Salvation

August 3rd – Colossians 1:13

Colossians 1:13

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Many try to twist the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Or try to make it more complicated than it is. But the core message is this. Once we were dead in our sins, eternally separated from God. But because He loves us so much, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us. And through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin and death forever. Now all who call Him Lord, Christ delivers from the dominion of darkness and transfers into the kingdom of His marvelous light. Because of God’s boundless mercy, He lifts us from the depths of despair, transforming our lives into beacons of hope and righteousness. By embracing His deliverance, we can walk in the glorious freedom of His truth. And we can experience the joyous journey of living as children of light, guided by God’s eternal love and presence. Jesus is returning soon to set up His kingdom on earth. And only those who receive His free gift of Salvation will be citizens of the most glorious domain ever known.

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July 24th – Proverbs 24:11

Proverbs 24:11

Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

The Bible is very clear in warning us that our noses are better off kept in our own business. Yet there are times when we are called as Christians to speak up and speak out. Times when we see an atrocity, injustice, or abuse. It is then, we are told, to take action, especially in protecting the innocent. Which is why God also commissions us to go out and share the Gospel. For just as important as pulling someone from the path of a speeding car, so is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because it is a life saver to those walking the path of certain death and destruction. A transforming message, it brings hope to the hopeless, and delivers those trapped in darkness and despair. And although we aren’t responsible for another’s salvation, we are responsible to plant the seed of God’s saving grace. For we are His ambassadors on this earth. And as such should be dedicated to rescuing souls and leading them toward the light of salvation.

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July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4

Proverbs 11:4

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

The one thing this world loves is wealth. And the more you have, the more you’re admired. But as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Jesus is returning soon. And on that glorious day, no amount of wealth can buy a place in the kingdom of heaven. For the admission was paid for by Jesus Christ, and only by accepting His free gift of salvation can we have eternal life. Our time on earth is running short. And the true measure of our worth lies not in what we possess, but what we leave behind. As Christians our legacy should one of love, kindness, and compassion towards others. The only true treasures worth having are those we store up in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-20) Treasures including loving others, sharing the gospel, good fruit, endurance, and faith. Better than gold, these treasures are imperishable and everlasting. And the greatest of them all, is the living hope we receive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4 Read More »

June 11th – Matthew 12:31

Matthew 12:31

And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”

When my son was little we would talk about sin and God’s forgiveness. Then as children do, he would rattle off a list of transgressions asking if God could forgive each one. Of course the answer to each was a resounding yes. Then he asked if there was anything God couldn’t forgive. And sadly the answer to that was also a resounding yes. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit of God. As used in Scripture, the word “blasphemy” means expressing something disrespectful or evil about God. And the worst evil is the deliberate and willful rejection of the work of the Holy Spirit or a persistent refusal to accept God’s forgiveness and grace. This signifies a complete and conscious rebellion against our Creator, the ultimate source of love, goodness, and forgiveness. Out of His unending love and mercy, God wishes for none to perish. And so He sacrificed His own begotten Son to offer us eternal life. Only those who receive Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior will receive the precious gift of an eternity spent by the Father’s side.

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May 30th – Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:7

“When Christ died He left a will in which He gave His soul to His Father, His body to Joseph of Arimathea, His clothes to the soldiers, and His mother to John. But to His disciples, who had left all to follow Him, He left not silver or gold, but something far better,  His PEACE!” (Matthew Henry) In this life we will all face trauma, heartache, and pain. Yet as Christians no matter what, we can experience an unshakable inner tranquility. Because when we receive Jesus as our Savior, we also receive the peace of God. A peace that surpasses all human understanding. And one of overwhelming security, serenity, and clarity which goes beyond anything we can comprehend. God’s peace is an impenetrable shield for our hearts and minds. One the Lord gives to guard us against anxiety, fear, and negative thoughts. Are you longing for peace in your life? Through a relationship with Christ Jesus, we can find strength and stability in our inner being, that allows us to face life’s challenges with a sound mind and a steadfast heart.

