Tag Archives: Luke 13:3-5

No Sin, No Need??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #461

20 Saturday Jun 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, All About Jesus!, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Try yourselves

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No Sin, No Need??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #461

Today I want to rehearse something rather simple yet so simple that we often just overlook and miss its truth.  Unless we see our own sin, we will never see the need for a Savior—Jesus!  While scripture teaches us (though often neglected) that repentance is essential to salvation, we must recognize our own sin; unless we do, we have no need for a Redeemer, a Savior who died to save us “from” sin.

“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

God sent Jesus, “His only begotten Son” that we might be saved and have eternal life; but it requires faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN!  Sin is the issue, and unless we see our sin, we will see no need to repent or believe in what Jesus did to save all who will come.  While we don’t hear a lot these days about repentance, it is essential to our salvation.  Jesus said so!

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen,

upon whom the tower in Siloam fell,

and slew them,

think ye that they were sinners

above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

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

Repentance means that “I” see “my” sin and know that only Jesus can forgive and erase it, by His blood which He sacrificed at Calvary.

“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 is the only deliverer from sin, what have you done with your sin?  Is it under the blood or are you like I was for a good many years, and you don’t see that you have any sin.  If we have no sin, we don’t need Jesus’ salvation; and Jesus came to be our salvation; scripture is replete with calls to see our sin, repent and come to Jesus if you haven’t, then we can rejoice together in what HE has done for us!!!!

“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.”  Romans 5:1-2

“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:”   Romans 3:23-24

Are you redeemed by Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin?  I pray that you are, but let’s consider more of Paul’s inspiration.

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test; and while ALL are sinners, Jesus died for all who come to Him!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me…

…. 8 Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Portions of Hebrews 13:5-8

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!!!

The Slide (The Children’s Sin)?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #403

09 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Inside out or Outside In?, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus is able, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Tried by FIRE!, Troubles, True Gospel, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Try yourselves, Weeping Tears., Well Done Thou good and faithful servant!

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The Slide (The Children’s Sin)?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #403

“There was a man of the Pharisees,

named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night,

and said unto him,

Rabbi, we know that thou art

a teacher come from God:

for no man can do these miracles

that thou doest,

except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see

the kingdom of God.”  John 3:1-3

I love this third chapter of the Gospel of John; it is so plain yet profound; we have a teacher/Pharisee coming to Jesus to find out who He was!  While he came by night (possibly due to fear of the other Jewish leaders) he clearly wanted to understand more about Jesus; and while Nicodemus seemed to start off with flattery, Jesus cut right to the chase, as he told this religious leader that “except a man be born again” he couldn’t even “see the kingdom of God”!  Now this seems kind of redundant to us, who have heard this phrase for years, Nicodemus was taken aback and asked the most basic of questions.

“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.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth,

and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh,

and whither it goeth:

so is every one

that is born of the Spirit.”  John 3:4-8

When we go back to John chapter 1, we can understand what Jesus is saying about the Spirit—it’s essential.

“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

The Apostle John is telling us that this “Word” who came from God came to save us—to give us this new birth!  And what does John do but tell us what the new birth is!  It is being “born… of God”; even as Jesus clarifies in John chapter 3 three times in verses 5-8.  We are born of the flesh of our parents, while to be born again is to be born “of God”—being “born of the Spirit”!  My thoughts for today call us to examine our choices; especially as parents and as children of God.  When we are born “of the Spirit” we are born into the family of God, and we are, as Paul describes “new creatures” in Jesus; and as “new creatures” we are called to walk in God’s ways not the world’s!  But the thing I want us to especially consider, is, when we fail to teach and lead our children in the ways of God, and they choose the sin of the world, what will we do!  Are we going to placate them and accept their sin, condoning their sin, or are we going to hold the truth in high regard, no matter who may disagree—even our family and others whom we love?

“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 “born again” we become new creatures (creations) “in Christ”, we are to see things from God’s perspective, His Word’s truth and “withstand in the evil day”; yet so often we seem to be doing ok, until the slide comes!  What do I mean? Well, I mean much like the slide we used to help our children play on when they were small, we are now purporting the same mentality for our grown children who choose ways, life choices and behaviors that have gone down the slide of immorality, ungodliness, and deviance!  Yet, we won’t take a stand and call them to repentance, we just seem to “go along, to get along”!  We are called to be holy before our God, and the world—and that includes our children who get caught up in the worldliness of sin!  I have seen this time and time again, parents don’t want to “lose” the relationship, yet they are willing to take the chance that their approval will bring about change—or some just don’t care anymore!  They just want to be in “good graces” regardless of what they have to accept to do that!  My question is, if we are willing to accept any sin, to maintain the “connection” what kind of good are we doing?  Are we sending our loved ones to hell with our “approval”, or are we willing to call them to repentance and life-changing salvation that is only in Jesus?  The world may sell them a bill-of-goods but are we doing the same thing when we fail to call them to repent unto salvation—life-transforming, saving faith in Jesus!  As Paul tells us above, Jesus exchanges our sin (by His blood) for His righteousness; what an amazing exchange!  Let’s go back to John and see what else Jesus told Nicodemus about salvation—the most important subject we can ever discuss.

