Gal.2:15-21 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 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. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Gal.3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Gal.3:23-29 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
How marvelous is Your word, O Lord! Thank You for Jesus and thank You for our faith! I am so glad we are not under the bondage of the law. We have been set free and we are free indeed!! Amen
Friday, October 1, 2010
Saul, Saul, Why Are You Persecuting Me?
Acts 9:1-19 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
So, you think you are too terrible for God to use? This bible truth lets you see God can change and use anyone from any background!! Saul persecuted the believers. He wanted them all thrown in prison, men and women alike. God struck him blind to get his attention and then used him, till his death, to multiply the church.
Gracious Lord, have mercy on us. Mold us for Your glory. Use us to share the hope we have found in Christ Jesus. Lord, help us teach repentance as an never ending part of being a Christ follower. For if we say we have no sin, we lie. Amen
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
So, you think you are too terrible for God to use? This bible truth lets you see God can change and use anyone from any background!! Saul persecuted the believers. He wanted them all thrown in prison, men and women alike. God struck him blind to get his attention and then used him, till his death, to multiply the church.
Gracious Lord, have mercy on us. Mold us for Your glory. Use us to share the hope we have found in Christ Jesus. Lord, help us teach repentance as an never ending part of being a Christ follower. For if we say we have no sin, we lie. Amen
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Stoning of Stephen
These are some of the words of Stephen to the high priest and the counsel: Acts 7:51-53 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."
This is such a sad fact. Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, longed for the people to come to repentance. He and the disciples went from town to town preaching the word of God. This angered the high priest and the counsel who feared losing control over the people. Above all, they wanted to be the only spiritual leaders and to keep the people under the bondage of the law and in the customs that Moses had taught.They set up false witnesses against Stephen who were told to lie and say he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. In the end, Stephen was stoned.
Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this he fell asleep.
Did you catch that? He asked God to have mercy on his murderers! How humbling! Also, notice in the previous verses that the young man Saul, at whose feet Stephen's garments were laid, would later use the name Paul and would be one of the most devoted witnesses for Christ.
Lord, it is my prayer that You would touch hearts today for Your glory. They are many who are being persecuted for their obedience to You. Bless them and give them courage through Your Spirit. Amen
This is such a sad fact. Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, longed for the people to come to repentance. He and the disciples went from town to town preaching the word of God. This angered the high priest and the counsel who feared losing control over the people. Above all, they wanted to be the only spiritual leaders and to keep the people under the bondage of the law and in the customs that Moses had taught.They set up false witnesses against Stephen who were told to lie and say he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. In the end, Stephen was stoned.
Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this he fell asleep.
Did you catch that? He asked God to have mercy on his murderers! How humbling! Also, notice in the previous verses that the young man Saul, at whose feet Stephen's garments were laid, would later use the name Paul and would be one of the most devoted witnesses for Christ.
Lord, it is my prayer that You would touch hearts today for Your glory. They are many who are being persecuted for their obedience to You. Bless them and give them courage through Your Spirit. Amen
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Doubting Thomas
John 20:24-29 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Are you a doubting Thomas? Do you need physical assurance(perhaps a small miracle) that Jesus is Lord?
Well dear friend, being a christian is based on faith.
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 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.
Lord, only Your word can change hearts. I pray for every doubt the adversary will put in our head to be put to rest with Your word. Let us run to it as we need it to survive. Amen
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Are you a doubting Thomas? Do you need physical assurance(perhaps a small miracle) that Jesus is Lord?
Well dear friend, being a christian is based on faith.
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 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.
Lord, only Your word can change hearts. I pray for every doubt the adversary will put in our head to be put to rest with Your word. Let us run to it as we need it to survive. Amen
Monday, September 27, 2010
Week 14 of Charles Stanley's Intercession for America/Turning Away From Israel
Gen.12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
God blessed us through Abraham. He is the father of all nations, Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'
Gal.3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."
