Category Archives: Abiding IN Jesus or the World?

A Call To Look Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #159

29 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Light In The Dark

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A Call To Look Unto Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #159

“But while he thought on these things,

behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared unto him

in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David,

fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:

for that which is conceived in her

is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:20-23

One of my sister’s favorite Bible phrases is, “and it came to pass”, and it always does!  Come—to pass—that is; for God is a faithful God, and HE sent Jesus to fulfill His promises of a Messiah who would call His people to salvation, redemption, and eternal life; to restore us to relationship, hope and the life with God that we lost in Eden!  Sin had separated us from God, and Jesus came to save us from that sin and the penalty of it—death!  He came to bring life to those who would come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  The babe placed in a manger instead of on a throne, came to be the sacrifice for your sin and mine, and HE is waiting for you to respond to the call to come to HIM today, for today is all that we have, tomorrow may or may not be ours, yet Praise God, HE keeps HIS own and is conforming us into the image of HIS SON!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6 

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2

For our hope of eternal life is IN JESUS and no other.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

John also introduced Jesus, not from a manger bed, but from HIS existence before the foundation of the world!

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

To me one of the saddest of all commentary in scripture is, “the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not”!  Jesus came to save us, and we wouldn’t recognize who HE was; yet HE was, is and always has been the only way to God, but the question is a personal one, ‘What will YOU do with Jesus?’

You can receive and believe Jesus’ witness of who HE IS, or you can go your own way, and pay for your own sin, it’s your call!  But remember there is a test, and a soon coming one, I truly believe!  Are you ready.  Jesus’ own words say it better than I can.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:14-21

It’s not just the baby in the manger that we celebrate at this time of year, but it IS the work that HE was born to do—to die for your sin and mine, that we might have eternal life with HIM through that faith in HIS ‘substitutionary, atoning sacrifice’! He paid the price, but it can only be received through repentance and faith in HIS payment for our sin!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

All this because God loves you and me, but there is a debt due; I owed a debt I couldn’t pay except in death and hell, yet Jesus paid a debt HE didn’t owe so that we could have life and escape hell!  What will you do with HIS gift this Christmas?  Accept it?  Celebrate it?  Rejoice in God’s goodness, love, and peace?  Or reject it and suffer the consequences, for we are free to choose or reject Jesus, but the consequence has already been set.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test (See Revelation 20:11-15)!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-26

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:22-23

So friends, my challenge to you is simply to invite you to answer HIS call to your heart.  If you haven’t been born again by the blood of Jesus, you can be today if you will but call on Jesus to save you in repentance of your sin, and faith in HIS payment for them!  If you are HIS, won’t you reevaluate your walk with HIM and commit anew and afresh to live Jesus before a lost and dying world, as well as those around you at home—they all need to see JESUS IN Christmas IN you and me!

“And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude

of the heavenly host praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.”  Luke 2:10-14

Amen and Amen!!!

Twisting Or Bowing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #158

26 Sunday Nov 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Touch them while you can?, Trust, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Twisting Or Bowing???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #158

Some food for thought as we approach the time of not only being thankful but abundantly grateful for God’s gift of “His only begotten Son” for our salvation. But a question that we often miss is “who is God”?  God Almighty the creator of all things or “me”?  We have become so focused on self that we forget that God is God, and we are not; for Jesus makes it very clear that our focus should be ‘bowing’ before our King, not dictating to HIM what we ‘want’!  It’s kind of the difference between being perpetually grateful and celebrating “Thanks” each day of the year rather than a day of “Pride-feasting”!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is

the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory, for ever. Amen.”   Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus called His followers to pray for God’s Kingdom to come, for God’s will to be done—right here on earth, as it is in heaven—perfectly, continually, rightly and to HIS glory and our good.  What are you praying for?  We are told to take our requests to God, but never in the dictatorial manner that so many today practice and promote.  We are told that we can come ‘boldly’ before our God, but never, never, never ‘arrogantly or presumptuously’!  For God is our heavenly Father not our ‘sugar daddy’.  We are called to love Him, to trust Him, and to seek HIS will in all things, because HE IS GOD and HE is trustworthy, and has given to each believer the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us, lead us, and direct our steps!  We must trust to our God in all things, else how can we walk in union with HIM?

“Can two walk together,

except they be agreed?”  Amos 3:3

To be ‘agreed’ with God, we must know HIM through the ‘blood of Jesus Christ His Son’ that ‘cleanseth us from all sin’; and we must know HIS WORD to enable us to make wise and discerning choices.  Paul gives us amazing assurance that God is working all things around us—even when we don’t understand or see it, God never fails!  You can trust HIM, yet some claim to know HIM but not enough to trust HIM!  Do you really know Him as being trustworthy?

