Hello! The verse of the week is 1 Timothy 2:5-6 which states, "... There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all..."
These two verses teach us several very important truths. Just consider...
1. God and men need a mediator. A mediator is a person who brings two parties (or two people) together and makes peace between them. A mediator is a peace maker. The question is, "Why is there a need for a mediator between God and men?" The answer is simple.
God is the Righteous Judge.... men are guilty criminals.
God is the Law Giver.... men are lawbreakers.
God is the Holy Creator... men are rebellious creatures.
God is Perfect and Pure... men are sinful and corrupt.
Simply put, the relationship between God and mankind is not a good one. The relationship has failed miserably because men continue to rebel against God and ignore his laws and commands. There is a need for a mediator because there is no peace between God and men.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one Meditator between God and men. The only way that a man can have peace with God is through the Lord Jesus Christ! Good works, attending church, and being a morally upright person does not make up for the sins that a person has committed. The Lord Jesus Christ said it best when he stated, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Me" (John 14:6). A man who desires to have peace with God must turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no one else who can help you! He is the One Mediator between God and men.
3. A man can have peace with God because the Lord Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for all men. The good news the Bible contains is that the Lord Jesus Christ "made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20). Jesus paid the debt that we owe to God when he died for our sins on the cross.
He took the punishment upon Himself that mankind deserves.
He suffered for the sins of mankind.
He was pierced for the sins of mankind.
The result of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ is that you and I can have peace with God. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ." If you (the guilty sinner) will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and place your faith in Him to save you He will do it. You can have peace with God through the One Mediator who died for our sins!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Mark 10:45
Hello everyone! The verse of the week is Mark 10:45 which states, "... The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
This is a tremendous verse that summarizes the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe it will be best (and most helpful) for us to simply meditate on the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ GAVE His life as a ransom for many. The Lord Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our sins when He went to the cross and placed Himself under the death penalty on our behalf! Someone once said, "He paid a debt he did not owe, because we owe a debt we could not pay." The response of a person who understands and believes this marvelous truth should be, "Thank You, Jesus." I'm just going to type a few more quick verses that speak of how Jesus voluntarily gave Himself for our sins that should elicit the same response, "Thank You, Jesus."
Psalm 50:6, "I gave My back to thsoe who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting."
John 10:11, 15, 18 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep ... I lay down My life for the sheep... No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself..."
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
Let's resolve to be thankful people who truly appreciate what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf!
This is a tremendous verse that summarizes the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe it will be best (and most helpful) for us to simply meditate on the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ GAVE His life as a ransom for many. The Lord Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our sins when He went to the cross and placed Himself under the death penalty on our behalf! Someone once said, "He paid a debt he did not owe, because we owe a debt we could not pay." The response of a person who understands and believes this marvelous truth should be, "Thank You, Jesus." I'm just going to type a few more quick verses that speak of how Jesus voluntarily gave Himself for our sins that should elicit the same response, "Thank You, Jesus."
Psalm 50:6, "I gave My back to thsoe who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting."
John 10:11, 15, 18 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep ... I lay down My life for the sheep... No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself..."
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
Let's resolve to be thankful people who truly appreciate what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Hello everyone. Christmas is drawing near and that should make us think of 1 thing. JESUS. For the next several weeks I am going to write about verses that speak directly about Jesus and what He has done for us!
The first verse is 2 Corinthians 8:9 which states, "But you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." This is a wonderful verse that teaches us three wonderful truths.
1. Jesus was rich before He became poor! John the Baptist was 6 months older than Jesus (Luke 1:36), however, when John spoke of Jesus he repeatedly said, "He was before me" (John 1:15, 27). How could this be true? The answer is simple...
- Jesus is the Eternal Creator (John 1:1,14).
- Jesus is "the alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last" (Revelation 1:11).
- Jesus is the "I AM" who existed long before Abraham (John 8:58).
- Jesus is one with the Father (John 10:30).
2. Jesus became poor for our sakes! The Eternal Creator became poor! The Lord Jesus Christ stepped out of heaven and became a lowly man. Jesus actually became a poor man (who was homeless, Luke 9:58) and who was despised and rejected by the world and his peers (Isaiah 53:3-4). Ultimately, Jesus would humble himself to the point of dying on a cross for mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ left His throne and the glory that was rightfully His to become a man who would be mocked, beaten and murdered. He really did become poor!
