THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS
Willie A. Alvarenga
Obedience to God always brings great blessings. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). For this reason, all young people are encouraged to take the time to meditate on the blessings that God provides when the gospel of His Son Jesus is obeyed.
Blessings:
- True love for God is shown (John 14:15).
- True gratitude for God’s Son’s death is shown (2 Cor. 9:15).
- The true joy of salvation is experienced (Acts 8:39; 16:34).
- The beautiful forgiveness of all your sins is experienced (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col. 2:13).
- The true joy of being reconciled with God is experienced (Eph. 2:13-16; Rom. 5:8-10).
- A new life in Christ is experienced (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4).
- True joy is experienced even in life’s difficulties (Phil. 4:4; Col. 1:24; Acts 16:25).
- A clean conscience is experienced through the resurrection of Jesus (1 Pet. 3:21).
- The beautiful blessing of a special spiritual family is experienced (Eph. 2:19).
- The beautiful hope of eternal life in heaven is experienced (Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11; 1 Thess. 4:16-18).
What are you waiting for to begin enjoying these blessings? (Acts 22:16).
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE OBEYING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS
Willie A. Alvarenga
Obedience to the gospel of Jesus is a matter of utmost importance, to the point that it can be considered a life-or-death decision. For this reason, anyone who decides to obey the gospel must be fully aware of the seriousness of their decision. Below are several essential aspects that must be understood before taking this important step:
- You need to know that obeying the gospel involves:
- (1) Hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17),
- (2) Believing the gospel (Mark 16:16),
- (3) Repenting of sins (Acts 17:30-31),
- (4) Confessing Jesus as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10),
- (5) Being immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and
- (6) Living a faithful life before God (1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:10).
- You must be aware of the cost of obeying the gospel (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; John 15:18, 20; 16:33; Acts 14:22).
- You must be aware of the responsibility to gather with the church (Hebrews 10:25; Colossians 3:1-2).
- You must be aware of the importance of spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
- You must be aware of your commitment to God (Philippians 1:21).
- You must be aware of the possibility of losing your salvation if you do not safeguard it (Philippians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 9:27).
- You must be aware that God must come first in everything (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-4; Mark 12:30).
Key Principles Young People Should Know Before Entering Marriage
Willie A. Alvarenga
Marriage was instituted by God (Genesis 2; Matthew 19:1-9), making it a sacred and serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. For this reason, the following important principles should be considered carefully before entering into marriage:
1. Marriage is a divine institution: It was established by God, so it is essential to thoughtfully consider His instructions and design for it (Genesis 2; Matthew 19).
2. Marriage is meant to last a lifetime: The marital bond is intended to be permanent and enduring (Matthew 19:5-6).
3. There is only one God-given reason for divorce: According to Scripture, fornication is the sole justifiable cause for divorce (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).
4. The husband must love his wife as Christ loved the church: This love should be selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional (Ephesians 5:25).
5. The wife must submit to and respect her husband: She is called to honor his role in the marriage with love and mutual respect (Ephesians 5:23-24, 33).
6. The husband must treat his wife with wisdom and understanding: He should honor her as a “weaker vessel” with care and compassion (1 Peter 3:7).
7. Marriage creates a profound unity: The couple becomes “one flesh,” emphasizing unity in spirit, emotions, and physical commitment (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31).
8. Finding a spouse is a blessing from God: Recognizing this divine blessing fosters gratitude and responsibility (Proverbs 18:22).
9. Husband and wife should help each other reach heaven: They must encourage one another in faith and righteousness (Hebrews 10:24; Galatians 6:1-2).
10. Both spouses must be genuinely committed to serving God: Their lives, both individually and as a couple, should reflect a shared dedication to God’s will (Joshua 24:15).
10 GREAT LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF DANIEL
Willie A. Alvarenga
The Old Testament presents examples of great figures who, from their youth, dedicated themselves to serving God. From each of them, we can learn valuable spiritual lessons. In this brief article, we will explore some of the teachings left to us by the life of Daniel.
Daniel was…
- A young man with a great heart dedicated to God (Dan. 1:8).
- A young man genuinely dedicated to prayer (Dan. 6:10).
- A young man who was not afraid of spiritual opposition (Dan. 6:1-28).
