Eph.4:14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
There is nothing more scary to me than the Word of the living God being twisted to suit man! Man had better except what God commands or he will surely suffer the consequences. I have read that there are some who have taken God's Word and twisted it to say that in the end, all people will be saved, even the ones who deny Christ. These people have went so far as to say that there is no hell and that God would not send people there if there was such a place. I know that God's Word has power because it tells of the hope we have found in Christ and that is why I am heartsick over so called Christians twisting it. We are to proclaim the Word boldly!
1Cor.1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1Cor.1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Heb. 13:9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Romans 16:17-20 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
We are all sinners and equal at the foot of the cross but to us, those of us who repent, we have been forgiven by the washing of Jesus' blood who cleanses from within. We are a new creation and no longer depend on ourselves but the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Romans 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 8:31-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So I will tell you this, when your hear someone teach the Word always look in your bible. Always check it out and ask God to reveal Himself to you! You need to be in the Word everyday! It is our comfort, our shield, our help in troubled times and what we have been commanded to live, learn and teach to the nations!
Holy Father, forgive us when we fail You. Teach us how to be like You, to live like You and to share the Word like You. Change our hearts everyday, and have mercy on us. Amen
You can find bibles online, here are some of the web addresses.
Biblegateway.com
Bible.com
Biblestudytools.com
Bible.cc
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
God and Lord Over All
God, Master of the universe, does indeed have a plan!! He is Creator and King and the only true living God. Jesus is the plan and God the Master planner! John 17:2-3 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
When Jesus Christ died on the cross , Satan was defeated! So, you see, Satan is on borrowed time. He is not in control, God is! God reigns period!!!
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
1 Chr.16:14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
1 Chr.16:23-26 Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
1Chr.16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
Christ was tempted by Satan but He used the Word, our shield of protection, to defeat his fiery darts.
Matt.4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,'and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Deut.8:3 NAS He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.
Deut.6:16 NAS You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.
Deut.6:13 ESV It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
You must come to the realization that you are in need of a savior. You must know you are lost and going to spend eternity in hell. You must know that you can not go before a holy God because you are unclean from sin. You must know you will always be under sin until you are covered by the blood of a spotless Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Not very many deny God, for they know that there is a Supreme Creator. There is one true God, the great I AM. A lot of people deny Christ, some call Him a prophet, while others think He has not yet come, still others think He is a myth. Will you except Christ? Or will you die in your sin, to be forever separated from our holy God?
Lord God, Father of all, I ask for You to open hearts to receive the truth. I know that there are ones waiting to hear of the hope that is found in You. Help me to teach your Word and Your truth. Amen
The other day, I was watching the news. A lady, whose neighborhood was destroyed by the tornadoes, made a statement that I am still repeating in my mind. She said "God sent these storms because we are too separated"! I think she may well have part of the answer because I have never seen people come together and become so caring toward one another. I believe there is coming a great revival of people being drawn to Christ and of Christians sharing the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth. Time is running out for us all. You will die and you will spend eternity in heaven or hell!
What we strive for:
Matt.5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
In God's old covenant, He required continual blood atonement for sin. In the old testament, the priest had to make atonement for our sin by animal sacrifice. God's new covenant, through the blood of Christ, was paid once only, for all time. You must repent from sin and turn to Jesus. He is Lord over all!
Heb.9:12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Heb.9:14-15 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
Heb.10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God
Romans 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
1 Tim.2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
All men have sinned! They all have failed obeying the law! All must be justified through faith in Christ!
When Jesus Christ died on the cross , Satan was defeated! So, you see, Satan is on borrowed time. He is not in control, God is! God reigns period!!!
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
1 Chr.16:14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
1 Chr.16:23-26 Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
1Chr.16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
Christ was tempted by Satan but He used the Word, our shield of protection, to defeat his fiery darts.
Matt.4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,'and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Deut.8:3 NAS He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.
Deut.6:16 NAS You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.
Deut.6:13 ESV It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
You must come to the realization that you are in need of a savior. You must know you are lost and going to spend eternity in hell. You must know that you can not go before a holy God because you are unclean from sin. You must know you will always be under sin until you are covered by the blood of a spotless Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Not very many deny God, for they know that there is a Supreme Creator. There is one true God, the great I AM. A lot of people deny Christ, some call Him a prophet, while others think He has not yet come, still others think He is a myth. Will you except Christ? Or will you die in your sin, to be forever separated from our holy God?
