Finding Peace With God

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="1b9005a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Arial" >Living Hope Christian Fellowship</FONT>     |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Living Hope Christian Fellowship"><B>Home</B></A></div> <div> Back to  <A HREF="knowing_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Getting to Know God"><B>Getting to Know God</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="32ac8043.jpg"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="135" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000066" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFCC00" FRAME="ABOVE" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFCC00 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="131"><div> <B>Articles:</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="introduction_to_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An Introduction to God">Introduction to God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="trinity__three_gods_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Does the Trinity Teach Three Gods Exist?">Trinity: Three Gods?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="bible_versions.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Brief Guide to Bible Translations">Bible Versions</A></div> <div> <A HREF="our_response_to_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our response to God">Our response to God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="trusting_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trusting God">Trusting God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="jesus.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Find Out About Jesus!">Jesus</A></div> <div> <A HREF="eternity.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Glimpse Into Eternity">Eternity</A></div> <div> <B>Finding Peace</B></div> <div> <A HREF="prayer.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just Pray">Prayer</A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="32b00042egerdp.jpg"> <div> <I><B>Finding Peace With God</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="598" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000066" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="ROWS" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 260 WIDTH="598"><div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="154" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000066" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFCC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 162 WIDTH="146"><div> <IMG SRC="5685a8c0.jpg" border=0 width="90" height="140" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 65 WIDTH="146"><div> <A HREF="#spiritual_first_aid" TITLE="Finding Peace With God">Spiritual First Aid From the Word of God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#reading" TITLE="Finding Peace With God">For Additional Reading</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#scripture_credits" TITLE="Finding Peace With God">Scripture Credits</A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I>by Luciano Cozzi</I></div> <hr> <bR> <div> <I>For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:38-39)</I></div> <hr> <div> Many ask, “How can anyone find peace in a world so filled with tears and pain?” Are you at peace? Does your life have a deep, profound meaning that transcends even the saddest events? If you are tired of living a life with no meaning, if you have a heavy heart because you cannot find peace ... if you have a deep longing for your life to be more meaningful, deeply satisfying and truly abundant, then there is good news for you!</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 639 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Good News</B></div> <div> In the Holy Bible, which is the inspired Word of God directed to us, is written:</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 John 5:10-13</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony.... <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>11</I></FONT>This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>12</I></FONT>So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>13</I></FONT>My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion.</div> <bR> <div> God wants to give you a better life here and now, plus eternal everlasting life! He loves you so much that He created you in His very own image, so that you may be able to have a personal, meaningful relationship with Him. In fact, He created you with a profound need for a relationship with Him. You have probably sensed that need, even though you may not have realized exactly what it was, and you may have attempted to meet it in many different ways, yet without success. It is an inner restlessness even in the most peaceful times. It is a sense that you are not quite complete, and that you need something else that nobody and nothing seems to be able to give you. The truth is that nothing but God can ever fill that void within you. It is like His special hold on your life, His reserved space in your soul.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Genesis 1:26-27</B></div> <div> Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>27</I></FONT>And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.</div> <bR> <div> There is an enemy, however, the father of all lies and of all deceptions, the “adversary,” who wishes to destroy you. He is seeking to bring misery and pain in your life and then kill you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 10:10</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> A thief is only there to steal, kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Luke 22:31-32</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>32</I></FONT>Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."</div> <bR> <div> God loves you so much that He has provided a way of escape for you, a protection from the destroyer and the evil one. His purpose is that you find true peace and eternal life.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 734 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Peace and Eternal Life</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>John 3:16</B></div> <div> God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 5:1</B></div> <div> Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God  through our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 6:23</B></div> <div> The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div> <bR> <div> There is a problem, however, that stands in the way. God will not force you to accept His ways against your will. Rather, He made you capable of making your own decisions and choices, and calls you to choose life and what is good for you...</div> <bR> <div> <B>Deut. 30:19</B></div> <div> "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.</div> <bR> <div> ... but so often, like all the rest of us, you have chosen the wrong path. Under the pressure of the evil one and this world you have chosen to disobey God and to seek your own selfish ways. In other words, you have sinned. That is, you have done things you shouldn't have, things that have caused anguish and pain to you and to others.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 3:23</B></div> <div> For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 6:23</B></div> <div> The wages of sin is death...! </div> <bR> <div> Sin, your rebellion against God – demonstrated by following your own ways instead of God's – destroys relationships, causes pain, separates you from God and leads to death and destruction (Genesis 3:8, 16-19).</div> <bR> <div> <B>Numbers 32:23</B></div> <div> Behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Isaiah 59:2</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> But your wrongs have separated you from your God, and your sins have made him hide his face so that he doesn't hear you.</div> <bR> <div> There is just no way to avoid the consequences of your sins by yourself. Just like all of us, you need help, and need it now! The only answer for you, as for all of us, is the Cross.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 673 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>The Cross</B></div> <bR> <div> The cross was an ancient, Roman instrument of death and destruction. Yet, paradoxically (as is often the case with God) He turned it into a symbol of hope and life for all of us. Far from abandoning you in your grief and condemnation, God loves you so much that He has provided a way out for you in Jesus – the only possible answer to your problem. Jesus was God, yet He came in the flesh to live among us.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 1:1-3, 14</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>2</I></FONT>He was already with God in the beginning. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>3</I></FONT>Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him.... <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>14</I></FONT>The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth.</div> <bR> <div> Although He was pure and sinless, Jesus willingly chose to die for you on the cross, so that the penalty for your sins could be paid on your behalf. It was as if you had been arrested and taken to a court of law to give account for all your sins, and were declared guilty. The penalty was death. Suddenly, Jesus stood up in the middle of the court and stated that He had already paid that penalty for you, so you could be set free.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 5:8</B></div> <div> But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.</div> <bR> <div> The sentence has already been pronounced, and there is only one way for you to be saved from your sins: Jesus Christ!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 4:12</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person. </div> <bR> <div> Only Jesus Christ can ever bridge the gap between you and God.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 Tim. 2:5</B></div> <div> For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.</div> <bR> <div> Jesus was not just another man, however. He was Immanuel, that is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He was the same One who had created all things (John 1:3), the One who sustains the entire universe. He had all power, yet He willingly subjected Himself to one of the most painful and humiliating deaths, and He did it for you! He took upon Himself your sin and your death, so you can be forgiven and live. He did all this freely, asking you nothing but that you would believe in Him and accept His sacrifice. It is thanks to Him, and to Him alone that you can cross over from death to life.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 378 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>From Death to Life</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>John 5:24</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> I can guarantee this truth: Those who listen to what I say and believe in the one who sent me will have eternal life. They won't be judged because they have already passed from death to life.</div> <bR> <div> Let's make sure we understand this. We are not talking about your "good works" here. All the "good works" you could possibly have done or still do in all your entire life can never save you. This would be like being in that court room and after being declared guilty claim that you have done many good things, too. All the good things you may claim to have done could not spare you from your responsibility for the sins you have been found guilty of.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Isaiah 64:6</B></div> <div> For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment...</div> <bR> <div> Your salvation does not depend on what you can or cannot do, but on what Jesus has already done for you!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 5:1-2</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> So then, now that we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>2</I></FONT>it is through him, by faith, that we have been admitted into God's favor in which we are living, and look forward exultantly to God's glory. </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1149 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Receive Christ</B></div> <bR> <div> You may be asking yourself how you could possibly receive such forgiveness on account of Jesus' sacrifice. The answer is quite simple. You receive Jesus when you believe in His message and trust in Him alone to save you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 10:43</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> In addition, all the prophets testify that people who believe in the one named Jesus receive forgiveness for their sins through him.