Gifts

IS GOD GETTING A BAD RAP?

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IS GOD GETTING A BAD RAP?

For some time it appears that when things go bad or there are terrible disasters that God seems to get the blame. There are many problems we have to face in this life, but God is not and I emphasize, is not behind our problems whether it is financial, health, employment, or whatever it may be. I don’t know how many times I have heard when something terrible happens to hear people say, “God, why did you let this happen to me or why did you do this to me?”

Almost always when there is a natural disaster you will hear it is an “act of God.” Is this type of mentality a lack of knowledge or do we need to blame something or someone and since God is God, we will blame Him? I assure you that God is not the problem, He is the answer to the problems. There is someone that believes he is a god and that is the devil. Satan does have and uses his power to cause all kinds of problems so people will blame God. To realize this, you need to get acquainted with Jesus and invite Him into your life so that you will come to know the truth and then the truth will set you free. The Bible has all the answers on how, when, and where we should live our lives.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For those that do not have Jesus Christ in their lives as their Lord and Savior are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They are not able to understand the message of Christ Jesus. In John 10:10, Jesus is very clear regarding the work of God and the work of the devil. The devil is behind all the evil in this world. What is so sad is that people continue to let him do his evil deeds through them because they are conformed to this worldly life. Instead of rebuking the devil as Jesus did, do we fall prey to his ways? I ask, are we not to become like Jesus? Who is in control of your life? Are we children of God or are you under the control of the evil one? Jesus makes it very clear that you cannot belong to Him and of the world. You will forsake one or the other and in most cases it will be Jesus. Then when things go bad as they will, you will blame God.

When Jesus redeemed mankind on the Cross of Calvary, He restored dominion of this world to the born again believers and left us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all that we do in the name of Jesus. God through His Son Jesus Christ gave us dominion on earth over all things as stated in Luke 10:19. In James 1:17 it says that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. God and Jesus are givers, not takers. Your problems are because of you, not God. Jesus is waiting for you to receive Him as Lord and Savior and repent of your sins. Don’t delay.  Love to all.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

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YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This illustration comes from the Bible regarding farmers planting their crops or sowing their crops. If bad seed is sown, then bad crops will grow. If good seeds are sown then good crops will grow. Many people will relate to this explanation than to the above Scriptures.

You are given one life here on earth. During your younger years, you are dependent on others for guidance regarding what is put into your mind and body. As you grow older you eventually reach an age of accountability. This is where you are able to understand right from wrong, or good or bad. Your end of time is not based on your happiness or how well you are, but on holiness. God’s plan for you is that you become one of his saints. I ask you, is that your goal or is it to live it up today for tomorrow I may die? I don’t believe that is why God created you.

You may say, ‘I know that I need to do what is right,’ but do you? In order for a person to know what God wants for their life, they must read and reread and then study God’s Word to know the truth. Have you ever thought about the seriousness of the sacrifice God through His love gave to us? He put His Son, Jesus Christ through severe beatings, ridicule, and suffering on the Cross of Calvary so that we could join Him in His new Kingdom. God knows the thoughts and the intents of our hearts. All of us have sinned, and we all need the mercy of God. That is why Christ came and shed His blood for our sins. He died on the cross and rose again. God loves us in spite of all our sin, and He will forgive us if we come by faith to His Son, Jesus Christ, confessing our sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). There is a high price to pay for low living, and sin is no respecter of persons. The only way for sin to be taken away is at the cross.

Logic tells us that if you sow sunflower seeds it produces sunflowers, if you sow watermelon seeds, it produces watermelons and so forth. Now logic should also tell you that if sow good deeds, good will come to you. On the other hand, if you sow bad or trouble, you can expect bad to come to you. It is not your intentions that cause good or bad, it is your actions. If you keep sowing bad seed you will reap what you sow. You need to come to the understanding of cause and effect.

For example, if you smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, use drugs, cheat, lie, steal, lust, be jealous, be involved in pornography, eat unhealthy, or any of the other sinful acts, you are going to reap what you sow. We need to be mindful, that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is watch the daily news and someone is reaping what they have sown. I know that there are going to be some who say that I won’t get caught or I’m careful. I’m sure that is what the ones who are paying the price have said. What people are failing to realize is that the Bible says they will reap what they sow and the Bible is the truth that sets you free. In Proverbs 6:12, 14-15 we read, “A wicked man devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Notice that we have to confess and forsake (turn away from) our sins. All of our actions have consequences so don t be surprised when they come back to haunt you. Many of our problems regarding our health are lifestyle related. Just think about it.