3. We can be rich because Jesus of what Jesus did! The Lord Jesus Christ became poor for our sakes! Because He died for our sins on the cross we do not have to perish! Instead of standing before God and being condemned...
- We can become children of God!
- We can have an inheritance in the kingdom of God!
- We can have eternal life!
- We can look forward to the city whose builder and maker is God!
- We can look forward to kicking up gold dust!
We can do all of this because the Lord Jesus Christ became "poor" for our sakes! That is why we celebrate Christmas. That is why we should be thankful when we think of the Eternal Creator entering this world as a baby lying in a manager! He did it all for us. Let's all say, "Thank you Jesus!"
The first verse is 2 Corinthians 8:9 which states, "But you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." This is a wonderful verse that teaches us three wonderful truths.
1. Jesus was rich before He became poor! John the Baptist was 6 months older than Jesus (Luke 1:36), however, when John spoke of Jesus he repeatedly said, "He was before me" (John 1:15, 27). How could this be true? The answer is simple...
- Jesus is the Eternal Creator (John 1:1,14).
- Jesus is "the alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last" (Revelation 1:11).
- Jesus is the "I AM" who existed long before Abraham (John 8:58).
- Jesus is one with the Father (John 10:30).
2. Jesus became poor for our sakes! The Eternal Creator became poor! The Lord Jesus Christ stepped out of heaven and became a lowly man. Jesus actually became a poor man (who was homeless, Luke 9:58) and who was despised and rejected by the world and his peers (Isaiah 53:3-4). Ultimately, Jesus would humble himself to the point of dying on a cross for mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ left His throne and the glory that was rightfully His to become a man who would be mocked, beaten and murdered. He really did become poor!
3. We can be rich because Jesus of what Jesus did! The Lord Jesus Christ became poor for our sakes! Because He died for our sins on the cross we do not have to perish! Instead of standing before God and being condemned...
- We can become children of God!
- We can have an inheritance in the kingdom of God!
- We can have eternal life!
- We can look forward to the city whose builder and maker is God!
- We can look forward to kicking up gold dust!
We can do all of this because the Lord Jesus Christ became "poor" for our sakes! That is why we celebrate Christmas. That is why we should be thankful when we think of the Eternal Creator entering this world as a baby lying in a manager! He did it all for us. Let's all say, "Thank you Jesus!"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Romans 5:18-19
The passage of the week is Romans 5:18-19 which states, "... through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free came to all men resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's offense many were made sinners, so also by one man's obedience many will be made righteous."
This is a short little passage that explains the significance of Adam and the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider...
- Adam was the first sinner.
- He offended God by breaking His law.
- He was placed under the death penalty because he rebelled against God (Genesis 3:19).
- Adam's descendants (all of us!) have followed in his footsteps.
- We have all rebelled against God.
- We are all born with sinful hearts and have all chosen to disobey God many times.
- We are all under a death sentence (judgment and condemnation) because of our guilt!
The bottom line is Adam really messed things up (with a little help from Eve!) when he rebelled against God in the garden. The great news is that Jesus Christ really fixed things when he came to earth! Just consider...
- The Lord Jesus Christ perfectly obeyed God's law (Hebrews 4:15)
- The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world (in obedience to the Father's command... i.e. "The righteous act")
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now have the free gift of eternal life.
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now be justified (the opposite of condemned) and do not have to fear judgment (John 5:24).
- Because Jesus died for mankind many people will become righteous!
2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!" The bottom line is Jesus took my sins upon Him and graciously gave me His righteousness! We switched spots! When God looked at Jesus on the cross He saw sin (mine and yours), but when he looks at me he sees righteousness (the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ!).
- It doesn't take a rocket scientists to figure out that the world is a messed up place. It also doesn't take a brilliant man to figure out that sin is the root cause of the world's problems. The good news is that Lord Jesus Christ came and fixed the problem! If you will place your faith in Him to save your sinful soul he will do it, and you will be out of trouble!
Now, just say "Thank you Jesus" and live for the One who died for you (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)!
This is a short little passage that explains the significance of Adam and the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider...
- Adam was the first sinner.
- He offended God by breaking His law.
- He was placed under the death penalty because he rebelled against God (Genesis 3:19).
- Adam's descendants (all of us!) have followed in his footsteps.
- We have all rebelled against God.
