Ephesians; 2:8-9
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.)
Here God is telling us that it is a gift from Him to us through faith in Jesus Christ. So if it is a gift, then there isn't anything that we have done to earn it. There are religions out there that say you still have to work to earn your salvation. Here God specifically tells us that it isn't by works. We would never be able to do enough works to merit salvation from God.
Ephesians; 2:10
(For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.)
Know you are probably saying 'wait a minute' you just said that our works could never earn us salvation. That's right, they can't! Our good works are a result of our salvation and are by God producing good fruits in us. By producing good fruits, we bring glory and honor to God the Father. So our good works are a result of our salvation, not our salvation a result of our good works.
Ephesians; 2:4-5
(But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
God loved us so much that He was willing to send His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins by being the sacrificial lamb. The gift of salvation is free to us but it cost God. Jesus suffered more than we could ever imagine. The Scriptures tell us what happened, but it is impossible for us to fully understand the pain that Jesus went through. When He was on that cross He bore the punishment for all of mans sins. The price was paid in full and now all a person has to do is come to Jesus and admit that they are a sinner in need of a savior and ask Him for forgiveness.
Jesus loves you and He doesn't want you or anyone else to suffer eternal punishment in hell. If there would have been any other way to save us then He would not have had to come down and take on flesh and bone to die in our place. He gave up His position in heaven and came down to earth to be fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life without sin and died for you and me. He paid the wages for our sins.
Romans; 6:23
(For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)
The gift is there, but it is only there through Jesus. No matter what the world is saying, it is only through Jesus.
John; 3:16-17
(For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.)
God Bless You!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
You Must Decide If You Will Follow Jesus!
You will have to make a decision in life who you will follow. You will not be able to have it your way and also have it God's way. The world and it's desires are not the desires of God, in fact God has told us that if we want to be a friend of the world, we will make ourselves and enemy of God.
James; 4:4
(You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.)
This is not to say that we cannot enjoy our life that God has given us. He created this world for us to live in and to enjoy. However, much of what the world believes is right to do is in conflict with the way we as believers are instructed to live. The worlds idea is that if it feels good, then it is alright to do it, and that is wrong when it goes against the instructions that God has given us through His Word.
God wants us to live a life that is different from the world. We are suppose to be a light in a dark world and if we live like the world, we will blend in and no one will notice ant difference. For us to be separate form the world we have to have help and that help come from the Holy Spirit who comes into the life of every believer at salvation. He is the one who gives us the power to be a light in this dark world and to be a witness for Jesus. He changes us and takes away our old nature and gives us a new nature that belongs to Christ. We will want to do God's will and obey Him instead of our flesh. Jesus tells us who it is that loves Him.
John; 14:21
(He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.")
How are we suppose to know what God expects from his children, and that is what we are if we are a born again Christian, a child of God. God has given us THE BIBLE for us to know Him, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and to show us the way to Salvation. Once we put our faith in and believe in Jesus for Salvation, He sends His Holy Spirit into our lives to teach us and give us power to be able to live the Christian life. Without the Holy Spirit in our life, we would not be able to live as God commands us to live. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Teacher whom God sends to indwell us.
John; 14:26
(But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.)
The world doesn't and cannot do God's will because they are slaves to sin. They can choose to be good but that won't help when they are tempted to sin. We can resist sin because we have help and power through the Holy Spirit.
John; 14:15-17
("If you love Me, and keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide in you forever-the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.)
Remember God loves you and doesn't want you to spend eternity separated from him in hell. Come to Jesus today and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and save you. Tell Him that you repent and that you are sorry for your sins and that you want Him to be Lord and Savior of your life. Tell Him that you know that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior and that you believe that He is the Son of God and the Savior of all who will believe in him. Don't wait, you may not get another chance to repent. Today is the day to know for certain that you have eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.
Romans; 10:8-10
(But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless and Save You!
James; 4:4
(You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.)
This is not to say that we cannot enjoy our life that God has given us. He created this world for us to live in and to enjoy. However, much of what the world believes is right to do is in conflict with the way we as believers are instructed to live. The worlds idea is that if it feels good, then it is alright to do it, and that is wrong when it goes against the instructions that God has given us through His Word.
