There are very few things that make me laugh this hard. I got this from one of my email groups and I was just about crying from laughing.
After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet,"
which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics
correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots
review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that
ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance
complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions
recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers. By the way, Qantas is
the only major airline that has never had an accident.
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land feature not installed on this aircraft.
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on backorder.
P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.
P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in "OFF" mode.
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
And the best one for last...
P: Noise sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Romans 6
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ came to cover our sins. He died once, to cover all. That does not mean that we can just do whatever we want because we're saved. Sure God gave us a great gift, his Son paid for our sins so we wouldn't have to, but that doesn't mean we go on sinning. We may have a battle within ourselves to do good or bad (see Romans 7), but the desire should be to do good. Your will should be to do what is right in God's eyes and not what's right in your own. Your flesh might (and probably will) want to do whatever it pleases, but your spirit ought to want to do right. Of course we're not going to be perfect, but your fruit should show that you are a Christian. Become a servant to righteousness in God!
Christ came to cover our sins. He died once, to cover all. That does not mean that we can just do whatever we want because we're saved. Sure God gave us a great gift, his Son paid for our sins so we wouldn't have to, but that doesn't mean we go on sinning. We may have a battle within ourselves to do good or bad (see Romans 7), but the desire should be to do good. Your will should be to do what is right in God's eyes and not what's right in your own. Your flesh might (and probably will) want to do whatever it pleases, but your spirit ought to want to do right. Of course we're not going to be perfect, but your fruit should show that you are a Christian. Become a servant to righteousness in God!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Romans 5
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
I think this passage states that God knows we were born sinful. He knows we'll make mistakes and he loves us anyway, has loved us since before we came to Christ. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and therefore we can have the victory. If you return the the beginning, you will see that journey through life will not be without trouble. We will have tribulation, but remember that tribulations help us learn patience and with that we gain experience. Then we can take the outcomes of previous trials and looking back at those victories we can have hope for victory in our present trial. I know it's taken me a long time to learn from history and realize that God will bring me through everything, he just wants me to rely on him to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). It makes me so happy to think that God showed his love to us by Christ dying for our sins before any of them were ever committed. That was the plan from the beginning of creation, to send a Savior and cleanse all sends, past present and future.
Thank you Jesus for loving the unlovable and healing the hurting! God is SO good!!
God bless, Jo
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
I think this passage states that God knows we were born sinful. He knows we'll make mistakes and he loves us anyway, has loved us since before we came to Christ. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and therefore we can have the victory. If you return the the beginning, you will see that journey through life will not be without trouble. We will have tribulation, but remember that tribulations help us learn patience and with that we gain experience. Then we can take the outcomes of previous trials and looking back at those victories we can have hope for victory in our present trial. I know it's taken me a long time to learn from history and realize that God will bring me through everything, he just wants me to rely on him to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). It makes me so happy to think that God showed his love to us by Christ dying for our sins before any of them were ever committed. That was the plan from the beginning of creation, to send a Savior and cleanse all sends, past present and future.
Thank you Jesus for loving the unlovable and healing the hurting! God is SO good!!
God bless, Jo
Saturday, December 03, 2005
God Lives Under the Bed (received in an email)
Don't start reading this one until you've got more than 3 or 4 minutes to just "scan" over it. It deserves some time for reflection.
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..."
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.
He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different.
Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?
Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.
The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside.
"That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap . . I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful.
FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..."
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.
He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different.
Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?
Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.
The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside.
"That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap . . I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful.
FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY
Monday, November 07, 2005
Taking Control of Your Spiritual Life
Joshua 22:1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 2And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: 3Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.
Joshua 22:8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. 9And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses. 10And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. 11And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
Rueben, Gad, and 1/2 tribe of Mannaseh wanted to raise their cattle on the east side and let the rest of the tribes go battle for the Promised Land.
Moses agreed to let them settle there if they'd go to battle with the other tribes. Then he said, Be sure your sins will find you out.
If you say you'll do something then don't do it, it's a sin.
1) It's a sin not to get into the battle.
They built an altar on their side in case the other tribes fell away. Everyone has to have their own altar. You can't hang yourself from someone else's coat tails.
How much time have you spent...
in the Bible.
in prayer.
in deeper study of God's Word.
in meditation on the truth.