- We are all born with sinful hearts and have all chosen to disobey God many times.
- We are all under a death sentence (judgment and condemnation) because of our guilt!
The bottom line is Adam really messed things up (with a little help from Eve!) when he rebelled against God in the garden. The great news is that Jesus Christ really fixed things when he came to earth! Just consider...
- The Lord Jesus Christ perfectly obeyed God's law (Hebrews 4:15)
- The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world (in obedience to the Father's command... i.e. "The righteous act")
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now have the free gift of eternal life.
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now be justified (the opposite of condemned) and do not have to fear judgment (John 5:24).
- Because Jesus died for mankind many people will become righteous!
2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!" The bottom line is Jesus took my sins upon Him and graciously gave me His righteousness! We switched spots! When God looked at Jesus on the cross He saw sin (mine and yours), but when he looks at me he sees righteousness (the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ!).
- It doesn't take a rocket scientists to figure out that the world is a messed up place. It also doesn't take a brilliant man to figure out that sin is the root cause of the world's problems. The good news is that Lord Jesus Christ came and fixed the problem! If you will place your faith in Him to save your sinful soul he will do it, and you will be out of trouble!
Now, just say "Thank you Jesus" and live for the One who died for you (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The verse of the day is Jonah 2:8, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
This statement which was made by Jonah (while inside the belly of a great fish!) contains 3 important lessons for us...
1. God will graciously save any person. No one is too bad for grace! 1 Timothy 1:15 states, "Jesus Christ came into the world to saves sinners..." Jesus stated, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:13). The good news the Bible contains is that God freely offers grace, forgiveness, and eternal life to all sinners.
2. Tragically, people forfeit the grace that could be theirs. God is willing to graciously save all people. However, that does not mean that all people will be in heaven. Some people (foolishly) choose to ignore God's offer of grace and eternal life. The invitation of salvation goes out to all men but all men do not take advantage of God's gracious offer. Thus, because they forfeit the grace that could be theirs they will end up perishing instead of enjoying eternal life! What a tragedy...
3. People forfeit the grace that could be theirs because they cling to worthless idols. In order to gain salvation and eternal life a person must be willing to "drop" the sins they are committing. One must "forsake his sinful ways and his sinful thoughts" (Isaiah 55:6-7). Foolishly, many people make the tragic mistake of "clinging" to sin and thus they forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jesus made this same point as Jonah in Mark 9:43 where he stated, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. It would better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands and be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched..."
I will close by reminding you of the words of the Lord Jesus, "What does it profit a man if he gains the world and forfeits his soul" (Matthew 16:26). I beg you, please, do not forfeit the grace that could be yours. If you will "drop" your sins and call upon the Lord he will save you! Otherwise, you are giving up your spot in heaven!
This statement which was made by Jonah (while inside the belly of a great fish!) contains 3 important lessons for us...
1. God will graciously save any person. No one is too bad for grace! 1 Timothy 1:15 states, "Jesus Christ came into the world to saves sinners..." Jesus stated, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:13). The good news the Bible contains is that God freely offers grace, forgiveness, and eternal life to all sinners.
2. Tragically, people forfeit the grace that could be theirs. God is willing to graciously save all people. However, that does not mean that all people will be in heaven. Some people (foolishly) choose to ignore God's offer of grace and eternal life. The invitation of salvation goes out to all men but all men do not take advantage of God's gracious offer. Thus, because they forfeit the grace that could be theirs they will end up perishing instead of enjoying eternal life! What a tragedy...
3. People forfeit the grace that could be theirs because they cling to worthless idols. In order to gain salvation and eternal life a person must be willing to "drop" the sins they are committing. One must "forsake his sinful ways and his sinful thoughts" (Isaiah 55:6-7). Foolishly, many people make the tragic mistake of "clinging" to sin and thus they forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jesus made this same point as Jonah in Mark 9:43 where he stated, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. It would better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands and be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched..."
I will close by reminding you of the words of the Lord Jesus, "What does it profit a man if he gains the world and forfeits his soul" (Matthew 16:26). I beg you, please, do not forfeit the grace that could be yours. If you will "drop" your sins and call upon the Lord he will save you! Otherwise, you are giving up your spot in heaven!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
2 Corinthians 9:15
The verse for the week is 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for the indescribable gift."