“Nicodemus answered and said unto him,

How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him,

Art thou a master of Israel,

and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

We speak that we do know,

and testify that we have seen;

and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things,

and ye believe not,

how shall ye believe,

if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven,

but he that came down from heaven,

even the Son of man which is in heaven.

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.”  John 3:10-16

Jesus goes on to tell Nicodemus that he ought to understand the spiritual things that Jesus was sharing with Him; then He went on to reveal to Nicodemus that He came to be the deliverer of salvation to all who would believe in Him (and know that His lifting up was referring to Calvary’s payment for sin—His blood shed when he would be lifted up on the cross!).

And while that is all part of God’s amazing grace, there is more that I want us to see in the following verses in John 6.

“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 3:17-21

Are your loved ones walking in sin and refusing to repent—Jesus makes it clear that there is a delineation between right and wrong, between sin and righteousness, between a broken and contrite heart and a heart full of pride and confidence in sin rather than God!  A perfect picture of that is found at the cross!  Two thieves worthy of the death sentence they had earned, and Jesus the pure and sinless Lamb of God all nailed to their respective crosses.  One thief continued to rail on Jesus to take them down supernaturally, the other came to realize that Jesus was the not guilty one, and he called on Jesus in repentance and faith in who this One on this middle cross was and asked to be with Him in His kingdom.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged

railed on him, saying,

If thou be Christ,

save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord, remember me

when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

To day shalt thou be with me

in paradise.”  Luke 23:39-43

One man who only wanted deliverance from his just penalty, the other one who repented of his rejection of Jesus and asked to be with Jesus in salvation!  And Jesus assured him that salvation was his!  So, friends, my question is especially for we parents; are we willing to hold our children to the truth of God’s Word, or will we cave to keep them close to us?  Always we need to cover it all in prayer and speaking the truth in love—God’s truth in God’s love.  The Gospel is the only hope that our children have, or any one, either in or out of our circle of loved ones?

Are we willing to place God’s standard at the head of our lives?  Or are we too fearful of standing fast and the cost of taking a stand with the ones we love?  Are we willing to give them the Gospel from a heart of love and assurance.

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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 1:9-14

If we belong to Jesus, the prayer and desire of our heart ought to be the salvation of all those whom we know and love; and that includes calling them to repent of sin and come to Jesus in abandon of sin and faith in His saving grace.  Paul gives us an amazing picture which I call “the gospel in a nutshell”!  I pray that we will share it boldly and with a heart of compassion.

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

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

And one last declaration of Jesus.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

01 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Who Sees, God's Call, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus, What are you listening to?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Whose Sheep are You?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!, You can't get yesterday back!

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God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

I would like to share a few thoughts with you today, and some of them may not be well-received, for they may fly in the face of what some if not many in our day pursue and purport to be truth.  I think God makes it clear that Jesus is, was and ever shall be the plumbline.

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

I love the Gospel of John as it reveals Jesus throughout as the “I Am”; even the religious leaders bristled at this claim, and on several occasions when Jesus spoke clearly that HE was the “I AM” they wanted to stone Him!  Note that Jesus didn’t claim to be the “I might be”, the “I was” or even the “I will be”!  John starts his gospel with the great “In the beginning” passage which clearly declares that Jesus was, is and ever shall be God!  Jesus even said it of Himself (a claim which many say He didn’t make, but He absolutely did!)!

“Then came the Jews round about him,

and said unto him,

How long dost thou make us to doubt?

If thou be the Christ,

tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again

to stone him.”  John 10”24-31. (notice the “again”)

Jesus is God, the God-man-redeemer; the Savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of their sin, and trust in/believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which pays for sin!  And sin, my friends, is the issue.  The angel told Joseph that very thing when he told him that Mary was indeed pregnant with the Messiah!

“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

Oh, thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you had already provided the salvation we needed, before our father Adam sinned! That is also in The Word of God!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4

Even in His priestly prayer for us, Jesus reminds us of His eternal deity before creation!

“Father,

I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”   John 17:24

Peter also made this clear in his first letter to scattered believers.

“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

So, why, you might ask, am I belaboring this point?  I’ll answer that question!  The gospel hasn’t changed, but we are living in a culture that is marginalizing Jesus and His gospel of “the blood of The Lamb” that is necessary for the forgiveness of sin!  Sin has been removed from most preaching, as well as the cross and that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”, for it is offensive to many and has been removed from many (if not most) churches today.  In its place is a message of just “love like Jesus loved”—and, yes, Jesus “so loved the world” that He died for our sin, but unless we recognize our sin as sin and are ready and willing to turn from our sin to the cleansing, saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ the crucified, buried and risen Lord, we may have religion, but we have missed salvation by a mile!  Jesus Himself calls us to repentance which leads to saving faith.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3                                 (and He repeats it in verse 5)

Paul makes it clear that if we fail to preach sin, repentance and faith in Jesus alone for salvation, we are perverting the gospel.  I’ll let Paul speak for himself; he says it better than I can.