2) Everyone needs three altars
a) church altar
b) home altar (aka family altar)
c) personal altar
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
a) the strength of the church altar depends on the home altar
b) the strength of the family altar depends on the personal altar
c) the goal is for every child of God to have a personal walk with God
d) God's judgment starts first at the house of God Joshua 7:11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
e) We need a higher standard at the house of God to make it work.
You need to be becoming mature/complete.
Joshua 22:8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. 9And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses. 10And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. 11And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
Rueben, Gad, and 1/2 tribe of Mannaseh wanted to raise their cattle on the east side and let the rest of the tribes go battle for the Promised Land.
Moses agreed to let them settle there if they'd go to battle with the other tribes. Then he said, Be sure your sins will find you out.
If you say you'll do something then don't do it, it's a sin.
1) It's a sin not to get into the battle.
They built an altar on their side in case the other tribes fell away. Everyone has to have their own altar. You can't hang yourself from someone else's coat tails.
How much time have you spent...
in the Bible.
in prayer.
in deeper study of God's Word.
in meditation on the truth.
2) Everyone needs three altars
a) church altar
b) home altar (aka family altar)
c) personal altar
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
a) the strength of the church altar depends on the home altar
b) the strength of the family altar depends on the personal altar
c) the goal is for every child of God to have a personal walk with God
d) God's judgment starts first at the house of God Joshua 7:11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
e) We need a higher standard at the house of God to make it work.
You need to be becoming mature/complete.
Ye Must Be Born Again
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The 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. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus 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? 5Jesus 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. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
You cannot "unborn" anything.
Whether you're a bad Christian or a good Christian, you're still a Child of God.
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (notice there is no spirit mentioned here)
I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Spirit is mentioned here)
wholly - entirely, fully - whole body & soul& spirit
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened , who were dead in trespasses and sins;
A person not born again has a dead spirit (spirit of disobedience). The Holy Spirit kicks out the spirit of disobedience at salvation.
The spirit of man communicates with God.
The soul speaks to other humans ("she's got soul").
The body communicates for needs.
You are either whole because you are saved or you are not whole.
You can know you are saved:
I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
You cannot "unborn" anything.
Whether you're a bad Christian or a good Christian, you're still a Child of God.
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (notice there is no spirit mentioned here)
I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Spirit is mentioned here)
wholly - entirely, fully - whole body & soul& spirit
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened , who were dead in trespasses and sins;
A person not born again has a dead spirit (spirit of disobedience). The Holy Spirit kicks out the spirit of disobedience at salvation.
The spirit of man communicates with God.
The soul speaks to other humans ("she's got soul").
The body communicates for needs.
You are either whole because you are saved or you are not whole.
You can know you are saved:
I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Never Compromise
Nehemiah 7:1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them : and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. 4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
Three men caused Israel to be a mighty nation: Saul, David, Solomon
David (40 yrs) was faithful, had military might.
Saul eventually compromised.
Solomon compromised -> tribes split
If you want God's blessing you can't compromise.
You cannot have a strong church without a strong leader/preacher.
II Chronicles 36; Psalm 137:4
The southern 2 tribes called Judah, other 10 tribes called Israel
3 things destroyed by Babylon
1) The house of God
2) The wall around the city
3) The homes inside the wall
3 groups returned to Jerusalem after the Medes and Persians overthrew Babylon
The were led by Zerububel, Ezra, and Nehemiah
Many people stayed in Babylon (the world)
Ezra- rebuilt the house of God
Nehemiah- rebuilt the wall, then homes inside the wall were rebuilt
Remnant- small group keeping with godly principles
Song of Solomon 1:6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
I Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Haggai 1:1-11 more people were concerned about rebuilding homes than the house of God.
I Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
You need to be more than just faithful a keeping your regular pew warm, do the work of the Lord!
Three men caused Israel to be a mighty nation: Saul, David, Solomon
David (40 yrs) was faithful, had military might.
Saul eventually compromised.
Solomon compromised -> tribes split
If you want God's blessing you can't compromise.
You cannot have a strong church without a strong leader/preacher.
II Chronicles 36; Psalm 137:4
The southern 2 tribes called Judah, other 10 tribes called Israel
3 things destroyed by Babylon
1) The house of God
2) The wall around the city
3) The homes inside the wall
3 groups returned to Jerusalem after the Medes and Persians overthrew Babylon
The were led by Zerububel, Ezra, and Nehemiah
Many people stayed in Babylon (the world)
Ezra- rebuilt the house of God
Nehemiah- rebuilt the wall, then homes inside the wall were rebuilt
Remnant- small group keeping with godly principles
Song of Solomon 1:6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
I Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Haggai 1:1-11 more people were concerned about rebuilding homes than the house of God.
I Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
You need to be more than just faithful a keeping your regular pew warm, do the work of the Lord!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Sound Familiar?
Luke 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you , delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19In your patience possess ye your souls.
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
The things that I italicized are things that are happening around the world as we speak. I am encouraged by the fact that I see these things. There are so many loved ones that have gone on to heaven lately and I miss them, it comforts me to know that it may not be long before I see them again. Sure, I may be like my mom and think I won't see my children graduate high school or get married and then get to see just that, but is 20 years so long? It seems a long time now, but in the scope of eternity no it is not.
I am tired and not feeling well, so I can't wax much more spiritual than that. I just wanted to share what I had read just yesterday in Luke. I am so encouraged by the Word of God! It makes anything I'm going through now not worth complaining about because, really, I haven't experienced that much bad in my life.
God bless, Jo
Luke 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you , delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19In your patience possess ye your souls.
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
The things that I italicized are things that are happening around the world as we speak. I am encouraged by the fact that I see these things. There are so many loved ones that have gone on to heaven lately and I miss them, it comforts me to know that it may not be long before I see them again. Sure, I may be like my mom and think I won't see my children graduate high school or get married and then get to see just that, but is 20 years so long? It seems a long time now, but in the scope of eternity no it is not.
I am tired and not feeling well, so I can't wax much more spiritual than that. I just wanted to share what I had read just yesterday in Luke. I am so encouraged by the Word of God! It makes anything I'm going through now not worth complaining about because, really, I haven't experienced that much bad in my life.
God bless, Jo
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
This is not what I've been working on, but as I was reading my devotions I couldn't help but share this. I've had real trouble lately with faith. I have lacked the faith to believe God answered my prayers. He knew exactly what I needed today and he has given me this passage. He is better than any earthly parent, so if you just ask, seek, knock he will reward you with an answer. He won't give you bad things, in fact if you ask he gives you the Holy Spirit. He knows how to give good gifts!
Please, if you have not received the Holy Spirit within you, do it now. If you are interested in learning how you can do this I have a post in the August 2005 archive on the Roman's Road to salvation. Take a few minutes, read it over, and ask Christ into your heart today!
God bless you all! Jo
This is not what I've been working on, but as I was reading my devotions I couldn't help but share this. I've had real trouble lately with faith. I have lacked the faith to believe God answered my prayers. He knew exactly what I needed today and he has given me this passage. He is better than any earthly parent, so if you just ask, seek, knock he will reward you with an answer. He won't give you bad things, in fact if you ask he gives you the Holy Spirit. He knows how to give good gifts!
Please, if you have not received the Holy Spirit within you, do it now. If you are interested in learning how you can do this I have a post in the August 2005 archive on the Roman's Road to salvation. Take a few minutes, read it over, and ask Christ into your heart today!
God bless you all! Jo
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
This verse is such a great promise. Too many times people look at the surrounding verses (posted below) to use them against other people. They do this and miss out on a blessing.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
God says that if you give to others he will give to you and not just an equal portion, but as much as you can fit and then some (running over). So many times people quibble over giving their last bit of cash, food, clothing to help out someone else, but we forget that God WILL take care of us. Not only that, he will bless us beyond measure. I have seen God bless me, whether for this reason or not, I'm not sure. I trust God, though, and know he keeps his word. Sometimes things seem unbearable, distressing, and you just feel like giving up on God, on life, on others. Chin up, better days are ahead! Just keep glorifying God. Here's a suggestion, praise him for taking care of whatever is worrying you now. It shows that you believe he can and will take care of you. It will give you a little more peace in your life.
I read 1 Psalm, 1 Proverb, Romans 12 and I Corinthians 13 along with my regular bible chapters and this is the Psalm I read today. It was such a blessing I just had to share!
Psalm 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. 6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. 7The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. 8They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments : his praise endureth for ever.