I sincerely believe the key to Christianity is being thankful. While there are many good gifts that God has graciously given to us that we all should be thankful for it is the "indescribable gift" of eternal life which comes through the Lord Jesus Christ that should compel us to eagerly serve the Lord. Just consider how great the "gift" of God really is...
1. God gave his Son so that we could have eternal life! The greatest verse in the Bible about giving is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." God does not simply give a person eternal life. He gave his Son to die for mankind so that we might have eternal life. When we consider that God gave His Son for us it should make a thankful!
2. God gave his Son so that guilty sinners (that's us!) could have eternal life! Romans 5:7-8 states, "Very rarely will one die for a righteous man, though for a righteous man one might dare to die, but God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus did not die for good men. He died for sinners. God gave His Son so that guilty criminals could have eternal life! When we consider that God gave His Son for us, the guilty sinners, it should make us thankful.
3. The gift of God is free! Romans 6:23 states, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." God graciously gives sinners eternal life! There are no strings attached! Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "By grace you are saved, through faith, and that not of yourself it is a gift of God, not of works so no man can boast." When you consider that God gave Jesus to die for your sins, and that you can freely receive eternal life because of Him, it should make you really thankful!
It is real easy to forget about the amazing, incredible, indescribable gift that God has given us! I hope thinking about 2 Corinthians 9:15 helps you to be thankful today!
I sincerely believe the key to Christianity is being thankful. While there are many good gifts that God has graciously given to us that we all should be thankful for it is the "indescribable gift" of eternal life which comes through the Lord Jesus Christ that should compel us to eagerly serve the Lord. Just consider how great the "gift" of God really is...
1. God gave his Son so that we could have eternal life! The greatest verse in the Bible about giving is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." God does not simply give a person eternal life. He gave his Son to die for mankind so that we might have eternal life. When we consider that God gave His Son for us it should make a thankful!
2. God gave his Son so that guilty sinners (that's us!) could have eternal life! Romans 5:7-8 states, "Very rarely will one die for a righteous man, though for a righteous man one might dare to die, but God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus did not die for good men. He died for sinners. God gave His Son so that guilty criminals could have eternal life! When we consider that God gave His Son for us, the guilty sinners, it should make us thankful.
3. The gift of God is free! Romans 6:23 states, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." God graciously gives sinners eternal life! There are no strings attached! Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "By grace you are saved, through faith, and that not of yourself it is a gift of God, not of works so no man can boast." When you consider that God gave Jesus to die for your sins, and that you can freely receive eternal life because of Him, it should make you really thankful!
It is real easy to forget about the amazing, incredible, indescribable gift that God has given us! I hope thinking about 2 Corinthians 9:15 helps you to be thankful today!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
1 John 2:3-4
The passage of the day is 1 John 2:3-4 which states, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," but does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
I believe this is one of the easiest passages in the Bible to understand! If a person claims to know the Lord Jesus Christ, but that person is not obedient to the commands found in the Bible, the person is lying about knowing the Lord. A person who really knows the Lord Jesus Christ is going to be a person who also obeys the Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe this verse is particularly significant for several reasons...
#1 Poor preaching in the modern church has given many people a false assurance that they are saved because of a "decision" they made as a child or teenager that produced no change in lifestyle. Individuals who continue to live in rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ believe they are on the road to heaven because of an "experience" many years ago. Such individuals desperately need to hear the truth.
#2 The passage clearly teaches that obedience is the result of knowing the Lord. The Bible consistently teaches from cover to cover that a person is saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Salvation is a gift of God (Romans 6:23). Salvation is not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9) . Good works and obedience come as a result of knowing the Lord. A person does not begin to do good works to make himself right with God! John 17:3 states, 'And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Simply put, an individuals comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ and receives eternal life at that moment! Then, as a result, the individual obeys the Lord's commands.
#3 The passage should give a child of God assurance that he has eternal life. If someone is obedient to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ it is conclusive proof that he knows the Lord. Matthew 7:18 states, "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." If an individual is producing good fruit (i.e. walking in obedience to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ) he is a good tree. He is not an impostor. He has eternal life. He does not need to fear death or the wrath of God. He knows the Lord and has eternal life!
I really hope this passage gives you assurance that you are a child of God. I hope your life clearly points toward the reality that you know the Lord. On the other hand, if the passage causes you to be concerned about your salvation, I hope you will turn to the Lord and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of your sinful soul TODAY!
