Tag Archives: Colossians 1:12-14

Nothing Or Something??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #145

18 Wednesday Oct 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Are you clean?, Are You Ready, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Grace, Greater is HE that is IN US!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Something out of nothing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Nothing Or Something???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #145

 

I have a relatively brief word for us today—and I say ‘us’, for I need this reminder and encouragement today, and thought you might as well.

Jesus’ message to His disciples just before His death, calls us to devotion with a most solemn statement of truth that we need to be reminded of—or maybe it’s just me?  Either way, let’s dig in.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

 As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

Without Jesus, I would be nothing, but HE took this cracked pot—broken in pieces—and made it all anew by HIS blood, HIS love, HIS forgiveness, and HIS grace.  He gave me (and you, if you’ve been truly born again!) HIS indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me into HIS truth, by knowing HIS WORD, to convict, to encourage, to lead and intercede when we have no words!  OH what a Savior Friend is Jesus, and because of what HE has done in/for me, I can truly be one of God’s creations of ‘something out of nothing’, as Paul made clear.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:” Romans 3:10

Because I was a lost and wandering sinner (even within and active in a church—a good church) Jesus came to me and broke my heart for my own sin and saved me.  I fell on my face before HIM, broken and wretched—I got up redeemed, forgiven and cleansed.  OH, what a Savior– to do for me what no one else could do, not even myself.  And because of what HE has done, I/we can now say “I CAN”!  All because Jesus said…”I AM”…”I can”….”I will”!  And HE did it all for you and me on Calvary!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Press on my friend, if you know Jesus walk on in power, grace, love, and wisdom; if you don’t know HIM, you can by hearing the voice of God’s Holy Spirit calling to your heart to see your sin as sin, to turn to Jesus in repentance of that very sin—yes all of it—and believing/trusting in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine!  OH, what a Savior!  Oh, what a friend!!!  I am praying for you even now!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Because YOU Are Loved??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #137

29 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Heaven or Hell, Hell, Hell's Hot, Hell's Real, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Because YOU Are Loved??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #137

We often run into people who just can’t believe that anyone cares about them, yet there is a God who not only loves them but has called we whom HE has saved to share HIS love, grace, and care with those around us.  And that’s what I want to share with you today—YOU are loved by the Sovereign God Almighty of all creation and HIS Son, Jesus, and by the power of HIS Holy Spirit Who speaks to hearts today—hearts that will receive that gift of salvation that HE has provided, in JESUS!

“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

This Jesus who loves us so much that HE gave HIS life for you and me—that we might have eternal life and not eternal death in hell.  But we must see that JESUS is the ONE way to God, the ONE way to forgiveness of SIN (See Matthew 1:21).

“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

And probably the most well-known verse in all of scripture tells us that Jesus loves YOU so much that HE gave HIS life for YOU and me!  In HIM you can find forgiveness for sin, a new life by HIS power and grace, and the opportunity to know HIM in this life, right now, and an eternity with Him after this life is over.  What more could you want?

“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

It’s your choice, and as Jesus goes on to share in John 3, your choice has a consequence.  Will you trust Jesus or reject HIM and pay for your own sin in hell?  Choose wisely, there is a test!

“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 3:17-19

I invite you to come to Jesus and find the greatest reason to praise and thank God for this precious gift of LOVE!  Paul paints an amazing picture of this grace and the attitude of gratitude that it should produce in every believer!  How about YOU?  Life or death?  Heaven or Hell?  But just a note for you skeptics:  why would you want to go to heaven anyway?  You have no need of God now, you don’t care to spend time in HIS presence now, why would you want to spend eternity with a God for whom you have no use?  Only you can answer.  But remember, while it’s your choice, the consequence is out of your hands once you reject Jesus.  Thankful or full of regrets, it’s your choice.

I choose gratitude with the Apostle Paul; I’m so grateful for forgiveness and new life IN JESUS!  Forgiveness or debt?  Light or dark?  Life or death?  It’s your choice!

