Category Archives: Jesus is able

Whose Friend Are You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #481

09 Wednesday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Friends, Friendship, JESUS, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!

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Whose Friend Are You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #481

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not

what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard of my Father

I have made known unto you…

… 17 These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.”   John 15:12-15 & 17-19

Jesus wants to be your friend, but it hinges on your hearing the voice of The Holy Spirit convicting us of sin, and calling us to the cross in repentance of our sin, and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary (in my place), atoning (making payment for my sin), sacrifice (the blood of Jesus that He shed for you and me on Calvary). Let’s see what the Apostle John had to say about us, Jesus and sin.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness, we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:6-9

What we often fail to understand is that we must hear the voice of The Holy Spirit convicting us of sin; true salvation only comes when we respond to the voice of God’s Spirit calling us to repent of our sin, only by this work of God can we truly come to Jesus for deliverance from sin and its penalty; it’s the call of God, and when you hear it, I pray that you will hear and heed His call.  He may or may not come again.  As God tells us in Genesis 6!

God’s declaration before the flood is very clear!

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man…”.  Genesis 6:3a

And more of Jesus’ words.

“The Jews then murmured at him,

because he said,

I am the bread which came down from heaven.

42 And they said, Is not this Jesus,

the son of Joseph,

whose father and mother we know?

how is it then that he saith,

I came down from heaven?

43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 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.

45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned of the Father,

cometh unto me.

46 Not that any man hath seen the Father,

save he which is of God,

he hath seen the Father.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that believeth on me

hath everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life.”  John 6:41-47

(See verse 6:66 and you’ll find that even those who heard Him in person, didn’t like the hard things He said, and many of them walked away!  Will you walk away or will you bow before King Jesus as your Lord and Savior?). It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test coming!

Even as Jesus faced opposition, when we belong to Him and decide to follow and obey Him, we will also face opposition; but He has promised to never leave us alone because He has called us “friend”!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 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 4:14-16

Someone questioned me years ago about my relationship with Jesus, they simply said,

       “You talk about Jesus like He’s your best friend?”

I replied,

“He is my best friend!”

And, my friends, He is still my best friend—the One that I can run to; the One who is always beside me; the One who hears and sees my tears, my sorrows and lifts my soul in the trials that confront me (just like yours!) l.  So as the title asks, and I want to add to it, whose friend are you; and who IS your friend?  Do you know the greatest friend of all?  The One who died on Calvary to provide salvation for any and all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice.  He is the greatest friend of all time, and He died to deliver you unto eternal life, from sin and hell.  Are you ready for a friend who loves you and will direct your steps and meet your every need—your needs that lead unto godliness, not what the world is pushing to lead men, women, boys and girls to hell.  And yes, hell is real.

And one last passage that reminds us that judgment is coming.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth

and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged every man

 according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-15

Jesus IS the only way to have your name written in “the book of life”!  Don’t wait until it’s one day too late.

I’ll leave you with what Jesus left as the way to salvation.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

The Word Of Words??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #473

07 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, JESUS, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor

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The Word Of Words???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #473

 

Just a few thoughts on this Friday to hopefully help us to remember that our God IS God, and as Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” (See John 10:27-33).   Let’s consider some scripture that is often overlooked, or at least seldom considered as truth; John the Apostle anchors us in the truth that Jesus was, is and ever shall be God-King of Kings, Lord, Redeemer, Savior and creator!

“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

Jesus is the Word of God in so many ways, He is the living Word—the One who purchased our salvation; He is the breath of the written Word and our soon coming King; He is also the Word of creation, as we find in Genesis 1. Note how God created, I’ll just list a few of these, but to see them all, read Genesis 1. I find it another  amazing link that holds all scripture together—with Jesus as the binding link!

“…1:3 And God said, Let there be…

6 And God said, Let there be…

9 And God said, Let…

11 And God said, Let the…

14 And God said, Let there be…”.  Portions of Genesis 1:1-14

John helps us see Jesus’ place at creation, that “word” from God’s heart, and not the only confirmation that Jesus was present at creation.  While Genesis clearly mentions God the Father and the Holy Spirit, we find Jesus’ presence clearly confirmed as part of creation and credited with His work at and in creation.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image

of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be

thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”                     Colossians 1:12-17

And more confirmation from the author of Hebrews.

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

spake in time past

unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us

by his Son,

whom he hath appointed heir

of all things,

by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things

by the word of his power,

when he had by himself purged our sins,

sat down

on the right hand

 of the Majesty on high;”  Hebrews 1:1-3

We can be confident that our God is God and that He not only sent Jesus the son to take on human flesh to die for our sins, but He is also revealed as the creator as well as the redeemer!  I hope this will give you some food for thought, bless your day, and increase your faith and confidence in the truth and continuity of all scripture.

