Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. — 1 Timothy 3:8–10 — Aleksander … Read More
Russia
The Name That Saves
For there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. — Acts 4:12 — Valery B. | Russia Evangelical Christians in Russia are often accused of betrayal. Those close to us say that by embracing the evangelical faith we have betrayed the “faith of … Read More
The Former Soviet Union
The Former Soviet Union Grace Bible Seminary | Ukraine A TMAI School in Russia Word of Grace Bible Institute (for Russian Speakers) When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the future of religious freedom looked bright. Over time, however, many of the religious rights that were once granted gave way to increased government regulations … Read More
Whom Are You Trusting?
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27:14 — Sergey M. | Russia When we, as believers, encounter more and more difficult trials, each one of us must have strong faith in the Lord and unshakeable trust in Him. Such was the … Read More
Take Courage
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 — Roman K. | Russia This verse contains the antidote to despair, depression, and weariness. Christ warns His disciples about the many … Read More
Signs of Decay
[The apostles said] to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. — Jude 18-19 — Viktor Z. | Russia When something starts to decay, certain signs are noticeable. Similarly, when spiritual life starts to decay, … Read More
The Essence of God’s Law
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. — ROMANS 13:10 — Timur R. | Russia What is the essence of God’s law? How would you define it in one sentence? According to our verse, the essence of the law and all of its rules comes down to learning … Read More
God’s Word Is Important for Your Soul
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. — COLOSSIANS 3:16 — Timur R. | Russia It’s impossible to count the number of words that pass into our minds in the course … Read More
The Future in the Present
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him — JAMES 1:12 — Dmitry S. | Russia The past influences the present. Few would argue with this statement. Lay a good foundation in the … Read More
Forgive Like Your Heavenly Father
For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. — MATTHEW 6:14-15 — Dmitry S. | Russia To call God Father is a great privilege. To be in God’s family means having access … Read More
Not Wrapped Up in Itself
Love does not brag and is not arrogant. — 1 Corinthians 13:4D — Aleksey P. | Russia Have you ever wondered what the difference is between bragging and arrogance? Bragging is outward self-exaltation and arrogance is inward pride. Bragging is noticeable to others, while arrogance can pass unnoticed as it nestles in the heart. … Read More
No Room for Envy
Love … is not jealous. — 1 Corinthians 13:4C — Aleksey P. | Russia Envy is the experience of being annoyed by the realization that other people enjoy some kind of superiority or advantage that you don’t have. When we see someone is enjoying an advantage we do not possess and we are annoyed and bothered, … Read More
Love Does Good Deeds
Love is kind. — 1 Corinthians 13:4B — Aleksey P. | Russia What is kindness? Many understand it to mean being good, benevolent, and generous. But few realize it also involves doing good deeds to others. In other words, kindness is exhibiting goodness and benevolence in attitude and action. And this kindness, according to Paul, … Read More
Love Suffers Long
Love is patient. — 1 Corinthians 13:4A — Aleksey P. | Russia In the New Testament, several words are used to communicate the idea of bearing up under difficulties. The word Paul uses here is one of those. When he begins his description of true love and says it is patient, he means more than most … Read More
How Do You Bring Joy to the Lord?
The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness. — Psalm 147:11 — Sergey M. | Russia What brings you joy? A good deal? A great vacation? A delicious meal? Your favorite team winning? Each of us finds joy in something. But have you wondered, what brings God joy? In what does … Read More
Strength in an Unstable World
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. — Joshua 1:7 — Aleksey K. | Russia Today many people talk … Read More
A High Calling
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. — 1 Peter 2:9 — Aleksey K. | Russia There was a period in my life … Read More
Reckon Yourself Dead to Sin
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. — Romans 6:10 — Sergey K. | Russia The problem of so-called cheap grace arises in any Christian culture, anywhere around the world. At its core, this doctrine says much about … Read More
