1Timothy; 1:15
(This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.)
This portion of Scripture states clearly that we can put our faith in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. It is by faith and a sure thing and worthy of our acceptance. Jesus Himself also has told us the same thing. Jesus would not have had to suffer and die in our place if there had been another way.
Satan who is the ultimate counterfeiter has brought into the world many different beliefs. He tells people that they don't have to put their faith in Jesus to inherit eternal life. Many people have believed the lie and gone to the grave in their sins. God tells us that we must have our sins forgiven to inherit the kingdom of God. We are also told that we cannot do it on our own. Jesus came and died in our place and payed the price for our sins. To obtain that forgiveness though, you must come to Him and repent and ask for it. He's not going to force anyone acceptance forgiveness from Him, but if they don't ask, there will be no forgiveness of sin.
Acts; 4:12
(Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.")
There are going to be a lot of people who will try to get to heaven their way only to end up in the lake of fire. All through the Bible we are told that there is only one way to heaven and Jesus is the only way. Don't be foolish as to think you can do it on your own because you can't. Eternal life is a gift from God and like any gift, you must receive it.
Ephesians; 2:8-9
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.)
God Bless You!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Why Study The Word Of God?
Would you go into battle without your weapon knowing that your life depended on you having your weapon? No! Of course you wouldn't go to battle without a weapon. Well I have news for you. You are in a battle as we speak. You may not be able to see your enemy but believe me he is out there and he is prepared.
Ephesians; 6:12
(For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.)
How are you going to battle a enemy you can't see? The first thing is to give your life to Jesus. Put your faith into His hands and follow Him. The second thing is to educate yourself in the Word of God. Your being versed in the Word is what will allow you to recognize enemy ambushes. If you are walking without Jesus, you are grave danger of destruction. Yes! Your life is in danger. Not only your physical life but your eternal life. Studying God's Word allows you to arm yourself with knowledge which is from God and can only be understood with the Holy Spirits help.
Ephesians; 6:1-2
(Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.)
Wiles or schemes is the devil's way to trap you and destroy you. These schemes include every sin, immoral practice, false theology, false religion, and worldly enticement. By being prepared with knowledge from God, you are less likely to fall into one of the devil's traps. That is why we are instructed to walk in the light not darkness. If you are walking in darkness, you are unable to see where you are going. Don't put your eternal life in jeopardy, make a decision to walk with Jesus today. Ask Jesus to come into your your life and be your Lord and Savior. He tells us that if we will just call on Him we will be saved. There is no other way but through Jesus.
It is vital that we understand the spiritual nature of our conflict and the only place to learn this knowledge is in the Bible. It's a matter of 'ETERNAL LIFE' or 'ETERNAL DAMNATION'. Make the right decision.
God Bless You!
Ephesians; 6:12
(For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.)
How are you going to battle a enemy you can't see? The first thing is to give your life to Jesus. Put your faith into His hands and follow Him. The second thing is to educate yourself in the Word of God. Your being versed in the Word is what will allow you to recognize enemy ambushes. If you are walking without Jesus, you are grave danger of destruction. Yes! Your life is in danger. Not only your physical life but your eternal life. Studying God's Word allows you to arm yourself with knowledge which is from God and can only be understood with the Holy Spirits help.
Ephesians; 6:1-2
(Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.)
Wiles or schemes is the devil's way to trap you and destroy you. These schemes include every sin, immoral practice, false theology, false religion, and worldly enticement. By being prepared with knowledge from God, you are less likely to fall into one of the devil's traps. That is why we are instructed to walk in the light not darkness. If you are walking in darkness, you are unable to see where you are going. Don't put your eternal life in jeopardy, make a decision to walk with Jesus today. Ask Jesus to come into your your life and be your Lord and Savior. He tells us that if we will just call on Him we will be saved. There is no other way but through Jesus.
It is vital that we understand the spiritual nature of our conflict and the only place to learn this knowledge is in the Bible. It's a matter of 'ETERNAL LIFE' or 'ETERNAL DAMNATION'. Make the right decision.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Why Don't They Get it?
