WORLDWIDE INTERNET EVANGELISM

Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Tag Archives: grace


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WHO AM I?

 

Who am I? Really, who am I? I was born in iniquity and conceived in sin!  (Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.) When I grew up and experienced the world I was saturated with its unholy, immoral, and materialistic system. Believing this to be the norm I immersed myself in its carnal ways.  (Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.) Mistakenly I thought the ultimate joy was having all the immoral and carnal things of this world. (2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy) After some time I found myself miserable and unhappy, unable to attain the freedom to do as I wanted in the world. I looked at my beautiful wife and wondered why I treated her the way I did. I looked at my baby son and wondered what kind of life waited for him. I suddenly felt like the lowest of the lowest of men.  I was sick of everything I knew. Something inside me caused me to do something I had never done before. I grabbed my wife’s hand and knelt beside our bed and said: “God, there has got to be something better than this. Please show us what it is.” My heart was hurting! (1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.)

After a short time my wife and I became associated with a church and God took complete charge of our lives from that time to the present. We went through a transitional period from an old way to a new way and looked down upon by some who knew us. (1 Peter 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you) But now we have a loving family of Godly friends in great abundance. (Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God)

Someone might read this and decide to find out for themselves how to be released from the world as we have and be filled with a joy immeasurable by letting Jesus take the weight of the world’s sin off of their shoulders and putting it all on His shoulders. (John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!) Just follow the message in the Apostle Peter’s first sermon: (Acts 2: 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.) By the grace of God you will be raised up a new creation and walk in newness of life, no longer of this world, but your citizenship will be in heaven from that time forward with a residence in heaven waiting for you to occupy.

Who am I? Who are you? We are all the children of God!

Praise the Lord God and give Him all the glory! Amen!


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BE A CHRIST LIKE SERVANT

Carrying His cross

We should never let anything get between us and the Creator God! There is only one God who has created the heavens and earth and created man to populate it giving him dominion over all things of the earth. God has never failed in anything. The scriptures say that all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27) God is merciful, slow to anger and loves everyone. He gave His greatest gift to all people by sending His only Son to the earth in the form of a human being to be a servant to us all. (John 3:16)

If we will only serve our Creator full time after He has given us the gift of eternal life, He will bless everything we set our hand to do. His Spirit will give even greater understanding of His Word so we can grow in knowledge and wisdom, something we will never get enough of. Never forget that He is always with you. (Hebrews 13:5) The Lord will surround you like a shield. (Psalms 5:12) He will bless you with peace. (Psalms 29:11) He will increase and bless your business. (Psalms 67:6) Reach up for your higher calling as the LORD requires you to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (James 4:6)

Jesus Christ came as the greatest servant as He humbled Himself as a man for our benefit and example having given His all for us in death on the cross. Therefore we can do no less than to humble ourselves before our Creator as living sacrifices bearing our cross. (Luke 14:27)

We are spiritually encapsulated in the body of Christ filled with the Holy Spirit as we are His temple, and we are no longer of this worlds system but our citizenship is in heaven. We even have a place prepared for us waiting probably with our name plate already on the door. The Creator is faithful in His promises and if we are faithful to Him then we will do even greater works than Jesus did. (John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.)

Are you doing greater works than Jesus did? He said we would!

 


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ARE YOU BUILDING ON YOUR FOUNDATION?

Tree being wateredOnce we were non believers and didn’t know much, if anything, about Christianity. But somehow we were introduced to Jesus Christ by His grace and our lives changed. We now had something that we didn’t have before. FAITH! By faith we began to recognize that there was so much more to learn and do. We began to grow spiritually. But for something to grow, it has to have something to grow from. A tree grows from a seed planted in the soil and begins to grow roots and then a trunk that that becomes its foundation. A seed, the Holy Spirit, is planted in us and we began to develop spiritual roots in the Church and Jesus is our trunk (foundation).

John 15: 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Now we have a foundation to build on as long as we are in these bodies. As we bear fruit our building is being built and Jesus is the chief cornerstone on which we build.

