“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24
God calls us to serve Him out of love and devotion, not out of work or obligation. The Pharisees prided themselves in the fact that they kept the whole law. They believed this would please God and secure their salvation. The sad point of all of this is whenever you base anything - a marriage, a friendship, a job, or more importantly our relationship to God - on works, you never know where you stand. There is always a degree of doubt involved because you are driven to achieve standards set by yourself and others.
Jesus set a new standard for our relationship with God: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). God never meant for the Jews to view the Law as a pathway to salvation. Instead, it was given as preparation for the coming of Christ.
We can be sure of our salvation because we are secured by Christ and not by our performance. Some people say salvation by grace alone is “cheap talk.” But there is nothing cheap about the Cross. Jesus Christ, the most valuable Person who has ever lived, loves you so much that He willingly laid His life down that you might experience eternal life with Him. It is His gift of love to you.
“...a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus...” Galatians 2:16
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
That You May Know
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13
The reason many Christians lack joy is because they are not sure of their relationship with Christ. The Jews of Jesus’ day believed the only way they could be sure of their standing with God was by keeping the Law. It provided measurable evidence of their devotion.
However, Jesus offered a new theology, one based on God’s unconditional love and acceptance. The Jewish leaders were bound by the Law and refused to accept salvation as being a gift of grace. Imagine their dismay when Jesus told them that He was fulfillment of the Law.
Through Christ we have personal access to God the Father without bearing the burden of the Law and its consequences. Only grace secures our position with God. Jesus told Nicodemus: “You must be born again” (John 3:7). His words indicated a need for spiritual rebirth or regeneration. It is something human hands cannot achieve. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Salvation equals grace plus nothing.
The next time you are tempted to doubt your salvation, think of the Cross where grace paid the eternal price for all our sins. We are saved and sure by the power of His grace - nothing more, nothing less.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
The reason many Christians lack joy is because they are not sure of their relationship with Christ. The Jews of Jesus’ day believed the only way they could be sure of their standing with God was by keeping the Law. It provided measurable evidence of their devotion.
However, Jesus offered a new theology, one based on God’s unconditional love and acceptance. The Jewish leaders were bound by the Law and refused to accept salvation as being a gift of grace. Imagine their dismay when Jesus told them that He was fulfillment of the Law.
Through Christ we have personal access to God the Father without bearing the burden of the Law and its consequences. Only grace secures our position with God. Jesus told Nicodemus: “You must be born again” (John 3:7). His words indicated a need for spiritual rebirth or regeneration. It is something human hands cannot achieve. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Salvation equals grace plus nothing.
The next time you are tempted to doubt your salvation, think of the Cross where grace paid the eternal price for all our sins. We are saved and sure by the power of His grace - nothing more, nothing less.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Monday, November 28, 2011
Christ, Our Advocate
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2
Christians often become discouraged when tempted by sinful habits they thought were eliminated at the point of their salvation. The truth is we still live in a fallen world under the influence of Satan. As a child of God, the enemy no longer holds the title to your life. Spiritually, you are seated in heaven with Christ (Col. 3:3).
However, this does not free you from the strife of Satan’s disastrous intentions. Salvation only shifts his goal for your life from one of eternal death to one of ineffectiveness. The enemy wants to render you useless in your witness and testimony for Jesus Christ. Sin is his favorite weapon because he knows it fogs our relationship with God.
However, the power of sin was eternally broken at the cross. We no longer have to yield to its temptation. The only way to handle sin is to put it in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. The key to overcoming it lies in living daily in the light of God’s Word.
When temptations come, remember the enemy’s power has been broken. Jesus is your strong advocate before the Father. Confess your sins, claim His forgiveness, and continue your life in the light of His grace.
Remember, Satan wants to enslave you; Jesus died to free you!
“...our old self was crucified with Him...that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6
Christians often become discouraged when tempted by sinful habits they thought were eliminated at the point of their salvation. The truth is we still live in a fallen world under the influence of Satan. As a child of God, the enemy no longer holds the title to your life. Spiritually, you are seated in heaven with Christ (Col. 3:3).
However, this does not free you from the strife of Satan’s disastrous intentions. Salvation only shifts his goal for your life from one of eternal death to one of ineffectiveness. The enemy wants to render you useless in your witness and testimony for Jesus Christ. Sin is his favorite weapon because he knows it fogs our relationship with God.
However, the power of sin was eternally broken at the cross. We no longer have to yield to its temptation. The only way to handle sin is to put it in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. The key to overcoming it lies in living daily in the light of God’s Word.
When temptations come, remember the enemy’s power has been broken. Jesus is your strong advocate before the Father. Confess your sins, claim His forgiveness, and continue your life in the light of His grace.
Remember, Satan wants to enslave you; Jesus died to free you!
“...our old self was crucified with Him...that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Power of the Gospel
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
People often wonder what happened to the disciples after the resurrection. Many became our first missionaries. Much of Peter’s work was with the Jews in Jerusalem; Philip went to Samaria, as did John. Later Paul traveled extensively carrying the gospel throughout Asia Minor, Syria, Macedonia, and Achaia. Those who traveled with him, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and Silas, also joined the missionary troop.
One might think the thrust of their message was complicated, but it wasn’t. They simply told others what Jesus had done for them and mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. The message of the gospel was so powerful that by the end of Nero’s life and rule in A.D. 68, Christianity was a movement that forcibly challenged all other religions.