For the longest time in my Christian life, I couldn't understand why people who I witnessed to would look at me with a blank stare. I thought to myself, why would you refuse eternal life in Jesus Christ. The more I studied the Word of God, I realized that it was because they were blinded by Satan the ruler of darkness.
2Corinthians; 4:3-4
(But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.)
Satan blinds men to God's truths and they continue in their unbelief which in turn deepens their moral darkness. The longer a person continues in unbelief, the harder their heart becomes.
Someone may say, "I don't say there is a God, but I don't say there isn't a God." Choosing not to believe there is a God is called unbelief. We all know that you must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved and not believing will cause you to die in your sins. If you have chosen to believe and put your faith in Jesus for salvation, then you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Without the Holy Spirit, you will not be able to discern spiritual truths. By the Holy Spirit, God reveals His saving truths. The Holy Spirit alone is qualified because He knows all that God knows, Himself being God.
1Corinthians; 2:14
(But the natural man does not received the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)
Now we know why some people just don't get it when we are witnessing to them. They don't always understand all we tell them because they don't have the Spirit of God teaching them. It's not that they don't want to understand, it's just they can't. The veil of blindness is still in place. The only one who can remove the veil is God. So when we are witnessing to someone, we also need to pray that God will remove the veil of blindness. If someone comes to faith and repentance to God, it is because they have been taught and hence drawn by God.
John; 6:44-45
(No one comes to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.)
Our job is to spread the gospel, God is the one who gives them saving faith.
God Bless You!
2Corinthians; 4:3-4
(But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.)
Satan blinds men to God's truths and they continue in their unbelief which in turn deepens their moral darkness. The longer a person continues in unbelief, the harder their heart becomes.
Someone may say, "I don't say there is a God, but I don't say there isn't a God." Choosing not to believe there is a God is called unbelief. We all know that you must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved and not believing will cause you to die in your sins. If you have chosen to believe and put your faith in Jesus for salvation, then you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Without the Holy Spirit, you will not be able to discern spiritual truths. By the Holy Spirit, God reveals His saving truths. The Holy Spirit alone is qualified because He knows all that God knows, Himself being God.
1Corinthians; 2:14
(But the natural man does not received the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)
Now we know why some people just don't get it when we are witnessing to them. They don't always understand all we tell them because they don't have the Spirit of God teaching them. It's not that they don't want to understand, it's just they can't. The veil of blindness is still in place. The only one who can remove the veil is God. So when we are witnessing to someone, we also need to pray that God will remove the veil of blindness. If someone comes to faith and repentance to God, it is because they have been taught and hence drawn by God.
John; 6:44-45
(No one comes to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.)
Our job is to spread the gospel, God is the one who gives them saving faith.
God Bless You!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Don't Be Anxious For Things!
Philippians; 4:6
(Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God;)
We are living in a time where it seems everyone is in a hurry. They rush here and there but never seem to catch up. I'm sure that most of us have been doing this at some time in our lives. You get home after a day of being anxious and say to yourself, "I never seem to get everything done I have to do". This is just life as we know it.
God tells us to be anxious for nothing. He has told this because He knows we have a tendency to worry and fret about things. We are told many times not to worry because God is in control and He has our best interest in mind. If we are walking in God's will for our lives, everything will work out according to His plan. Maybe things didn't happen as you wanted them to but God might of had a different plan. That's why we are to put our faith and trust in Him. It makes living so much easier when we have God leading the way.
Romans; 8:28
(And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.)
So how do all things work out to good. God is the one who causes things to work out to the good. It isn't you or I but His sovereign will and power that is in control. Now if we choose to do it our way, it may not end up very pretty. God is the one who orchestrates every event in life, even suffering, temptation, and sin. Wait a minute. Why would God allow suffering, temptation and sin in a persons life? He does this to accomplish both temporal and eternal benefits. We don't always understand why things happen but there is a reason for them.
Deuteronomy; 8:15-16
(who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did nor know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end)
God always has a purpose for us in what ever trials we go through. They may not be pleasant at the time, but the end result is what counts. We don't want to second guess God. That is one battle we will always lose.
Isaiah; 55:9
("For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.)
We just need to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Thanking Him for everything we have need of and for the life He has given us. Remember, eternal life is through Jesus and only Him. If you have put your faith in Jesus, then don't worry about the little stuff in life. Why? Because He cares for you.