“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

His nail-scared hands are still reaching out for YOU!  No one can love you more than Jesus.

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithful GOD??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #131

14 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, False Lives, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Faithful GOD???        A Word from THE WORD!!! #131

Sometimes we allow ourselves to be ‘dis-couraged’ instead of looking up to our Lord—our God—our Savior—our JESUS—for a word of ‘en-couragement’; so I’d like to take a few minutes today to share some encouragement from God’s Word, and may I add that to truly know the faithfulness of God we have to know HIM in the ”new birth” and know HIS WORD!  For if we don’t know what God has said, how can we be confident in it?  We can’t!  It’s part of the reason (aside from the fact that God called me to it!) that I’ve spent the last 34+ years teaching people how to study God’s Word for themselves.   So let’s dig in to that very Word and see what we can find out about our GOD Almighty—Father, Son-Jesus, and The Holy Spirit.

“And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Our God is faithful not because we want Him to be, but because HE IS a faithful GOD!  The Psalms are replete with words of truth about our God, I encourage you to read them (if you read 5 Psalms a day, and 1 chapter of Proverbs a day you will go through both books in a month!  And repeatedly is a plus!).

“Thy mercy, O LORD,

is in the heavens;

and thy faithfulness

reacheth unto the clouds.

6 Thy righteousness

is like the great mountains;

thy judgments

are a great deep:

O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!

therefore the children of men

put their trust

under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 36:5-7

My question is, do you know this Faithful God, and HIS Son, Jesus?  I can’t express the faithfulness that I have experienced in my walk with HIM, and He is there for you if you will but recognize your need.  See your sin as sin, repent and turn to the cross in faith/belief in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine!  Oh, praise God HE forgives, saves, and cleanses us from our sin!  (See Matthew 1:21—it’s why HE came!)

“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

And the Apostle John put it amply well, for both the believer who needs forgiveness and restoration, or the lost who needs a Savior!  And remember JESUS IS “the truth” and “The Word” (See John 14:6 and John 1:1-5)!

“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 1:8-10

This faithful God made provision IN Jesus for our sin to be exchanged for HIS righteousness; Paul put it in a nutshell, so to speak, for us!

“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 Himself, paints a picture of this transformation by the “indwelling” presence of the Savior within HIS own!  Is HE in you?  Are you in HIM?

“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

Paul spoke another word of encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica—will you receive it?  Have you received Jesus?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test; and Jesus won’t ask what ‘words’ you said, or what aisle you walked, or where you were baptized; HE will ask if you have been “born again”, “let HIM IN”, “followed HIM”, or did you do it your way?  HE knows!

“But the Lord is faithful,

who shall stablish you,

and keep you from evil.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3

In closing I want to share the words of our Lord—our faithful Lord—who calls us to be faithful too!

“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

Take up your cross, for the cross is an instrument of death.  Paul defines it spiritually.  I pray that you will repent, die to self, and live to, for, with and by the power of Jesus Christ The Lord—the faithful GOD…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who “loves” us!!!

“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

Only Jesus!

“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

Praying that you are trusting to this faithful REDEEMER!G

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Will You SEE??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #74

08 Wednesday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Come to Jesus, Come To Worship HIM, Judgment, Just Jesus!, The Word, Who will you SEE?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who Will You SEE???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #74

A simple but profound question for today; there is a day coming for each of us, and our choice in this life will set our eternal consequence; what will you choose?  We will either see Jesus our Savior, Lord and King and spend eternity with HIM, or we will face HIM as our judge at the Great White Throne of judgment and find that our choice about Jesus was the wrong one, and face eternity in the Lake of Fire.  Not a subject that most want to discuss today, but a subject that I feel led to state simply with the truth of God’s Word not mine!

“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 Himself shared this with Nicodemus who came to Him to know truth, which Jesus provided.