God wants us to live a life that is different from the world. We are suppose to be a light in a dark world and if we live like the world, we will blend in and no one will notice ant difference. For us to be separate form the world we have to have help and that help come from the Holy Spirit who comes into the life of every believer at salvation. He is the one who gives us the power to be a light in this dark world and to be a witness for Jesus. He changes us and takes away our old nature and gives us a new nature that belongs to Christ. We will want to do God's will and obey Him instead of our flesh. Jesus tells us who it is that loves Him.
John; 14:21
(He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.")
How are we suppose to know what God expects from his children, and that is what we are if we are a born again Christian, a child of God. God has given us THE BIBLE for us to know Him, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and to show us the way to Salvation. Once we put our faith in and believe in Jesus for Salvation, He sends His Holy Spirit into our lives to teach us and give us power to be able to live the Christian life. Without the Holy Spirit in our life, we would not be able to live as God commands us to live. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Teacher whom God sends to indwell us.
John; 14:26
(But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.)
The world doesn't and cannot do God's will because they are slaves to sin. They can choose to be good but that won't help when they are tempted to sin. We can resist sin because we have help and power through the Holy Spirit.
John; 14:15-17
("If you love Me, and keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide in you forever-the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.)
Remember God loves you and doesn't want you to spend eternity separated from him in hell. Come to Jesus today and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and save you. Tell Him that you repent and that you are sorry for your sins and that you want Him to be Lord and Savior of your life. Tell Him that you know that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior and that you believe that He is the Son of God and the Savior of all who will believe in him. Don't wait, you may not get another chance to repent. Today is the day to know for certain that you have eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.
Romans; 10:8-10
(But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless and Save You!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Watch And Be Ready!
Pregnant mother murdered, father throws his four children off of bridge, woman kills mother to be and cuts out newborn and claims it's hers. Girl and boy friend kill younger sister five years old and mother by slicing their throats. Man enters college and kills a number of students, boy enters shopping mall and kill shoppers and the list could go on. This is just scratching the surface of what kind of evil goes on everyday in our country and this will only get worse.
2Timothy; 3:1-4
(But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,)
You have those who are trying to figure out why this is happening and it all boils down to a fallen world. Men love darkness rather than the light. They choose to feed the desires of the flesh rather than the spirit.
Galatians; 5:19-21
(Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.)
So what are we suppose to make of all this? Jesus told the disciples that when they see these things begin to happen, know that the time is near. He also told them not to be troubled because these things must happen, but for them to recognize the signs.
Matthew; 24:32-33
("Now learn this parable from the fig tree; When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors!)
The disciples had asked Jesus what to watch for and what would be the sign of the end of the age. Jesus had warned them not to be deceived by false teachers and false doctrines. He told them that many would come claiming to be Him and would deceive many.
We are told to be ready for His coming because He will come at an hour when we do not expect Him to come. Are you ready for Jesus to come? What if He would come today, would He find you watching for His return? If you aren't prepared, you can be ready for Jesus. Give your life to Jesus now and repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins and you want to be reborn spiritually so that you have life in you. He loves you and doesn't want you to perish.
1John; 5:20
(And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.)
1John; 5:11-12
(And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.)
Eternal life is in Jesus and Him only. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves it is the gift of God. Put your faith in Jesus today and believe in Him.
2Timothy; 3:1-4
(But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,)
You have those who are trying to figure out why this is happening and it all boils down to a fallen world. Men love darkness rather than the light. They choose to feed the desires of the flesh rather than the spirit.
Galatians; 5:19-21
(Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.)
So what are we suppose to make of all this? Jesus told the disciples that when they see these things begin to happen, know that the time is near. He also told them not to be troubled because these things must happen, but for them to recognize the signs.
Matthew; 24:32-33
("Now learn this parable from the fig tree; When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors!)
The disciples had asked Jesus what to watch for and what would be the sign of the end of the age. Jesus had warned them not to be deceived by false teachers and false doctrines. He told them that many would come claiming to be Him and would deceive many.
