The resurrection of Christ is our hope and the basis of our faith: Acts 26:8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
It is certain and it is proved: 1Cor.15:12-22 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
It is proved by our Lord: John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
It's credibility proved: Matt.9:24-25 he said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
Matt.27:50-53 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Luke 7:12-15 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
John 11:32-44 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Our risen incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual bodies: 1 Cor.15:40-44 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
I will leave one final thought today for you to keep in your heart. Dan.12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Lord, Your word is just and true and has the power of eternal life to those who believe. Give us the ones who have been called by You to join us in eternity. Amen
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The God of the Universe Holds Us in His Hands
We have victory, through Christ, over death and disease! We will be sick, we will die, and we will suffer but all this will be temporary! As long as we are in this body that is corruptible, we are subject to it's shortcomings. God designed this body to be a short term home, even though we think we will live forever. We are not promised tomorrow.
God's Son is Supreme:
Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
We may not have a tomorrow:
James 4:13-16 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
God our dwelling place:
Ps. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
God's victory:
1 Cor.15:55-57 "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.
Perfect peace forever from God the Father and His Son:
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
The Resurrection body:
1 Cor.15:45-49 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
Mystery and Victory:
1 Cor.15:50-54 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 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."
Father in heaven, the depth of Your word is astonishing! It is so amazing. What comforts it gives to the weary soul. Lord, someone today is waiting for Your comfort, open their closed eyes so they may see Your glory. Their soul is parched and only You can give them drink from the river of the water of life. In Jesus name I ask, Amen
God's Son is Supreme:
Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
We may not have a tomorrow:
James 4:13-16 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
God our dwelling place:
Ps. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
God's victory:
1 Cor.15:55-57 "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.
Perfect peace forever from God the Father and His Son:
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
The Resurrection body:
1 Cor.15:45-49 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
Mystery and Victory:
1 Cor.15:50-54 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 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."
Father in heaven, the depth of Your word is astonishing! It is so amazing. What comforts it gives to the weary soul. Lord, someone today is waiting for Your comfort, open their closed eyes so they may see Your glory. Their soul is parched and only You can give them drink from the river of the water of life. In Jesus name I ask, Amen
Sunday, February 6, 2011
All Knowledge of Good and Evil is from God
I recently read someones' opinions about marriage and a reference was made about the bible might lend itself to the same sex marriage idea because of people needing to belong. What kind of nonsense is that? Knowledge is a good thing until you began to think you are equal to God and can change His words to suite your sinful views.
In all this talk of gay rights, I never hear anyone saying anything about, we all sin but if we are the Lords we repent! We do not continue in our sin! We should never deny the fact that we all sin. All sin is the same and God will punish unrepentant sin. God words can not be changed to whatever to make the world feel all cozy in their sin. God demands repentance and holiness. Pastors , you will be held accountable for not preaching God's truth.
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Gen.2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Matt.19:4-6 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Sinful people want their sin accepted by the world, but Christian, we are not of this world. Romans 1:28-32 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
We can not judge but we can give God's message in his truth and love! Eph.4:11-16 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 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. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
1 Peter 3:10-16 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Finally, the world will hate you! John 15:18-24 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
Father, we bow to Your majesty. We are sinful creatures in need of a precious Savior. I pray for the ones who will hear Your good news today, Father that You would open their dead hearts. I have been dead in my transgressions but through Your mercy I have been redeemed by Your precious Son, Jesus. Lord, I am begging for their precious souls to be delivered today through your power. In Jesus name and through Your power, Amen
In all this talk of gay rights, I never hear anyone saying anything about, we all sin but if we are the Lords we repent! We do not continue in our sin! We should never deny the fact that we all sin. All sin is the same and God will punish unrepentant sin. God words can not be changed to whatever to make the world feel all cozy in their sin. God demands repentance and holiness. Pastors , you will be held accountable for not preaching God's truth.
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Gen.2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Matt.19:4-6 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Sinful people want their sin accepted by the world, but Christian, we are not of this world. Romans 1:28-32 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
We can not judge but we can give God's message in his truth and love! Eph.4:11-16 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 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. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
1 Peter 3:10-16 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Finally, the world will hate you! John 15:18-24 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
Father, we bow to Your majesty. We are sinful creatures in need of a precious Savior. I pray for the ones who will hear Your good news today, Father that You would open their dead hearts. I have been dead in my transgressions but through Your mercy I have been redeemed by Your precious Son, Jesus. Lord, I am begging for their precious souls to be delivered today through your power. In Jesus name and through Your power, Amen
Friday, February 4, 2011
God is Able!!