“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 3:16-21

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus earlier:

“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.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

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.”  John 3:3-7

“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

The test question is simply, “What have you done with Jesus?”  Have you been “born again” or not.  The question isn’t “will you bow” before King Jesus; but rather when will you bow?  For God says that “every knee shall bow” and “every tongue… …confess that JESUS IS LORD”!  Will you bow before The Lord Jesus in this life and receive HIS forgiveness for your sin, or will you bow before HIM as your judge with no opportunity for salvation by grace through faith?

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:8-11

Jesus will be the judge and HIS WORD will be the standard.  No matter how much the world says that there are new rules–God hasn’t changed, nor will HIS Word.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day, and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

The choice is yours!  Will you bow before Jesus, seeking His forgiveness of your sin (which HE paid for at Calvary with His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our salvation) and receive His new birth, or reject HIS love, grace, and provision for you to spend eternity with HIM?

“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 1:14

The choice is yours, what will you do?

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead,

and quickeneth them;

even so the Son quickeneth

whom he will.

22 For the Father judgeth no man,

but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

23 That all men should honour the Son,

even as they honour the Father.

He that honoureth not the Son

honoureth not the Father

which hath sent him.

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that heareth my word,

and believeth on him that sent me,

hath everlasting life,

and shall not come into condemnation;

but is passed from death

unto life.”  John 5:21-24

It’s your choice, but there is a test coming!  Please receive this KING who loves you and died for your salvation.  He paid the price so you don’t have to, but you must come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting to HIS perfect sacrifice!  I pray that you will heed His call while there is still time.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Please join me at Jesus’ table for eternity!!!

The Real Reason For Christmas??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 22

28 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, The Real Reason For Christmas!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 22 The Real Reason For Christmas???

I heard a most encouraging message on part of Romans chapter 1 from our faithful pastor this morning.  It set me to thinking of how we often miss the connection of all of scripture, so I thought I’d share a bit of a spin on what most of us think about when we consider the reason for Christmas; it may be a connection that you have never considered, and I pray that it will give you some food for thought.  Most of all I hope it helps us all see Jesus, the “light of the world”, in all of our personal celebrations; and that if you’ve never called on HIM to save you, today will be that day!!!

First of all, let’s consider the message that the angel brought to Joseph as he considered what to do about the pregnant Mary, with whom ‘he’ had not had relations.

“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

“God with us”–Jesus IS God with us!  So Why do we need “God with us”?  Because we (humanity in Adam and Eve, and YES, I believe in the Genesis account of creation; for to put it bluntly, if there was no Adam or Eve, there was no garden, there was no sin, and we wouldn’t need a redeemer–to “save us from our sin”!) sinned, yet God had already provided for our sin before we fell for ‘The Lie’ (See Genesis 3).  That is just beyond my comprehension, for I don’t like ‘messes’ and it is beyond amazing to me, that God knew we would make a ‘mess’, yet HE created us anyway; knowing it would cost Jesus His life’s blood.  Romans makes it all clear!

“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 5:6-11

Peter also reminds us that God had this plan in mind before we needed it.

“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.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls

in obeying the truth through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love of the brethren,

see that ye love one another

with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth

and abideth for ever.”  1 Peter 1:18-23

Just FYI, this ‘living word of God’ IS Jesus–the living Word (See John 1:1-5), as well as the breath of the written Word!  How does this all tie into Romans?  To put it simply, “all scripture is inspired by God” (See 2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:16-17) so, let’s look at a few passages from the first three chapters of Romans.

“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.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.”                    Romans 1:16-21

Paul tells us that “the gospel of Christ” IS the “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth”, and that is truly good–good news! The good news is “the righteousness of God revealed” to us–the same good news that Jesus gave to Nicodemus in John 3–that we must be born again, and when we are, Jesus will give us eternal life–real abundant life now–and life with God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –in heaven! Paul describes the first group we need to consider, the UNrighteous, who are “without excuse”.  If you would, those who are blatantly, deliberately rejecting God, His ways, and His Word–refusing to worship HIM as GOD!