I believe this is one of the easiest passages in the Bible to understand! If a person claims to know the Lord Jesus Christ, but that person is not obedient to the commands found in the Bible, the person is lying about knowing the Lord. A person who really knows the Lord Jesus Christ is going to be a person who also obeys the Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe this verse is particularly significant for several reasons...
#1 Poor preaching in the modern church has given many people a false assurance that they are saved because of a "decision" they made as a child or teenager that produced no change in lifestyle. Individuals who continue to live in rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ believe they are on the road to heaven because of an "experience" many years ago. Such individuals desperately need to hear the truth.
#2 The passage clearly teaches that obedience is the result of knowing the Lord. The Bible consistently teaches from cover to cover that a person is saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Salvation is a gift of God (Romans 6:23). Salvation is not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9) . Good works and obedience come as a result of knowing the Lord. A person does not begin to do good works to make himself right with God! John 17:3 states, 'And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Simply put, an individuals comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ and receives eternal life at that moment! Then, as a result, the individual obeys the Lord's commands.
#3 The passage should give a child of God assurance that he has eternal life. If someone is obedient to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ it is conclusive proof that he knows the Lord. Matthew 7:18 states, "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." If an individual is producing good fruit (i.e. walking in obedience to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ) he is a good tree. He is not an impostor. He has eternal life. He does not need to fear death or the wrath of God. He knows the Lord and has eternal life!
I really hope this passage gives you assurance that you are a child of God. I hope your life clearly points toward the reality that you know the Lord. On the other hand, if the passage causes you to be concerned about your salvation, I hope you will turn to the Lord and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of your sinful soul TODAY!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hello everyone! The verse of the day is Galatians 6:14a which states, "God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..."
This is a great little verse for several reasons...
1. This verse makes it clear that the Lord Jesus Christ should receive all the credit and glory for saving sinners. I love to say (and often do say it while I am preaching) that I am going to heaven "100% because of Jesus." That may not be good English but it is good teaching! Just consider...
- I am the guilty sinner (so are you, Romans 3:23)
- I cannot erase my sins (neither can you, Jeremiah 2:22)
- I deserve the wrath of God (so do you, Psalm 7:11)
Is there hope for people like you and me? The answer is YES. The answer is JESUS.
Romans 5:8 states, "God demonstrated his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us!
The good news the Bible contains is that...
- The Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)
- The Lord Jesus Christ suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18)
- The Lord Jesus Christ gives eternal life (Romans 6:23)
2. This little verse also makes it clear that I do not deserve credit for my salvation. I am not going to heaven because of anything I have done. I am going to heaven because of what Jesus did for me when he suffered and died for my sins on the cross. I have nothing to brag about. Just consider...
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- I am not going to heaven because I am a good person.
- I am not going to heaven because I am a preacher.
- I am not going to heaven because I am a Baptist.
- I am not going to heaven because I have been baptized.
I am going to heaven because Jesus died for me. That is the bottom line. I hope that is what you believe and I hope you are bragging/boasting about Jesus and the cross to other people!
P.S. If you would like to learn more about this little verse come to Church on Sunday! I will be preaching from Galatians 6:12-18!
This is a great little verse for several reasons...
1. This verse makes it clear that the Lord Jesus Christ should receive all the credit and glory for saving sinners. I love to say (and often do say it while I am preaching) that I am going to heaven "100% because of Jesus." That may not be good English but it is good teaching! Just consider...
- I am the guilty sinner (so are you, Romans 3:23)
- I cannot erase my sins (neither can you, Jeremiah 2:22)
- I deserve the wrath of God (so do you, Psalm 7:11)
Is there hope for people like you and me? The answer is YES. The answer is JESUS.
Romans 5:8 states, "God demonstrated his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us!
The good news the Bible contains is that...
- The Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)
- The Lord Jesus Christ suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18)
- The Lord Jesus Christ gives eternal life (Romans 6:23)
2. This little verse also makes it clear that I do not deserve credit for my salvation. I am not going to heaven because of anything I have done. I am going to heaven because of what Jesus did for me when he suffered and died for my sins on the cross. I have nothing to brag about. Just consider...
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- I am not going to heaven because I am a good person.
- I am not going to heaven because I am a preacher.
- I am not going to heaven because I am a Baptist.
- I am not going to heaven because I have been baptized.
