The purpose of your life as a Christian is to advance the gospel to the ends of the Earth! That is God's plan for His Church! My pastor made this statement last night in his sermon. Do you believe it? If so, it may very well change your life! Some of us will go to far away lands to tell of the hope we have in Christ Jesus! Others will go into the inner cities to share this same hope. Where ever God leads, you can be sure that he is in control of everything.
Matt.24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
My pastor gave us four prayers that he wanted us to pray: O God, give us confidence in prayer. O God make us generous with possessions. O God, grant us joy amidst persecution. O God help us to live in purity. O God, send us out in proclamation.
We are His! Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
He is able: 2 Cor.12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
He is in control: Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Heb.1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
Lord, there is none like You! We are not worthy of anything except Your judgment. We want to serve, teach us how to love people in Your name. Amen
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Called Out Ones
We tend to think of "the church" as a building where we meet to worship. Actually ,"the church" in Greek comes from the word "ekklesia" meaning "called out ones". So that should lead us to believe and rightly so, we, the people, the witnesses are "the church". Therefore, I guess we can worship anywhere, not just in a building! This gives me great joy to know that we are God's chosen ones and we have been called out to take His word to the ends of the earth. This is known as the great commission and this is God's plan for us to make Him known everywhere we go. I am taking advantage of this gift of the Internet to spread the gospel. I will see some of you face to face but some I will only meet in heaven. Some people use the Internet to seek evil. You my friend, are seeking God. God is good! God is speaking to your heart at this very moment and He wants you to become His child.
Matt.16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
The great commission:
Matt.28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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 inthe 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."
Lord, speak to Your children! Amen
Matt.16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
The great commission:
Matt.28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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 inthe 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."
Lord, speak to Your children! Amen
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Power of Faith and the Lack of Faith
Definition of faith: firm belief in something for which there is no proof : complete trust
This is what faith in Jesus gives to us, a debt paid that was impossible to pay, legal demands through the law which man could not follow!
Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Do you need a sign or a miracle to believe that God exists? Be very careful, this is an example of someone who had a life full of all the comforts money could buy. He had no time to help others or seek God. After you die there is no going back, your eternity is set! While there is the breath of life in you, ask the Lord to forgive you for your sins and He will but you must repent. Definition of repent: to turn from sin
Matt.16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed.
Matt.16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
We must read and study God's word! It is alive and will give life to all who believe!
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
There are people all over the world who believe in the power of Christ. There are people who will die because of it! There are people who will be called un-Christian because they will speak what the bible says even though the words the speak are God's and not theirs! I am no different than you! I am a sinner who needs a saviour! I have trusted Jesus because He is the only way!
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
He is the only living God! There are no others! All others are dead! All others are false gods!
John 17:1-3 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 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.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!
Most High God, I stand amazed at your word, no matter how many times I read it, it takes my breath away with it's truth! Please soften hearts today to receive Your word. I feel inadequate to teach Your words that have such power. Let me teach in a way that honors You. Give me Your words, Your ways and Your heart for the lost. Thank You for what You will do. Amen
This is what faith in Jesus gives to us, a debt paid that was impossible to pay, legal demands through the law which man could not follow!
Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Do you need a sign or a miracle to believe that God exists? Be very careful, this is an example of someone who had a life full of all the comforts money could buy. He had no time to help others or seek God. After you die there is no going back, your eternity is set! While there is the breath of life in you, ask the Lord to forgive you for your sins and He will but you must repent. Definition of repent: to turn from sin
Matt.16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed.
Matt.16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
We must read and study God's word! It is alive and will give life to all who believe!
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
There are people all over the world who believe in the power of Christ. There are people who will die because of it! There are people who will be called un-Christian because they will speak what the bible says even though the words the speak are God's and not theirs! I am no different than you! I am a sinner who needs a saviour! I have trusted Jesus because He is the only way!
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
He is the only living God! There are no others! All others are dead! All others are false gods!
John 17:1-3 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 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.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!
Most High God, I stand amazed at your word, no matter how many times I read it, it takes my breath away with it's truth! Please soften hearts today to receive Your word. I feel inadequate to teach Your words that have such power. Let me teach in a way that honors You. Give me Your words, Your ways and Your heart for the lost. Thank You for what You will do. Amen
Friday, January 21, 2011
Searching?
