Category Archives: Jesus SinLESS Son of God

Only Jesus Can Save??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #218

09 Thursday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Be ye HOLY, Come to Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience, Faith, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., 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, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Sharing Our Faith!, Sharing What God Has Given

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Only Jesus Can Save??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #218

Only one life, twill soon be past

Only what’s done for Christ, will last!

This is the refrain from a hymn written by C.T. Studd, a British missionary who served with Hudson Taylor.  I’ll post the entirety at the end of this message, and I pray that it will encourage and challenge you today.  For that is the subject I want to share with you today—it’s all about Jesus; Jesus our Lord who gave His all for you and me, and yet so many who claim His name have no time to spend with Him, no time for serving Him in His church, no time to share the Gospel with others, for we’re often so unfamiliar with God’s Word that we’re not sure what “The Gospel” is, so that’s our subject today!  May this help you to stand!

“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

Only One name, only One way:

“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’s gospel is replete with the truths of the saving grace of Jesus alone, and we must be born of God not of ourselves.  We can never clean up our act, so to speak, enough to be able to stand before God; it doesn’t matter how much money, or power, or fame, or status you have before the world, only Jesus can bring you into a relationship with God, by the power and  conviction of sin that His precious Holy Spirit brings—and if you never see your sin, you’ll never see your need for Jesus.  You’ll still have the need, but you won’t see it.

“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

Have you experienced the new birth?  Have you come unto Jesus saving grace, bought, and paid for at Calvary?  Jesus told a religious man named Nicodemus that no matter how religious he was, that wasn’t how you get to God.  Yes, we are to be holy and righteous in our living when Jesus saves us, but our good works are the product of our salvation not the producer of it!  We do good works because Jesus forgives, saves, transforms us by the power of His blood.

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And Jesus own words:

“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…

…. 5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into

the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

….14 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.”  Portions of John 3:3-19

“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

Will you choose life or perish?  Paul’s great “gospel in a nutshell” passage, makes it clear what it is that we are to believe as we repent of our sin—it’s all about Jesus, and only Jesus!

“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

Have you heard the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart about your sin?  I heard that dreaded voice of conviction years ago, and while it wasn’t what I wanted to hear, it was truth and when I fell on my face in repentance of my hard heart of sin, Jesus touched me, and I got up a new person—not perfect but redeemed and He has never left me through all my trials, failures, and mistakes!  He is the God who saves, redeems, forgives, and cleanses us from sin.  Trust Him today if you don’t know Him; and if you do already know Him, won’t you decide to live for HIM today?

“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.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

It’s a heart issue; what’s in your heart, Jesus, or the enemy of your soul?

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,                                    thefts, false witness, blasphemies:”   Matthew 15:17-19

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

 Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,                                                           And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,                                                              And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

__ extra stanza __

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

Amen and Amen!!!

Seeing Clearly Or Darkly??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #182

05 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding In Jesus, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, Intercessors, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Life or Death?, Light In The Dark, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Listening To God, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?

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Seeing Clearly Or Darkly???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #182

One of my favorite parts of the book of Romans is chapter 8, and it is so full, but sometimes we work so hard to separate it into pieces that we forget it was written as a whole (in the whole book, as well as in the particular context of chapters), and Romans can be looked at in sections of chapters: 1-3; 4-5; 6-8; 9-11; and 12-15 and 16.  So as we consider this passage, I won’t take the time to post the entire chapter, although it would be of great benefit for you to read it all.  Let’s jump in and see what we can learn, but first of all a word from Paul’s message to the Corinthian beleivers about love, and seeing clearly, and knowing that God reveals things in His own time; also that we need to walk in love and maturity, not act like children.  There is a difference between “childlike” and “childish”, we need to examine our lives for we all have moments of “childishness” rather than being “childlike” in our faith and devotion to Jesus.

“When I was a child,

I spake as a child,

I understood as a child,

I thought as a child:

but when I became a man,

I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly;

but then face to face:

now I know in part;

but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth

faith,

hope,

charity,

these three;

but the greatest of these

is charity.”  1 Corinthians 13:11-13

There is a time coming when we will have that “face to face” understanding, yet I believe that Paul is reminding us that until that day comes, we are to walk in the “love of Jesus” as mature adults!  Children operate in a world of “me” and “mine”, and they often aren’t happy when anyone touches “their stuff”.  Many adults today, even many beleivers in Jesus, often behave the same way; but Paul calls us to walk in maturity, with love in sight at all times.  In fact he calls us to walk as mature adults, with “faith, hope, (and) love”!  And where do we get this love?  Another of Paul’s truths which he shared with the Roman believers answers that question.