God Bless You!
(Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God;)
We are living in a time where it seems everyone is in a hurry. They rush here and there but never seem to catch up. I'm sure that most of us have been doing this at some time in our lives. You get home after a day of being anxious and say to yourself, "I never seem to get everything done I have to do". This is just life as we know it.
God tells us to be anxious for nothing. He has told this because He knows we have a tendency to worry and fret about things. We are told many times not to worry because God is in control and He has our best interest in mind. If we are walking in God's will for our lives, everything will work out according to His plan. Maybe things didn't happen as you wanted them to but God might of had a different plan. That's why we are to put our faith and trust in Him. It makes living so much easier when we have God leading the way.
Romans; 8:28
(And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.)
So how do all things work out to good. God is the one who causes things to work out to the good. It isn't you or I but His sovereign will and power that is in control. Now if we choose to do it our way, it may not end up very pretty. God is the one who orchestrates every event in life, even suffering, temptation, and sin. Wait a minute. Why would God allow suffering, temptation and sin in a persons life? He does this to accomplish both temporal and eternal benefits. We don't always understand why things happen but there is a reason for them.
Deuteronomy; 8:15-16
(who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did nor know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end)
God always has a purpose for us in what ever trials we go through. They may not be pleasant at the time, but the end result is what counts. We don't want to second guess God. That is one battle we will always lose.
Isaiah; 55:9
("For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.)
We just need to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Thanking Him for everything we have need of and for the life He has given us. Remember, eternal life is through Jesus and only Him. If you have put your faith in Jesus, then don't worry about the little stuff in life. Why? Because He cares for you.
God Bless You!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Obey And Honor Your Parents!
Ephesians; 6:1-3
(Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth.")
We certainly don't see much of this in today's culture. Children are not only disrespectful to their parents, but they have no respect for the law or anything else. Much of this problem is the fault of the parents because they have refused to discipline their children as God has directed us to. As a result, we have reaped what we have sown. It's always interesting to me when I hear the news media ask "what's wrong with our children these days?" The answer is simple. We haven't obeyed God.
How can we expect our children to be respectful to others when we haven't shown them through example? We have a generation who have grown up without discipline raising children without discipline. Some of these parents shoplift, have a vulgar mouth, show no respect to others, drive drunk and the list goes on. I'm not saying that all parents are this way, but there are many who are and they are teaching their children by example. Then when their children get into trouble, they blame it on society.
Proverbs; 22:6
(Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.)
Children need to be trained because they can't raise themselves. They have a natural bent on evil and need discipline. That is why God has told us to raise them in His ways not the worlds ways. Each child is different and needs to be dealt with differently. What might work for one doesn't mean it works for the other. The best advice I can give is to be in prayer and ask God to help you raise your child. The Holy Spirit is their to help us and we need to listen. When we raise our children in the ways of the Lord, this will plant it into their heart for future reference or recall. At the point they start making decisions for themselves, we will know that we have given them a Scriptural base to help them in their decision making.
God's ways are good and beneficial to us if we walk them. If we refuse to walk in them, it will lead to destruction.
Proverbs; 10:29
(The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to workers of iniquity.)
God has given us the Bible to teach us His ways and we need to teach our children His ways. If we truly love our children, then we will teach them the ways of God and pray that they teach their children the ways of God. It's the only way to reverse the cycle of unruly children.
Hosea: 14:9
(Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.)
God Bless You!
(Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth.")
We certainly don't see much of this in today's culture. Children are not only disrespectful to their parents, but they have no respect for the law or anything else. Much of this problem is the fault of the parents because they have refused to discipline their children as God has directed us to. As a result, we have reaped what we have sown. It's always interesting to me when I hear the news media ask "what's wrong with our children these days?" The answer is simple. We haven't obeyed God.
How can we expect our children to be respectful to others when we haven't shown them through example? We have a generation who have grown up without discipline raising children without discipline. Some of these parents shoplift, have a vulgar mouth, show no respect to others, drive drunk and the list goes on. I'm not saying that all parents are this way, but there are many who are and they are teaching their children by example. Then when their children get into trouble, they blame it on society.
Proverbs; 22:6
(Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.)
Children need to be trained because they can't raise themselves. They have a natural bent on evil and need discipline. That is why God has told us to raise them in His ways not the worlds ways. Each child is different and needs to be dealt with differently. What might work for one doesn't mean it works for the other. The best advice I can give is to be in prayer and ask God to help you raise your child. The Holy Spirit is their to help us and we need to listen. When we raise our children in the ways of the Lord, this will plant it into their heart for future reference or recall. At the point they start making decisions for themselves, we will know that we have given them a Scriptural base to help them in their decision making.
God's ways are good and beneficial to us if we walk them. If we refuse to walk in them, it will lead to destruction.
Proverbs; 10:29
(The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to workers of iniquity.)
God has given us the Bible to teach us His ways and we need to teach our children His ways. If we truly love our children, then we will teach them the ways of God and pray that they teach their children the ways of God. It's the only way to reverse the cycle of unruly children.
Hosea: 14:9
(Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.)
God Bless You!
Friday, January 02, 2009
A Prudent Wife!
Proverbs; 19:14
(Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.)
For all men who have a prudent wife, we are blessed from the LORD. They are a perfect compliment to us men. After God had created man, He seen that it wasn't good for man to be alone. So He created woman from man to be his helper and also to procreate. God tells us that a prudent wife is a gift from Him.
What is meant by prudent? (foresighted, wise, shrewd in the management of practical affairs, discreet, frugal)
Our wife is a gift from God and we need to cherish her and care for her as God has directed us.
Colossians; 3:19
(Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.)
Ephesians; 5:25
(Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her)
God didn't say that we only love them when they are doing what we want, but our love is suppose to be unconditional. It isn't hard to see that in our country many women are not loved as God has directed us. Many are abused physically as well as verbally. Most men have seen this as well as heard this in their lifetime. Then we wonder why marriage as God had planned it has broken down.
Our willful disobedience to God's command has caused the divorce rate to rise out of control. The family structure is breaking down and we are reaping the consequences. Children are growing up without the influence of a father figure. Crime is out of control and we wonder why this is happening. Men, if we loved our wives as God has told us to, we wouldn't have the troubles we have today. I understand that it isn't always the man's fault, but we have to take blame when we don't obey God.
1Peter; 3:7
(Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.)
Not always an easy task? God has told us what He expects from us and we had better obey. If we obey, the trend of broken marriages will substantially decrease. God knows what is best for us and that is why He has given us rules to live by. Let's start today by being obedient to God and loving our wives as He has commanded us.
God Bless You!
(Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.)
For all men who have a prudent wife, we are blessed from the LORD. They are a perfect compliment to us men. After God had created man, He seen that it wasn't good for man to be alone. So He created woman from man to be his helper and also to procreate. God tells us that a prudent wife is a gift from Him.
What is meant by prudent? (foresighted, wise, shrewd in the management of practical affairs, discreet, frugal)
Our wife is a gift from God and we need to cherish her and care for her as God has directed us.
Colossians; 3:19
(Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.)
Ephesians; 5:25
(Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her)
God didn't say that we only love them when they are doing what we want, but our love is suppose to be unconditional. It isn't hard to see that in our country many women are not loved as God has directed us. Many are abused physically as well as verbally. Most men have seen this as well as heard this in their lifetime. Then we wonder why marriage as God had planned it has broken down.
Our willful disobedience to God's command has caused the divorce rate to rise out of control. The family structure is breaking down and we are reaping the consequences. Children are growing up without the influence of a father figure. Crime is out of control and we wonder why this is happening. Men, if we loved our wives as God has told us to, we wouldn't have the troubles we have today. I understand that it isn't always the man's fault, but we have to take blame when we don't obey God.
1Peter; 3:7
(Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.)
Not always an easy task? God has told us what He expects from us and we had better obey. If we obey, the trend of broken marriages will substantially decrease. God knows what is best for us and that is why He has given us rules to live by. Let's start today by being obedient to God and loving our wives as He has commanded us.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Difficult Road We Travel!
Matthew; 7:13-14
(Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.)