We are told to be ready for His coming because He will come at an hour when we do not expect Him to come. Are you ready for Jesus to come? What if He would come today, would He find you watching for His return? If you aren't prepared, you can be ready for Jesus. Give your life to Jesus now and repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins and you want to be reborn spiritually so that you have life in you. He loves you and doesn't want you to perish.
1John; 5:20
(And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.)
1John; 5:11-12
(And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.)
Eternal life is in Jesus and Him only. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves it is the gift of God. Put your faith in Jesus today and believe in Him.
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Kindness And Love Of God!
We serve a righteous, merciful, caring, loving God who does not want anyone to perish. However, He will punish all who do not believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Why do some refuse to believe what God has told us and showed us about Himself? The Bible tells us that it is because they loved darkness (unrighteousness) rather than the light (righteousness).
Romans; 1:18-19
(For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.)
In other words their deeds were evil and they refused to let go of that evil and turn to Jesus who is the only means of forgiveness. Our sin will bring about spiritual death and we will receive wages of sin.
Romans; 6:23
(For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)
There is hope for anyone who will turn from sin and come to Jesus for forgiveness. If you think that you can do it some other way, the Bible is perfectly clear on the matter. Salvation is in no other name because no other name has been given under heaven among men by which we must be saved. Before someone comes to Jesus for salvation, they are spiritually dead. Yes you have life physically, but you are dead spiritually. You must be born spiritually. This can only happen when we become a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are reborn spiritually and have new birth, meaning we are Born Again.
(BORN AGAIN)
What actually happens when we are Born Again? Jesus said that we have to have spiritual washing or purification of the soul which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God at the moment of salvation. This is required in order for us to belong to His kingdom.
John; 3:5-7
(Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I say to you, 'You must be born again.')
It isn't anything that we can do apart from God, it is done by the Holy Spirit.
So our good works and all the righteous acts will not get us there, it is the gift of God.
Titus; 3:4-7
(But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to hope of eternal life.)
Come to Jesus and repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. Ask Him into your life as Lord and Savior and be born again. You won't ever regret the decision to come to Him for eternal life.
God Bless You!
Romans; 1:18-19
(For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.)
In other words their deeds were evil and they refused to let go of that evil and turn to Jesus who is the only means of forgiveness. Our sin will bring about spiritual death and we will receive wages of sin.
Romans; 6:23
(For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)
There is hope for anyone who will turn from sin and come to Jesus for forgiveness. If you think that you can do it some other way, the Bible is perfectly clear on the matter. Salvation is in no other name because no other name has been given under heaven among men by which we must be saved. Before someone comes to Jesus for salvation, they are spiritually dead. Yes you have life physically, but you are dead spiritually. You must be born spiritually. This can only happen when we become a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are reborn spiritually and have new birth, meaning we are Born Again.
(BORN AGAIN)
What actually happens when we are Born Again? Jesus said that we have to have spiritual washing or purification of the soul which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God at the moment of salvation. This is required in order for us to belong to His kingdom.
John; 3:5-7
(Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I say to you, 'You must be born again.')
It isn't anything that we can do apart from God, it is done by the Holy Spirit.
So our good works and all the righteous acts will not get us there, it is the gift of God.
Titus; 3:4-7
(But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to hope of eternal life.)
Come to Jesus and repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. Ask Him into your life as Lord and Savior and be born again. You won't ever regret the decision to come to Him for eternal life.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
I'm A Sinner, So Are You!
Romans; 2:23
(for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God)
Have you ever thought about just how good your are in God's sight? What about your good deeds you've done? The Bible is clear on this that we are all sinners and that are good deeds are as filthy rags. Now how does that make us feel? It tells us that we are in trouble with our relationship with God. We are doomed to eternal separation from God because of our sins. God knowing that there was no hope for us sent His Son Jesus Christ to take away the sins of the world. He would do this by living the perfect life without sin and then being the perfect sacrifice on the cross for all sinners.
Maybe you don't realize it but you are dead in your trespasses and sin.
Ephesians; 2:1
(And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sin,)
There is hope for you though and that hope is putting your faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The blood He shed on the cross and the life He gave paid the penalty for sin. It is a free gift from God by grace through faith in Jesus.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.)