Leviticus 19:19 says, “You shall not (is a command) sow your field with mixed seed.” The devil sows tares. That is what he does. Tares are a species of rye grass that are a strong soporific poison. It has appearance of wheat until the ear appears and only then the difference is discovered. The devil, his demons are real and they are dangerous. All sin originates with the devil and it is poisonous. If you attempt to claim ignorance, you are mocking God for He has given you the resource to know what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. God created you with the hope you would depend on Him for your needs. No one can live the Christian life on their own regardless of whether you believe it or not. You need to realize that God is in control of everything. Sure you are free to choose, just remember, you reap what you sow. You may think you are right but are you? You have to live with the results of your actions.

Many people think that going to church on Sunday is enough as long as it is a feel good sermon, they don’t like a sermon that hits home. They think that if they read a couple Bible verse during the week or say a little prayer during the day is all that God wants. Think again for the Bible says different. Read it and find out what the truth really is. God wants total surrender.

God’s Word is the final word so put your faith in Him in every area of your life so that you reap what God wants you to have in this life and the one to come and trust Him for the outcome. He loves you and so do I. Love to all.

Sacrific of Praise

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SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

What does this mean?

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks …

When we hear the word ‘sacrifice’ we usually think of something that is going to cost us. On the other hand, when we hear the word ‘praise’ we think of something good. These two words seem to be opposite. It appears that we are to offer the sacrifice of praise continually and it is to be by Him. In God’s spiritual realm these two words are woven together. When we offer praise to God or someone else, it does not cost us anything. Most often, I believe that most people are generous with praise to God or to someone when something good takes place.

Now, I ask the question, how about when things don’t go as we want? Are we inclined to praise God or do we begin to moan and groan. When God has blessed us, answered prayers, or put His protection around us, we find it easy to praise Him. This type of praise is not a sacrifice because we can see it and we receive the benefits. I want say that it is good and worthwhile, but it is not a sacrifice. Our praise must not be based on only when good things happen.

Isaiah 29:13 (NKJV) 13 Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.

As you will note in the above verse our praise is not based on what we think. It is based on what is on our hearts. We are not to treat praise to God as some type of reward we give Him for blessing us. What I believe we need to understand is that God through the Holy Spirit can only make changes in us when we are born again. We are transformed into His likeness when we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ. Otherwise we cannot understand the truth and the truth sets us free.

Real praise comes from a surrendered heart to Jesus and continues regardless of whether the circumstances are good or bad. Sacrificial praise comes when God doesn’t seem to be present, when things seem to crashing in on us. Everyone knows of such circumstances as we all ask God, why?

Despite the pain life is dishing out, we need to understand what God requires from us in order to receive from Him what our hearts desire. We need to honor God in spite of what we think. The following verse sums it up best:

Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV) 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Jesus loves you and whether you believe it or not, He only wants the very best for you and there are thousands of promises for those who put their trust in Him.

Love to all

WHERE IS YOUR CITIZENSHIP LISTED?

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WHERE IS YOUR CITIZENSHIP LISTED?

According to the Bible there are two forms of citizenship. First, all human beings are born physically of this world within a country of which they become a citizen. In America you are not only a citizen of the United States but within the boundaries of the state where you were born. What we need to realize that no human form of citizenship will last and will eventually come to an end.

The worldly citizenship is under the influence of Satan. Here in America, we have Satan’s influence in politics, among the different races, and even in our religious groups. There is racial unrest and instability, killings, robbing, destruction, without regards for the laws of the land and no consideration for human life. Satan is becoming the god of this country and the world. The present age is becoming more and more evil. Slowly, each generation is adopting the culture, practices, and desires that Satan wants through people’s unfaithfulness, untrustworthiness, greed, disloyalty, and misguided views.

For those that have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you should not feel comfortable in this world, you should feel out of place, it is because this world is not your home. Do you feel like strangers in a foreign country as stated of Abraham in Hebrews 11:9? When you are born again by faith in Jesus, John 3:3, you are born into the Kingdom of Heaven. When you have that spiritual rebirth, God grants us citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven and we become new creatures, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

With this spiritual rebirth, God sends His Holy Spirit to indwell with our spirit and our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit begins to transform our sinful nature and desires into the will of God. How long this takes depends on your surrendering of self to the will of God. Some will give themselves over to the Lord completely, some will take a little longer, and some will turn away from God. God’s goal is to make us as much like Jesus as possible in this life before making us citizens of His Kingdom. Our time in this physical body is short and the older you get, the faster time seems to go by.

