemed, or paid, the price we owed for our rebellion.  (Gal 3:13)</p>
<p>God’s redeeming love frees us from guilt and fear.</p>
<p><strong>4) God loves us with <em>Justifying</em> love.</strong> </p>
<blockquote><p>“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” (Rom 3:23-25)</p></blockquote>
<p>God’s love is shown by justifying us (or declaring us innocent) by grace through faith in Christ. Christ is treated as if he were the sinner, and the sinner is treated as if he were the righteous one. God now sees us through Christ’s righteousness instead of through our sin.</p>
<p>God’s justifying love allows us to stand accepted before Him.</p>
<p><strong>5) God loves us with <em>Adopting</em> love. </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, &#8220;Abba! Father!&#8221;” (Rom 8:15)</p></blockquote>
<p>God shows His love for us by not only forgiving us of our sins, but by going even further and bringing us into His family. He has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints. (Col 1:12) This inheritance includes salvation, strength, hope, peace, comfort, providence, fellowship and so much more! </p>
<p>God’s adopting love allows us to call Him “Father”. </p>
<p><strong>6) God loves us with Sanctifying love.</strong> </p>
<blockquote><p>“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:10)</p></blockquote>
<p>Still another way God also shows His love is by sanctifying, or setting us apart, for His purpose. We’re sanctified in two ways: positionally and progressively. </p>
<p>We’re sanctified “positionally” when we come to Christ. In the Old Testament the priests would continually make sacrifices because they never permanently paid for sin. But Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and has paid for our sins once and for all. So we’ve sanctified, or set apart, to obtain salvation through Christ.</p>
<p>We’re also sanctified “progressively” throughout our Christian lives. Progressive sanctification isn’t about our salvation &#8212; we’re saved by grace and not by works (Eph 2:8-9) &#8212; it’s about how we live after we’ve been saved. </p>
<p>Progressive sanctification is the process of dying to sin and living for Christ by becoming more like Him. It’s about producing the fruits of the Spirit as opposed to producing the fruits of the flesh. (Gal 5:19-23)</p>
<p>God’s sanctifying love sets us apart for His special plans.</p>
<p><strong>7) God loves us with <em>Glorifying</em> love.</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2)</p></blockquote>
<p>Finally, God shows His love by glorifying us. Throughout our lives we’ll wrestle with sin, but we’re promised that the good work God begins in us will be completed. (Phil 1:6)  When we go to be with the Lord our sinful nature will be left behind and we’ll like Him, and with Him, forever. </p>
<p>God’s glorifying love is the ultimate destination for Christians. </p>
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		<title>How Do We Know We’re Saved?</title>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:45:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Basics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christianity 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://biblestudyplanet.com/?p=1740</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today we look at people in the Bible who thought they were saved and learn why they were wrong.<p><h4>If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend: </h4>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the core teachings of Christianity is that we need to have faith in order to be saved. But what kind of faith saves us?  </p>
<p>In a previous study we discussed what it is <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/what-are-we-being-saved-from/">we&#8217;re saved from.</a>  In this study we&#8217;re going to discuss how we know we&#8217;re saved.  </p>
<p>To do this, we&#8217;re going to look at three examples of people in the Bible who mistakenly thought they were saved, see why they were wrong, and from that learn how we can know we&#8217;re saved.</p>
<p><strong>SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED THEY WERE SAVED BECAUSE OF THEIR TRADITION</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Jesus said to them, &#8216;If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.&#8217;&#8221; &#8211; John 8:42-44 </p></blockquote>
<p>Our first example comes from a heated exchange between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees &#8212; the religious leaders of their day. Jesus tells them that He speaks the words of His Father, while they speak the words of their father, the devil. </p>
<p>These religious people felt they were saved because of their bloodline and because of the traditions they followed. They felt these things made God their Father. Many people believe this today.  They feel because they were raised in a Christian home, or because they attend a church, they&#8217;re saved. </p>