Jesus did it all when He died on the cross for my sins and anyone else who would come to Him for forgiveness. He loved me and you so much that He was willing to come down from Heaven and become a man, live the perfect life, and then be willing to be beaten and suffer death on the cross in our place so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven. His death paid the price for our sins. Now He is able to save all who come to Him for forgiveness and salvation. His blood washed away our sins and eternal life is through Him.
Ephesians; 2:13
(But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.)
The gift of eternal life is free from God, but you have to accept it in order to be saved. How does one do it? Seeing as how the debt has been paid, you come to Jesus and admit that you are a sinner and repent of your sins. Then ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life to be both Lord and Savior. Believe that He is who He says He is and put your faith in Him. There is salvation in no one else. No matter what you might hear from the world, the Scripture is clear that Jesus is the Savior of all who come to Him.
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.)
John; 10:9
(I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.)
Acts;4:12
(Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.)
Romans; 10:8-10
(But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is the word of faith we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless You!
(for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God)
Have you ever thought about just how good your are in God's sight? What about your good deeds you've done? The Bible is clear on this that we are all sinners and that are good deeds are as filthy rags. Now how does that make us feel? It tells us that we are in trouble with our relationship with God. We are doomed to eternal separation from God because of our sins. God knowing that there was no hope for us sent His Son Jesus Christ to take away the sins of the world. He would do this by living the perfect life without sin and then being the perfect sacrifice on the cross for all sinners.
Maybe you don't realize it but you are dead in your trespasses and sin.
Ephesians; 2:1
(And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sin,)
There is hope for you though and that hope is putting your faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The blood He shed on the cross and the life He gave paid the penalty for sin. It is a free gift from God by grace through faith in Jesus.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.)
Jesus did it all when He died on the cross for my sins and anyone else who would come to Him for forgiveness. He loved me and you so much that He was willing to come down from Heaven and become a man, live the perfect life, and then be willing to be beaten and suffer death on the cross in our place so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven. His death paid the price for our sins. Now He is able to save all who come to Him for forgiveness and salvation. His blood washed away our sins and eternal life is through Him.
Ephesians; 2:13
(But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.)
The gift of eternal life is free from God, but you have to accept it in order to be saved. How does one do it? Seeing as how the debt has been paid, you come to Jesus and admit that you are a sinner and repent of your sins. Then ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life to be both Lord and Savior. Believe that He is who He says He is and put your faith in Him. There is salvation in no one else. No matter what you might hear from the world, the Scripture is clear that Jesus is the Savior of all who come to Him.
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.)
John; 10:9
(I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.)
Acts;4:12
(Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.)
Romans; 10:8-10
(But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is the word of faith we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless You!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Consequences Of Refusing To Repent And Believe!
Matthew; 25:46
(And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.")
The punishment of unbelief is never ending, continuous suffering in the lake of fire. You don't just die and that is the end. The Scripture tells us that it is eternal, no second chances and no getting out. Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew that it is everlasting.
Matthew; 25:41
("Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels;)
The fire does not end and neither do you. You will suffer shame and you will know that your punishment is just and that you deserve it. You chose not to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God ( Jesus Christ ) which was your only means of Salvation.
Jesus tells us that the fire is unquenchable.
Matthew; 3:12
(His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire".)
When the angels gather up all the believers and put them in the barn, all that will be left is those who chose not to believe or the chaff. God is very clear here, you either belong to Him ( the wheat) or to the devil (the chaff). Jesus also mentioned this in the parable of the wheat and the tares. They were both growing together in the same field.
Matthew; 13:30
(Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' ")
Jesus came to save sinners of which we all are. Some of us have put their faith in him and had their sins forgiven, (Believers). Others have chose not to believe and put their faith in Him for forgiveness of sins, (Unbelievers), thus incurring the consequences of unbelief. This is eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire.
Revelation; 20:15
(And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.)
Don't be an unbeliever, put your faith in Jesus Christ and ask Him to save you. Admit that you are a sinner and in need of Him as your Savior. He is the only means of Salvation and forgiveness of sin.
John; 3:16-18
(For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)
God Bless You!
(And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.")