Now, let’s move on to Romans chapter 2, which describes another group of people.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man,

whosoever thou art that judgest:

for wherein thou judgest another,

thou condemnest thyself;

for thou that judgest

doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God

is according to truth

against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man,

that judgest them which do such things,

and doest the same,

that thou shalt escape

the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches

of his goodness

and forbearance

and longsuffering;

not knowing that the goodness of God

leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness

and impenitent heart

treasurest up unto thyself wrath

against the day of wrath

and revelation of the righteous

judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man

according to his deeds…

…11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned

without law

shall also perish without law:

and as many as have sinned

in the law

shall be judged by the law;”  Romans 2:1-6 & 11

“And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

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

Regardless of what we may think of ourselves, Paul says that we cannot make our own selves righteous; if we measure ourselves by our own judgement, it will not make wrong right or right wrong!  God will “render to every man according to his deeds”, and it doesn’t matter what I “say”, for what I ‘do’ will reflect what I truly believe.  Jesus made that clear in Matthew chapter 7, that just “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Are you one who is counting on your own SELFrighteousness?  Or have you been to the cross for the cleansing blood of Jesus’ to save you?

“…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 5:20b-21

Just as we saw in Romans 5 above, only Jesus can save us and cleanse us from our sin and pay our sin debt, I hope that our last passage will bring it all together for you.  For it doesn’t matter if you are one of the “Unrighteous”, or the “SELFrighteous”, for we are all what God calls us in Romans chapter 3– “NONErighteous”!

“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

This is the message of the first part of Romans chapter 3. (I encourage you to spend some time this week reading and thinking about Romans 1-3, and 5 if you can make the time!)

“What advantage then hath the Jew?

or what profit is there of circumcision?

2 Much every way:

chiefly, because that unto them

were committed the oracles of God.

3 For what if some did not believe?

shall their unbelief make the faith of God

without effect?

4 God forbid:

yea, let God be true,

but every man a liar;

as it is written,

That thou mightest be justified

in thy sayings,

and mightest overcome

when thou art judged.

5 But if our unrighteousness

commend the righteousness of God,

what shall we say?

Is God unrighteous

who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

6 God forbid:

for then how shall God judge the world?

7 For if the truth of God

hath more abounded through my lie

unto his glory;

why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

8 And not rather,

(as we be slanderously reported,

and as some affirm that we say,)

Let us do evil,

that good may come?

whose damnation is just.

9 What then?

are we better than they?

No, in no wise:

for we have before proved

both Jews and Gentiles,

that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.”  Romans 3:1-12

My question for us today is, “Which group are you in?”  The UNrighteous, the SELFrighteous, or the NONErighteous?   For until we see ourselves as one of the “NONErighteous”, or a sinner, we have no need for a Savior/Redeemer who saves and forgives sin!

“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

Finally, God paints another amazing picture for us in chapter 5, so let’s take time to ponder these things and be truly ready to celebrate CHRISTmas!

“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

This is the reason that Jesus came and took on flesh, the reason that HE became Emmanuel–God with us!  He came to forgive us for our sin, to save us and give us eternal life; so we don’t have to be held accountable to pay for our own sin in Hell.  What will you do with the greatest gift of all this Christmas season?  Will you ignore Him, deliberately reject Him, put Him off, or bow before Him seeking His forgiveness and the new life HE can and will impart to all who come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice?  And for we who already know HIM, may we commit ourselves afresh and anew to be more loving, obedient, and devoted children to our soon-coming KING, and as Paul so aptly declared, being a ‘bond-servant’ to Jesus Christ our KING!  From a Manger to a Throne!  Have you crowned HIM KING of your life?  May it ever be so!!!

Amen and Amen!!!