Lord, I pray for our family in Israel. Open their hearts to the truth of Your word. I pray we would never forget that we are brothers in God's eyes and that our blessings come from Abraham. Amen
God blessed us through Abraham. He is the father of all nations, Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'
Gal.3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."
Lord, I pray for our family in Israel. Open their hearts to the truth of Your word. I pray we would never forget that we are brothers in God's eyes and that our blessings come from Abraham. Amen
Sunday, September 26, 2010
On the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Christ is revealed to us in many ways. His word is the same, no matter how many times you read through it, He will reveal something to you that you did not catch the other times you read it. I am always eager to see what God will reveal to me each time I have the privilege to read His word. I do realize that not all people are free to read God's word. I pray that it will not always be so. If you have never read the whole bible, please make plans to do so. On January 1st, I will start putting a daily bible reading on my blog. We will read through the whole bible in 1 year together. You will receive a blessing but also you will began to truly know God. And by knowing Him, you can share Him with others. I love you all and am blessed by you.
Lord, only You have the power to save and reap Your harvest. All we can do is love people in Your name and show them the wonder of Your majesty. Lord, help us sow Your seed. Amen
Heb.2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Heb.12:2 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.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Christ is revealed to us in many ways. His word is the same, no matter how many times you read through it, He will reveal something to you that you did not catch the other times you read it. I am always eager to see what God will reveal to me each time I have the privilege to read His word. I do realize that not all people are free to read God's word. I pray that it will not always be so. If you have never read the whole bible, please make plans to do so. On January 1st, I will start putting a daily bible reading on my blog. We will read through the whole bible in 1 year together. You will receive a blessing but also you will began to truly know God. And by knowing Him, you can share Him with others. I love you all and am blessed by you.
Lord, only You have the power to save and reap Your harvest. All we can do is love people in Your name and show them the wonder of Your majesty. Lord, help us sow Your seed. Amen
Heb.2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Heb.12:2 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.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
While We Were Asleep
Matt. 28:11-15 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
This report of the guard, as told to the Jewish Counsel was completely fabricated. How do you know what takes place while you sleep? My Jewish brothers and sisters, pray earnestly about this passage of scripture, that the Lord of the harvest above will open your eyes to the truth of God's word. An eternity separated from God is a terrifying thing.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. You will spend eternity somewhere!
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to satisfy our debt of sin. His blood is the only acceptable atonement.
Lev.17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Heb.13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in China, Iran, Israel, the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Australia and the US. Lord, we want them in the body of Christ. Speak Your words to their hearts, open their eyes to the truth of Your word and capture them with Your majesty. Lord, we know it does not matter our circumstance in life because You forgive all sin except blasphemy. You have many wonderful bible truths of all types of sinners being forever changed by You. We know that sin is sin and in Your eyes all sins are the same. We try to judge our brother's sin but we can not because we all are being judged by You and You alone. Lord, let Your word speak to that one person today who may not have a tomorrow. Lord, reap Your harvest! Amen
This is God's command to His Followers:
Matt.28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
This report of the guard, as told to the Jewish Counsel was completely fabricated. How do you know what takes place while you sleep? My Jewish brothers and sisters, pray earnestly about this passage of scripture, that the Lord of the harvest above will open your eyes to the truth of God's word. An eternity separated from God is a terrifying thing.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. You will spend eternity somewhere!
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to satisfy our debt of sin. His blood is the only acceptable atonement.
Lev.17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Heb.13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in China, Iran, Israel, the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Australia and the US. Lord, we want them in the body of Christ. Speak Your words to their hearts, open their eyes to the truth of Your word and capture them with Your majesty. Lord, we know it does not matter our circumstance in life because You forgive all sin except blasphemy. You have many wonderful bible truths of all types of sinners being forever changed by You. We know that sin is sin and in Your eyes all sins are the same. We try to judge our brother's sin but we can not because we all are being judged by You and You alone. Lord, let Your word speak to that one person today who may not have a tomorrow. Lord, reap Your harvest! Amen
This is God's command to His Followers:
Matt.28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
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