Promise

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.

IS THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?

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IS THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?

I have been thinking about the message the Christians Community has been sending to the lost regarding salvation. How are we attempting to reach those who we believe are not saved? For some time, have we been sending the wrong message regarding God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? It is evident that something is not right regarding our redemption plan. Otherwise we would be in a worldwide revival. It appears that we are working a dead horse with spreading the Gospel. Is it time for a new message or going back to the messages that drew people to Jesus Christ?

One thing I notice is that the messages we hear today about religion is more about church membership, baptism, involvement, commitment, dedication and of course tithing or giving. Don’t misunderstand, all of those have their place in salvation if presented properly. The most important factor regarding salvation must focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His death, burial and resurrection and the precious blood that saved us sinners. I have noticed an increasing trend toward messages that make people feel good. There is also the guilt trip message. Also, I notice that churches are neglecting Bible study and old fashion prayer meetings and replacing them with a social atmosphere. I believe that anyone who leads a flock, whether it is one or a thousand, may they be reminded of what it says in Jeremiah, Chapter 23.

People are being introduced to excitement and hype. Success is counted by numbers. I believe that the natural man and even the evangelicals do not completely understand what a personal (distinctive to a certain person), intrapersonal (inside or within), and interpersonal relationship (relationship between persons) with Jesus Christ is all about. I believe that if we did, there would be more people seeking Jesus. If a person does not understand the relationship connection, how can they explain it to others correctly? How can we begin to understand the function of the Lordship of the Living Lord Jesus? Not just accepting an opinion that He is Lord, God, and Deity, but as the acceptance of the fact that my life is no longer mine to determine, but is entirely at His disposal and determination. In Luke 6:46, Jesus rebukes those who addressing Him as Lord. He said, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Another contributing factor to the decline is the one on one contact with the lost. One of the many reasons people shy away from personal contact is fear. Does this have something to do with the relationship a person has with Jesus? I notice that many individuals communicate through the use of banners. Again, don’t get me wrong, banners for the most part encourage and support the saved and we all need encouragement. I ask you, are they reaching the lost and winning souls for Jesus Christ? Beware of Satan’s deceitful ways when approaching lost souls. Modern technology cannot replace the old fashion personal contact. Believe it or not, people love personal contact.

Could our churches be teaching that a person can be a Christian and not be a disciple? Is man changing God’s plan? My understanding is that when you follow Jesus Christ, you become a disciple. I believe that if you use the name Christian, you are a follower of Jesus. Don’t use the name in vain.

I ask my true brothers and sisters in Christ, are we allowing converts to become disillusioned and confused by what we are presenting as salvation? Are we presenting half-truths and not the whole truth as presented in the Bible? They then fade away and turn back to the way of the world or seek out a feel good church. I can assure you that a feel good sermon is only temporary. True blessings from God only come when a person believes wholeheartedly from his or her heart on Jesus Christ and follows the instruction of the Bible as God teaches. Are we failing to teach the Word of God and its truth?

Is your salvation based on a carnal nature and carnal wisdom? When you have to make important and even non-important decisions, do you follow God’s instruction or your own carnal way? Are you afraid that you cannot live as God wants you to because of guilt (which comes from the devil) of past sins? Let go and let Jesus save you and be set free. Give all to Him and receive the peace and understanding of a loving God and Savior. Let the Master of Life take over and be blessed.

HOLIDAY CHANGES

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HOLIDAY CHANGES

As we enter into the Holiday Seasons, there seems to be a change taking place that saddens me. What I was raised with and have enjoyed for many years were the greetings of HAPPY THANKSGIVING and MERRY CHRISTMAS. Now it appears that these greetings are changing to Happy Harvest or Happy Holiday. I ask, why? I believe that a great deal of the change has to do with the Christian connection that is represented in these two holidays. It seems in our present age, any reference to a Christian ideology is taboo among our society. What is even sadder is that the voices of our Christian churches are not speaking up or taking opposition to these changes. Again, I ask, why? There seems to be a lull of apathy for not standing up for what is right in our country today. Has Satan gotten us so full of fear that we are afraid to challenge those who are taking away our rights as citizens of this great country? I ask, what happened to God’s promise in Romans 8:31(NKJV) 31 what then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

As we enter into the last holidays of 2014 I pray that you remember all the blessings you have been given by a great and loving God. I realize that there are those who are hurting, depressed and down and out. If God has blessed you, give to others as you are capable of giving even if it is just telling someone that you love them. Then give thanks and praise to God as stated in Psalms 100:4, (NIV) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

As we enter into the Christmas season, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. After all, that is what Christmas is all about. Don’t “X” Him out! The Christmas story can be found in the Gospel of Matthew 1: beginning with vs. 18 and in the Gospel of Luke 2: beginning in vs.1. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to be with us and eventually give Himself as sacrifice. What a gift! Even if you think you have nothing, you have the most wonderful gift that anyone could ask for. This gift keeps giving and giving from generation to generation and what is so wonderful, all you have to do is receive it. It is free.

