Bible Verse Devotionals

  Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The text states an absolute spiritual truth: it is impossible to please God without faith (6a). Therefore, anyone who desires to come to him (approach or have a relationship with God) must meet two essential belief requirements (6b). Requirement one: they must believe that God exists (6c). Requirement two: they must believe that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (6d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Theological Context What exactly is the nature of the "faith" that is impossible to please God without? Is it merely intellectual assent, or does it require a certain level of action or commitment? Linguistical Context What does the term "sincerely seek him" imply in the original language, and how does it differentiate this act from a casual or ...

  Revelation 21:7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:7 WHAT DOES IT SAY? A promise is made to all who are victorious (overcomers) (7a). Those who are victorious will inherit all these blessings (referencing the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem) (7a). As part of the inheritance, God makes a unique commitment: I will be their God (7b). This relationship is defined by a familial bond: and they will be my children (7c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Theological Context What does it mean to be "victorious" (or an "overcomer") in the context of the book of Revelation, and how does this action relate to receiving the inheritance? Literary Context What are the "blessings" being referred to by the phrase "all these blessings" (7a), and how do they contrast with the previous promises and warnings in Revelation? Covenant Context The phrasing...

  Deuteronomy 7:9 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant and his unfailing love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The audience is directed to recognize and acknowledge that the Lord your God is the one true God (9a). This God possesses the attribute of being faithful , meaning He is reliable and trustworthy (9b). He is a God who actively keeps his covenant —His binding promise or agreement—demonstrating His commitment (9c). His commitment is expressed through unfailing love (or hesed in Hebrew), which extends to an astonishing a thousand generations (9d). This promise and love are specifically directed toward those who love him and obey his commands (9e). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Historical Context What is the specific covenant being referred to here, and why was it so important for the Israelites, who were about to ente...