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”  Romans 8:26-31

The author of Hebrews reminds us that we can come to HIM in complete trust, laying our needs, concerns, and burdens at His feet confidently!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

So, the question is, are we trying to twist God’s arm, put our quarter in the slot and pull the demand handle and expect God to send the jackpot?  Or are we willing to truly trust in His will, His kingdom work, His will, and His Word?  Are we willing to be contented even when we don’t understand?  Are we willing to go to Calvary as Jesus did, or do we think we are above suffering for the kingdom?  Paul warned Timothy of the danger of discontent, greed, and self.

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,

and destitute of the truth,

supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation

and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction

and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God,

flee these things;

and follow after

righteousness, godliness,

faith, love,

patience, meekness.”   1 Timothy 6:5-11

Paul sums it up for us in his letter to the Philippian believers, they were to have the humility and obedience of Jesus!  May we be found faithful before our God as well as a lost and dying world!  Our world needs the true Gospel—that Jesus died for our sin and calls us to repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-5)!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

 and took upon him the form

of a servant,

and was made

in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8

And Jesus’ own words set the record straight, we are called to die to “SELF” and live to Jesus, following HIM even unto death.

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?”  Luke 9:23-25

And one of my favorite and often repeated verses says it all:

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

An Attitude Not Just A Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #157

24 Friday Nov 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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An Attitude Not Just A Day???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #157

I just want to share with you today a reminder that “Thanksgiving” isn’t just a day, but an attitude of the heart!  We don’t just thank God once a year at our house, but we praise HIM each and every day—throughout the day!  My heart overflows with gratitude to God for my salvation—that Jesus loves you/me so much that HE came to earth, took on human flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, not just to be an example but to BE the “Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world”; HE took away that sin at Calvary for every man, woman, boy and girl who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice!  HE is THE “way…truth…and life”, the only way to God The Father!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

How can we not praise HIM for that gift, that love, that faithful promise to walk with us every moment of every day!  I’m grateful for that continually, not just one day a year.  If you know Jesus, won’t you praise and thank HIM today and every day that HE gives us?  If you don’t know HIM, you can know HIM, He came to die for YOU!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Jesus is worthy of our praise and gratitude!  So let’s work on our “attitude of gratitude”; for we can be “humbly grateful or grumbly hateful”!  The choice is yours but choose wisely, there is a test!!!

Let’s join the Psalmist in our praise and thanksgiving today and every day throughout the year!

“O LORD,

truly I am thy servant;

I am thy servant,

and the son of thine handmaid:

thou hast loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to thee

the sacrifice of thanksgiving,

and will call upon

the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD

now

in the presence of all his people,

19 In the courts of the LORD’S house,

in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

Praise ye the LORD.”  Psalm 116:16-19

And as you praise God, remember to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem”, for her redemption “draweth nigh”!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

they shall prosper that love thee.”  Psalm 122:6

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Witness??? Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

08 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Be not conformed to this world, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Word

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God’s Witness??? Really???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

I realize that we talked about “witnesses” last time, but I wanted to go, if you would, a step farther, and consider that our witness is before God—good, bad, or indifferent!  Yet God also is a witness!  I can’t help but think that most around us are totally indifferent, without any cognizance or regard for God, His Word, or His ways, much less the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith—may we shine JESUS in all we do!

No matter what the world may say, (even some churches now days), JESUS IS the only way to God—to heaven.  And I can’t help but think, “Why would you want to go to heaven and be with God when you have no time or regard for Him here and now?”  Just asking?  So, let’s just take a few minutes and consider what God has said in His Word, about THE WORD, Jesus—The Living Word who gave Himself for our salvation, the breath of life who imparted the ’words’ written in The Word of God, The Bible!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him

was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

John goes on a bit later in his gospel to share Jesus’ own words in regard to who HE is, may we consider them today, in all our ways!

“3 Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God…

…. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

…. 16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  Portions of John 3:3-19

When we are HIS, we have not only eternal life with God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit, but we have an abundant life with Jesus right here—right now, by the power of HIS Holy Spirit with His own!  Yet, it’s our choice as to where we will walk, and with Whom we will have fellowship–with the God Man, Son of God who gives this abundant life or the prince of this world, the father of lies, he who comes to “steal…kill…and destroy”?  Choose wisely, there is a test, and the ‘father of lies’ will never lead you ‘up’, he’ll on drag you down—and who is following YOU?

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

Jesus IS God and HE has promised to make us HIS own!  He has never failed me yet, and HE never will, because HE has already paid the price to redeem me from my sin—and my friends, I had a boatload of it, still fail Him so often, but HE is ever faithful to correct, teach and grow me into a child that pleases his Father!  Do you know HIM?

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Paul gives us the Gospel in a nutshell, and I’ll share it with you again, for it is truth and Jesus, The Truth, is the only way to have abundant life here, and eternal life with God when we leave this life—and we’re all leaving sooner or later!  Are you ready if Jesus came today for HIS own?   If He came for YOU?