I pray that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. Love to all.

WHAT IS THE SABBATH REST?

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WHAT IS THE SABBATH REST?

Is Saturday or Sunday the real Sabbath day of rest? After 2000 years of teaching about the Sabbath rest, Christians still have a misunderstanding of what the true meaning is and what is important to us. Does Satan have people confused about what is God’s Sabbath rest and what is man’s Sunday rest? Is man’s Sunday rest in opposition to God’s Sabbath rest?

First, let us look at what Genesis 2:1-3 of the KJV says:

  1. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2.And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3.And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The word rested in the above verses does not have the same meaning as it does in Hebrews Chapter 4. It does not mean what we often think it means. Here it means God ended His activity. His creation work came to an end. We must come to realize that the true meaning of rest is very crucial to our Christian walk. What does it mean? It can be summed up in one word, FAITH.

I ask you, should we be observing the Sabbath rest today as many Christian groups still believe we should? If you do not follow their line of thinking that you must keep the Sabbath or you must not be a true Christian. Look at the following Scripture.

Colossians 2:16 (KJV) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days.

In The Gospel of John, Chapter 5, Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. The Jews were upset over this act. The Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath. Jesus answered them by saying, My Father is working until now, and I am working. Jesus was imitating His Father in actions of love and mercy.

Now, let us look at what Hebrews, Chapter 4 says: So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labors as God did from his. This rest is available to us now.

The true Sabbath rest comes when you cease from your own labors, your own efforts, your own activity, and from your own works. The secret of a true Christian’s life is to cease from depending on your own activity and to rest on the dependence of God. Look at what Paul says in Galatians 2:20: Not I, but Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Jesus said in John 14:10, The Son can do nothing by himself. It is the Father who dwells in me who does the work. Through our very best efforts we only accomplish a minimum of activity. Why? Because we continue to look upon ourselves as the resource instead of looking upon the One who can do all things. As long as you deny the truth and continue to blow your own horn or ego, you will never enter into the rest God has provided.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Rest is the secret of any success you may have. How can you have such success?

Look carefully at what John 12:24 (KJV) says: Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone; but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. If you consent to death of self, great things will begin to happen and one of the great things is you will find rest. Rest is the secret of our Christian life.

Hebrews Chapter 4 is a chapter that will define Jesus as your Sabbath rest. Are you ready to enter into His rest? When you do you will hear Jesus say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”  When you learn to whatever degree you surrender to, the keeping of the Sabbath is intended to be kept as God’s Sabbath is to be kept.

Jesus Christ came in order that you may find the true meaning of rest in Him and not of self-fulfillments. The writer of Hebrews encourages you to enter into the Sabbath rest that Jesus Christ provides.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

JESUS GAVE US MORE THAN SALVATION

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JESUS GAVE US MORE THAN SALVATION

What Jesus gave us on the cross and by His shed blood is more than salvation. The extras are only given to those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There are answers to all the troubles you face in life. There is God’s authority and power, Jesus Christ’s authority and power, and then there is the authority and power delegated to the believers. I ask you if you believe that Satan has authority and power over you.  If so, where did he get it?  You must have given it to him.

The only defense we have against the devil is a right relationship with God, which includes submission to His will. Christians do not live in their own power, but in God’s authority and power. It is God’s ability that makes us able to accomplish anything of value, for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is His strength that makes us overcomers. Are you totally committed to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you repented of your sins? Are you under the authority and power of Jesus Christ or are you still under the authority and power of the devil?

If you are not under the control of the sovereign God then you are under the control of the devil (Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan works in our lives in the forms of deception, doubt, anger, fear and temptation. It is not whether you will face temptation; it is what you will do when faced with it.

The answer is very clear in the Scriptures. We can submit to the Devil and his ways or claim the power and authority given to us through Jesus Christ and the power of His Blood. Let’s look at some Scriptures that tells us what to do.

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and a sound mind.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. God has provided the most effective weapons we can use against the devil. They are faith, wisdom, and knowledge about God and His Word. God has provided His full armor to stand against any form of evil Ephesians 6:10-18). These weapons are not weapons of this world. They are weapons with divine power to demolish the Devil’s strongholds. In order to use any type of weapon, you must first learn how to use it.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you. If you ignore God, He will ignore you and the Devil will come unto you with all kinds of problems: health, financial, marriage, jobs, just to mention a few. Then what happens is that people will blame God for their problems. Why do people choose the destructive ways?

We should know that the Devil is real because the Bible says so and because of the experiences we encounter in our daily lives. Bad things do not come from a God of love. Confusion about God comes from the Devil.

Born again believers have been given authority over the Devil by Jesus and His Blood. Why not use it? Why let the Devil cause you to lose a war that has already been won?

In Jesus’ name, renounce the evil spirits that control your life. There are so many that it would take up so much space. Anything that is opposite of God’s teaching is an evil spirit. Learn to discern. Keep your eyes on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit lead you in your commands. May the Lord bless you and keep you.