I have been reading 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan. It speaks of the Christians travels as he makes his way to the Celestial City. It talks about the different trials he encounters on his way. Some of these trials were family, vanity, despair, flatterers, doubt, and little faith. I'm sure that all of us have dealt with some of these if not all of these on our Christian journey. If we stray off of the narrow way, we can be putting our self into harms way.
Jesus tells us that we will experience difficulty if we choose to follow Him. You will be ridiculed for your belief and possibly persecuted. It probably won't cost you your life, but it isn't going to be easy.
John; 15:20
(Remember the word I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.)
Jesus was speaking to His disciples here, but it can also apply to us today. If we choose to follow Jesus and obey Him, then we can expect trials and tribulation. They may be physical or they may be spiritual, but they will come.
Our goal as a child of God is to worship Him and obey Him. He has given all of us as His children the mission of spreading the truth and being a witness to the lost. If we let our light shine in this dark world, they will see it. If we allow our self to be entangled by all of the cares of the world, we won't be able to carry out this mission. Satan knows where to put the stumbling blocks. He will cause you to doubt your own salvation at times. He will put your pride in front of you. He will put anything in front of you that will cause you to detour off the straight and narrow path.
We need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. If we do, then it is much harder to be caught off guard. We need to expect these trials and remember that He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world. Jesus has already won the war and He is our Rock and our Salvation. We live in a dark world but Jesus is the light of life. Walk in the light!!
John; 8:12
(Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.)"
You want to stay on the narrow path and not stumble? Stay on the lighted path.
God Bless You!
(Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.)
I have been reading 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan. It speaks of the Christians travels as he makes his way to the Celestial City. It talks about the different trials he encounters on his way. Some of these trials were family, vanity, despair, flatterers, doubt, and little faith. I'm sure that all of us have dealt with some of these if not all of these on our Christian journey. If we stray off of the narrow way, we can be putting our self into harms way.
Jesus tells us that we will experience difficulty if we choose to follow Him. You will be ridiculed for your belief and possibly persecuted. It probably won't cost you your life, but it isn't going to be easy.
John; 15:20
(Remember the word I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.)
Jesus was speaking to His disciples here, but it can also apply to us today. If we choose to follow Jesus and obey Him, then we can expect trials and tribulation. They may be physical or they may be spiritual, but they will come.
Our goal as a child of God is to worship Him and obey Him. He has given all of us as His children the mission of spreading the truth and being a witness to the lost. If we let our light shine in this dark world, they will see it. If we allow our self to be entangled by all of the cares of the world, we won't be able to carry out this mission. Satan knows where to put the stumbling blocks. He will cause you to doubt your own salvation at times. He will put your pride in front of you. He will put anything in front of you that will cause you to detour off the straight and narrow path.
We need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. If we do, then it is much harder to be caught off guard. We need to expect these trials and remember that He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world. Jesus has already won the war and He is our Rock and our Salvation. We live in a dark world but Jesus is the light of life. Walk in the light!!
John; 8:12
(Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.)"
You want to stay on the narrow path and not stumble? Stay on the lighted path.
God Bless You!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Comfortable And Forgetting!
The United States was a nation that began as a country that acknowledged the hand of God in her founding. God was given a prominent place in the national life and was given credit for the blessings of the nation. But our country has, by and large, left her godly roots and is now believing that our own genius and hard work has been responsible for our success. We are headed for a fall. And if we find ourselves in trouble, perhaps we will turn back to God and once again experience His blessings.
This statement was written in study notes of 'The Word For Today Bible'. The study notes were by Pastor Chuck Smith. The statement was written before the current financial mess we find our country in. As people point the finger of blame at each other, we need to point the finger at ourselves. We have become so comfortable with God's blessings that we have forgotten that it was Him who was blessing us. We didn't give Him the glory or the praise for all that He was doing for our country. We have turned from obeying God to disobeying God. Now we wonder why we're not being blessed. It's very simple, "we've turned our backs on God."
There is only one hope for us and that is Jesus Christ. If we will just turn back to God and ask for forgiveness and help, He will forgive and heal our nation. The government is not going to be able to change the condition of our heart. Only God can change a heart and He is waiting to do just that.