1 Corinthians 3: 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 28:16  Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ” Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Now that your foundation is layed and your temple is being built, your are host to the Holy Spirit. What an awesome responsibility! Now you are totally of God and belong to God.

1 Corinthians 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Sometimes it is good to remember just who and what we are. The world does not know this nor can it understand without the Holy Spirit. However, we do know on what we are building and what we stand.

Proverbs 10:25  But the righteous has an everlasting foundation

Never stop building! Praise the Lord!

 

 

 

 


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A LOVING GOD

God-love-1john410

The scripture in John 3:16 describes God as loving the whole world. God doesn’t look upon the outside skin of a person or how well they speak to define if that person is worthy of His love. It doesn’t matter if it is the famous Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th century London or Marilyn Monroe.

1 Samuel 16: But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God looks deep inside to see the real character and who the person really is.

He knows our every sin, but when we truly repent of those sins, He will not remember them any more.

 

Jeremiah 31: 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

God loves us so much that He is willing to forgive our sins no matter how bad they are. And He will forget they ever happened. Not only that, but God sent His only Son to this world to shed His blood and die in our place to guarantee that we would be free of our  sins and receive the free gift of eternal life.

Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God loves all people! We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. But God has a master plan for us, God is love and He has made it possible for anyone to share His love and glory forever in His kingdom. God will share His throne with us in His kingdom! That is a lot of love!

Father, give your children the strength and the faith to help bring more people into Your kingdom. In Jesus name, amen.

The elephant man

Elephant Man

Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe

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RUMINATING ABOUT OBEDIENCE, BAPTISM, THE HOLY SPIRIT

Feed the hungry

Wouldn’t it be neat if God had the Bible written the same way people write blogs or forums? Most every web page that you find on the internet has a facts section. The most asked questions have a ready made answer. God does answer many questions in the Bible but we have to read and study the scripture to find the answers. Doesn’t the Bible give us instruction concerning this? 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

God has a purpose for everything!

I have been concerned lately about a certain trend among younger generation churches and their rethinking church philosophy. After having read these rethinking churches on their websites, it appears that they have become the world’s church critics. They talk about what is wrong with all other churches etc.  Now I have to say this that there are some Christians that need to really believe what the Bible teaches. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

It really disturbs me to see so much criticism and church division!

Here are some interesting observations I read about the difference between Old Testament and New Testament baptisms.

The Bible makes reference to the nation of Israel being baptized as she came out of Egypt, a symbol of sin, and passing through the Red Sea. Just after having passed through the Red Sea, they received the Law of Moses. They did not have the Holy Spirit.

THE LAW GIVEN UNDER THE OLD COVENANT BY BAPTISM

1 Corinthians 10: 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Malachi 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Deuteronomy 4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

You can read over and over in the Old Testament how Israel and Judah disobeyed God. In the book of Judges God sent His people into captivity as punishment time and time again. Take note that no where in the Bible will you ever find where Israel observed the 50th year of Jubilee. They couldn’t obey God that long. So you see that their baptism into the Law was never in tended for salvation and eternal life.

THE SPIRIT GIVEN UNDER THE NEW CONENANT

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised that He would send us the Holy Spirit when He ascended into heaven. John 14:16, 26 and John 16:7

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus kept His promise and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in man

Acts 1: 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Acts 2: 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4           And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Christians today make up the body of Christ, (1 Corinthians 12:27) are temples of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Under the New Covenant the Bible clearly states that when we are saved we receive the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

It is a simple thing to pray a prayer to God and ask Him to forgive all your sins but it is very hard to do. It requires a person to ask God to change their life from the ways of this world to His ways and that is a decision some hate to make. But when one makes the right decision then they will receive treasures they didn’t even know existed. That is another story!