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

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

 to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

The book of Acts clearly declares that it’s all about sin and Jesus’ blood shed for our sin, and only Jesus can and will save.

“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

Paul’s clear message is trustworthy, what have you done with it?

“For all have sinned, and come short

of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier of him

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

“For when ye were the servants of sin,

ye were free from righteousness.

 21 What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death.

22 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 6:20-23

So, my friends what have you don’t with Jesus?  Are you reveling in your sin, confident that you play the church game, but you’ve never been washed in Jesus’ blood to forgive your sin and cleanse your heart and make you new.  That’s the message of the Gospel of Jesus!  It’s not saying some prayer, or getting dunked, or even walking an aisle to shake someone’s hand.  It’s hearing the voice of Jesus’ Spirit speaking to your heart and showing you your sin—not anyone else’s—and being willing and ready to bow before Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sin and save and heal your soul and impart to you the new birth (read John 3)!

I’ll simply close with Paul’s declaration of God’s choice of preaching!  Preaching!  Not games, or entertainment or smooth words—but the preaching of The Gospel of Jesus’ salvation through His blood!  I pray that you’ll meet Him at the cross and find Him sufficient to save!  Don’t put off till tomorrow that which may not be offered again!

“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.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-24

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

Amen and Amen!!!

The IF Of Revival??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #244

28 Sunday Jul 2024

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, If I be lifted up---, If not now? When?, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Persecution, Perseverance, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preaching truth about SIN, REvival, Revival or Recycle?, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word

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The IF Of Revival???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #244

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts

to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence

among my people;

14 If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:12-14

God is calling us to Himself just as He answered Solomon’s prayer for His hand to move upon the people when they sinned and turned away from God (not if but when); and when they would see their sin, repent and turn back to God, His Word and His ways, Solomon asked for God’s touch to restore them, even bringing them back from captivity.  And while we don’t have the Temple, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit of God/Jesus, and when we stumble, turn away from the light, or fall for the lies of the Devil, we can call upon God to restore us to fellowship and intimacy with Him. But we must be willing to hear the voice of our Lord, turn from our sin, and follow the instructions that God laid out to Solomon:

first and foremost the preface=IF!

A conditional term, referring to our willingness to hear and yield to the work of God in our lives.

       — humble themselves

              Recognize our own sin as sin:

“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 1:9-10

“Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”

       — pray

              Know that God is our first source and provision in all:

“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 15:5   

  “Pray without ceasing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

       — seek my face

              Turn to God for salvation, restoration, and deliverance:

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:6-9

       — turn from their wicked ways

              Repentance is the IF:

“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

Jesus makes it clear that repentance is necessary for us to be born again, as well as to keep our intimate relationship with our God growing and productive.  It’s the same message that God gave to Solomon at the dedication of the temple.  Are we dedicated to keeping short accounts of sin between us and our God?  Are we committed to knowing our Lord through His Word and growing in grace by our obedience.  James gives us some other instructions about living holy and not yielding to the world’s way!

“Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever…

…3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father

hath bestowed upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God:

therefore the world knoweth us not,

because it knew him not.”  1 John 2:15-17 and 3:1

Jeremiah, much like what Jesus told us to expect, may give you a perspective that you haven’t considered.  Jeremiah spoke the truth and wept over the hardness of his people; yet few believed his message, even to the point of persecuting and trying to harm him, we should expect no less.  Jesus told us the same thing.

“Be not afraid of their faces:

for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand,

and touched my mouth.

And the LORD said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day set thee

over the nations

and over the kingdoms,

to root out,

and to pull down,

and to destroy,

and to throw down,

to build,

and to plant…

… 17 Thou therefore

gird up thy loins,

and arise,

and speak unto them

all that I command thee:

be not dismayed at their faces,

lest I confound thee before them.

18 For, behold,

I have made thee this day

a defenced city,

and an iron pillar,

and brasen walls

against the whole land,

against the kings of Judah,

against the princes thereof,

against the priests thereof,

and against the people of the land. 

19 And they shall fight against thee;

but they shall not prevail against thee;

for I am with thee,

saith the LORD,

to deliver thee.”  Portions of Jeremiah 1:8-19

So I’ll close with our Lord’s own words, and you decide if you will heed the “IF” or ignore the voice of our Lord speaking to your heart and mine?

“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.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 16:18-21

Don’t expect God’s provision and blessing when we are not willing to consider the “IF”!  May we bring glory to God and make a difference wherever God has placed us!  Remember:

“If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”

May we be humble, praying, God-seeking, repenting children of God, that He may hear, forgive and heal our land….  Even so Lord Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!