Lord God, Father of all, I ask for You to open hearts to receive the truth. I know that there are ones waiting to hear of the hope that is found in You. Help me to teach your Word and Your truth. Amen
The other day, I was watching the news. A lady, whose neighborhood was destroyed by the tornadoes, made a statement that I am still repeating in my mind. She said "God sent these storms because we are too separated"! I think she may well have part of the answer because I have never seen people come together and become so caring toward one another. I believe there is coming a great revival of people being drawn to Christ and of Christians sharing the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth. Time is running out for us all. You will die and you will spend eternity in heaven or hell!
What we strive for:
Matt.5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
In God's old covenant, He required continual blood atonement for sin. In the old testament, the priest had to make atonement for our sin by animal sacrifice. God's new covenant, through the blood of Christ, was paid once only, for all time. You must repent from sin and turn to Jesus. He is Lord over all!
Heb.9:12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Heb.9:14-15 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
Heb.10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God
Romans 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
1 Tim.2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
All men have sinned! They all have failed obeying the law! All must be justified through faith in Christ!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Does Satan Have a Plan?
Satan does indeed have a plan! I recently listened to a pastor preaching on this subject. He was speaking about a book he had read and about how the devil is very cunning in how he deceives us! His first plan of deception is creating doubt. God gives us a shield of faith. It is our core protection against Satan.
Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Ps. 18:30-32 This God--his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
Ps.28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Faith quenches the fiery darts Satan will send in the form of doubts, temptations, being dismayed, false teaching, un-Godly behavior and any other attack by him or his demons. The effects of the trials can linger and cause stress in relationships with family, friends and your jobs. Faith comes by hearing the words of our Lord. Study His Word and keep it in your hearts and minds.
1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Satan's first deception: Gen.3:1-5 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
He planted that seed of doubt with "Did God actually say", then the seed of denial with" You will not surely die", and went in for the kill with the deception of" you will be like God"! See how cunning he is! In Hebrews 11, there are many stories of faith in God and His faithfulness to those who believe in Him. Faith is resting opon God and our quick application of what we believe (God's Word of truth) against Satan! We may see His promise we long for completed or we may die waiting because we know He is the only living God. By faith, we are waiting for Jesus to return to take us home! Satan was defeated on Calvary when Jesus Christ died for our sin. Do you have that assurance? Have you, by faith, trusted Christ for the only acceptable sacrifice? You can not earn it, salvation is in Christ alone, by faith alone! It does not matter if you are a good person, it matters whether you know Christ is the only way to God! He is the only mediator between us and God and He intercedes for us.
Father God, I know that grace comes from Christ and He is our salvation. I rest in Him because of Your mercy. Someone needs to hear these words of truth today, open their hearts, prepare them to be held by You for eternity. Amen
Heb.11:1-40
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. 29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- 38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.Faith may be costly to some of us as you can see from the end of this chapter. Cling to this verse of hope: Phil.4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Ps. 18:30-32 This God--his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
Ps.28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Faith quenches the fiery darts Satan will send in the form of doubts, temptations, being dismayed, false teaching, un-Godly behavior and any other attack by him or his demons. The effects of the trials can linger and cause stress in relationships with family, friends and your jobs. Faith comes by hearing the words of our Lord. Study His Word and keep it in your hearts and minds.
1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Satan's first deception: Gen.3:1-5 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
He planted that seed of doubt with "Did God actually say", then the seed of denial with" You will not surely die", and went in for the kill with the deception of" you will be like God"! See how cunning he is! In Hebrews 11, there are many stories of faith in God and His faithfulness to those who believe in Him. Faith is resting opon God and our quick application of what we believe (God's Word of truth) against Satan! We may see His promise we long for completed or we may die waiting because we know He is the only living God. By faith, we are waiting for Jesus to return to take us home! Satan was defeated on Calvary when Jesus Christ died for our sin. Do you have that assurance? Have you, by faith, trusted Christ for the only acceptable sacrifice? You can not earn it, salvation is in Christ alone, by faith alone! It does not matter if you are a good person, it matters whether you know Christ is the only way to God! He is the only mediator between us and God and He intercedes for us.