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THE MOST FAMOUS MAN WHO EVER LIVED

Mathew 26: 50-53 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

There are a whole lot of people in this world who don’t know who Jesus Christ is or anything about Him. On CNN news, concerning Easter, an article appeared that said, quote: “Jesus Christ is the most famous man who ever lived and there is little that is known about Him.” What a perfect example of people who have never taken the time to learn about the most famous person in the world.
God created the heavens and the earth. This includes the universe and the beautiful planet earth that we dwell upon. That covers a lot right there! He created the heaven in which He resides also. All this He created for one great purpose. He created it all for man.
( John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.)
Jesus was the Creator of all things in the beginning. He also created man in His own image. (Genesis 1:27) Man was the center piece of His creation. Man was the reason for it all. Jesus wanted man to eventually receive Him into his life and live eternally with Him in glory and Jesus will share His throne with man. (Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)
How unselfish and great is that? Why would anyone not want that? Could it be that they just don’t know about Jesus Christ as CNN news reported. There are Christian Churches all over the world. They have services every Sunday. All people are welcome to attend at any time. You can learn all about Jesus. There is no reason not to. Be prepared to live in a world where there are no wars, crime, drug use, hunger, or diseases. There will be no limit to what you can see, smell, feel, and hear. There will be no night. There will be no need for gravity. There will only be joy, peace, and happiness.
This is a very short description of Jesus Christ. But if you really want the whole picture, find a private place and get on your knees say to Jesus, “Show me! I want to know more about the most famous man who ever lived.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE TEARS OF JESUS

Jesus raised Lazurus from the dead.

 Jesus cries over us everyday as He looks upon mankind and desires that we join with Him and not live in poverty, sickness and disease or war with one another in hatred toward their neighbors. Evil abounds in the world and love turns cold. And all this is not necessary, but mankind refuses to accept that there is a God who loves them and continue to send emissaries from nation to nation to decide what is going to happen to billions of people here on earth because they think they know what is best for them. They covet their power too much and will destroy themselves to try to keep it.

(Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!)

Jesus loves all people and created all things for people to enjoy. He meant for all to have all His blessings in great abundance. Jesus doesn’t want anything bad for anyone. Jesus laid it all out for all to see and decide for them selves whether to live in peace, have everything they need in abundance, have good health, be happy and literally live forever. Read what He taught and see for your selves. Jesus offers perfection, utopia, and royalty to those who will believe on Him.

 (2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work) (Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)

Jesus came to this earth and gave His life so that we could have all things that He created and prepared for us. How much greater love and concern can one have for another than to give one’s life for them so they can have blessings beyond understanding? Why would anyone think that believing in Jesus is bad for them? What fault do you find in a God who wants to give you everything?

(3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.)

Just like Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazurus before He raised him from the dead, Jesus weeps over us today because of His great love for us and He wants to raise us up from the dead and give us eternal life with Him.

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USE YOUR ABILITIES TO SERVE GOD

USE YOUR ABILITIES TO SERVE GOD

Most times when people are saved they begin to think about how they can become active in serving God. Every person’s experiences are different so they have to look into their own lives and determine by prayer and bible study where they can fit in. For some this is easy because they have a burning desire to be involved in a ministry that they are deeply concerned about. But for others, it may take some time. Praying, studying, and familiarizing themselves  with their Church’s ministries and outreach programs or even looking into studying to be a pastor can lead one to make the right decision. There is something for everyone God has made sure of that.

Your abilities are what set you apart to do your service in the body of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25: 14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.  15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability;

It is important that we don’t set idle and do nothing but maybe warm a pew on Sunday. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Paul worked at serving Christ just as Christ worked at serving God the Father. (John 9:4) God wants you to realize what your abilities are to use them and never look back.

Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The longer you are in the Church you develop more abilities by growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is your Spiritual growth that is developed by the Holy Spirit residing in you. Your character begins to cling to the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)

Romans 12: 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Where do your abilities come from? Are they part of your natural carnal self that you were born with? Could there be a spiritual connection inherit in man that God uses to draw man to Himself?

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?

John 3: 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

Through ministries you plant and you water but only God can give the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:5)

John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day

Now that your abilities are properly channeled toward Christ know that God will bless you immensely. The joy of the Lord will fill your soul and the cares of this world will be pushed out of your life by your ministry.

I pray that your ministry will bear much fruit and be a witness to those who God is calling to salvation. In Jesus name, amen!

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

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