2Chronicles;7:14
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
He's our only hope for America. We're not going to see change without God's help. The hearts of so many people have turned so wicked, that we have become the present day Sodom and Gomorrah. A nation that promotes abortion (KILLING INNOCENT BABIES), gay marriages, and all forms of sexual sin, is doomed to destruction. God is a holy God, and anything less than holiness in His people is not acceptable.
1Peter; 1:15-16
(but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
God Bless You!
This statement was written in study notes of 'The Word For Today Bible'. The study notes were by Pastor Chuck Smith. The statement was written before the current financial mess we find our country in. As people point the finger of blame at each other, we need to point the finger at ourselves. We have become so comfortable with God's blessings that we have forgotten that it was Him who was blessing us. We didn't give Him the glory or the praise for all that He was doing for our country. We have turned from obeying God to disobeying God. Now we wonder why we're not being blessed. It's very simple, "we've turned our backs on God."
There is only one hope for us and that is Jesus Christ. If we will just turn back to God and ask for forgiveness and help, He will forgive and heal our nation. The government is not going to be able to change the condition of our heart. Only God can change a heart and He is waiting to do just that.
2Chronicles;7:14
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
He's our only hope for America. We're not going to see change without God's help. The hearts of so many people have turned so wicked, that we have become the present day Sodom and Gomorrah. A nation that promotes abortion (KILLING INNOCENT BABIES), gay marriages, and all forms of sexual sin, is doomed to destruction. God is a holy God, and anything less than holiness in His people is not acceptable.
1Peter; 1:15-16
(but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
God Bless You!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
God's Word Endures Forever!
The Bible is the inerrant Word Of God. God has told us that his Word will never pass away. Even though people have tried to say that there are errors in the Bible, I have yet to find one or have someone show me one. Someone might try to take a portion of Scripture out of context and say it contradicts itself, but that claim doesn't hold any water. If you want to know what God has for you in your life here on earth, then study the Bible. It is true from cover to cover.
Isaiah; 40:8
(The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.")
God tells us that his Word is permanent, not to be altered or changed in any way. We're not to add to it or take away from it as some of the cults have done in rewriting their bible. They have done this to make their bible say what they believe. Instead they should believe what the bible says. We are warned in the Book of Revelation the consequences for adding to or taking away from God's Word.
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
I have never understood why people who want to know God better, turn to books written by man. I'll admit there are a lot of good books out there, but they are just that, books written by man. If you want to know God, then read the book God wrote. Now someone is going to say that the Bible was written by man. Man did write the words in the Bible, but God gave him the words to write. That is why it is the inspired Word of God or God breathed.
2Timothy; 3:16
(All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,)
No where in Scripture does God say "as time goes by, I might have to change My Word to better reach new generations of people". The safest place to be is in the Word of God, not in other books.
Maybe you just don't understand the Bible. The reason you don't understand is that satan has blinded you to the truths of the Word of God. Without the Holy Spirit in you, you will not understand God's Word.
1Corinthians; 1:18
( For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.)
Every person is either in the process of salvation or destruction. To the Christ rejectors who are in the process of being destroyed, the gospel is nonsense. To those who are believers, it is powerful wisdom.
Ask God to remove the blinders that satan has on you and to reveal the truths in His Word. Tell Jesus you believe in Him and that you repent and will turn from your sins. Ask Him to save you and give you eternal life.
God Bless You!
Isaiah; 40:8
(The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.")
God tells us that his Word is permanent, not to be altered or changed in any way. We're not to add to it or take away from it as some of the cults have done in rewriting their bible. They have done this to make their bible say what they believe. Instead they should believe what the bible says. We are warned in the Book of Revelation the consequences for adding to or taking away from God's Word.
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
I have never understood why people who want to know God better, turn to books written by man. I'll admit there are a lot of good books out there, but they are just that, books written by man. If you want to know God, then read the book God wrote. Now someone is going to say that the Bible was written by man. Man did write the words in the Bible, but God gave him the words to write. That is why it is the inspired Word of God or God breathed.
2Timothy; 3:16
(All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,)
No where in Scripture does God say "as time goes by, I might have to change My Word to better reach new generations of people". The safest place to be is in the Word of God, not in other books.