Amen and Amen!!!

Sin Kills! Not Necessarily?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #451

17 Sunday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, JESUS, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The Word

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Sin Kills! Not Necessarily?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #451

What will you do with your sin?  I want us to ponder what that means; for God’s Word is clear—it’s a choice we all will make, either to receive God’s gift of salvation at the cross in the blood of Jesus who is the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin to all who will repenting of our own sin, and trust to His payment at Calvary—delivered at the resurrection—or not?

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

This is the message that God gave to the two-and-a-half tribes on the other side of Jordan, by Moses, as they had promised to go with the other tribes until they had possession of their own lands. They were warned that if they didn’t keep their word, it was sin and “sin will find you out”!  God’s Word hasn’t changed, no matter what the world says.  As an old adage says, “Sin will take you farther, than you thought you’d go, it will keep you longer that you wanted to stay, and it will cost you more—way more—than you thought you’d pay!”  What are you doing with your sin?

“But now

the righteousness of God

without the law

is manifested,

being witnessed

by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 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 3:21-26

Sin IS the issue!  JESUS death, burial and resurrection is the payment for sin to all who “believeth in Jesus”!  Yes, sin is the issue, but Jesus has paid for your sin and mine, if we will but admit our sin problem, and come to God through Jesus’ blood and righteousness!  For when we come to Jesus, HE makes a change—He provides the “new birth” and gives us His Holy Spirit to dwell within, imparting to us HIS righteousness.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

When we are willing to repent of our sin, and come to Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice for our sin, we receive His righteousness in return—all worked by the power of The Holy Spirit.

“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

 And let me just say the choice is yours but choose wisely, and don’t put it off today when you don’t’ know how many tomorrows you’ll have; how many times the Holy Spirit will call you to that cross.  The peace of God is available if you will come; but let me add, just saying so doesn’t make it so!  When we are truly born again by God’s Spirit, grace and our faith in Jesus’ payment for “my” sin, there will be a change, even as Paul stated above; we become new creatures; born again isn’t just words!  Paul describes it clearly in writing to the believers at Rome; a lengthy passage but one we need to see; look for all we have in Jesus Christ when we are transformed by His blood and His grace!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And in closing, just so you’ll understand that the wrath of God is real—and the time is drawing near.  Are you ready for Jesus’ return for His own, it’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test!

“And the devil that deceived them

was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,

where the beast and the false prophet are

and shall be tormented day and night

for ever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:10-15

The only way to be written in the book of life, is to have new life that only Jesus can give, when you are born again!  How about you?  What are you doing with your sin?  Paying for it yourself; or trusting it to Jesus?

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

Only Sinners Need Saving??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #442

05 Thursday Feb 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Building on The Rock or The Sand?, Building up or Tearing down?, Following Jesus, Forgiveness, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus is able, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Kneeling Prevents Stumbling!

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Only Sinners Need Saving? A Word from THE WORD!!! #442

I have a few things to share this morning, but they are things I believe to be imperative; and while this may be a strange title, I think it apropos in the day in which live where every person is doing “that which seems right in his/her own eyes”! (See Judges 21:25). Only when we see our need as sinners will we see our need for Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for “sin” to save us!  So I want to share what scripture tells us, and I pray that this will help someone today to see the need for the blessed Savior who changed my life, and He will change yours today if you will but bow before Him. (See Philippians 2:5-11)

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”              Colossians 1:12-14

Jesus saves, delivers and forgives all who come to Him in repentance and faith in His sacrifice for our sin; it’s what He came to do!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Jesus can save us because He came, the Son of God, to be the Lamb spotless before God because He had no sin!

Therefore He could pay for my sin and yours, and He did!

“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.”  Hebrews 4:15

Jesus paid for sin, but without coming to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, there is no salvation.  It is the Gospel which the apostles preached; the one which we are called to share today also, and Jesus made it clear that repentance (turning from our sin to the Savior!) was necessary.

“3 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5

And the word preached after Pentecost.