Father God, I know that grace comes from Christ and He is our salvation. I rest in Him because of Your mercy. Someone needs to hear these words of truth today, open their hearts, prepare them to be held by You for eternity. Amen
Heb.11:1-40
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. 29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- 38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.Faith may be costly to some of us as you can see from the end of this chapter. Cling to this verse of hope: Phil.4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
In His Image / By His Power
We were created in God's image! Just what all that entails will be a mystery until we meet God face to face. In His Word, there are some slight references. I guess one that really gives me pause is found in Genesis 11.
It is the bible truth about the tower of Babel being built.
Gen.11:1-9 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.
And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them, we know all knowledge comes from God, so we also know we were created in God's image. Do we understand the meaning of these words? Apart from God, man can do nothing! We were created by God for His purpose. To think any other way is most certainly idolatry! The people who decided to build the tower of Babel disobeyed God by not replenishing the earth. They saw that the land of Shinar was good and were determined to please themselves and not God. God confused their language and caused them not to be able to communicate with each other. Before this happened, they had a strong tribal bond because of their common language.Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Is.55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.God is gracious in sharing His knowledge but we are undeserving! God is God!! How different our relationship with our Holy God would have been if man had not sinned!Prov.21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Phil.4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Father, how after reading about You can we claim knowledge as our own? Forgive us for we are sinners! We are wicked, condemned, and shameful but You offer forgiveness and hope. How can this be? We show You disrespect and You show us mercy through a Savior, Your Son Jesus. Help us Lord! Amen
It is the bible truth about the tower of Babel being built.
Gen.11:1-9 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.
And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them, we know all knowledge comes from God, so we also know we were created in God's image. Do we understand the meaning of these words? Apart from God, man can do nothing! We were created by God for His purpose. To think any other way is most certainly idolatry! The people who decided to build the tower of Babel disobeyed God by not replenishing the earth. They saw that the land of Shinar was good and were determined to please themselves and not God. God confused their language and caused them not to be able to communicate with each other. Before this happened, they had a strong tribal bond because of their common language.Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Is.55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.God is gracious in sharing His knowledge but we are undeserving! God is God!! How different our relationship with our Holy God would have been if man had not sinned!Prov.21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Phil.4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Father, how after reading about You can we claim knowledge as our own? Forgive us for we are sinners! We are wicked, condemned, and shameful but You offer forgiveness and hope. How can this be? We show You disrespect and You show us mercy through a Savior, Your Son Jesus. Help us Lord! Amen
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Teach the Next Generation
My pastor rocks!!!! Lord, bless him for his clarity in teaching Your Word. Amen
We are responsible for passing the gospel on to the next generation! The church is accountable to God for the spread of the gospel! The way we do this is not with newer methods, more programs or cooler personalities but it is simply by speaking the truth about who God is and what He has done. The Word of God is what the people want and need! We must have strong marriages and sound parenting while teaching God's word as true and living it out every day. Teach our children God is the beginning and the end, the creator, to run from sin and that God is our only hope. Teach them bible truths, and to exalt God for who He is.
Ps.78:1-8 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
The cost to you may be great! Matt.10:21-22 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matt.10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Teach everyone to stand on God's word. We fail, He forgives. If we are faithful so is He.
Ps.86:5-10 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
We owe the world the truth about God. We owe our children the truth about who God is, and to teach them to obey God in their lives. By teaching the truth about God to all, they will trust God in their hearts.
2 Peter 3:5-7 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2 Cor.1:20-22 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Lord, Your Word is here for all to see. Speak to hearts and change lives for Your glory. Amen
We are responsible for passing the gospel on to the next generation! The church is accountable to God for the spread of the gospel! The way we do this is not with newer methods, more programs or cooler personalities but it is simply by speaking the truth about who God is and what He has done. The Word of God is what the people want and need! We must have strong marriages and sound parenting while teaching God's word as true and living it out every day. Teach our children God is the beginning and the end, the creator, to run from sin and that God is our only hope. Teach them bible truths, and to exalt God for who He is.
Ps.78:1-8 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
The cost to you may be great! Matt.10:21-22 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matt.10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Teach everyone to stand on God's word. We fail, He forgives. If we are faithful so is He.
Ps.86:5-10 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
We owe the world the truth about God. We owe our children the truth about who God is, and to teach them to obey God in their lives. By teaching the truth about God to all, they will trust God in their hearts.
2 Peter 3:5-7 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2 Cor.1:20-22 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Lord, Your Word is here for all to see. Speak to hearts and change lives for Your glory. Amen
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