</div> <bR> <div> If you believe in Him then you also receive the forgiveness of your sins. Additionally, your trust in Jesus takes away the trouble of your heart.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 14:1</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me. </div> <bR> <div> To receive Jesus, you should believe in His name for your salvation.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 1:12</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> However, he gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him. </div> <bR> <div> So, here is how you can receive Christ:</div> <bR> <div> <B>1.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Admit your sins and your need of the Savior, and really mean it with all of your heart.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1 John 1:8-10</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>9</I></FONT>On the other hand, if we admit our sins--make a clean breast of them--he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>10</I></FONT>If we claim that we've never sinned, we out and out contradict God--make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. </div> <bR> <div> <B>2.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Repent. Be willing to change and turn from your sins. Start listening to God and do what He says instead of seeking your own ways.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 2:37-38</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'What are we to do, brothers?' <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>38</I></FONT>'You must repent,' Peter answered, 'and every one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. </div> <bR> <div> <B>3.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Believe that Jesus died for you and after three days He rose from the dead.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1 Cor. 15:3-6</B></div> <div> I passed on to you the most important points of doctrine that I had received: Christ died to take away our sins as the Scriptures predicted. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>4</I></FONT>He was placed in a tomb. He was brought back to life on the third day as the Scriptures predicted. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>5</I></FONT>He appeared to Cephas. Next he appeared to the twelve apostles. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>6</I></FONT>Then he appeared to more than 500 believers at one time. (Most of these people are still living, but some have died.) </div> <bR> <div> <B>4.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Ask Him to live in you in the person of the Holy Spirit, and to be the Lord of your life.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Luke 11:28; Ephes. 6:6</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> Jesus replied, "Rather, how blessed are those who hear and obey God's word." [... not] only while you're being watched, as if you merely wanted to please people. But obey like slaves who belong to Christ, who have a deep desire to do what God wants them to do. </div> <bR> <div> Next, if you really mean it with all your heart, talk to God and tell Him about your repentance. Tell Him that you accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord and ask Him for His forgiveness. If you need help with this, you may wish to pray the following words, but make sure you really mean them from the heart:</div> <bR> <div> <I>Dear God in heaven, I confess to you that I am a sinner. I have followed my own selfish ways and have grieved you. I have done what is wrong, and have sinned against you. I need Your forgiveness. Father, I thank you for the fact that Jesus has given His divine life for me, that He cares so much for me that He took upon Himself the pain and the death that I deserve for my sins. I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and His sacrifice as payment for my sins. I ask you, Lord, to rule my life and to guide me, so that I may live in a way that pleases You. I invite you, Lord Jesus, to come into my heart. I want to trust and follow You from now on, as my Lord and Savior. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.</I></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 587 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Your Salvation</B></div> <bR> <div> God has declared that if you call upon the name of the Lord Jesus you will be saved.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 10:13</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> So then, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."</div> <bR> <div> If you believe, then you are justified; and if you confess your belief and trust in Jesus you are saved.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 10:8-10</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> The word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith, the faith which we preach, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>9</I></FONT>that if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if you believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>10</I></FONT>It is by believing with the heart that you are justified, and by making the declaration with your lips that you are saved.</div> <bR> <div> Now nothing can ever separate you from the love of God in Jesus.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 8:37-39</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> We come through all these things triumphantly victorious, by the power of him who loved us. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>38</I></FONT>For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>39</I></FONT>nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div> <bR> <div> His Spirit in you is a token of the eternal life He has promised you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>2 Cor. 1:21-22</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> It is God who gives us, with you, a sure place in Christ <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>22</I></FONT>and has both anointed us and marked us with his seal, giving us as pledge the Spirit in our hearts.