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,

said unto them,

Ye rulers of the people,

and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined

of the good deed done to the impotent man,

by what means he is made whole;

10 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 4:8-13

All I can say is Amen and Amen!  But I would like to share a few more insights with you before I finish!  Jesus made it very clear that just “saying so doesn’t make it so”!  As He told Nicodemus in John chapter 3, we must see our need for salvation and repent and receive Jesus’ salvation to be born again!  If you haven’t heard the voice of the blessed Holy Spirit speaking conviction of sin to your heart, you might want to check out what you think saved you.  I’ll simply close with a few passages, the first about Jesus, the other the powerful words of Jesus to “the many” who claim His name but don’t do HIS will!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“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 1:11-13

And a passage from Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

 I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus gave an example of this powerful insight in a passage that many write off to a children’s song; but it is one of the most powerful truths of scripture.  Only one way—Jesus!  Only on foundation—Jesus!  Because the foundation matters?  Where/what is your foundation?  You won’t be judged on how you look, but who you have trusted with your soul!

“Therefore whosoever

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:24-27

Remember, circumstances come upon us all—the good, the bad, the smooth and the difficult, the happy and the sad; it’s not the circumstances that make a difference, but the foundation.  What’s your house built upon—Jesus never fails and I can boldly say Amen to that, for He has never failed me!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Foolishness Or Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #437

21 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Good News, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, One Day Too Late?, One Foundation, Only One Way

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Foolishness Or Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #437

It seems that we live in a culture (the whole world) that clings to anything they want to call truth, yet Biblical truth seems to be excluded from acceptable conversation—in both interpersonal and public situations.  Well, I want us to consider what scripture says about the Gospel—scripture reminds us that the world will call preaching Jesus foolish!  What do you call it?  Do you know what the gospel is?  I would like to spend some time today sharing the Gospel from a scriptural perspective.  I hope you will find it helpful; and also that you will receive it to your heart, if you haven’t already been born again.

“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 shared this truth with His disciples as He was about to leave this world, and He assured them that He would return; and while they didn’t understand it as He spoke to them then, for the most part, they later gave their very lives in defense of this truth.  Jesus also shared truth with a religious leader named Nicodemus.

“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

Jesus makes it clear—it’s your choice!  You can believe and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that He made on the cross of Calvary, for He died in my place and yours—but only for those who see our sin and turn to Him with a repentant heart and receive His amazing gift of eternal life and forgiveness of our sin. (See Colossians 1;14) For sin, my friend, is the issue.  Will you receive Jesus’ gift of life and forgiveness, or will you pay for your own sin and be condemned to hell?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test, and Jesus is coming again soon!  Paul made this most clear in his letter to the believers at Rome.

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“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

The truth of the Gospel IS JESUS—His death burial and resurrection to pay for the sin of all who will come to Him.  The check has been written; the choice of belief and receipt is in your hands!  But you must choose!  You are choosing each and every day that you wait to decide, every day that you put it off until a tomorrow that may or may not come.  Will you be saved today?  Peter told a massive gathering in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, that they had to choose to be saved or stay lost! (the “man” who was standing before the crowd was a man healed in Jesus’ name.)

“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.”  Acts 4:10-12

How amazing that Peter proclaimed the Gospel that Jesus is the only way of salvation—the only way to be saved; and Paul also gives us the Gospel in a nutshell (you might say!)

“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:

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred

brethren at once;

of whom the greater part remain

unto this present,

but some are fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-6

So, if we sum it up, what is the Gospel?  Simply put, that Jesus (the one born of a virgin that He might “…save His people from their sins…”) lived a sinless life, died a death which He didn’t deserve for your sin and mine, that He was buried and laid in the borrowed tomb for 3 days, then He rose on the third day victorious over sin, death and hell for all who will believe and receive Him.  All of this done “according to the scriptures” which God made known thousands of years before it was fulfilled!  For God always keeps HIS WORD, in His time!

So, how are we to get the message out?  Not entertainment, or catchy phrases, or any way of man!  Paul made it clear—and I still believe God’s way is God’s way!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ should be

made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding

of the prudent.

20 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 1:17-21

God chose preaching!  So what is that?  Telling the truth of the Gospel just as Paul shared above—that Jesus died “for our sins…according to the scripture…”; that He “was buried”; and that HE “rose again the third day… according to the scripture”!  Jesus IS the Gospel!  What’s your gospel?  May we go forth sharing the truth of what Jesus did to save sinners—the Gospel shared by “preaching”—that which the world (and oft-times even the church) disdains as ineffective!  But God chose this way!  May we be found to be faithful witnesses of the truth of The Gospel—and preaching means ‘telling forth’.

In closing, a portion of one of my favorite passages about what Jesus did!  I pray that you will be moved to trust God and His salvation which Jesus accomplished for you and me on the cross!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God…

…5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now

received the atonement.”                         Portions of Romans 5:1-11

(I encourage you to read this entire chapter—in fact the book of Romans would be a great way to start your year!)

May we be faithful to share God’s truth, God’s way!!!

Amen and Amen!!!