God bless, Jo
This verse is such a great promise. Too many times people look at the surrounding verses (posted below) to use them against other people. They do this and miss out on a blessing.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
God says that if you give to others he will give to you and not just an equal portion, but as much as you can fit and then some (running over). So many times people quibble over giving their last bit of cash, food, clothing to help out someone else, but we forget that God WILL take care of us. Not only that, he will bless us beyond measure. I have seen God bless me, whether for this reason or not, I'm not sure. I trust God, though, and know he keeps his word. Sometimes things seem unbearable, distressing, and you just feel like giving up on God, on life, on others. Chin up, better days are ahead! Just keep glorifying God. Here's a suggestion, praise him for taking care of whatever is worrying you now. It shows that you believe he can and will take care of you. It will give you a little more peace in your life.
I read 1 Psalm, 1 Proverb, Romans 12 and I Corinthians 13 along with my regular bible chapters and this is the Psalm I read today. It was such a blessing I just had to share!
Psalm 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. 6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. 7The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. 8They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments : his praise endureth for ever.
God bless, Jo
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Jesus is God
Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20And when he saw their faith, [b]he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.[/b] 21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? [b]Who can forgive sins, but God alone?[/b] 22[u]But when Jesus perceived their thoughts[/u], he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 23Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24But that ye may know that [b]the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins[/b], (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
I was reading this today for devotions and thinking ever so much of the many people (of different "faiths") that deny that Jesus is God. The scribes accused him of blaspheme because he forgave sins, because God alone can forgive sins. Christ did many miracles on earth, but the greatest miracle is the forgiveness of sin. He really doesn't have to do anything, but he is a man of his word. He says he'll forgive you and he does, as simple as that. I just have to praise the Lord for forgiving my sins! I can have peace in my soul because I know God has already forgiven my sins!
God bless, Jo
Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20And when he saw their faith, [b]he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.[/b] 21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? [b]Who can forgive sins, but God alone?[/b] 22[u]But when Jesus perceived their thoughts[/u], he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 23Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24But that ye may know that [b]the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins[/b], (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
I was reading this today for devotions and thinking ever so much of the many people (of different "faiths") that deny that Jesus is God. The scribes accused him of blaspheme because he forgave sins, because God alone can forgive sins. Christ did many miracles on earth, but the greatest miracle is the forgiveness of sin. He really doesn't have to do anything, but he is a man of his word. He says he'll forgive you and he does, as simple as that. I just have to praise the Lord for forgiving my sins! I can have peace in my soul because I know God has already forgiven my sins!
God bless, Jo
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
I Corinthians 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor , and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
vs 1 Even though I may have the ability to speak with the tongues (languages) of men and angel, if I don't have love I am just making noise (sounding brass, tinkling cymbal).
vs 2 I may have the gift of prophecy (prediction) or understand (perceive) all mysteries (a secret through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) and all knowledge (the act of knowing). I may have faith that I can move mountains, but I am nothing without love.
Faith 4102 pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
vs 3 I may give everything I have to feed the poor or sacrifice myself to be burned, but if I lack love, even those things aren't useful to me.
vs 4 Love patiently endures. Love is acts benevolently. Love does not get jealous. Love does not boast and is not proud.
vs 5 Love does not act in ways that are unbecoming. Love it takes no thought for itself. Love is not easily provoked (quickly made angry). Love does not keep track of evils (harms).
vs 6 Love does not take joy in sin or wrong things, but it does take joy in the truth.
vs 7 Love endures all things, trusts all things, expects all things, and goes through or perseveres all things.
vs 8 Love never is found lacking. If there are prophecies (predictions) they will fail, if there are tongues (languages) they will stop, if there is knowledge it will disappear. I like how the BBE (Bible in Basic English) words it 8Though the prophet's word may come to an end, tongues come to nothing, and knowledge have no more value, love has no end.
vs 13 Now three things remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love.
Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart (feelings), and with all thy soul (spiritual nature), and with all thy mind (thoughts). 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
God knew the perfect words to use to let us know what love is. He also lets us know how to use it. We are to love HIM with all our heart, sould and mind. Then we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. That means take care of their needs. I just thought that this time of heartbreak and outreach due to hurricane Katrina really called for a deeper study of godly love.
May God richly bless you. Jo
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
vs 1 Even though I may have the ability to speak with the tongues (languages) of men and angel, if I don't have love I am just making noise (sounding brass, tinkling cymbal).
vs 2 I may have the gift of prophecy (prediction) or understand (perceive) all mysteries (a secret through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) and all knowledge (the act of knowing). I may have faith that I can move mountains, but I am nothing without love.