</div> <bR> <div> So, welcome to your new life in Christ! Even the angels and God Himself rejoice greatly for your repentance and conversion.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Luke 15:7</B></div> <div> I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1174 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>And Now?</B></div> <bR> <div> At this point you should know that there is a commanded ordinance that is intended to outwardly express your inner faith in Christ. Although it is not needed for salvation – especially in those cases when it is not possible to officiate it (Luke 23:39-43) – it is nevertheless an ordinance that Jesus commanded, so it is very important.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Matthew 28:19-20</B></div> <div> "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>20</I></FONT>teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." </div> <bR> <div> <B>Mark 16:15-16</B></div> <div> And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>16</I></FONT>"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.</div> <bR> <div> That baptism is important can be easily understood from the fact that once the apostle Peter ordered it even after a new convert had already received the Holy Spirit. Notice:</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 10:44-48</B></div> <div> While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>45</I></FONT>And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>46</I></FONT>For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>47</I></FONT>"Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>48</I></FONT>And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.</div> <bR> <div> How was baptism performed? It is clear from the Scripture that it was performed by immersion in water, and was conducted by a disciple of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 8:38-39</B></div> <div> And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch; and he baptized him. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>39</I></FONT>And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.</div> <bR> <div> Why an immersion in water? What does it mean? Simply stated it is a symbol, an outward statement of your inner belief. It is a symbol of your belief and faith in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection:</div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 6:3-7</B></div> <div> Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>4</I></FONT>Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>5</I></FONT>For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>6</I></FONT>knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>7</I></FONT>for he who has died is freed from sin.</div> <bR> <div> Baptism is also a symbol of your own death to sin and your new birth to a totally different life. To sin, we are as though we were dead, but in Jesus we are very much alive. Our life is transformed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. So much so, in fact, that the Bible compares it to a new life in Christ: a life of faith and trust in Him.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Colossians 2:12</B></div> <div> Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Galatians 2:20</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.</div> <bR> <div> If you have confessed your sins to God, have repented and have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior in faith, then nothing should stop you from being baptized (Matt. 3:6; Acts 8:37; 18:8). Ask the person who gave you this booklet to take you to a minister or their pastor, and ask to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acts 2:38</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> Peter answered them, "All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1714 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>A New Life!</B></div> <bR> <div> So, now that Jesus is your Savior and the Lord of your life, now that you have been baptized (not into any sect or denomination, but in the spiritual body of Christ), what should you do?</div> <bR> <div> Look for a healthy, Christ-centered and Bible believing church to join.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hebrews 10:25</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.</div> <bR> <div> Don't expect to find perfect people in the church. They are not. They are only sinners saved by the grace of Christ, just like you. Yet, we are all declared righteous in Christ, even as we learn to act that way in our life. We will all stumble and fall along the way, but our faith and hope in Christ must never stop, and His love will never depart from us.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hebrews 10:14</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all who are sanctified.</div> <bR> <div> Buy a copy of the Holy Bible and read it regularly. If you have any questions, mark them down and ask your pastor or your minister. This way, the Word of God will be in you and will live in you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 15:5-7</B></div> <div> "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.... <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>7</I></FONT>"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.</div> <bR> <div> As you keep reading the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will gradually lead you to understand it and to put it into practice in your life.</div> <bR> <div> <B>John 16:12-13</B></div> <div> "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>13</I></FONT>"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.</div> <bR> <div> By reading His Word, it will be as if God is actually talking to you. But you can talk to Him, too! Talk to Him often, every day, in prayer. He will listen to you individually and will take to heart what you tell Him.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 John 5:14-15</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >NJB</FONT></div> <div> Our fearlessness towards him consists in this, that if we ask anything in accordance with his will he hears us. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>15</I></FONT>And if we know that he listens to whatever we ask him, we know that we already possess whatever we have asked of him.