I am going to heaven because Jesus died for me. That is the bottom line. I hope that is what you believe and I hope you are bragging/boasting about Jesus and the cross to other people!
P.S. If you would like to learn more about this little verse come to Church on Sunday! I will be preaching from Galatians 6:12-18!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Good day! The passage of the day is Matthew 9:36-38, "When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Several points jump off the page to me when I consider this passage.
1. Believers must recognize that "lost" people (i.e unbelievers) are in dire need of help! Jesus viewed the multitude with compassion, not anger. He recognized them as sheep with no shepherd. He recognized that the biggest problem the people had was a lack of knowledge, understanding, and direction. His heart went out to them (i.e. compassion) because no one had ever helped them! Tragically, I believe the masses are in the same condition today. No one has ever really tried to help them!
2. Believers must recognize that the harvest is plentiful. Jesus described the multitudes as "weary." Jesus was able to look beyond the smiling faces and the laughter of the people and see souls in desperate need of finding hope and peace. Just 2 chapters later Jesus will say, "Come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (11:28). If we (believers) will take the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to unbelievers with a heart full of compassion the Lord has guaranteed us that the harvest will be plentiful! Tragically, we fail to help the multitudes because we incorrectly assume "They are not interested." The harsh truth is too many times "we are not really interested!"
3. Jesus said "the laborers are few." The greatest downfall of the church is failing to go out into the harvest in an effort to help the unbelieving masses. Attending church and participating in church functions is no substitute for going out into the field and seeking to help those who desperately need us to share the gospel with them! I pray that the Lord will burden your heart to join in and "labor" for Him and for those sheep without a shepherd. They really do need YOU!
P.S. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bringing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6)
God Bless, Pastor Ben.
Several points jump off the page to me when I consider this passage.
1. Believers must recognize that "lost" people (i.e unbelievers) are in dire need of help! Jesus viewed the multitude with compassion, not anger. He recognized them as sheep with no shepherd. He recognized that the biggest problem the people had was a lack of knowledge, understanding, and direction. His heart went out to them (i.e. compassion) because no one had ever helped them! Tragically, I believe the masses are in the same condition today. No one has ever really tried to help them!
2. Believers must recognize that the harvest is plentiful. Jesus described the multitudes as "weary." Jesus was able to look beyond the smiling faces and the laughter of the people and see souls in desperate need of finding hope and peace. Just 2 chapters later Jesus will say, "Come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (11:28). If we (believers) will take the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to unbelievers with a heart full of compassion the Lord has guaranteed us that the harvest will be plentiful! Tragically, we fail to help the multitudes because we incorrectly assume "They are not interested." The harsh truth is too many times "we are not really interested!"
3. Jesus said "the laborers are few." The greatest downfall of the church is failing to go out into the harvest in an effort to help the unbelieving masses. Attending church and participating in church functions is no substitute for going out into the field and seeking to help those who desperately need us to share the gospel with them! I pray that the Lord will burden your heart to join in and "labor" for Him and for those sheep without a shepherd. They really do need YOU!
P.S. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bringing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6)
God Bless, Pastor Ben.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Welcome to my first blog! I am going to try to post "blogs/devotionals" at least twice a week for the world to enjoy. I will simply post a verse of the day and make a few comments about the verse. I will begin with my favorite verse, Psalm 32:1-2, "Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sins the Lord shall not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit." These two verses are full of wonderful truths...
- A forgiven child of God is blessed!
- A forgiven child of God is blessed regardless of his situation, circumstances, and "problems"
- A forgiven child of God is blessed because his sins will not be counted against him!
Psalm 32:1-2 also reveals that a true child of God does not have a deceitful spirit. That means...
- He is not a hypocrite
- He really believes the gospel.
- He really loves Jesus.
- He really loves his neighbor
- He really hungers and thirsts after righteousness
I hope thinking about Psalm 32 helps you to have a blessed day! Pastor Ben.
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- A forgiven child of God is blessed!
- A forgiven child of God is blessed regardless of his situation, circumstances, and "problems"
- A forgiven child of God is blessed because his sins will not be counted against him!
Psalm 32:1-2 also reveals that a true child of God does not have a deceitful spirit. That means...
- He is not a hypocrite
- He really believes the gospel.
- He really loves Jesus.
- He really loves his neighbor
- He really hungers and thirsts after righteousness
I hope thinking about Psalm 32 helps you to have a blessed day! Pastor Ben.
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