Faith 4102 pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
vs 3 I may give everything I have to feed the poor or sacrifice myself to be burned, but if I lack love, even those things aren't useful to me.
vs 4 Love patiently endures. Love is acts benevolently. Love does not get jealous. Love does not boast and is not proud.
vs 5 Love does not act in ways that are unbecoming. Love it takes no thought for itself. Love is not easily provoked (quickly made angry). Love does not keep track of evils (harms).
vs 6 Love does not take joy in sin or wrong things, but it does take joy in the truth.
vs 7 Love endures all things, trusts all things, expects all things, and goes through or perseveres all things.
vs 8 Love never is found lacking. If there are prophecies (predictions) they will fail, if there are tongues (languages) they will stop, if there is knowledge it will disappear. I like how the BBE (Bible in Basic English) words it 8Though the prophet's word may come to an end, tongues come to nothing, and knowledge have no more value, love has no end.
vs 13 Now three things remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love.
Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart (feelings), and with all thy soul (spiritual nature), and with all thy mind (thoughts). 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
God knew the perfect words to use to let us know what love is. He also lets us know how to use it. We are to love HIM with all our heart, sould and mind. Then we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. That means take care of their needs. I just thought that this time of heartbreak and outreach due to hurricane Katrina really called for a deeper study of godly love.
May God richly bless you. Jo
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The church is made up of many different people. Every one of us has our own duty within the church and every one of us is important. I have often been told of the importance of the pinky toe. Strangely enough this very small part of the human body has a big job. Without the pinky toe it is near impossible to walk. It supplies your foot with the balance it needs to support the rest of your body. I think of the ring finger that seems to serve no other purpose than to hold a ring, but without that ring finger typing this up would take a lot longer. There are plenty of other parts of the body that SEEM insignificant, yet are quite important in the whole scheme of things. So what if you are a janitor or if you're just a "seat warmer" in the congregation, people notice you and when you are not there it is like missing your pinky toe, the balance is off.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Love is agape, a giving love, a deep, abiding love. We need to love without hypocrisy, or unfeigned. Hypocrisy is defined as falseness. Do you act in love? Or are you just appearing to act in love? You might be surprised, but it's actually quite easy to tell when someone is doing/saying something from a pure heart and a pure conscience as opposed to someone who is just saying "what they're supposed to." Then it says abhor that which is evil. To abhor is to utterly detest something, in this case that which is evil. I will reference the Greek for the definition of evil 04190 4190 poneros pon-ay-ros' from a derivative of 4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:--bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness). See also 4191. see GREEK for 4192 see GREEK for 2556 see GREEK for 4550 see GREEK for 4191. Then it says Cleave to that which is good. I just love the Greek when it says it means "to glue" or "to stick". I feel like combining them and saying to stick like glue to that which is good. After a bit of digging I think I found the most proper definition of good as what is right or proper. So stick like glue to what is right (or how about the opposite of evil).
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love (or, in the love of the brethren) ; in honour preferring one another;
To be kindly affectioned is to cherishing one another as Christians (siblings in Christ). In honor (respect) preferring (to lead the way for others) one another. There are two ways you can lead someone, in word only, or in word and in deed. Showing another person respect will leave them more likely to follow the path you are trying to lead them on. Like my mom always says, "You'll win more flies with honey than with vinegar."
