Most men would rather accept lies than to believe the truth. This bias against the truth has been present as far back as the garden of Eden.
Strength is not tested or demonstrated during times of ease. Rather, it is during times of adversity that one finds out just how strong he is.
There are two categories of sin: sins against God and sins against man. By default, every sin is against God. Yet, not all sin is against man.
The idea of the word respect is that an individual looks at two things and chooses to look at one of them a second time demonstrating favouritism.
Death is the departure of the soul and spirit from the body, but where does each part of man end up after a man dies? The Bible answers this question and more.
On the day Stephen was martyred, a young man named Saul stood by and gave his consent to Stephen’s death. Apparently, that day greatly affected Saul.
There is one murder that far surpasses every other murder ever committed. That particular murder occurred when Jesus Christ was crucified.
A man’s conscience resides within, yet its expression can be witnessed by others. Because of the testimony of his conscience, Paul rejoiced. According to scripture, that testimony was manifest to the world but especially among the people of God. Those who knew Paul knew that he served the Lord “in simplicity and godly sincerity.” He did not do everything right, but he exhibited a passion of heart to do right in all that he did. No doubt, this was a wonderful example to other believers who looked to Paul for guidance. They saw a man who sincerely loved the Lord and others and also gave every effort possible not to offend either.
Those with a broad understanding of scripture recognize that charity functions as the peak of Christianity (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). Yet, few students consider the fact that a good conscience is mentioned within the same context (1 Timothy 1:5). A good conscience was a key component of Paul’s charge to young Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19). It was also part of Peter’s admonition to the believers to whom he wrote (1 Peter 3:16). In Paul’s own life, it was one of his chief concerns to serve the Lord with a good or a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:3). It may require work, but the early believers saw the importance of putting forth the effort to maintain a good conscience.
Man’s conscience has proven to be one of the most undervalued possessions held by man. The Bible shows that the apostle Paul understood the value of his conscience. He exercised himself to ensure that his conscience was void of offence toward both God and other men. When Paul testified before the council, he could proclaim that he had “lived in all good conscience before God” to that day (Acts 23:1). This did not just happen by chance because Paul described his efforts as exercise (work). It took constant effort. It required willingly denying himself and considering the will of the Lord. The apostle Paul is with the Lord, but the same principles hold true for anyone else who desires the testimony of a good conscience void of offence.
