Christ and Christ alone brings salvation! Going to church does not bring salvation! You must believe in Christ through faith for salvation. One mediator! One ransom paid by His blood! One debt, we owed, paid by Christ, for us to be reconciled to a holy God!
Definition of ransomed: Obtain the release of (a prisoner) by making a payment demanded
We are the prisoners, held captive by sin and headed for hell. Christ made payment for our release! Christ has conquered sin and death! God desires for all men to be saved! Because of the hardness of their hearts, not all will be saved!
1 Tim.2:3-6 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 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.
Ps.142:7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
People do not think of sin as being in a prison but it most certainly is! You become a slave to sin and go deeper into that way of thinking and before long, you are in so deep, you think there is no way out!! But Jesus is the way out, He will change the vilest of hearts and you will never be the same!
Lord, I pray for the ones who think that they can not escape the prison they are in. If they would but call on You, in humbleness, repent and follow You. Your Word is an ever present help when we are lost and confused. Pour out Your power on the ones who want to know You. You are merciful beyond words. Amen
You can die happy in Christ when it is your time to go or you can be lost and go into eternity and be in fear of judgement and Hell.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Christ Unites the Church
We are undeserving sinners united by unfathomable mercy. Christ came to save sinners. He died. He has risen. He will come again! We have been given unmerited grace! Christ kept the law, we can not! Your works can not earn grace. You can not live a sinless life! You life is not acceptable before God. You are condemned before a holy God but Christ has come to bring salvation to the lost. Do you even know that you are lost? Do you want to be reconciled to God? Jesus can save the worst offender! Listen to Paul's account of how he received mercy!
1 Tim. 12-17 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, I pray for You to open hearts. Time is getting short, we need a great revival. We need people to know that their eternity depends on Jesus. Amen
As we teach the Word, we must be careful to keep the gospel pure. The law shows our guilt. The Word shows Christ as redeemer!
1 Tim.3-11 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
1 Tim. 12-17 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, I pray for You to open hearts. Time is getting short, we need a great revival. We need people to know that their eternity depends on Jesus. Amen
As we teach the Word, we must be careful to keep the gospel pure. The law shows our guilt. The Word shows Christ as redeemer!
1 Tim.3-11 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
My Soul Waits for the Lord
Ps.130:1-5 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
To the unbelieving world, there is no hope. But to us who have been given the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we know the truth about hope! We know that we are only visitors here and we will soon go home! That being said, we will have trouble in this life but we will never be without hope. As storms head up the coastline, I pray the lost will think about eternity. You will have one, with Christ or without. Hell is a real place for the unrepentant soul.
Luke 16:22-26 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.'
I could tell you what I think about Hell but it does not matter. God's Word is the only true thing that matters. He is judge and we are all going to be judged by Him.
Lord, I ask for mercy as we try to follow You. We are rotten because of sin and we need a Savior! Jesus is our only hope for reconciliation with a holy God. We believe Your word as truth! Amen
Judgement!
Rev.20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
To the unbelieving world, there is no hope. But to us who have been given the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we know the truth about hope! We know that we are only visitors here and we will soon go home! That being said, we will have trouble in this life but we will never be without hope. As storms head up the coastline, I pray the lost will think about eternity. You will have one, with Christ or without. Hell is a real place for the unrepentant soul.
Luke 16:22-26 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.'
I could tell you what I think about Hell but it does not matter. God's Word is the only true thing that matters. He is judge and we are all going to be judged by Him.
Lord, I ask for mercy as we try to follow You. We are rotten because of sin and we need a Savior! Jesus is our only hope for reconciliation with a holy God. We believe Your word as truth! Amen
Judgement!
Rev.20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Mercy Covers All
You can't buy it! You don't deserve it! Mercy covers all!!
Jesus paid for it! His blood covers all our sin!
Definition of mercy: Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency. A disposition to be kind and forgiving, something for which to be thankful; a blessing
Jesus paid for it! His blood covers all our sin!