- A young man who knew how to choose spiritual friendships (Dan. 3:16-18).
- A young man who recognized the power and wisdom of God (Dan. 2:28).
- A young man who acknowledged God’s mercy (Dan. 9:9).
- A young man with great integrity in his life (Dan. 6:4-5).
- A young man with complete trust in God (Dan. 6:16-23).
- A young man who remained faithful to God, even in the midst of affliction (Dan. 3:16-18).
- A young man who shows us the blessings that God can provide to all those who live faithful lives before Him (Daniel).
The Bible encourages everyone to be imitators of good examples (3 Jn. 11). Therefore, young person, you are encouraged to imitate the life of Daniel and his friends. This will bring great blessings to your life.
15 REASONS THAT CAN MOTIVATE YOU TO BE A DILIGENT STUDENT OF THE BIBLE
Willie A. Alvarenga
- The Bible you will study is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16). This means the Word is faithful, reliable, and authentic.
- The Bible can prepare you to be a good worker for God (2 Tim. 3:17).
- The Bible can help you not sin against God (Ps. 119:9, 11).
- The Bible can help you avoid destruction (Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13).
- The Bible can help you be properly nourished (1 Pet. 2:2).
- The Bible can give you the best advice for your life (Ps. 119:24).
- The Bible can provide examples of how to practice morality (Gen. 39:9; 2 Tim. 2:22).
- The Bible can help you cultivate brotherly love for others (John 13:34-35; Phil. 2:1-4).
- The Bible can help you develop an attitude of confidence (2 Tim. 1:7).
- The Bible can offer comfort when you suffer (Ps. 34:19; 55:22; 121:1-2; Heb. 13:5).
- The Bible can help you overcome temptations (Matt. 4:1-12).
- The Bible can advise you to obey your parents (Eph. 6:1-2).
- The Bible can show you the way to heaven (John 14:1-3, 6; 1 John 5:11-13).
- The Bible can teach you the power of prayer (Matt. 26:41).
- The Bible can save you (James 1:21).
13 WAYS TO STAY FIRM IN A WORLD OF SIN
Willie A. Alvarenga
- Recognizing that the world is under the evil one (1 John 5:19; John 3:19).
- Recognizing that the world can be overcome (1 John 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:57).
- Recognizing that the power to overcome sin is in the Word of God (Psalm 119:9, 11).
- Recognizing the power of prayer (Matthew 26:41; Jeremiah 33:3).
- Guarding your heart/mind from all evil thoughts (Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23).
- Always striving for holiness in your life (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:8; 2 Corinthians 6:17).
- Recognizing the power the Bible has to help you overcome the world (Matthew 4:1-12; Ephesians 6:17).
- Always seeking friendships that will not lead your life down the wrong path (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20).
- Being careful not to fall into the mistake of loving or imitating the world (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2; James 4:4).
- Always remembering the terrible consequences of practicing the world’s sin (James 1:13-15; Revelation 21:8).
- Cultivating self-control to overcome sin (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Imitating the example of those young people who remained faithful in a world of sin (Genesis 39:9; Daniel 1:8; 3:6).
- Always remembering that we have God’s help (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Psalm 121:1-2).
15 WAYS TO SHOW TRUE LOVE TO YOUR PARENTS
Willie A. Alvarenga
- By showing them that you honor and love them (Eph. 6:1-3).
- By appreciating the advice they give you for your well-being (Prov. 8:33).
- Acknowledge the experience they have in guiding you on the right path.
- Make an effort to spend time with them.
- Show them gratitude for everything they have done and continue to do for you (1 Thess. 5:18).
- Pay attention when they ask you to do something to help around the house.
- Help with household chores without them having to tell you to do so.
- Show respect to them even when you disagree with their decisions (Prov. 1:8).
- Pay attention when they are tired and may need help.
- Pray constantly for them (Eph. 6:18).
- Show patience toward them (1 Cor. 13:4).
- Forgive your parents if they have wronged you (Col. 3:13).
- Encourage them when they are discouraged (Heb. 10:24).
- Care for them when they need your help (1 Tim. 5:4, 8).
- Live your life faithfully before God so that this brings happiness to their lives.
Love your parents while they are alive and tell them how much you love them.