“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.”  Romans 5:5-6

When we are saved, The Holy Spirit makes sure that the “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts”, may we share it generously!  So, let’s jump into Romans chapter eight and consider what else Paul has to say to us about love, maturity, and God’s work of salvation!  Thank YOU, Jesus!

“There is therefore now no condemnation  

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

This is one of my favorite verses of Romans, as it answers the question that ends chapter 7, and yet so many miss that this is the answer to “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (the sinful flesh in which we still live after our salvation until our physical death).  The answer is “The Holy Spirit”; as we walk in HIS power, deliverance rather than our flesh, we can walk in victory!  Oh, the beauty of God’s provision for us, “no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”! (See John 3:16-19).  The reason that we are not condemned is because of JESUS’ death, burial, and resurrection to pay for our sin—mine and yours, as Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians. In my paraphrase, “Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, went to Calvary in my place—He took my sin, and imparted to me HIS righteousness.  Exchanged my dirty rags for His spotless robe!”  If I may, I’ll write out this verse with my commentary:

“For he–God

hath made him—Jesus–

to be sin for us, –the sinless paying the sinners’ debt–

who knew no sin;–Jesus was the sinless Lamb of God–

that we might be made—transformed by Jesus’ payment–

the righteousness of God—God making the vile holy–

in him. -It’s all about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection-” 2 Corinthians 5:21

(He gave His all that we could be made holy.)

In Jesus, we find the place of forgiveness, righteousness, and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which brings us into the place of “no condemnation”.  Praise God for all that we have in Jesus, as well as what we have been released from!  So, let’s get back to chapter 8:

“2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law

might be fulfilled in us,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh

do mind the things of the flesh;

but they that are after the Spirit

the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded

is death;

but to be spiritually minded

is life and peace.”  Romans 8:1-6

Are we displaying the “things of the Spirit” and living as “spiritually minded”, or are we allowing the flesh to have sway over us?  Are we choosing “life” or “death”!  Choose wisely, there is a test; but Paul goes on to give us even more confidence in this work of salvation “in Jesus”!

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his…

…. 13 For if ye live after the flesh,

ye shall die:

but if ye through the Spirit do mortify

the deeds of the body,

ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received

the spirit of bondage again to fear;

but ye have received

the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed

in us.”  Portions of Romans 8:8-18

Oh, the glory of living for Jesus, by His Spirit, through His power and unto His glory!  A glory which we will see in Him when we see him in person, either when we leave this world, or when He calls us to Himself in the air!  But in this life, there are a couple of verses which we can often miss the import of, and I want to share them before we go into the last part of the joy, confidence, and assurance of the ending verses of this great and amazing chapter eight of Romans.  We have The Holy Spirit to not only help, lead, guide and direct our steps, but we also have one who intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray!  I’m so grateful for HIS presence, HIS guiding hand, and HIS ever-present help in guiding our prayers be what they need to be –even speaking for me when I don’t know how or what to pray for–before our Father God, and our other intercessor, Jesus!  Thank you, Jesus, for this unspeakable gift of Your Holy Spirit to teach, lead and guide us in this dark place.

“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.” Romans 8:26-27

Even John reiterated this principle.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him,

that, if we ask any thing

according to his will,

he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us,

whatsoever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

that we desired of him.”  1 John 5:14-15

How often do we forget that prayer is our open channel to our Father God, whose will we are to pursue, knowing that HE is working all things to make you and me more like Jesus, especially  in this world that is lost and dying, and in need of Jesus more than they can ever know unless we not only tell them, but live it out before them; being mirrors of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ The Lord!

So, my friends I want to share this last part of Romans 8, simply sharing it for your perusal, praying that we may hear God’s voice speaking to our hearts, leading us to be more like our KING JESUS!