Because God loves you beyond your understanding, He has given you the privilege to accept His invitation to become a citizen in His eternal Kingdom. God is not going to beg you, threaten you, or entice you to accept His invitation. It is a free gift by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ who suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary and shed His blood to cover our sins. You have the freedom to choose (and I mean freedom) to make your choice. You do have to make a choice. You can follow Jesus or you can follow Satan. You cannot ride the fence so to speak. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) Jesus says: 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. In Matthew 6:24 (NIV) 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. In other words choose your place of citizenship.

For those whose name is written in the Book of Life, their citizenship is in Heaven and those that are not, their citizenship is in Hades. Revelation 20:12-15 (NIV) 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire, and in Philippians 3:19-21 (NIV) 19 their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Please make a choice today as you have no promise of tomorrow. As for me, my citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. I pray that yours is there. Love to all.

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WHAT IS THE HELMET OF SALVATION?

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WHAT IS THE HELMET OF SALVATION?

The human mind is the key to the Christian life. The reason why non-Christians do not respond to Christian truth is that they cannot discern spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). The gospel is a call for the unbeliever to repent of his sin and embrace Christ by faith. The Greek word translated “repentance” carries the notion of a change of mind. Our thinking must be changed (transformed) from old, ungodly ways of thinking into new, godly ways of thinking. What we know in our minds to be true forms a conviction in our hearts of that truth, and that conviction in our hearts translates into action. Therefore, we must first renew our minds.

The only way to replace the error of the world’s way of thinking is to replace it with God’s truth, and the only infallible source of God’s truth is His revealed Word, the Bible. Transformation through renewed minds comes as believers expose themselves to God’s Word through the faithful exposition of it each week in church, personal Bible study, and group Bible study. A solid church that believes in preaching the Word, reading the Word, and singing the Word is invaluable in helping us renew our minds.

Let’s look at some of what people keep their minds focused on even to extent that it becomes an addiction. When it becomes an addiction, it becomes even harder to set your mind on the things of God. In fact, God is gone and in His place is the addiction. When there is an addiction, the first thing to surface is denial. Drinking alcoholic beverages, drugs, pornography, sex, work, sports, TV, cell phones, and the list goes on. With an addiction, many people will suffer. Some people go into rehab, others die, and as I already mentioned almost all will enter into denial. This is one of the major goals of Satan, to destroy you and your family. The most important area of the body Satan wants to destroy is your mind. This is where he will attack first and will continue his attacks.

Why is the helmet related to salvation? Satan’s attacks are primarily directed at our minds in the form of discouragement and doubt. He constantly points to our sins, failures, health problems, financial problems and any other thing he can cause us to doubt God in order to get us to turn away from our salvation.

Putting on the helmet of salvation does not refer to receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. This is reserved for the saved, those who are born again and under the attacks of Satan. Satan does not care about the non-Christian as they already belong to him.

1 Thessalonians 5:8   Paul calls the helmet “the hope of salvation”. The word hope has a different meaning than how it is generally used. The helmet covers our mind and provides the assurance of our salvation. Through God’s word we learn (in our mind) to have faith in all the promises God has given us in His Holy Word. The helmet of salvation protects the critical part of our body, our head which is the seat of our mind.

Christians need to read Ephesians 6:11-17. Whether you realize it or not, you are constantly under attack from Satan. You cannot stand alone and fight Satan’s powers. We cannot ignore God’s Word concerning the putting on the full armor of God. The helmet is only one piece of the armor. I am writing about the helmet because I believe that if a person is to become a true Christian they must have a renewing of their mind. They must have a clear understanding of what God requires of them. It is very important that God’s word touches our mind and our hearts. Put on the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Jesus prays for us in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is the truth”.

Love to all

Understanding Faith

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UNDERSTANDING FAITH

If there was ever a word that Christians need to understand, it is the word “faith”. From Genesis 1 through Revelation 22, it is what God requires from His people. God requires people to have faith more today than when Jesus walked the earth.

I believe that some of the most important verses regarding faith are found in the following:

John 20:29 (NIV)  29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Faith is the key word in order to have a relationship with God. If you read the Bible carefully, you will see that God requires you to have faith. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)  6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Mark 11:22 (NIV) “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.

