Cornerstones- Foundational Truths of the Faith part 2

[Tina]

love
On one occasion, Jesus was asked what commandment was the most important. He replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' " (Mark 12:29-31). These are the two most important commandments because if you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you will want to do what pleases him. In the same way, if you really love others as much as you love yourself, you will be concerned for their welfare and will treat them accordingly. Before you can effectively love God, however, you must first realize how much he loves you.
Scripture explains that God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners who had no relationship with him (Romans 5:8). The more we realize this wonderful truth, the more our love for God will grow. The Bible correctly recognizes that our love for God comes as a result of his loving us first (1John 4:19). These Scripture passages explore some different facets of the love we should have for God and for others.
1. God should be the greatest love of our lives.
Before we can fully love one another, however, we must fully love God and understand his love for us (see Matthew 22:37-38).
2. Christ's love sets the standard.
Our love for others should model Christ's love for us (see Ephesians 5:1-2).
3. Love surpasses all spiritual gifts.
A Christian who understands what love truly means and shows love in his or her life is the greatest testimony to others (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
4. Our Love for God prepares us for service.
The depth of our love for God directly affects our ability to minister to others (see John 21:15-17).
5. Our love for others mirrors the condition of our hearts.
The love we have for those around us is an indication of the strength of our christian walk. (see 1 John 2:9-11).
6. Our love should grow.
The closer we grow to God, the more our love for others should increase (see 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

forgiveness
One of the great principles of the Christian life is forgiveness. Jesus modeled this principle for us when he hung on the cross and prayed for the very people who had put him there (see Luke 23:34). His words were so powerful and unexpected that they brought about the conversion of one of the thieves hanging on a cross next to him. Because Jesus completely forgave us, he wants us to follow his example by forgiving others. As Scripture says, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children" (Ephesians 4:32-5:1). The Bible gives us several important characteristics of the forgiveness we should have for others.
1. Forgiveness first comes from God
Our forgiving of others should flow from God's forgiving us (see Mark 11:25).
2. Forgiveness Knows No Limits
For a Christian, no wrong is too great or too small to forgive (see Matthew 18:21-35).
3. Forgiveness is not Selective
You can't choose to forgive some people and not forgive others (see Matthew 5:43-48).
4. Forgiveness breaks down walls
When you choose to forgive, you experience true freedom (see Colossians 3:12-15).

purity
Purity is a quality we hear too little about today. Usually when we do hear something about purity, it is in reference to sexual purity. But purity goes beyond this to include wholesome thoughts, a sincere desire to do what is right, and a commitment to obey God's Word. Jesus alluded to the importance of purity by promising that those whose hearts were pure would see God (Matthew 5:8). In using the word heart, Jesus was saying that the center of our being - our will, our emotions, and our thought processes - need to be cleansed of sin. The Bible texts below examine the idea of purity and how it affects us as followers of Jesus Christ.
1. Don't place yourself in the way of unnecessary temptation.
Know your moral weaknesses and avoid situations where the temptation to sin would be irresistible (see James 1:14-15).
2. Guard the content of your thoughts.
Don't fill your mind with the world's moral filth (see 2 Timothy 2:22).
3. Beware of the sins of the heart.
The person who commits adultery in his heart is just as guilty as the person who actually carries it out (see Matthew 5:27-30).
4. Avoid adulterous relationships.
God specifically warns us against living in immoral relationships (see 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).
5. If you fall, ask God to forgive you and purify your heart and desires.
Only God can forgive you, restore your joy, and fill you with the right desires (see 1 John 1:9).
6. Keep an eternal perspective.
Don't waste your time chasing after earthy pleasures (see 2 Peter 3:10-11).
7. Live to please God.
Surrendering your life to the leading of the Holy Spirit is the only way to live a life that is pleasing to God (see Romans 8:5-8).