Hummm! Got everything your little heart desires in a material way but still you know something is missing! Have unrest in your soul and can't seem to get satisfaction? Wake up at night and wonder what in the world are you doing here on this place we call earth? It may just be God trying to reach you! He is letting you know that there is no perfect peace without Him! He has a plan for us. He knows our every weakness and the depth of our despair. I have been in situations of utter chaos, and felt that I was losing it, but the God of grace said in my spirit to pray and I was immediately at peace and He calmed my fears. There is nothing that compares to God's word. It soothes but it also convicts and conviction leads to repentance which leads to God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
I have overcome the world! Listen to the words of Jesus!
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
There are forces of darkness that roam this place. We have a constant struggle against them but God is mighty!
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
How fitting is this, for today we have officials who want to take Christianity out of our society. Fall on your knees before our holy God and ask for His mercy to change the hearts of our rulers and of the lost souls who are headed for an eternity in hell. It is not too late! He will heal our land if we will repent. We are here as a light in a dark and fallen world by showing God's love but warning of His judgment. He is a God of love but to the ones who reject Him, He will be a judge. We have nothing to bring to God except our faith in the grace given us by Jesus.
Eph.2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Lord, help me to teach Your word. Lord, help me to live Your word. Open hearts to Your word and change lives by Your power. Only You have the power to save, Lord I ask for the ones You will call. Create in me a clean heart and a hate for sin. Lord, I pray for the ones You are speaking to in UK, China, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, France and all over the world. Lord, by Your power and for Your purpose! Amen
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
I have overcome the world! Listen to the words of Jesus!
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
There are forces of darkness that roam this place. We have a constant struggle against them but God is mighty!
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
How fitting is this, for today we have officials who want to take Christianity out of our society. Fall on your knees before our holy God and ask for His mercy to change the hearts of our rulers and of the lost souls who are headed for an eternity in hell. It is not too late! He will heal our land if we will repent. We are here as a light in a dark and fallen world by showing God's love but warning of His judgment. He is a God of love but to the ones who reject Him, He will be a judge. We have nothing to bring to God except our faith in the grace given us by Jesus.
Eph.2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Lord, help me to teach Your word. Lord, help me to live Your word. Open hearts to Your word and change lives by Your power. Only You have the power to save, Lord I ask for the ones You will call. Create in me a clean heart and a hate for sin. Lord, I pray for the ones You are speaking to in UK, China, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, France and all over the world. Lord, by Your power and for Your purpose! Amen
Monday, January 17, 2011
Faith, The Real Deal
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.
Definition of faith: firm belief in something for which there is no proof: complete trust
I agree with part of this definition, the complete trust of faith, but I do not believe in the firm belief in something which there is no proof part, for as I see it, there is proof in abundance! Do you know anyone who can make a planet? How about stars, water, a moon, a sun, or maybe the milky way? I do not because that person simply does not exist! However, there is one who has always been and will be, His name is Almighty God our creator! He is from everlasting to everlasting! He had no beginning or will have no end! You may wonder where faith comes from, it comes from God by reading His holy scriptures.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
When I think of cloning and how man thinks he is God's equal, I say what fools men are! God made humans from things that are not visible. He did not replicate man , He created man! Some day we will stand before a God who will judge and it will be perfect justice He will give! You, as His creation, have a choice to deny Him or follow Him. Search the book, His book of holy scriptures, to know Him and to learn to follow Him.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Luke 19:37-40 As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." If we fail to praise God, His rocks will cry out! Most High God, I can not sing Your praises loud enough. You are our creator, You sustain us, You bring us through trials, and You will judge us with perfect justice. Have mercy on us for we are rebellious at times. Thank You for Jesus our living redeemer. Amen
Definition of faith: firm belief in something for which there is no proof: complete trust
I agree with part of this definition, the complete trust of faith, but I do not believe in the firm belief in something which there is no proof part, for as I see it, there is proof in abundance! Do you know anyone who can make a planet? How about stars, water, a moon, a sun, or maybe the milky way? I do not because that person simply does not exist! However, there is one who has always been and will be, His name is Almighty God our creator! He is from everlasting to everlasting! He had no beginning or will have no end! You may wonder where faith comes from, it comes from God by reading His holy scriptures.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
When I think of cloning and how man thinks he is God's equal, I say what fools men are! God made humans from things that are not visible. He did not replicate man , He created man! Some day we will stand before a God who will judge and it will be perfect justice He will give! You, as His creation, have a choice to deny Him or follow Him. Search the book, His book of holy scriptures, to know Him and to learn to follow Him.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Luke 19:37-40 As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." If we fail to praise God, His rocks will cry out! Most High God, I can not sing Your praises loud enough. You are our creator, You sustain us, You bring us through trials, and You will judge us with perfect justice. Have mercy on us for we are rebellious at times. Thank You for Jesus our living redeemer. Amen
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Yes, There is a God
I heard this wonderful sermon today about how to speak to unbelievers. I hope you will be as blessed as I have been by hearing this message.