The punishment of unbelief is never ending, continuous suffering in the lake of fire. You don't just die and that is the end. The Scripture tells us that it is eternal, no second chances and no getting out. Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew that it is everlasting.
Matthew; 25:41
("Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels;)
The fire does not end and neither do you. You will suffer shame and you will know that your punishment is just and that you deserve it. You chose not to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God ( Jesus Christ ) which was your only means of Salvation.
Jesus tells us that the fire is unquenchable.
Matthew; 3:12
(His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire".)
When the angels gather up all the believers and put them in the barn, all that will be left is those who chose not to believe or the chaff. God is very clear here, you either belong to Him ( the wheat) or to the devil (the chaff). Jesus also mentioned this in the parable of the wheat and the tares. They were both growing together in the same field.
Matthew; 13:30
(Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' ")
Jesus came to save sinners of which we all are. Some of us have put their faith in him and had their sins forgiven, (Believers). Others have chose not to believe and put their faith in Him for forgiveness of sins, (Unbelievers), thus incurring the consequences of unbelief. This is eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire.
Revelation; 20:15
(And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.)
Don't be an unbeliever, put your faith in Jesus Christ and ask Him to save you. Admit that you are a sinner and in need of Him as your Savior. He is the only means of Salvation and forgiveness of sin.
John; 3:16-18
(For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)
God Bless You!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Obeying God Not Our Flesh!
Proverbs; 6:16
(These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:)
A PROUD LOOK
Psalm; 101:5
(Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.)
A LYING TONGUE
Proverbs; 12:22
(Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.)
HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD
Proverbs; 28:17
(A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.)
We are avoid helping a murderer with any support, or refuge from the law.
A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED PLANS
Genesis; 6:5
(Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only on evil continually.)
FEET THAT ARE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO EVIL
Isaiah; 59:7
(Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths.)
A FALSE WITNESS WHO SPEAKS LIES
Proverbs; 19:5
(A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.)
AND ONE WHO SOWS DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN
Proverbs; 16:28
(A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.)
Let us walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, thus fulfilling the desires of the flesh. God hates sin and we need His help to keep from sinning. The minute we think we can control our flesh, we will sin. Let's please God and not our flesh.
God Bless You!
(These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:)
A PROUD LOOK
Psalm; 101:5
(Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.)
A LYING TONGUE
Proverbs; 12:22
(Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.)
HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD
Proverbs; 28:17
(A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.)
We are avoid helping a murderer with any support, or refuge from the law.
A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED PLANS
Genesis; 6:5
(Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only on evil continually.)
FEET THAT ARE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO EVIL
Isaiah; 59:7
(Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths.)
A FALSE WITNESS WHO SPEAKS LIES
Proverbs; 19:5
(A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.)
AND ONE WHO SOWS DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN
Proverbs; 16:28
(A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.)
Let us walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, thus fulfilling the desires of the flesh. God hates sin and we need His help to keep from sinning. The minute we think we can control our flesh, we will sin. Let's please God and not our flesh.
God Bless You!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Don't Harden Your Heart!
Romans; 2:5
(But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgment of God,)
Here the apostle Paul is talking about spiritual hardness of the heart. A person keeps refusing to repent and accept forgiveness of sin. They choose to love darkness and live a life of sin thus hardening their heart. They would rather live the way they want to than live as Jesus commands us too. God tells us that if we repent He will forgive us and give us a new heart for Him. If we choose to keep our rebellious attitude, our hearts will continue to be desensitized and become more hardened.
The more we reject God and the forgiveness He offers, the more sever the judgment. When you reject Christ, you are saying no to the only means of forgiveness. Jesus suffered and died on the cross for the sin of the world and any person who comes to Him for forgiveness will receive forgiveness. If you say no to Him, you will die in your sins and face eternity separated from God in the Lake of Fire.
Don't harden your heart any more, say yes to Jesus and receive forgiveness of sin. God doesn't want anyone to perish, but if you keep saying no, you will perish and spend forever in hell. Our minds have a hard time comprehending forever, but it is forever. God is a loving God but He is also a just God and sin must be punished. Either Jesus paid the price for your sin when He died on the cross, or you will pay the price for your sin. He offers forgiveness of sin but only if you repent and ask Him forgiveness and put your faith in Him.
