1. Prayer: Entering God's Presence in Christ
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, though the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22
The Word of God in Hebrews cited above, sets before us the spiritual reality of worship and prayer. In prayer we draw near to God and enter His holy presence by Jesus Christ. Both public worship, and prayer involve entering, though spiritually, the Holy of Holies. Christ's cross as the foundation and His eternal intercession for us make that prayer which is heard acceptable unto God. While there are many passages in the Word of God which speak of prayer it is perhaps well that the exalted reality of what prayer really is be set before us.
The scriptures set before us a doctrine also of prayer and its place in the Christian life and worship. The same Word of God warns us repeatedly agaisnt profane corruptions of prayer, heathen imitations, and irreverence. Prayer is a spiritual art, in which we need instruction and in which a believer grows.
To that doctrine belongs also all that for which we are instructed to pray and the many exhortations of the Word to constant prayer. This section is focused on this subject. There is much material to consider and much will be added as time permits.
2. Affliction
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corinthians 5:17,18.
The subject of afflictions and trials in the Christian life is important. Scripture has much to say on this subject from two points of view
First, the Word of God addresses the spiritual foundation upon which the Christian comfort rests. There is a doctrine, rooted in the sovereignty of God and His counsel and providence, concerning trial and temptation, sickness and suffering, persecution, riches and poverty, and every aspect of life in a fallen sinful world. There are also serious doctrinal errors found in the Christian community about these subjects.
Secondly, there is the need for comfort in the specific trials and afflictions of life.
3. The Joy of the Christian life
This section is being formatted and will seek to address many of these issues.
See also the material in the End Times on death and dying, The resurrection, and Eternal Life: