Under Christ we are now free…but that doesn’t mean we’re above the law, or have the right to be lawless in our conduct. The Lord wants us to live as free men, but not to use that freedom to cover up evil and corrupt activity.
Tag: blood of jesus
Jude verse 16 ” These men are grumblers and fault finders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.”
We all know at least one – and usually try to steer clear, rather than be pulled into a conversation. They’re the complainers…those people who love to gripe, whine, and make life miserable for everyone around. The only people worse to be caught up in conversation with are the scoffers…those who mock, ridicule, and despise authority. Both groups are very difficult to be around…especially if you’re trying to remind positive!
Mark 2:15 ” While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with Him and His disciples…”
Tax collectors were considered the scum of the earth…they were hired by the Roman government to gouge their fellow Jews, while skimming money off the top. But Jesus looked far beyond the sin and loved the man instead…for Levi went on to become Matthew, one of His beloved Disciples.
Acts 3:16 ” By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
The crowd and religious leaders couldn’t dispute the fact that just earlier they had all walked by this beggar at the entrance to the Temple…they had in fact passed by him for years, and were well acquainted with his deformities. So it had come as a complete shock when they saw him running, jumping, and dancing in the Temple court. It was Simon Peter’s healing faith, coupled with the beggar’s faith – all in the name of Jesus – that had healed him.
Acts 3:2 ” Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.”
The beggar had been crippled from birth…maybe from some congenital defect such as Spina Bifida or an injury that occurred during the birthing process. His physical impairment was apparent to all, but how many times do we have invisible handicaps and defects? Many walk around emotionally crippled at the hand of abusive parents or spouses. Many are mentally crippled by poverty or social injustices that they were powerless to change. But just like this crippled beggar, we too can be healed in the name of Jesus to live a full and joyous life.
John 11: 25-26 ” I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? “
Do you believe this? Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins so you may have eternal life? What distinguishes us from the world is the unique characteristic of believing in Jesus. Our faith and trust in Him goes far beyond what the world will ever understand or comprehend. As Believers, our confidence is not in man, but in the Son of Man…Jesus. Do you believe this?
Isaiah 12:3 ” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
There’s nothing sadder than what is written in Jeremiah 2:13, ” Forsaking the spring of living waters, they dug their own cisterns.” We can not, and will never be able to save ourselves…for it’s only by the blood of Jesus that we are saved from our sinful existence . And it’s then with unspeakable joy that we can drink from that fountain of eternal life.
I Thessalonians 1:3 ” We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Your good deeds for others, demonstrated in tangible ways, showing your trust in God – that’s Faith. When weariness covers you like a cloak, it’s for the sake of others, not yourself, that you continue to toil on – that’s Love. When it’s that deep confidence that makes you persevere, not willing to surrender when times are tough – that’s Hope. Faith, Love, and Hope…you being Jesus to a broken world.
Isaiah 30:15 ” This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’ “
How many times through a prideful, rebellious nature have we traded tranquility for chaos…and confidence for fear? There’s deliverance through Jesus Christ, and hope for tomorrow…if but we’re willing to obey.
Hebrews 6:10 ” God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
We are called to unconditional, Agape love to all…even the unlovable. We are called to be a servant to all God’s people…whether we want to or not. Every deed, every action we do for others should have the fingerprints of Jesus all over them.
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