Acts; 4:12
(Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.")
Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ.
God Bless You!
(But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgment of God,)
Here the apostle Paul is talking about spiritual hardness of the heart. A person keeps refusing to repent and accept forgiveness of sin. They choose to love darkness and live a life of sin thus hardening their heart. They would rather live the way they want to than live as Jesus commands us too. God tells us that if we repent He will forgive us and give us a new heart for Him. If we choose to keep our rebellious attitude, our hearts will continue to be desensitized and become more hardened.
The more we reject God and the forgiveness He offers, the more sever the judgment. When you reject Christ, you are saying no to the only means of forgiveness. Jesus suffered and died on the cross for the sin of the world and any person who comes to Him for forgiveness will receive forgiveness. If you say no to Him, you will die in your sins and face eternity separated from God in the Lake of Fire.
Don't harden your heart any more, say yes to Jesus and receive forgiveness of sin. God doesn't want anyone to perish, but if you keep saying no, you will perish and spend forever in hell. Our minds have a hard time comprehending forever, but it is forever. God is a loving God but He is also a just God and sin must be punished. Either Jesus paid the price for your sin when He died on the cross, or you will pay the price for your sin. He offers forgiveness of sin but only if you repent and ask Him forgiveness and put your faith in Him.
Acts; 4:12
(Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.")
Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ.
God Bless You!
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Seed Is The Word Of God!
The planting of the Word of God. It will either take root and yield fruit or it will dry up and disappear. When Jesus told the parable of the sower, He explained it this way.
Luke; 8:5-8
("A sower went out to sow seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop of hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!")
What does the parable mean? The disciples didn't know what Jesus meant by this parable and they ask Him to explain it. Jesus told them the explanation of this parable.
THE WAYSIDE
Luke; 8:12
(Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.)
FELL ON ROCK
Luke; 8:13
(But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.)
AMONG THE THORNS
Luke; 8:14
(Now the ones that fell among the thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.)
GOOD SOIL
Luke; 8:15
(But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.)
What type of soil were we when the word was sown in our heart. Did the devil take it away? Did it dry up and go away because we had no root in the word? Did it get choked by the worries of the world? Or is it producing fruit in our life? If we stay connected to the Word of God "Jesus", then we will bear much fruit.
God Bless You!
Luke; 8:5-8
("A sower went out to sow seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop of hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!")
What does the parable mean? The disciples didn't know what Jesus meant by this parable and they ask Him to explain it. Jesus told them the explanation of this parable.
THE WAYSIDE
Luke; 8:12
(Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.)
FELL ON ROCK
Luke; 8:13
(But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.)
AMONG THE THORNS
Luke; 8:14
(Now the ones that fell among the thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.)
GOOD SOIL
Luke; 8:15
(But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.)
What type of soil were we when the word was sown in our heart. Did the devil take it away? Did it dry up and go away because we had no root in the word? Did it get choked by the worries of the world? Or is it producing fruit in our life? If we stay connected to the Word of God "Jesus", then we will bear much fruit.
God Bless You!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Abiding In The Word!
John; 8:31
(Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.)
Abiding is to endure permanently without yielding or to stay around. First we must believe in Jesus that He is God the Son.
John; 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.)
How can we abide in the Word if we don't first believe the word of God. Jesus tells us all through the Bible that He is Savior of the world and that their is forgiveness in no other. If you have put your faith in Him and have been born again, abide in Him. When some of the those following Jesus were leaving because of His teaching, He asked His disciples "Do you also want to go away"?
John; 7:68
(But Simon Peter answerd Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.)
How can we do anything without abiding in Him? It would be like trying to put out a fire by dragging a fire hose up to the fire without connecting to the fire hydrant. Jesus tells us that we can do nothing without abiding in Him.
John; 15:5
("I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.)
So for us to be productive as God wants us to be, we must stay in the Word of God. If you are not in the Word of God how will you know what God expects from you? We are to be obedient to the Word of God and it will not be possible if we don't know what the Word says.
As Jesus says. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples". Are you abiding in Gods Word? If not, start today and become His disciple.
God Bless You!
(Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.)