</div> <bR> <div> As we stated, there will be times in which you will sin and make mistakes, or times when you will not feel any different than you were before. Don't worry. Salvation is not a matter of feelings. If you sin again, confess your sins to God and then move on toward Jesus! Don't get discouraged, but continue in your walk with Christ. He will give you the strength to overcome and to change if you really seek Him with all your heart.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 John 1:9</B></div> <div> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. </div> <bR> <div> <B>1 John 4:4</B></div> <div> You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.</div> <bR> <div> Jesus has promised to never leave you or forsake you! Isn't this encouraging and reassuring?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hebrews 13:5</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," </div> <bR> <div> <B>2 Timothy 2:11-13</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >GW</FONT></div> <div> This is a statement that can be trusted: If we have died with him, we will live with him. 12If we endure, we will rule with him. If we disown him, he will disown us. 13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself.</div> <bR> <div> Your forgiveness is assured, so you never need to fear your past sins again. You can rest reassured of your salvation in Christ!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Psalm 103:12</B></div> <div> As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Isaiah 1:16-18</B></div> <div> "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>17</I></FONT>Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless; Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>18</I></FONT>"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. </div> <bR> <div> <B>1 Timothy 1:15-16</B></div> <div> It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I>16</I></FONT>And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.</div> <bR> <div> Jesus will never ask you to do anything you cannot do, and will always give you everything you need to follow Him. It is His promise to you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Philippians 4:13</B> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >MSG</FONT></div> <div> Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am [or who gives me strength].</div> <bR> <div> Your name has been written in God's book of life, which means that you will have eternal life. It doesn't depend on you but on God who promised it!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Revelation 3:5</B></div> <div> He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.</div> <bR> <div> May God bless you greatly as you walk with Him every day of your life, and may His peace be in you and spring into an eternal life of glory in Him!</div> <bR> <div> <I>God bless you!</I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="finding_peace_m.htm" TITLE="Finding Peace With God">Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="spiritual_first_aid"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFCC00 HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Spiritual First Aid From the Word of God</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 131 WIDTH="598"><div> As you read the Holy Bible, the Word of God, you will find much help and encouragement for almost every situation in life. We encourage you to note those teachings when you find them, so that you can refer to them again when you are in need. We realize, however, that especially at the beginning it may be difficult to know where to turn to find the counsel and the guidance that we need in a given situation. So, to help you out, we have compiled an initial summary of teachings directly from Scripture for some of the most common challenges we encounter in our life. It is not a comprehensive list, and of course it is not intended to replace the counsel of a minister or a pastor.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#BBBBBB HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Where to Turn to Find Help About ...</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 2981 WIDTH="598"><div> <A HREF="#a" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>A</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#b" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>B</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#c" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>C</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#d" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>D</B></A><B> E </B><A HREF="#f" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>F</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#g" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>G</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#h" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>H</B></A><B> I </B><A HREF="#j" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>J</B></A><B> K </B><A HREF="#l" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>L</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#m" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>M</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#n" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>N</B></A><B> O </B><A HREF="#p" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>P</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#q" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>Q</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#r" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>R</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#s" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>S</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#t" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>T</B></A><B> </B><A HREF="#u" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>U</B></A><B> V </B><A HREF="#w" TITLE="Finding Peace With God"><B>W</B></A><B> X Y Z</B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="a"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>ADDICTION</B> </div> <div> Psalm 18:28-36; Proverbs 23:29-35; Romans 6:1-23; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Philippians 3:17 – 4:1.