Definition of mercy: Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency. A disposition to be kind and forgiving, something for which to be thankful; a blessing
Titus 3:5 says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his MERCY he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Jude 1:21 says, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
You belong to the Lord!
1 Cor.6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
There is coming a day of reckoning! The Lord will tarry only so long! He is not slow as some would count slowness!
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.
1 Timothy 2:4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Isaiah 30:18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
World wake up! The Lord is coming soon!
Holy God, we deserve death and destruction. But, in your mercy, you sent Your only Son, Jesus to bring salvation to the nations. Help us as we take your word to the world. Open hearts to the glory that is found in you. Amen
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Sum of Your Word Is Truth
Ps.119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Heb.4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Christ is the living Word!
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 6:68-69 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
Lord, Lord, my spirit is grieved by all those who turn away from Your mercy. By your power, soften the hard hearted, give them a thirst for Your truth which can not be satisfied. In Jesus name, Amen.
Psalm 119:89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your word is nourishment to our souls!
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Heb.4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Christ is the living Word!
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 6:68-69 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
Lord, Lord, my spirit is grieved by all those who turn away from Your mercy. By your power, soften the hard hearted, give them a thirst for Your truth which can not be satisfied. In Jesus name, Amen.
Psalm 119:89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your word is nourishment to our souls!
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Monday, August 22, 2011
God's Growth, God's Harvest
1Cor.3:5-11 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
God is sovereign over all! His Word is true!
Ps.119:88-91 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
We stand on God's Word. We are a witness to His truth!We are here to show the hope that is found in Christ! We are sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim His righteousness. We plant seeds of His Word and He reaps the harvest of sinners saved by grace through His Son! Christ is the Lord of the harvest!
Matt.9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few
Matt.9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Romans 10:12-18 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."
Lord, snatch them from hell by Your power! Amen
Jude 1:23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
1 John 5:11And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
God is sovereign over all! His Word is true!
Ps.119:88-91 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
We stand on God's Word. We are a witness to His truth!We are here to show the hope that is found in Christ! We are sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim His righteousness. We plant seeds of His Word and He reaps the harvest of sinners saved by grace through His Son! Christ is the Lord of the harvest!
Matt.9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few
Matt.9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Romans 10:12-18 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."
Lord, snatch them from hell by Your power! Amen
Jude 1:23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
1 John 5:11And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Till Death/God's Marriage Covenant
Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, between a man and a woman. Not to be entered into lightly, for God's plan of marriage was meant to last their life time.
Gen.2:18-24
Gen.2:18-24
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
1Cor.7:39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.
Mark 10:6-9 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
Malachi 2:15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.
Where did the time go? Yesterday, I was a young girl getting ready to be married, and today I am a grandmother! How fast time goes by, it is really just a blink of the eye!! Our life truly is just a vapor! Trust Christ today for you may not have a tomorrow.
James 4:14 "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away".
Today 41 years ago, before God, my husband and I entered into a covenant marriage. Through the rearing of our 4 daughters and all of the other day to day struggles, by the grace of God, we have survived this journey. We have never taken lightly the promises we made before God that day.
Where did the time go? Yesterday, I was a young girl getting ready to be married, and today I am a grandmother! How fast time goes by, it is really just a blink of the eye!! Our life truly is just a vapor! Trust Christ today for you may not have a tomorrow.
James 4:14 "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away".
Today 41 years ago, before God, my husband and I entered into a covenant marriage. Through the rearing of our 4 daughters and all of the other day to day struggles, by the grace of God, we have survived this journey. We have never taken lightly the promises we made before God that day.
Lord, I pray our life is pleasing to You. We have nothing to offer but our feeble attempts at obedience to Your commands. You have poured out many blessings on our family and thank You is just not enough. Jesus is our only hope of salvation and everlasting life! Have mercy on this family of sinners. Amen
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