Bible Study (NLT)

Romans 2:29 "No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."

-We need to cry out from our hearts for God to change our hearts by his Spirit.-

-When our hearts are truly changed, it won't matter to us if our family and others don't praise us or our efforts.-

Romans 4:3 "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' "

Romans 4:16 "So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, IF we have faith like Abraham's..."

Romans 4:20-24 "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous IF we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."

-Faith is not just a matter of believing in God; that there is a God; but BELIEVING GOD; believing his promises.-

-We cannot receive the promise if we don't believe God will do it in his time; against all odds.-

-If we do waver in believing God's promise, that is sin; so repent and believe.-

Romans 8:1-2 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."

-The promise is that there is no condemnation if you belong to Jesus; so, stop living in condemnation. If you feel condemned because of sin in your life, BELIEVE that the Spirit has freed you from the power of sin and stop sinning. When you sin inadvertantly or out of habit, repent immediately and cry out to God to deliver you from sin and to change your heart.-

1 Corinthians 10:13 "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

-The promise is that you CAN overcome temptation; just ask God to show you the way out!-