Maybe you just don't understand the Bible. The reason you don't understand is that satan has blinded you to the truths of the Word of God. Without the Holy Spirit in you, you will not understand God's Word.
1Corinthians; 1:18
( For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.)
Every person is either in the process of salvation or destruction. To the Christ rejectors who are in the process of being destroyed, the gospel is nonsense. To those who are believers, it is powerful wisdom.
Ask God to remove the blinders that satan has on you and to reveal the truths in His Word. Tell Jesus you believe in Him and that you repent and will turn from your sins. Ask Him to save you and give you eternal life.
God Bless You!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Saving Faith!
Romans; 10:17
(So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
So here is how we gain faith in Jesus Christ. We study the Word of God, we are taught the Word at church, and we can memorize verses. The list goes on but it all has to do with the Word of God. When we read God's Word, we see how the faith of different individuals played out. So what exactly is faith and where does it come from?
Webster's Dictionary explains it this way: belief and trust in and loyalty to God, something that is believed with strong conviction.
You believe or trust something to be true.
In the Book of Hebrews, the 11th chapter, we see how many people in the Old Testament had saving faith. Take Noah for example. He built an Ark to float on water because God had told Him. It took him 120 years to build the Ark. His faith was expressed by his obedience to God's command. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, he had faith that God would protect him from the lion's and God did.
We need faith in Jesus to be saved and that faith comes from God.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.)
Our faith is given to us by God and without it, it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews; 11:6
(But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)
When Jesus was here on earth, He would heal someone and let him know that his faith had made them well. At other times He would forgive someone of his sins and tell him that his faith had saved them. Not all who Jesus healed were saved, but those who exhibited true faith were saved.
Luke; 17:19
(And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.")
Luke; 18:42
(Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.")
When we come to Jesus for forgiveness, we must believe He is who He says He is. We must put our faith in Him and believe that He will forgive us of all our sins and save us. Jesus came to save the lost (sinners) and all of us were lost before we came to Him. If we do not come to Him for salvation, we will remain lost and without eternal life. There is only one way to eternal life and that is through faith in 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.)
If you are really searching to know God, be in the Word of God. We can read all kinds of books about God, but what better book that the one He inspired. THE BIBLE
Be in the Word, we don't know how much time there is left. Study it, memorize it, have it written on your heart. If we ever have our Bibles taken away from us, then you will still have the Word of God written on your heart.
God Bless You!
(So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
So here is how we gain faith in Jesus Christ. We study the Word of God, we are taught the Word at church, and we can memorize verses. The list goes on but it all has to do with the Word of God. When we read God's Word, we see how the faith of different individuals played out. So what exactly is faith and where does it come from?
Webster's Dictionary explains it this way: belief and trust in and loyalty to God, something that is believed with strong conviction.
You believe or trust something to be true.
In the Book of Hebrews, the 11th chapter, we see how many people in the Old Testament had saving faith. Take Noah for example. He built an Ark to float on water because God had told Him. It took him 120 years to build the Ark. His faith was expressed by his obedience to God's command. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, he had faith that God would protect him from the lion's and God did.
We need faith in Jesus to be saved and that faith comes from God.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.)
Our faith is given to us by God and without it, it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews; 11:6
(But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)
When Jesus was here on earth, He would heal someone and let him know that his faith had made them well. At other times He would forgive someone of his sins and tell him that his faith had saved them. Not all who Jesus healed were saved, but those who exhibited true faith were saved.
Luke; 17:19
(And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.")
Luke; 18:42
(Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.")
When we come to Jesus for forgiveness, we must believe He is who He says He is. We must put our faith in Him and believe that He will forgive us of all our sins and save us. Jesus came to save the lost (sinners) and all of us were lost before we came to Him. If we do not come to Him for salvation, we will remain lost and without eternal life. There is only one way to eternal life and that is through faith in 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.)
If you are really searching to know God, be in the Word of God. We can read all kinds of books about God, but what better book that the one He inspired. THE BIBLE
Be in the Word, we don't know how much time there is left. Study it, memorize it, have it written on your heart. If we ever have our Bibles taken away from us, then you will still have the Word of God written on your heart.
God Bless You!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)