Today I let my faith in Sovereign God sustain me! He is able! When the trials come, He is there! When you are totally helpless, He is there! When you want to run and hide because you are paralysed with fear, He is there! Trust in Him is so worth everything! God is here for you if you will but trust Him with your all! We really have no control at all. We are forever in His care whether you want to admit it or not, the choice is yours, to believe in His supremacy! He will keep you in good times and bad. He will build your faith through trials and He will use you to tell of the joy you have in Him as He leads you through them! You will have peace in the midst of the worst times! You will praise His name for He is merciful and good!
God, thank You for the faith You have given me. I meditate on Your good word night and day. When I awake, I think on the words You have given us to guide us and I know You love us. Lord, I pray for the ones who do not know You intimately and ask for their eyes to be opened to the wonder of You. Amen
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Definition of steadfastness: loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty
Definition of trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Definition of faith: belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
We all will face trials with or without God. I can promise that if You trust Jesus Christ in all things, He will give you peace and joy that the world will not be able to understand.
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.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
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.
God, thank You for the faith You have given me. I meditate on Your good word night and day. When I awake, I think on the words You have given us to guide us and I know You love us. Lord, I pray for the ones who do not know You intimately and ask for their eyes to be opened to the wonder of You. Amen
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Definition of steadfastness: loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty
Definition of trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Definition of faith: belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
We all will face trials with or without God. I can promise that if You trust Jesus Christ in all things, He will give you peace and joy that the world will not be able to understand.
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.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Are You Just Called Or Are You Chosen?
Matt. 22:14 ESV For many are called, but few are chosen."
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Bible Reading
Date Old Testament New Testament
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
Monday, January 31, 2011
God's Transforming Mercy and His Perfect Patience
Thanks to Deric for this blessed teaching! God, Your word is good!
1 Tim.1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Definition of transforming: to change in character or condition
In spite of Pauls' severe persecution of Christians, God used him for His purpose. God, in His perfect patience, can change hearts and use anyone for His glory.
Gal.1:15-16 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone
So no matter what your past may be, God will use it for His glory and His purpose. Some people have gone through horrors that the rest of us can only imagine. God uses that testimony to reach people who may have had similar experiences. God wants not one to perish! He has a loving patience toward us that we do not deserve.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God's sovereign mercy: Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God's power in our being a convert: definition of convert: to transform, change from lack of faith to faith
1 Peter1:3-5 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.
God's power through His church:
1 Cor.12:18-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
God's power and our hope: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor.15:55-57 "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.
Rev.21:3-6 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
God gave Paul a passion for evangelism in spite of his past. We, the Christ Followers, are here for God's holy purpose. That purpose is to let God's word transform the world. We do this by showing God's love to all people. Look around you, there is someone waiting to hear of the hope that is in Christ Jesus!
Lord, prepare us for Your purpose. Teach us to love the world. Prepare their hearts for Your word. Amen
1 Tim.1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Definition of transforming: to change in character or condition
In spite of Pauls' severe persecution of Christians, God used him for His purpose. God, in His perfect patience, can change hearts and use anyone for His glory.
Gal.1:15-16 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone
So no matter what your past may be, God will use it for His glory and His purpose. Some people have gone through horrors that the rest of us can only imagine. God uses that testimony to reach people who may have had similar experiences. God wants not one to perish! He has a loving patience toward us that we do not deserve.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God's sovereign mercy: Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God's power in our being a convert: definition of convert: to transform, change from lack of faith to faith
1 Peter1:3-5 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.
God's power through His church:
1 Cor.12:18-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
God's power and our hope: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor.15:55-57 "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.
Rev.21:3-6 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
God gave Paul a passion for evangelism in spite of his past. We, the Christ Followers, are here for God's holy purpose. That purpose is to let God's word transform the world. We do this by showing God's love to all people. Look around you, there is someone waiting to hear of the hope that is in Christ Jesus!
Lord, prepare us for Your purpose. Teach us to love the world. Prepare their hearts for Your word. Amen
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