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May 23rd – Matthew 9:9

Matthew 9:9

One day as Levi was at His tax booth in the city, a man came up to him and said, “Follow Me!” Without a second thought Levi got up, walked out, and immediately began following the man. In a single moment, Levi chose to leave everything behind. He gave up his wealth, influence, and comfort without looking back. That was the best decision Levi ever made. For that man was Jesus. And following the Lord gave to Levi a wealth many times greater than what he left behind. Jesus wants us to experience such spiritual wealth. So answer His call. Step out in faith, follow the Lord, and receive His immeasurable blessings. When Levi entered the service of the Lord, His life was changed forever. No longer was he known as the despised tax collector hated by his brothers. Instead Jesus gave him the new name of Matthew, meaning gift of God, and he became a mighty disciple of the Lord. And one day as we stand before Him in heaven, Jesus will welcome us in joy and love, declare us innocent, and give us a new name!

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April 3rd – Colossians 3:11

Colossians 3:11

With inclusivity being the word of the day, there is only One who welcomes all to join His family. And that is God. Regardless of our ethnic, social, or cultural background, the Lord invites all to come to Him and receive His free gift of salvation. One of the most radical things Jesus Himself did was to reach out to the outcasts of the day. Eagerly the Lord loved the unlovable. These included tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers. And you and me. That’s the beauty and awesomeness of God’s grace. He extends it to all. No matter who we are or what we’ve done, when we come before Him in true repentance, God forgives. Because the inclusiveness of God isn’t rooted in political correctness. Instead it’s rooted in His love for all people and His desire to reconcile us to Himself. This is why the message of the Gospel is good news for all people, and why the invitation to follow Jesus is open to anyone who is willing to receive it.

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March 29th – Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19

The number twelve is used 187 times in the Bible. In most cases it is represented as the number of perfection and authority.  And during His ministry on earth Jesus, “…summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve so that He could send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:13-14) There wasn’t anything especially remarkable about these men. They weren’t Lords or Princes. Nor were they great scholars or high priests. They were average men who throughout the Gospels we see fail, struggle, and doubt God. Yet Jesus chose them anyway. And He chooses us as well, blessing us with the same commission of sharing the Good News. Because Jesus doesn’t care about our past, our failures, or our social standing. What He wants is a close personal relationship with us. He wants us to love Him, and to tell others about Him so they too can know Him and spend eternity with Him. Will you answer His call?

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March 26th – Psalm 15:1

Psalm 15:1

If the list of requirements to dwell with God forever sound impossible, it’s because it’s supposed to be. For we can’t truly realize our need for Jesus until we understand how far we have fallen short of God’s holiness. Christ is the only one who can cleanse us and prepare us to dwell in His house forever. And thankfully, we have the blessing of receiving His gift of pardon. All we must do is confess our sins and repent. What does it mean to repent? It means to turn aside from our wickedness and sin. Walking away from the things the flesh desires and walking with Jesus. Because in all the world there was only One whose walk was utterly blameless. Only One who always did what was righteous. That person was the Lord Jesus Christ. And when we abide in Him and in His strength, we can find victory in our lives.  No matter what life throws at us, we will never be shaken and can have confidence that one day we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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March 16th – 1 Thessalonians 5:9

1 Thessalonians 5:9

The world is a scary place. And it grows scarier by the day. But for Christians no matter the chaos, we needn’t fear. Because we know God is in control. And as Jan Markell says, “The world isn’t falling to pieces, the pieces are falling into place.” War is coming. And God will not contain His judgements forever. For as He Himself warns, “Behold I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (Rev.16:15) But believers have the blessing of knowing that God’s plan isn’t for us to suffer the coming wrath. But rather to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. So no matter how dark the world grows, we can hold fast to God and stay strong. Because God’s glorious plan for our lives is one of salvation and redemption. Not one of death and destruction.

 

March 16th – 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Read More »