perseverance
There will be times in your Christian walk when you will feel emotionally "down". You may think God has forgotten about you. Or you might become discouraged as you see others who have professed faith in Jesus Christ lose interest in spiritual things and fall away. You may begin to wonder whether you are next on the devil's "hit list." But God will not allow you to be hit with more than you can handle spiritually. In fact, it is in times of trouble that you will actually be strengthened, not weakened.
As you read your Bible, you will come across words like endurance and perseverance. These words are often used when the Bible compares the Christian life to a race. The race referred to is a marathon, not a fifty-yard dash. Because the Christian life is a long-distance run, you need to pace yourself, to persevere, and most of all, to finish the race. Look up the following passages that describe how and why you need to persevere through the inevitable struggle of life.
1. Perseverance produces results.
As you steadily grow in your understanding of God's Word and apply it to your life, you will win others to the Lord (see Luke 8:15).
2. Life's trials will make you stronger.
You shouldn't view difficulties as obstacles to your faith, but as opportunities for spiritual growth (see James 1:2-4).
3. Christ endured great pain for us.
Jesus modeled the ultimate in endurance so that we would be encouraged to keep our faith strong in the race of life (see Hebrews 12:1-3).
4. God honors those who persevere.
A wholehearted commitment to God will enable you to "finish well" with your faith intact (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8).

honesty and integrity
Honesty and integrity seem to be in short supply these days. Yet the Bible tells us that they are a part of the godly person's life. Unfortunately, the world tends to gloss over that aspect of the Christian life. It wants to characterize Christians as people who are out of touch with reality. But the Christian is simply someone who allows God to influence every aspect of his or her life - down to the practical, everyday dealings of business, finances, and relationships. The following passages examine how honesty and integrity should characterize our lives.
1. We should be above Criticism.
A faithful and honest lifestyle will cause others to be more receptive to our message (see 2 Corinthians 7:2).
2. Our conduct should cause others to glorify Christ.
Living a good, honest life around our unbelieving neighbors will ultimately bring glory to God (see 1 Peter 2:9-12).
3. We need to set an example for others.
We must seriously pursue a life of integrity in order to be a solid example for our fellow Christians (see Titus 2:6-8).

faith and works
When a person truly comes to Jesus Christ, this relationship will dramatically transform his or her life. We may see this transformation more immediately in the lives of some than others. For those whose lives are characterized by pronounced bad habits and blatant immoral living, the change in lifestyle will show others that something profound has indeed happened within that person's life. For others who may not be known for blatantly sinful living, the change may not be as outwardly pronounced, but it is just as significant. Remember, all of us were separated from God by sin, which was dealt with and atoned for at the cross of Jesus.
Our conversion will show itself in both fruit and works. This concept of "bearing fruit" is used often in Scripture to describe the results of someone's commitment to Jesus Christ. If we do not bear fruit, then it is apparent we have not really come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Bearing fruit is not an option. It is the natural result of a person coming into union with God. Sometimes there is confusion in the area of fruit bearing, or works. See what the Bible has to say about the issue.
1. Our lives should show that God is at work in our hearts.
God desires that we demonstrate our spiritual growth through our outward actions (see Romans 7:4).
2. We must live out our faith.
Faith without deeds is incomplete (see James 2:14-18).
3. God saved us for a purpose.
While God himself gave us salvation, he planned that our salvation would lead to good works (see Ephesians 2:10).
4. Our walk should match our talk.
God isn't as concerned with what we say we believe as with how we live what we believe (see Matthew 7:21-23).

discernment
An inspector who worked for Scotland Yard in the counterfeit department was once asked if he spent a lot of time handling counterfeit money. He said, "No." He then explained that he spent so much time handling the "real thing" that he could immediately detect the counterfeit. In the same way, as we become knowledgeable about God's Word, we, too, will be able to detect teachings and concepts that are contrary to Scripture. Make no mistake - counterfeit "truth" is out there in force. Look at the following Scripture passages to find out how you can keep from falling prey to false teachings.
1. Beware of Satan's clever imitations.
Satan's work and agents may appear godly, but in the end they will be exposed for what they really are (see Matthew 13:24-30).
2. Recognize Satan's strategies.
Lies and deceit are Satan's two main strategies to lead people away from the truth (see 1 Timothy 4:1-2).
3. Understand the difference between the true gospel and a false gospel.
Scripture provides us with a "litmus test" to distinguish between truth and error (see 1 John 4:1-3).
4. Use God's Word to evaluate someone's teachings.
The best way to detect a counterfeit is to become more familiar with the "real thing" (see Acts 17:11).

