Here are some Scriptures to start you off as you delve into these important Biblical truths.

The grace of God

This is one of the key themes in Paul’s writings and in the whole Bible. Grace is defined as the ‘unmerited favour of God.’ Quite simply, God is good to us and we don’t deserve it! Read these passages:

  • Ephesians 2:8-9

  • Romans 3:23-24

  • Romans 5:1-5

The kingdom of God

A key theme of Jesus’s teaching (see Matt 6:33, Mark 4:26-34), the kingdom of God shows us what it looks like when God is reigning and ruling. Read these verses:

  • 1 Thess 2:12

  • 2 Thess 1:5

  • 1 Cor 15:50

The purpose or will of God

What’s the point of life? Paul tells the Ephesians in him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.’ (Eph 1:11) The most important thing we can ever discover is God’s will for our lives. Read these verses:

  • 1 Thess 5:16-18

  • Romans 12:1-2

  • Ephesians 2:10

Repentance & Faith

Repentance means turning away from our old, independent way of living and faith means turning in trust towards God. These key words are at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Read these verses:

  • Romans 2:4

  • 2 Cor 7:9-10

  • Romans 1:17-20

  • Ephesians 2:8-9

The Church of God

God’s church is made up of people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We find so many metaphors for the church in the New Testament (bride, body, household, flock, building and family, to name but a few.) Read these verses:

  • Ephesians 4:13-16

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

  • 1 Corinthians 14:12

The Inevitability of Suffering

None of us likes the idea of suffering, but we have to be realistic about its presence in a fallen world, and also the fact that God uses this redemptively for our good. Jesus taught much about this (see Matthew 5:10-12, John 16:33) and Paul not only lived through many trials and sorrows but taught us to expect the same. Read these verses:

  • 2 Tim 3:12

  • Romans 5:3-5

See also James 1:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:8-22.

The Danger of False Teaching

Does it really matter what I believe? Yes! Don’t all paths lead to God? No! Paul makes it very clear that we must be on our guard against false teaching; much of what he wrote to churches was to correct false teaching or to help Christians discern the truth. Read these verses:

  • 2 Timothy 2:16-18

  • Colossians 2:16-23

  • Galatians 1:6-10

The Need For Vigilance

We are called to be on our guard, to be alert and to be ready and waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus. (Matt 25:1-13). We need to train ourselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14) Read these verses:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13

  • 2 Timothy 4:15

  • 1 Peter 5:8

Life As A Race

Life is a race – a marathon, not a sprint! There are many Scriptures which use this analogy:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

  • 2 Timothy 2:5

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

  • Hebrews 12:1-3

How’s your spiritual fitness? Paul says, For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.’ (1 Tim 4:8) We need to get spiritually fit if we’re going to run the race and finish well.

Our Final Inheritance

We have so much to look forward to in God! We have the Holy Spirit in us as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. (Eph 1:14) We are now children of God and therefore heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:17) Read these verses:

  • 1 Peter 1:4

  • Colossians 1:12

  • Hebrews 9:15