Judaism, the Mosaic Law, and the worship of false gods were no match for the gospel message - neither are the false religions of today. Only a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ has the power to break the stronghold of sin, guilt, and legalism.
The most effective tool we have apart from the Word of God is our Christian testimony. When you tell others what Jesus has done in your own life, you join the ranks of members of the early church.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation...” Romans 1:16
People often wonder what happened to the disciples after the resurrection. Many became our first missionaries. Much of Peter’s work was with the Jews in Jerusalem; Philip went to Samaria, as did John. Later Paul traveled extensively carrying the gospel throughout Asia Minor, Syria, Macedonia, and Achaia. Those who traveled with him, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and Silas, also joined the missionary troop.
One might think the thrust of their message was complicated, but it wasn’t. They simply told others what Jesus had done for them and mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. The message of the gospel was so powerful that by the end of Nero’s life and rule in A.D. 68, Christianity was a movement that forcibly challenged all other religions.
Judaism, the Mosaic Law, and the worship of false gods were no match for the gospel message - neither are the false religions of today. Only a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ has the power to break the stronghold of sin, guilt, and legalism.
The most effective tool we have apart from the Word of God is our Christian testimony. When you tell others what Jesus has done in your own life, you join the ranks of members of the early church.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation...” Romans 1:16
Friday, November 25, 2011
Triumph Through Trouble
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
When Jesus saw that His disciples truly understood who He was, He made a startling statement. It was one they were not prepared to hear: “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32).
God’s plan for redemption did not include lifting the disciples out of their immediate surroundings. The pain and stress of facing life as children of God would never deliver them from the earthly reality of trouble. Jesus made that clear when He said: “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33).
Soon after these words, the agony of the cross was His to bear. How did He withstand such tribulation? Christ’s life was anchored in the plan of the Father, not in the things of the world. Jesus was not worried about men and their false accusations, nor was He overwhelmed by trials or earthly tribulations. He had overcome the world.
What is His personal word to you when trials come without warning? “These things I [share with] you, so that in Me you may have [a] peace [that passes all human understanding]. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
When Jesus saw that His disciples truly understood who He was, He made a startling statement. It was one they were not prepared to hear: “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32).
God’s plan for redemption did not include lifting the disciples out of their immediate surroundings. The pain and stress of facing life as children of God would never deliver them from the earthly reality of trouble. Jesus made that clear when He said: “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33).
Soon after these words, the agony of the cross was His to bear. How did He withstand such tribulation? Christ’s life was anchored in the plan of the Father, not in the things of the world. Jesus was not worried about men and their false accusations, nor was He overwhelmed by trials or earthly tribulations. He had overcome the world.
What is His personal word to you when trials come without warning? “These things I [share with] you, so that in Me you may have [a] peace [that passes all human understanding]. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
“I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing praises to You before the gods.
I will bow down toward Your holy temple
and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
for You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:1-3
“How to Observe Thanksgiving”
Count your blessings instead of your crosses
Count your grains instead of your losses
Count your joys instead of your woes
Count your friends instead of your foes
Count your full years instead of your lean
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean
Count your health instead of your wealth
Count on God instead of yourself
-Author Unknown
Be grateful...Give thanks with a grateful heart!
I will sing praises to You before the gods.
I will bow down toward Your holy temple
and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
for You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:1-3
“How to Observe Thanksgiving”
Count your blessings instead of your crosses
Count your grains instead of your losses
Count your joys instead of your woes
Count your friends instead of your foes
Count your full years instead of your lean
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean
Count your health instead of your wealth
Count on God instead of yourself
-Author Unknown
Be grateful...Give thanks with a grateful heart!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
He Calms Your Storms
“When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He didn’t have to take on the form of humanity, but did. He momentarily laid aside His eternal glory in order to identify with the needs of sinful man. No one knows the personal loss nor the private pain that Jesus suffered. Wherever He traveled, storm clouds gathered. Wherever He spoke, political unrest ensued. For every person that joined His fleeting band of disciples, hundreds more turned against Him.
Christ could have focused on the storms that tore at His mind and heart. Instead, He chose to calm the stormy lives of others - a Roman centurion whose servant was dying, a young man bound by demonic oppression, a woman caught in adultery, a crippled beggar, a man born blind, and a Pharisee who came to Him hidden by night’s cover.
Even when the storms grew to overwhelming proportions, Jesus did not waver in His faith. He never lost sight of His eternal purpose. Dying on the cross, He offered salvation to the thief being crucified beside Him. When the storm clouds gather in your life, remember Jesus personally understands your pain and suffering. And there is never a time when you are beyond His loving grasp.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but...to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He didn’t have to take on the form of humanity, but did. He momentarily laid aside His eternal glory in order to identify with the needs of sinful man. No one knows the personal loss nor the private pain that Jesus suffered. Wherever He traveled, storm clouds gathered. Wherever He spoke, political unrest ensued. For every person that joined His fleeting band of disciples, hundreds more turned against Him.
Christ could have focused on the storms that tore at His mind and heart. Instead, He chose to calm the stormy lives of others - a Roman centurion whose servant was dying, a young man bound by demonic oppression, a woman caught in adultery, a crippled beggar, a man born blind, and a Pharisee who came to Him hidden by night’s cover.
Even when the storms grew to overwhelming proportions, Jesus did not waver in His faith. He never lost sight of His eternal purpose. Dying on the cross, He offered salvation to the thief being crucified beside Him. When the storm clouds gather in your life, remember Jesus personally understands your pain and suffering. And there is never a time when you are beyond His loving grasp.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but...to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
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