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ADULTERY</B> </div> <div> Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22-24; Matthew 5:27-32; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 4:17 – 5:3.</div> <bR> <div> <B>AMBITION </B></div> <div> 1 Kings 3:5-12; Haggai 1:2-8; Matthew 16:21-27; Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45; Philippians 2:1-4.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ANGER </B></div> <div> Genesis 4:1-12; Psalm 4:4; 38:7-9; Proverbs 16:32; Matthew 5:21-26; 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2; James 1:19-27.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ANXIETY </B></div> <div> Psalm 94:17-19; Ecclesiastes 22-25; Luke 12:22-34; Philippians 4:4-9; Hebrews 13:5-6.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APATHY </B></div> <div> Numbers 25:10-13; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-48; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ASSURANCE OF SALVATION</B> </div> <div> Psalm 91:14-16; Micah 7:18-20; John 3:14-21; 11:25-26; Acts 16:31-34; 1 John 5:9-13.</div> <div>   <A NAME="b"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>BITTERNESS </B></div> <div> Psalm 38:7-9; Proverbs 16:32; 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4:29 – 5:2; Hebrews 12:14-15.</div> <div>   <A NAME="c"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>COMFORT </B></div> <div> Isaiah 12; 40:1-11; Jeremiah 31:10-13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 7:6-13.</div> <bR> <div> <B>COMPASSION </B></div> <div> Psalm 103:8-12; 116:5-6; Micah 6:8; John 11:17-44; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 1 John 3:11-24.</div> <div>   <A NAME="d"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>DEATH </B></div> <div> Psalm 116:15-16; Isaiah 57:1-2; John 12:23-26; Romans 6:1-23; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 1:21; 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.</div> <bR> <div> <B>DIVORCE </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:2-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16.</div> <bR> <div> <B>DOUBTS </B></div> <div> Isaiah 40:27-28; John 7:16-17; 20:24-31; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; Hebrews 13:9; James 1:5-8.</div> <div>   <A NAME="f"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>FAITH </B></div> <div> Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 119:65-72; Proverbs 3:5-9; Matthew 6: 25-34; Romans 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 10:19-25, 35-39; 11:1 – 12:13.</div> <bR> <div> <B>FRIENDSHIP </B></div> <div> Proverbs 17:17; 27:6; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; John 14:23 – 15:17; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 John 1:1-7.</div> <div>   <A NAME="g"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>GIVING </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:10-12; Matthew 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9.</div> <bR> <div> <B>GOD'S GUIDANCE</B> </div> <div> 1 Kings 3:1-14; Psalm 32:8-9; Proverbs 2:1-6; Romans 12:1-3; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-14; James 1:5-8.</div> <bR> <div> <B>GREED </B></div> <div> 1 Kings 21:1-22; Psalm 62:1-2, 10; Proverbs 15:27; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11; Luke 12:13-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 Timothy 6:3-10; James 5:1-6; 1 John 3:16-18.</div> <div>   <A NAME="h"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>HAPPINESS </B></div> <div> Psalm 33; Isaiah 12; 52:7-10; Matthew 5:1-12; John 13:1-17; Philippians 4:4-9.</div> <bR> <div> <B>HOMOSEXUALITY </B></div> <div> Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-11.</div> <bR> <div> <B>HOPE - HOPELESSNESS</B> </div> <div> Psalm 42; Isaiah 54:1-7; Lamentations 3:19-24; Romans 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Colossians 1:3-27; 1 Peter 1:1-9; 5:10-11; Revelation 11:15-19.</div> <bR> <div> <B>HOSPITALITY </B></div> <div> Genesis 18:1-8; 2 Samuel 9:1-7; Luke 14:12-14; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9.</div> <bR> <div> <B>HYPOCRISY </B></div> <div> 1 Samuel 12:1-23; Isaiah 1:10-15; Zechariah 7:12-14; Matthew 6:1-24; 23; James 1:22-27.</div> <div>   <A NAME="j"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>JEALOUSY </B></div> <div> Numbers 12:1-15; 16:1-35; Galatians 5:13-15, 19-21; James 3:13-18.</div> <bR> <div> <B>JOY </B></div> <div> Isaiah 12; 52:7-10; Luke 15; James 1:2-18; 1 Peter 4:12-19.</div> <bR> <div> <B>JUDGING OTHERS</B> </div> <div> Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; James 2:1-13; 4:11-12.</div> <div>   <A NAME="l"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>LAZINESS </B></div> <div> Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5; Ephesians 5:15-16; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.</div> <bR> <div> <B>LONELINESS </B></div> <div> 1 Kings 19:1-18; Psalm 41; Matthew 26:36-46; 2 Timothy 4:16-18.</div> <bR> <div> <B>LOVE </B></div> <div> Leviticus 19:18, 34; Deuteronomy 6:1-5; Song of Solomon 1-2; Mark 12:28-34; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7-21.</div> <bR> <div> <B>LUST </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 22:22-24; 2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:14; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 7:7-25; 13:8-14; James 1:13-18.</div> <div>   <A NAME="m"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>MARRIAGE </B></div> <div> Genesis 2:19-25; Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; Matthew 19:1-12; 1 Corinthians 7; Ephesians 5:22-33.</div> <div>   <A NAME="n"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>NEW HOME</B> </div> <div> Genesis 2:19-25; Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; Ephesians 5:22 – 6:4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7.</div> <bR> <div> <B>NEW JOB</B> </div> <div> 1 Kings 3:1-4; Proverbs 10:4-5; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 1:3-14.</div> <div>   <A NAME="p"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>PEACE </B></div> <div> Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 122; Isaiah 9:2-7; John 14:25-27; Romans 5:1-11; Ephesians 2:14-18; Philippians 4:4-9.</div> <bR> <div> <B>POOR - POVERTY</B> </div> <div> Deuteronomy 15:1-11; Isaiah 58:1-9; Amos 5:11-15; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 1:39-56; James 2:1-13.