Abiding is to endure permanently without yielding or to stay around. First we must believe in Jesus that He is God the Son.
John; 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.)
How can we abide in the Word if we don't first believe the word of God. Jesus tells us all through the Bible that He is Savior of the world and that their is forgiveness in no other. If you have put your faith in Him and have been born again, abide in Him. When some of the those following Jesus were leaving because of His teaching, He asked His disciples "Do you also want to go away"?
John; 7:68
(But Simon Peter answerd Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.)
How can we do anything without abiding in Him? It would be like trying to put out a fire by dragging a fire hose up to the fire without connecting to the fire hydrant. Jesus tells us that we can do nothing without abiding in Him.
John; 15:5
("I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.)
So for us to be productive as God wants us to be, we must stay in the Word of God. If you are not in the Word of God how will you know what God expects from you? We are to be obedient to the Word of God and it will not be possible if we don't know what the Word says.
As Jesus says. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples". Are you abiding in Gods Word? If not, start today and become His disciple.
God Bless You!
Friday, January 04, 2008
To Lie Is To Sin!
All of us have told a lie at some point in our life. It seems like you end up telling another lie to cover up the previous lie. Lying to cover up a lie always makes things worse. You go around worried that someone will find you out and then you will have to confess up to what ever you have lied about. I have heard people say that it was only a small lie and no one will find out. The truth is that God already knows that you lied. Never assume that no one knows because God always knows when we sin. We are told in the Bible not to lie.
Leviticus; 19:11
(You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.
No matter how small and insignificant a lie might seem, it still is sin in God's eyes. Telling the truth is always the best policy and then you can deal with what ever you face and leave there with your head held high. Plus you will not be worried about it or lose sleep over it. The next time you are tempted to tell a lie remember that God will know and so will you.
God Bless You!
Leviticus; 19:11
(You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.
No matter how small and insignificant a lie might seem, it still is sin in God's eyes. Telling the truth is always the best policy and then you can deal with what ever you face and leave there with your head held high. Plus you will not be worried about it or lose sleep over it. The next time you are tempted to tell a lie remember that God will know and so will you.
God Bless You!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Is Today The Day???
What if today was the day that Jesus was returning? Would you be ready or would you have to make yourself ready? We don't know when Jesus will return and we are instructed to be ready at all times.
Mark; 13:32-33
("But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.)
There have been times when someone has predicted the exact time Jesus would return only to have their prediction proven wrong. Jesus tell us that no one knows the time, but to recognize the signs preceding His return.
Since we don't know when Jesus will return which could be any moment, we need to be ready and not put off coming to Him for salvation. If you have already ask Jesus into your heart and given your life to Him as Lord and Savior, then you are ready, but if you haven't put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, you aren't ready. So then how can you get ready? The Bible says that their is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ.
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.")
It is really very simple. You come to the only source of salvation and that is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sin of the world so that all who come to Him for forgiveness of sins may be forgiven.
John; 3:16-18
(For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)
We cannot merit or work our way to eternal life. It is a free gift from God to all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. It is a choice each of us has to make, we either chose to believe or not to believe in Jesus Christ. The choice you make affects your eternal destination.
John; 3:36
(He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.")
Believe in Jesus Christ today and look forward to His return.
God Bless You!
Mark; 13:32-33
("But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.)
There have been times when someone has predicted the exact time Jesus would return only to have their prediction proven wrong. Jesus tell us that no one knows the time, but to recognize the signs preceding His return.
Since we don't know when Jesus will return which could be any moment, we need to be ready and not put off coming to Him for salvation. If you have already ask Jesus into your heart and given your life to Him as Lord and Savior, then you are ready, but if you haven't put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, you aren't ready. So then how can you get ready? The Bible says that their is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ.
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.")
It is really very simple. You come to the only source of salvation and that is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sin of the world so that all who come to Him for forgiveness of sins may be forgiven.
John; 3:16-18
(For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)
We cannot merit or work our way to eternal life. It is a free gift from God to all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. It is a choice each of us has to make, we either chose to believe or not to believe in Jesus Christ. The choice you make affects your eternal destination.
John; 3:36
(He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.")
Believe in Jesus Christ today and look forward to His return.
God Bless You!
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