1 Cor.8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
If you know a person who is denying God, what would you say to them about God? Start out by saying "every effect demands a cause"! They will wonder what you mean so you may began to speak about how the creation of the universe came about. The universe had a beginning cause. God the creator, spoke the world into existence and that was it's effect. Gen.1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I have heard some people say we came from some kind of cosmic explosion, well what caused it? They can not tell you! Even now, some scientist are beginning to say that there has to be a higher life form who is the creator. Creation does demand a creator! Ps.19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Romans 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Every design demands a designer! Ps.139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. The human cell, DNA, genetics, messenger RNA, proteins, molecules etc., these things were created by a highly intelligent being. The way the parts of a cell work in sequence in a little assembly line to make a cell is amazing.
Common morality demands a lawgiver! Romans 2:14 NLT Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. CS Lewis wrote a book called"The Abolition of Man" in which he followed cultures from all over the world, some who knew of God and some who did not know about God. But they all instinctively knew the right moral things to do verses the wrong moral things to do.
Yes there is only one God! I Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Deut.4:39 know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
Is.46:9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me
God is eternal! Ps.90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
God is relational! 1 Cor.8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
God is creator! Ps. 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Heb.11:3 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.
God is sovereign! 1 Cor.8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
There is only one way to God! Acts 4:11-12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
1 Tim.2:5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Lord God, only You can call the sinner to repentance. Lord, open hearts to the truth of Your precious words. Help us to love the lost in Your name. Forgive us all for our sin. Amen
1 Cor.8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
If you know a person who is denying God, what would you say to them about God? Start out by saying "every effect demands a cause"! They will wonder what you mean so you may began to speak about how the creation of the universe came about. The universe had a beginning cause. God the creator, spoke the world into existence and that was it's effect. Gen.1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I have heard some people say we came from some kind of cosmic explosion, well what caused it? They can not tell you! Even now, some scientist are beginning to say that there has to be a higher life form who is the creator. Creation does demand a creator! Ps.19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Romans 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Every design demands a designer! Ps.139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. The human cell, DNA, genetics, messenger RNA, proteins, molecules etc., these things were created by a highly intelligent being. The way the parts of a cell work in sequence in a little assembly line to make a cell is amazing.
Common morality demands a lawgiver! Romans 2:14 NLT Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. CS Lewis wrote a book called"The Abolition of Man" in which he followed cultures from all over the world, some who knew of God and some who did not know about God. But they all instinctively knew the right moral things to do verses the wrong moral things to do.
Yes there is only one God! I Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Deut.4:39 know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
Is.46:9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me
God is eternal! Ps.90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
God is relational! 1 Cor.8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
God is creator! Ps. 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Heb.11:3 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.
God is sovereign! 1 Cor.8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
There is only one way to God! Acts 4:11-12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
1 Tim.2:5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Lord God, only You can call the sinner to repentance. Lord, open hearts to the truth of Your precious words. Help us to love the lost in Your name. Forgive us all for our sin. Amen
Saturday, January 15, 2011
And in His Name the Gentiles Will Hope
Matt.12:18-21"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope."
Definition of justice: the quality of being righteous; impartiality; fairness
Definition of victory: final and complete supremacy or superiority in battle or war
Definition of hope: To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment. To have confidence; trust.
So we will trust in Jesus because He is our hope! He is supreme and righteous and will bring about victory in the final battle. This is why we go through trials with a calmness that the lost can't grasp. We rest in God for His plan is swift and sure and we will not be put to shame.
1 Peter 2:6 For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
Is.3:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
1 Cor.15:51-58 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Ps.42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.
Heb.6: 17-20 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Lord, I pray for Your glory to be shown to the whole world. You are our hope in a fallen world. Speak to the lost through Your holy scripture, call them for Your own glorious purpose. Amen
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