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died

for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

God’s witness IS Jesus, and HE will also be the judge, but for we who belong to HIM, HE is our ever-present help walking by our side!  You can believe HIS testimony—and an even greater blessing, we can BE His witness as we go along each day, walking with HIM.  HE is ever ready to hear and answer our cry, our prayers, our heartfelt longings to know HIM more and more.  Won’t you come to this great Throne of Grace!  It’s open 24/7 just for YOU and me!  God keeps HIS Word!  He’s waiting for you to come! (He has caller ID but never call blocker!)

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

Come to HIM and then spread the WORD!

Amen and Amen!!!

Without A Preacher??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #149

30 Monday Oct 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Gospel, Heaven or Hell?, Jesus Is Coming Again., Power of The Cross, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, The foolishness of preaching

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Without A Preacher???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #149

There is a lot going on these days that purports to be spreading the Gospel, but I find a lot of it not only deficient, but near if not total heresy!  So let’s see what God’s Word has to say to us today, and heed it, live it and share it!  Let’s begin with Paul’s ‘Gospel in a nutshell’.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Take note that Paul not only shared the truth of Jesus being our only way of salvation succinctly, but he also made it very clear that the cause of the need for salvation is SIN; an issue that so many today don’t want to talk about.  They want to talk about prosperity, a good life, peace, joy, and love (and Jesus will bring you peace, joy, and love, but not without repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN!) yet more often than not leave out the subject of sin—and if I have no sin, I have no need of a Savior!  Jesus Himself said that He came to call ‘sinners’ to repentance (See Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32) for those who ‘think’ they are righteous have no need of a Savior.  I wish we had time to go through the first three chapters of Romans, where Paul leads us to see the three types of sinners, and just to simplify it for today, he starts by his bold declaration of his confidence of the Gospel, then on in chapter 1 to describe the openly, willful sinners; then in chapter 2 he confronts the “SELF-righteous” sinners; before going on to boldly proclaim the state of us all as the “NONE-righteous”!  But to keep it comfortable for people, we have compromised this message of and need for us to see our sin before we will ever come to the JESUS! We have conveniently neglected the message of “all have sinned” and call people to just ‘say this prayer’, ‘walk this aisle’, demand that God save you because you ‘called the name of Jesus’.

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:15-17

Paul was confident of his preaching, for preaching was God’s chosen method to get the word out—not programs, props, or entertainment (not that there is anything wrong with those things in and of themselves, but they cannot take the place of ‘Preaching’ the Gospel)!

“Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:20-21

And one of my favorite passages:

“For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call

on him in whom they have not believed?

and how shall they believe

in him of whom they have not heard?

and how shall they hear

without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach,

except they be sent?

as it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of them

that preach the gospel of peace,

and bring glad tidings

of good things!”  Romans 10:13-15

It’s God’s WORD, and not only was Paul unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus, but he was confident in its power, and the clear truth that it is ALL about JESUS—HIS sacrifice for sin—and the need for salvation.  But if we never see our sin, if we never preach about sin, who will see the value of Jesus’ sacrifice?  NO ONE!  The other thing that we seem to have forgotten is that the convicting power of The Holy Spirit is essential to the genuine conversion of lost souls—Jesus words make it clear.

“No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:44

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Jesus is THE WAY—THE only way, and without HIS sacrifice for my/your sin there is no hope.  Who wants to go to heaven anyway, when you have no desire for God in this world, no desire for HIS ways, no pleasure in HIS Word, no time for HIS work or to hear the preaching of truth?

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone

 which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived that they were

unlearned and ignorant men,

they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:10-13

Did you get what the opposition said about the disciples, “they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus”?  What do people notice about you and me?  Do they see that we have “been with Jesus” or do they see a reflection of the world instead of the ONE whom we claim as our LORD and Savior?  I believe that will be one of the greatest indictments of this generation when we stand before our God—and yes real believers will give an account of our actions (not for heaven or hell, but for rewards or lack thereof), our stewardship and our service to The King, and our integrity toward HIS WORD!  Those who have not believed and received Jesus’ salvation will also give an account but not for destiny, they will have already chosen hell—sad, but true!  What Gospel are you preaching with your life as well as your words.  Paul gives us some amazing tidbits of truth to measure our testimony by!

“For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

“But God forbid that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.”  Galatians 6:14

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:18

“For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God,

who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.”   2 Corinthians 4:5-6

So what Gospel are you/I preaching?  Living?  Sharing by our life, conversation, choices, activities?  Jesus is coming my dear friends, and HE knows all things and will reward every man accordingly—heaven or hell!  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  (See Revelation 20:11-15). Have you been born again?  Is your name written in The Lamb’s Book of Life?   Jesus is the only way, it’s why He came– that we might have life—but HE will never force Himself on anyone, including YOU!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.”   2 Corinthians 5:17

May the truth of Jesus prevail in our lives!  Preach it, brother, preach it!!!

Amen and Amen!!!