first-things
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First Things First: Prayer for All
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all the people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Of all the matters that the apostle Paul wanted to… Continue reading
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First Things First: Evangelism
“One of the two who heard John speak and follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42). As a result of John’s testimony about Jesus, some of Jesus’ future disciples… Continue reading
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First Things First: Brotherly Reconciliation
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). There will always be differences that arise in our interpersonal relationships.… Continue reading
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First Things First: Self-Examination
“First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5). It is always easier to judge others than to examine oneself. It is easy to see the faults and sins of our neighbor, and we are too ready to… Continue reading
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First Things First: Seeking God
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). It is easy to lose sight of the most important things in life. Even our concern for those things that we would all judge to be basic necessities—like food, clothing, and shelter—can become our… Continue reading
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First Things First: Devoted to God
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can… Continue reading
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