<p>But Jesus refutes this by saying, <i>&#8220;If God were your Father, you would love me&#8230;</i>&#8221; The requirement for being a child of God is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. </p>
<p>Notice two things: </p>
<p>1) Notice that Jesus says <i>&#8220;you&#8221;</i>.  Not your parents, or friends or your church but &#8220;you&#8221;. No one can have a relationship on our behalf.  You alone must put your trust in Him to be saved. </p>
<p>2) Notice that Jesus says <i>&#8220;me&#8221;</i>.  It&#8217;s not where you were born, or what church you attend that makes you a child of God. It&#8217;s a belief and a trust that Christ came from the Father to pay for your sins (John 3:16). John 1:12 tells us that &#8220;all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.&#8221; </p>
<p>Let&#8217;s look at our second example.</p>
<p><strong>SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED THEY WERE SAVED BECAUSE OF THEIR BEHAIVOR</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ </p>
<p>But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”- Luke 18:10-14</p></blockquote>
<p>Our next example comes from a parable Jesus told. Here we find that the Pharisee thinks he&#8217;s saved because of his good behavior.  This is probably the reason most people today believe they&#8217;re saved.  Most people feel that they&#8217;ve lived good lives.  </p>
<p>But Jesus refutes this by telling us that it&#8217;s not the Pharisee who is justified (declare innocent from sin), but the tax collector. To be justified Jesus tells us we must be humble about our condition. We must realize we&#8217;ve sinned and call on God to forgive us.</p>
<p>Notice two things:</p>
<p>1) Notice that the Pharisee compared his behavior to the tax collector.  </p>
<p>2) Notice that the tax collector compared his behavior to God.  </p>
<p>The tax collector did the right thing because Romans 3:23 tells us that &#8220;all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.&#8221; It&#8217;s <i>&#8220;the glory of God&#8221;</i> that we fall short of. Our behavior is compared to God &#8212; not other people &#8212; and all of us fall short when held to this standard.  But Romans 3:24 tells us that we can be saved because we&#8217;re &#8220;justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.&#8221; </p>
<p>Let&#8217;s look at one final example. </p>
<p><strong>SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED THEY WERE SAVED BECAUSE OF THEIR WORKS</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’&#8221; &#8211; Matthew 7:21-23</p></blockquote>
<p>In our final example we find Jesus talking about who will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. Here we find people who believe they&#8217;re saved because of good works they do. Again this is something many people do today.</p>
<p>Jesus refutes this by saying that He won&#8217;t accept their works.  As we mentioned in our last example, God’s glory is the standard we&#8217;re held to, and it&#8217;s perfect. So unless our offering is perfect, it falls short of His glory. When we try to offer good deeds to atone for our sins, God rejects that because the sacrifice is stained with sin, and falls short of His glory. </p>
<p>Jesus says that only those who do the will of His Father will enter the kingdom.  What is His will?  &#8220;He commands all people everywhere to repent.&#8221; (Acts 17:30) What does it mean <a href="http://biblestudyplanet.com/three-steps-of-repentance/">to repent</a>?  It means to turn from sin, to Christ.</p>
<p>Where our works are stained with sin and rejected, Christ&#8217;s sacrifice on the cross is perfect and is accepted. When we repent and come to Christ to be our Savior it means we&#8217;re relying on His sacrifice to make peace with God on our behalf. When we do this God credits Christ&#8217;s perfection to us and we are justified.</p>
<p><strong>HOW WE KNOW WE&#8217;RE SAVED </strong></p>
<p>In this study we&#8217;ve looked at people who mistakenly thought they were saved because of their tradition, behavior or good works. Each example had one thing in common: Each tried to obtain salvation through their own strength and fell short. </p>
<p>God give us salvation through His Son. Our salvation isn&#8217;t based on what we&#8217;ve done, it&#8217;s based on what Christ has done. We know we&#8217;re saved when we know we trust in Christ completely for our salvation.</p>
<p><strong>VERSES TO REMEMBER</strong></p>
<p>- &#8220;By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.&#8221; (Eph 2:8)</p>
<p>- &#8220;This is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.&#8221; (1 John 5:11-13) </p>
<p> &#8211; He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Heb 7:25) </p>
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