God requires everyone who calls themselves a Christian to have faith in Him even when things are not going well or the way we think they should. If we do not understand, we cannot have true faith. If we were honest, most of us base our faith on what is seen instead of what is not seen. This is the normal concept of faith in our lives today. We limit ourselves by what we believe and have faith in. We are afraid of stepping out in faith because it is not natural. A lot of people have been taught that stepping out of the norm is impossible and scary, so they stay in their comfort zone. Many lose so many blessings because of fear to walk in faith. Some may lose their salvation.

Romans 10:17 (NIV)  Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

The truth of the gospel comes by faith in the Holy Spirit’s teaching and causing us to believe. It only stands to reason that if the Temple of the Holy Spirit is not in order, we will not experience His persuasion. By faith learn to listen and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. His leadership will not fail you.

2 Tim 1:12b-14 (NIV)   I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you, guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

We are nothing if we do not have faith in Jesus Christ. Every Christian should desire true faith and don’t waver when things don’t go as you want. I know it is not easy when we battle the desires of the flesh but through faith we can overcome. All you need to remember is that Jesus Christ is our Savior and God is our Heavenly Father. We need to have faith in them for they both love us very much, more than we love ourselves. They are always with you.

Fill your mind and soul with Bible verses regarding faith. Hebrews, Chapter 11 is a chapter on faith. Also, the bible is full of stories about men and women of faith. Read the stories of faith regarding Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Samson, David, Gideon, Mary, Elizabeth, Ruth, Sarah, and Naomi, just to mention a few. When you are feeling low, read Bible verses about faith. When your circumstances seem like there is no light at the end, keep the faith by claiming the many promises that the Bible gives to you. Yes, Jesus said I am coming back soon and I say, Come Lord Jesus.

Love to all.

TEMPORARY

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TEMPORARY-Definition of temporary: Lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent.

When I was younger, I thought time seemed to drag by. Now that I am much older, I believe that time is going by so fast. Days seem like hours, weeks seem like days and years seem like weeks. Oh! Where does the time go? I have witnessed individuals who have lived just a few minutes and others who have lived over a 100 years. Regardless, God has a time frame for your life here on earth and it is only temporary. The moment you are born, you begin your journey into eternity and that is not temporary. It is forever and forever. Read the following Scriptures and then decide if you are prepared for eternity.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NIV 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Corinthians 7:31 NLT   Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

Sometimes it feels that life is too short and too some it is. No one can take life for granted. We need to cherish and be thankful for what time we are given and the time we have with loved ones. Be joyful, prayerful, and loving, for life is temporary and it is only a one time experience. Seek God’s wisdom on how to spend your time here on earth. Psalm 90:12, NLT Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

This is only a temporary home regardless of whether you are a born again believer or not. Your final destiny is in your hands and you will be assigned a permanent place when your temporary life expires. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment

Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV … I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life, that you and your offspring may live.

Matthew 6:19-21, ESV Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Love to all.

IN CHRIST

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“IN CHRIST”

What does “in Christ” mean? It means to be anointed. To be “in Christ” means that all of the things that the Bible says are true about a believer in Jesus are a present reality and can be enjoyed in the here and now. Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed one” or “chosen one.” This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Mashiach, or Messiah. Jesus was called “the Christ” (or “Messiah”) because He was “anointed by the Holy Spirit.”

The expression “in Christ” occurs 216 times in the Pauline letters. It appears 28 times in Ephesians. Let us look at a few.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now condemnation to them which are “in Christ Jesus”, who walked not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life “in Christ Jesus” hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye “in Christ Jesus”, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Jesus alone is the Christ. As the Christ, He has three offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. The title, also treated as a name, given to Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was the man who discovered and expressed his divinity and became known as Jesus Christ. Since we were created with the exact same potential as Jesus, we, too, can discover and express our divinity.  The Christ is the presence of God in each of us.

Your Spirit and the Christ are the same thing. A born again believer needs to become aware, fully understand his or her divine gift(s) as God intended through the Holy Spirit. According to Luke 10:19 God through Jesus Christ gave us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. The question is: are you “in Christ” or not?

With all the references regarding “in Christ”, the Holy Spirit is witnessing to us through God’s Holy Word so that we can have God’s approval through faith “in Christ”. In order to be found “in Christ” you must be united with Him by His Holy Spirit, walk in Him, and live in Him all in faith.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father”.

The name Jesus means “Savior.” It is given to our Lord because “He saves His people from their sins.”

Christ” is His title, signifying Jesus was sent from God to be a King and Deliverer.

To be found “in Christ”, it is not through your own righteousness but through faith in Him. 1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Praise be to God!