peace
Peace of mind - it seems elusive in a day when murders are commonplace, job security is non-existent, and the moral fabric of society is tearing apart at the seams. Yet Jesus has promised that each one of us can experience true peace: "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27).
Unfortunately, some people are caught up in the "pursuit of peace" that they have forgotten that Jesus has already given it to them. They have simply left that gift "unopened." And we cannot find peace outside of the parameters God has given us. As Augustine said many years ago, "Our souls are restless until they find their rest in God." Begin to "unwrap" this precious gift by examining what God's Word has to say about it.
1. Peace begins when we relinquish control of our lives to God.
When we give Jesus our burdens and allow him to guide us, we find rest (see Matthew 11:28-30).
2. Perfect peace build upon total trust.
As God becomes a regular part of our daily lives, our worries begin to disappear (see John 16:33).
3. Our peace continues as we follow the Holy Spirit.
We must stop allowing our old, sinful nature to control us before we can really experience peace (see Romans 8:5-8).
4. God's peace needs to rule in our hearts.
We must constantly keep other things from crowding out God's peace in our lives (see Colossians 3:15).

joy
One noticeable change that takes place in a new believer's life is the inner joy he or she receives. In fact, joy is listed as part of the "fruit of the Spirit" that should be evident in a believer's life (see Galatians 5:22). But this joy is different from the fleeting and temporary "happiness" that is usually dependent upon "good things" happening in someone's life. While sorrows will come a believer's way, they Holy Spirit gives him or her an inner joy and peace that cannot be taken away. Below are some of the ways in which you can experience God's joy in your life.
1. Studying God's Word helps us to experience his joy. As we study God's Word and honor God with our lives, we experience his joy in our lives (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
2. Knowing and trusting God is the source of inexpressible joy.
The greatest joy we can experience comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (see 1 Peter 1:8).
3. Sharing your faith results in joy.
While laboring to introduce people to Jesus is difficult work, the end result will give you much to celebrate (see John 4:36).
4. Overlooking petty issues frees us to experience joy.
God wants us to experience his joy in our lives and to avoid those things that could hamper that joy (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-17).
5. Knowing whom you belong to and what the future holds brings true joy.
Realizing that you are a child of God and that you will spend eternity in heaven with him will bring you joy (see Romans 15:13).

accountability
Once you receive Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Savior, not only do you obtain the privileged gift of eternal life, but you immediately acquire a great responsibility. You have been entrusted with the message of the gospel and are responsible for what you do with it in your life. In the end, we know that what we have done on this earth for Christ will be examined before almighty God and displayed before the rest of the world. The question we must all ask is this: Will what I am doing for Christ and his Kingdom stand the test of time? Those who have done much with what God has given them will be greatly rewarded. Take some time to see what God's Word has to say on this subject.
1. The more we know, the greater our responsibility will be.
The Lord holds those who have been given positions of spiritual leadership to a higher accountability for what they do (see Luke 12:48).
2. We are responsible for our own sins and mistakes.
We cannot pass blame onto others for our own failings (see Romans 3:23).
3. We need to invest our abilities and resources in God's Kingdom.
God has graciously given us abilities and resources to invest in the expansion of his Kingdom (see Luke 19:11-26).
4. The value of our work on earth will be tested.
On Judgment Day, the quality of our faith and the work we have done for Jesus Christ will be revealed and rewarded accordingly (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

these notes are taken from the new believer's bible, new living translation