“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?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge

of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession for us.”  Romans 8:28-34

Oh how this great and amazing intercessor, Jesus, gives us even more confidence in HIS provision for us—even as I know HE is here, right now for I was just called to pray about an immediate need!  Thank YOU, Jesus!  Our Redeemer saves, transforms, and keeps His own!  But it gets even better as we continue in these final verses of the chapter.  I pray that it will grip, bless, and transform your day—and every day knowing all the joy of His presence, His work, and His love for you and me!  We win!!!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                    Romans 8:35-39

Oh, Praise God for His amazing grace, love, and care for us.  May you find God’s peace, presence, and power for your day.  Remember, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”; as I’ve said, we Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Your Momma Ain’t Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #171

31 Sunday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Come to Jesus, Eternal Consequences, Eternal Plan of God, Every Knee Shall Bow, Holy Spirit, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Samuel & Eli, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, SIN, Sin IS the issue, There IS a Test!, Whose Sheep are You?, Whose Side Are You On?, You can't get yesterday back!, Your Day?, Your Momma Ain't Enough

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Your Momma Ain’t Enough???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #171

I have a rather brief, but important word for the New Year, as we bid 2023 farewell, adieu, good-bye; but for sure we can’t say “see you later”!  That which is passed will be the past at midnight tonight, so to speak; what have you done with this year?  What will you do with the next 366 (it’s leap year) days?  But even more important than that question is this one, “What have you done with, for and through Jesus in 2023?”  Do you even know HIM?  Have you come to Jesus in repentance of your sin, and trusting in/believing in HIS payment for your sin and mine on that cross at Calvary?

Has your faith been put in Jesus in humble turning from your sin to receive HIS righteousness?  It’s all that matters in the end.

“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

Jesus paid the price for sin, by taking on all sin, for HE had no sin, yet HE died for my sin and yours, that we might receive HIS righteousness and be able to stand before HOLY GOD ALMIGHTY!  But please hear me, it’s YOUR choice—you must decide, and your decision will set your eternal destiny—heaven with Jesus, or hell without HIM!  It’s your choice—your mother or father can’t save you; grandma/grandpa can’t save you, your preacher, your best friend, your spouse (no matter how much they love you) can never come to Jesus for YOU!  So, I beseech you to come to Jesus today, while there is still a today!  Come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin. Bow before HIM today while He’s still calling you to grace and not judgment!  You’ll face one or the other!  You make the choice, but the consequence has already been set. (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“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

If you hear HIS voice calling you, don’t turn HIM away, but heed the Holy Spirit’s work in your heart.  You’re the only one who can!

“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 1:12-13

 Please come to Jesus—make 2024 your New Life New Year.  I’m praying that you will hear Jesus today, whether He is calling you to salvation or restoration from a stumbling.  HE loves 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

Catch you next year, Lord willing!!!

 Amen and Amen!!!

Is This Your New Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #169

27 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Are you ready?, HOPE, Hunger for righteousness, Hungry for The Word, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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Is This Your New Day???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #169

A bit of a different post for today as we think of The Lord Jesus, whose birth we have just celebrated—not just the babe in the manger but the crucified Lord, “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world…”! It’s all about the work that Jesus came to do, and that was laid out by the angel who appeared to Joseph and encouraged him in the dilemma that was facing he and Mary:

“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.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep

did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,

and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not

till she had brought forth her firstborn son:

and he called his name JESUS.”   Matthew 1:21-25

May we never forget the truth of Jesus’ birth, but also may we ever remember that HE was born to die for my sin and yours!  OH, thank you Jesus for coming to live in human flesh, among sinners like me, knowing that we would put you to death!  Yet, it brings me joy and gratitude that you love us that much!  That when Satan thought he had won at your last breath on the cross YOU brought an earth-shattering victory over sin, death, and hell when you rose up out of that tomb!  Our living LORD!  Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!  It’s why I tell people that I celebrate Christmas all year round—for you are my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer every day since I fell on my face before YOU and asked YOU to save this sinful soul that I had tried so unsuccessfully to save my own way!  And praise God, YOU saved me!  There just aren’t enough words to express my gratitude and love to you!

I pray that you know this Jesus as your Lord and Savior, not just as the babe in a manger.  If you don’t, you can know Him by coming to HIM in repentance of your sin (making a 180 degree turn from your way to God’s way!) and putting your faith and trust (the same thing, and while a bit redundant, sometimes the clarification is necessary) in Jesus’ substitutionary (in your place), atoning (satisfying God’s demands for payment for sin) sacrifice (Jesus died so I didn’t have to die in hell for all eternity) for sin!  To see Jesus’ own words about being born again please read John 3:1-19, it’s plain and clear for all who will receive it.