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PRAISING AND THANKING THE LORD</B> </div> <div> Deuteronomy 8:10-18; Psalm 30:4; 47:1-9; 148:1-10; 150:6; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13; Revelation 19:5.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PRAYER </B></div> <div> 2 Chronicles 6:13-42; 20:5-12; Matthew 6:5-15; Mark 11:22-25; Luke 18:9-14; Philippians 4:4-7.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PRIDE </B></div> <div> Proverbs 8:12-14; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 10:35-45; Romans 12:3; Philipians 2:1-11.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PROFANITY </B></div> <div> Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 24:10-16; Proverbs 30:10-14; Ephesians 4:29-32; James 3:1-12.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PUBLIC WORSHIP</B> </div> <div> Psalm 95:1-7; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:19-25.</div> <div>   <A NAME="q"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>QUARRELS </B></div> <div> Genesis 13:5-11; Psalm 133; 1 Corinthians 3; Ephesians 4:1-6; 4:15 – 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:14-26; James 4:1-12.</div> <div>   <A NAME="r"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>RECONCILIATION </B></div> <div> Genesis 33:1-4; 50:15-21; Matthew 5:23-26; 2 Corinthians 5:11 – 6:2; Ephesians 2:11-22.</div> <bR> <div> <B>REPENTANCE </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 4:30-31; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Matthew 4:12; Luke 18:9-14; Acts 2:38-41.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RESPONSIBILITY </B></div> <div> 1 Kings 11:5-7; Proverbs 3:21-27; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 7:1-10; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Galatians 6:9-10.</div> <bR> <div> <B>REVENGE </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 32:34-35; Psalm 94:1; Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:38-47; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15; 1 Peter 3:8-14.</div> <div>   <A NAME="s"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>SIN (Falling back into)</B> </div> <div> Psalm 51; Proverbs 28:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 1:5-10.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SPIRITUAL GIFTS </B></div> <div> Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; 12:1 – 14:25; 1 Peter 4:7-11.</div> <bR> <div> <B>STEWARDSHIP </B></div> <div> 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 12:35-48.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SUFFERING </B></div> <div> Deuteronomy 8:1-5; Job 1-2; Psalm 77; Isaiah 53; Romans 8:12-17; 1 Peter 3:8-22; 4:12-19.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SUFFERING FOR THE SIN OF OTHERS</B> </div> <div> Genesis 33:1-4; 50:15-20; Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35; Colossians 3:12-14; James 2:12-13.</div> <div>   <A NAME="t"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>TONGUE (Control of the)</B> </div> <div> Psalm 39:1; Proverbs 10:18-20; Matthew 15:1-20; James 3:1-12.</div> <div>   <A NAME="u"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>UNITY </B></div> <div> Psalm 133; John 17; Ephesians 4:1-16.</div> <div>   <A NAME="w"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>WELL-BEING (When things go well with you)</B> </div> <div> Job 31:24-28; Proverbs 15:27; Luke 12:13-21; 1 Timothy 6:3-19; Hebrews 13:5; James 2:1-17.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WORLD (When it seems enticing)</B> </div> <div> Genesis 3:1-7; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1; James 1:26-27; 4:4-10; 1 John 2:15-17.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WORRY </B></div> <div> Proverbs 20:24; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-8.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="finding_peace_m.htm" TITLE="Finding Peace With God">Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="scripture_credits"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#BBBBBB HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>For Additional Reading</B><B> <A NAME="reading"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 174 ><NOBR><div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="592" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 150 WIDTH="292"><div> <A HREF="eternity.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Glimpse Into Eternity"><IMG SRC="56a5c960.jpg" border=0 width="92" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="2" VSPACE="0"></A><A HREF="eternity.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Glimpse Into Eternity">A Glimpse Into Eternity</A>: Embark in an amazing voyage into the infinite and the eternal as you investigate God's ultimate masterpiece and the reason for your life.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="292"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="150" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="292" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#BBBBBB HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="598"><div> <B>Scripture Credits</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 195 WIDTH="598"><div> Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the <I><B>New American Standard Bibl</B></I><I><B>e</B></I><I>,</I> © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (<A HREF="http://www.Lockman.org" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.Lockman.org">www.Lockman.org</A>)</div> <bR> <div> <B>Other versions used:</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>GW</B></FONT> <I>God's Word</I> is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations Bible Society, © 1995.</div> <div> <B>NJB</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Biblical text (c) 1985 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and Doubleday Notes and Introductions © 1990 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>MSG</B></FONT> <I>The Message: New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs</I> by Eugene H . Peterson, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Copyright © 2003 Living Hope Christian Fellowship  -  All Rights Reserved</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>