You may have heard the Gospel preached a hundred times, but it’s this particular Sunday when you swear the Pastor must have been following you around all week and is now directing his message point-blank at you. There’s no getting around it…Jesus is staring you straight in the eyes and saying, “Now is the time.” And in that moment of realization, repentance, and forgiveness…your soul will pass from death to eternal life.
Tag: blood of jesus
I Timothy 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”
Paul was fully acknowledging his sinful past and gratefully identifying with his eternal future. Sin is broken relationship with God, and with Jesus we have forgiveness from our sins and the promise of eternal life. For John 3:17 states, ” For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Just as Paul, thank you Lord for your merciful kindness to save such a sinner as I.
Hebrews 6:1 ” Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…”
We need to be constantly growing in Christ…moving forward, not stuck at the starting point going over basic ideas forever. For once we’ve grasped the meaning of the Gospel, the Lord wants us to be continually developing…ever reaching for that goal of maturity in Jesus Christ.
Mark 2:22 ” No, he pours new wine into new wine skins.”
The word “new” is used twice in this verse, but each with slightly different meanings. The first is Neos…as in a man can reform himself and become new. The second is Kainos…but it is only by God’s divine nature and activity that man becomes qualitatively new. When we say yes to Jesus, we become a new creature…a very small portion on our part, a huge work by God.
John 2:5 ” His mother said to the servants, ‘ Do whatever He tells you.’ “
In this familiar story, Jesus and His mother are attending a wedding in Cana. Mary is aware that the celebration wine has run out, and she has come to her Son to help the newlywed couple avoid embarrassment. Mary, of all people, knew Jesus the very best. And while she might not have known exactly what He would do…she had the ultimate trust in Jesus to do the right thing.
Ephesians 2:5 ” It is by grace you have been saved.”
The simple definition of grace is unearned, unmerited favor. There is absolutely nothing you can do in and of yourself to gain this favor…it’s accomplished only by the atonement of your sins by Jesus Christ dying on that Cross in your place. God’s unwarranted favor…His abundant, extravagant grace… is available to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Luke 9: 61-62 ” Still another said, ‘ I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘ No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’ “
The man was making excuses for delaying Jesus’ call in his life…But how many times do we do the very same thing. I’ll follow You Lord, but first I must do this, or I’ll follow you Lord, but this must happen first. We want to feel in control, but sometimes God wants us to take that leap of faith without reservations, all the while demanding that our priorities be in perfect alignment with His.
Luke 9: 59-60 ” He said to another man, ‘Follow Me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘ Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.’ “
At first glance, Jesus would seem cold and uncaring to this grieving man who had just lost his father. But Jesus’ vision was eternal…His focus far-reaching. Jesus was calling this man to greater things…things everlasting and imperishable.
Luke 9:57-58 ” As they were walking along the road, a man said to Him, ‘ I will follow You wherever You go.’ Jesus replied, ‘ Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.’ “
Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem for the final time when a Teacher of the Law approached Him professing his faith. The crowds followed Jesus to watch the miracles and listen to His parables. The Disciples followed Jesus because they had been called by Him. But others followed Him because they were seeking the Messiah.
II Timothy 2:22 ” Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
When it comes to your walk with the Lord, it makes a huge difference what kind of people you associate with. If the crowd you hang around with are wild, crazy people who love to look for trouble…you’ll probably end up on the wrong side of the law…or at least bailing them out of messes. But if your friends are Believers, on fire for the Lord, and wanting to do His Will…your adventures will be every bit as fun, but much less dramatic.
Safetypinlove 