Paul wrote a great word of encouragement to the Corinthian believers which I think might give us a good start to the New Year and each day.  Oh, the joy of what God has done for us at the cross, but also each day in the complete work of atonement and new birth, we are new creatures IN JESUS!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

 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

I want us to spend the rest of our time perusing another of Paul’s words of hope and encouragement.  I pray that you will join me in setting this as a challenge for the New Year; to live with Jesus more in mind each day.  And while this is a lengthy passage, it is one of import to our spiritual maturity.  Thanks for joining me!

“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.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power may be of God,

and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live

are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us,

but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith,

according as it is written,

I believed,

and therefore have I spoken;

we also believe,

and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus

shall raise up us also by Jesus,

and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes,

that the abundant grace

might through the thanksgiving of many

redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not;

but though our outward man perish,

yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction,

which is but for a moment,

worketh for us

a far more exceeding

and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen,

but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen

are temporal;

but the things which are not seen

are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:6-18

May Jesus Christ be praised in our life, our joy, our suffering, our wondering—finding our hope and answers in The Answer, JESUS!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:36

“And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Word–Part 1??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #166

15 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, By His Grace, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Creation, Creator, Creator of ALL, Cross, JESUS, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

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A Christmas Word–Part 1???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #166

I’d like to spend some time today thinking about the only true ‘reason for the season’, and that my friends is JESUS!  No, He wasn’t born on December 25th, but it is the date chosen to honor our Lord’s birth—the long-awaited coming of The Messiah to Redeem mankind; for all who will believe.  So let’s back up a bit and do a short review of why we need Jesus!

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Why do we need this gift, you might ask; well that’s a good question, and we’ll briefly consider the answer—it’s the reason we trust The Word of God—it gives us the ‘whole truth’.  And that begins in Eden with the first man and woman (And yes, God created them “male and female”, read the account!).  We won’t go into the whole story but just some portions of Genesis 1, 2 and 3; and yes, my friends, I believe the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; I believe that we were/are are created in “the image of God….”!  Let’s dig in.

“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.”  John 3:16

“Forasmuch as ye know that

ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”  1 Peter 1:18-21

Why was/is man perishing?  It’s because of sin—it’s the disease; we all have it, we can’t cure it, only Jesus can, how did we get in this shape?  Our first parents failed the test, but in God’s love and mercy HE already had a plan in place to redeem us; He knew we would fail, and He created us anyway—a concept that is beyond my comprehension (and yes, I believe in the Genesis account of creation in six literal days).

“In the beginning

God created

the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“And God said,

Let us make man in our image,

after our likeness:

and let them have dominion

over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air,

and over the cattle,

and over all the earth,

and over every creeping thing

that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man

in his own image,

in the image of God created he him;

male and female

created he them.”  Genesis 1:26-27

Genesis 2 goes on to fill in some more of the details for us and sets the stage for us to understand.

“And the LORD God formed man

of the dust of the ground,

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;

and man became a living soul.

8 And the LORD God planted a garden

eastward in Eden;

and there he put the man

whom he had formed…

…16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying,

Of every tree of the garden

thou mayest freely eat:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge

of good and evil,

thou shalt not eat of it:

for in the day that thou eatest thereof

thou shalt surely die.”   Portions of Genesis 2:7-17

The saddest part of this account to me, is that we failed to believe God, at the prompting of Satan, the great “father of lies” (see John 8:44); how sad that we’re still falling for the same old lies!  But we did eat, and we did die spiritually on the spot, and physically later, and still do! It’s why Jesus so boldly and powerfully reminds us:

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd

giveth his life for the sheep.”  John 10:10-11

Jesus came to give us back the life with God that Satan stole, tricked, and deceived our first parents out of.  How much have we been tricked out of by this ‘liar of liars’? There is a price to pay, and we pay it every day, except as we walk “in the Spirit” with our Lord (See Galatians 5:16 & 25)!  But back to Genesis, He’s our Lord not only because He came, but because God promised HIS coming from before the beginning!

“And I will put enmity

between thee and the woman,

and between thy seed and her seed;

it shall bruise thy head,

and thou shalt bruise his heel.”  Genesis 3:15

Jesus IS the great restorer!  Our great and good Redeemer!  Our soon-coming KING!  This is why I celebrate HIS birth!  How about you?

“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 1:21-23

Amen and Amen!!!