SALVATION

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SALVATION

Since one of my main concerns is, where will people especially family, friends and acquaintances spend eternity, I believe that I should discuss how salvation is explained in the Bible. First of all we need to understand that salvation is a free gift. It is the most important gift you will ever receive. It is a gift that will last for eternity.

What is eternity? Most people do not understand the meaning of eternity. To most it means a long, long time. Eternity is the fullness of time, past, present and the future all experienced at once. There is no end. When you take your final breath here on earth and you cross over, your final destination will be spent in eternity. Where that will be is going to be your choice. God has given us a free will to make choices especially regarding salvation.

Let us look at what the Bible says regarding salvation. I believe that the salvation that God provides in Jesus Christ is a continual process and not just a one-time experience. I base this on the fact the Bible tells us that we must be born again according to Gospel of John 3:3 that says: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. When a person is born physically, they start out as an infant and continue to grow into maturity. When you are “born again” in Jesus Christ you become a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. When a person is “born again” they begin a new life in Jesus. We are all sinners and when we invite Jesus into our life, we get saved by believing on Jesus Christ and recognizing that we do not have the righteousness to get by God’s judgment. That is why God provided a Savior for all mankind who put their trust in Jesus Christ and believe in Him for their salvation. Romans 3:10 says “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”. When you are born physically, you continue to grow. When you are born again, you begin to grow in your new life in Jesus. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the main topic in the New Testament of the Bible. This is God’s way of delivering us from sin and death.

To be born again is to undergo a “spiritual rebirth” (regeneration) of the human spirit. Regeneration comes through the working of the Holy Spirit. The biblical truth is that we are saved by God’s grace through our faith (believing and trusting) in Jesus, the Savior that God provided thru His grace.

Let us look at additional scripture that refers to our salvation.

John 3:7-8: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. / The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

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.”

John 14:6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Also – Romans 10:9-13, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Titus 2:11

Individuals who profess to be born again often state that they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Old and New Testament are full of passages that say we are saved by God’s grace through our belief in His Savior. I challenge anyone who can show me in scripture where anyone or anything besides belief in God’s Savior, Jesus Christ, is required for salvation.

If you have invited Jesus into your life, praise God. If not, confess you are a sinner and invite Him into your life. Remember that eternity awaits your presence. Don’t put off something as important as your salvation because of stubbornness, earthly desires, or I will do it tomorrow, or I am not worthy attitudes. God loves each one of us and wants us to enjoy His salvation. He showed us His love by the sacrifice and suffering of His Son who died and shed His blood on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. Give up those selfish worldly desires and join me in eternity with my Savior Jesus Christ. Love to all.

No Greater Love

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No Greater Love

John 15:13 (KJV) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

What does it mean to lay down your life for others? Jesus defined love in terms of sacrificial actions rather than words or emotions.  As I have stated in previous blogs there are four different types of love. They are as follows:

EROS includes passion or infatuation as well as sexual or romantic love.

STORGE refers to the natural affection between a parent and child.

PHILEO refers to the intimacy that good friends share.

AGAPE is sacrificial love–a commitment that motivates us to deny ourselves on behalf of another. This is the type of love the Lord had in mind when He commanded His followers to love one another.

You can see that AGAPE love is a sacrificial love. This is the true love that flows from God and it is a command for those of us who say we are born again believers of Jesus Christ.

Our physical life is one of the most valuable asset we possess. There is only one greater and that is our spiritual life in Jesus Christ. There is not a greater expression of love than when a person is willing to lay down their life for another person or their country. It enhances the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for His enemies and those who hate Him and those who reject Him as the One who came and died for us sinners. What Jesus did for us shows the extent of His love that He has for us. There is no greater love than when He laid down His life for us.

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to possibly lay down your life for someone else? Have you ever thought about what you would do if the situation ever presented itself? I have and I had to make that choice in January, 1968. That was a transforming experience for me since I am still alive and I praise God that He granted me additional time here on earth. How about the many who have died for our freedom? How sad it is when people demonstrate and destroy because they say it is their right. How many have died so others may have that right? I often ask myself, would these demonstrators be willing to die for others? I know what I thought about before and after my experience of how close death was at my door and it was for a total stranger. I have no regrets and I praise and thank God for the privilege of serving Him.

As we enter into this Christmas Season, God may not ask you to lay down your life, but He may be asking you to share with someone you may know or don’t know, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sacrifice a little by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be blessed. Jesus sacrificed His position in Heaven to come to earth as a gift for us. Give Him thanks by sharing with others. May the Lord bless you this Christmas?