Guideline #9 can be summed up in Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” In Christ Jesus, the saints of God are different people. As such, they are careful about their words and actions. They reject lying in exchange for the truth.   Additional scriptures referenced include Exodus 20:16; Numbers 23:19; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:14-17; Acts 5:1-11; Colossians 3:5, 8, 11; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:15; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 1:9-11; Revelation 21:8; Titus 1:2; John 14:6; John 1:6-8; John 15:26-27; and 1 Corinthians 13:6. ...

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” If God can and will supply all our needs, there is no need to worry, there is no need to fear, there is no need to be envious of others. If God can and will supply all our needs, there is no need to steal.   The eighth guideline for abundant living calls our attention to two opposite ways of thinking and living. An approach that emphasizes getting rather than giving wins all contests for popularity. But the giving approach epitomizes God’s love for others.   Additional scriptures referenced include 2 Kings 4:1-7; Exodus 20:15; Matthew 19:18; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Matthew 22:39-40; John 13:34-35; Malachi 3:8-10; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:13; Philippians 2:3-4; and Philippians 4:8-9. ...

The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, intended that all who long for Christlike maturity would receive this writing – this letter that he composed for the believers in the city of Ephesus, in Asia Minor. Enclosed within the Book of Ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of God. Furthermore, a study in Ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling God has given. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. Part of that maturing is understanding and applying the ten guidelines for abundant living.   In Today’s Top Ten List, we explore Ten Guidelines for Abundant Living in the ministry of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians. Scriptures referenced include Ephesians 3:20-21; Ephesians 5:3, 5; Ephesians 1:20-21; Luke 24:47; Ephesians 5:20; Acts 18:19; Ephesians 6:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 2:1, 4-9; Ephesians 4:17-18, 24-25, 28; and Colossians 3:9. ...

What is it about Galatians that has made it such a backbone of spiritual revival? Why has it been able to touch the hearts of so many? In a manner unlike any other book in the Bible, Galatians addresses a number of themes crucial to the Christian soul. It is in Galatians that Paul tackles issues such as freedom, the role of the law in salvation, our condition in Christ, and the nature of the Spirit-led life, as well as the age-old question, How can sinful humans be made right before a holy and just God?   We explore the idea of righteousness by faith and how this relates to our ten guidelines for abundant living. Scriptures referenced include Galatians 2:16-18; Romans 3:8; Romans 6:1, 5-14; and 2 Corinthians 5:17. ...

Guideline #7: Do not commit adultery. Adultery is the complete corruption of God’s good creation of marriage. Through the sin of adultery, Satan tempts us to seek sexual fulfillment in avenues other than the one God has ordained—within the bounds of monogamous marriage. Adultery rips at the fabric of society because it tears apart marriages and families which are the building blocks of society. God’s law in general, and the 7th commandment in particular, is held up as the standard for Christian behavior.   Scriptures referenced include 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 19:4-5; Exodus 20:14; Genesis 1:28, 9:1; Malachi 2:15; Hebrews 13:4; Levitcus 18:1-5; Leviticus 11:44; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:51; Genesis 3; Corinthians 7:1-5; Matthew 5:27-30; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 and 2 Corinthians 12:21. ...

Guideline #6: Respect the sanctity of human life This guideline is based on the sixth commandment written by the hand of God and given to Moses. While a good translation of the commandment is “do not murder,” this guideline could also apply to suicide and the unintentional causing of human death through carelessness or negligence.    Scriptures referenced include Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7; John 1:4; John 5:26; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 10:10; 1 John 5:12; Acts 17:25-28; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 8:2; 1 John 3;4; Psalm 50:10-12; Psalm 139:13-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Deuteronomy 10:18; Matthew 25:40; 1 Corinthians 12:21, 22, 24-26; 1 John 3:15; 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 15:19; and 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.   ...