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing is to be calmly happy or well-off. To hope is to anticipate, usually with pleasure. So rejoicing in hope is to be calmly happy in anticipation (of something good). I love how it says continuing, you can't continue something you haven't started. To continue instant in something is to be constantly diligent (care and perseverence in carrying out tasks), in this case it is prayer.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Share with others (distribute) to the necesssity (need) of saints (other Christians). Given to hospitality is to pursue kindness in welcoming guests or strangers. This is where it makes me think of where we are told to entertain strangers, because in so doing we are entertaining angels without knowing it.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Speak well of them which oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs. If someone wants to speak evil of you or wish you harm, you are to ask God to bless them. Sure this is hard to do, but it is God's will for us as Christians to speak well of others. Don't you be the persecuter and don't wish bad on other people, you be the one seeking God's blessing for the people that find life so hard to deal with that they have to bring trouble upon you.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
As a preacher once told me to rejoice is to "joy again." So you are joining your joy with the joy of those that are rejoicing. I know when I have good news to share I want to pick up the phone or turn on the computer and let someone know about it. That way I can have someone rejoicing with me. We are also to weep (wail aloud) with those who are weeping. Again, when there is something that just hangs so heavily on my heart that I can't help but let out deep sobs, I want someone there to cry with me. It's the concept of a yoke, two sharing one burden makes the burden feel lighter.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Recompense means to repay, so we are not to repay evil (defined above) for evil. In fact, according to verse 14 we are to repay evil with good. Provide is defined in the Greek as 04306 4306 pronoeo pron-o-eh'-o from 4253 and 3539; to consider in advance, i.e. look out for
beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself):--provide (for). see GREEK for 4253. So we are to consider beforehand what would be honest in the sight of all men. That which is honest is full of integrity. Consider what is honest and if you are going to say or do something that is dishonest, then you are wrong. A wise man once said, "A half truth is a whole lie." So once again we need to think before we act. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. This always a good rule of thumb to remember before doing or saying anything.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Just remember that when this verse says "as much as lieth in you" it really means you should be operating under the power of God. If you are operating in God's power then anything is possible and you can live peacably with everyone. To live peacably, is not only keeping away from doing what would cause strife, but also to help others come to peace in their relationships. You need to be a peace maker and the only way you can make peace is if it is dwelling in you. You get peace from God, you use it in your interactions with other people and you help others to make peace in their relationships. How close is your walk with God? I believe it can be gauged by how actively you seek to have peaceful relationships in your life and how often you help others to bring peace to their relationships.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Has someone done you wrong? What is God's answer? Avenge means to vindicate, retaliate, punish. Here it is saying we are not to retaliate when someone has wronged us, but rather we are to put wrath in it's rightful place. Wrath is defined as violent passion (ire, or (justifiable)
abhorrence). Sure when someone has "done us wrong" we feel that we can justify getting so angry that we lash out, but there should be no such thing to a Christian. Wrath's rightful place is in God's hands. Only God can mete out proper punishment, so don't try to take his place (it doesn't work, look at Satan), just trust him to be faithful.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
An enemy is defined as one who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another; a foe. If someone is opposing you then you are not to fight them, you are to reach out to them, meet their needs, assist them in any way possible. I know a lot of people find joy in the end of this verse like, "oooh, if I treat them well that will get 'em." You should not care about the end result, but care about what God wants you to do. He wants you to treat everyone with love, even your enemies (and everyone has got at least one). Look at Christ's own example as he was mocked and slandered, he didn't fight it, didn't try to prove his innocence, he kept his mouth shut until he was on the cross when he said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Don't let evil get the victory, overcome it with good. It really helps, at least in your own heart, to speak blessings to those that curse you. It helps to reach out with good (Scripture) to someone who is being a stinker.
I have really realized in my own life that if I want to keep from letting bitterness settle in I need to get chugging on doing something positive. It has gone a long way to really changing the core of who I am. It can do the same for you. Please just reach out a receive a blessing from God. If you are blessing others, God will bless you. If you are following God's will, he will bless you. It doesn't take much effort to say a kind word or to do something nice for someone else, it just takes a person willing to make the right decision.
God's richest blessings to you all. Jo
The church is made up of many different people. Every one of us has our own duty within the church and every one of us is important. I have often been told of the importance of the pinky toe. Strangely enough this very small part of the human body has a big job. Without the pinky toe it is near impossible to walk. It supplies your foot with the balance it needs to support the rest of your body. I think of the ring finger that seems to serve no other purpose than to hold a ring, but without that ring finger typing this up would take a lot longer. There are plenty of other parts of the body that SEEM insignificant, yet are quite important in the whole scheme of things. So what if you are a janitor or if you're just a "seat warmer" in the congregation, people notice you and when you are not there it is like missing your pinky toe, the balance is off.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Love is agape, a giving love, a deep, abiding love. We need to love without hypocrisy, or unfeigned. Hypocrisy is defined as falseness. Do you act in love? Or are you just appearing to act in love? You might be surprised, but it's actually quite easy to tell when someone is doing/saying something from a pure heart and a pure conscience as opposed to someone who is just saying "what they're supposed to." Then it says abhor that which is evil. To abhor is to utterly detest something, in this case that which is evil. I will reference the Greek for the definition of evil 04190 4190 poneros pon-ay-ros' from a derivative of 4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:--bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness). See also 4191. see GREEK for 4192 see GREEK for 2556 see GREEK for 4550 see GREEK for 4191. Then it says Cleave to that which is good. I just love the Greek when it says it means "to glue" or "to stick". I feel like combining them and saying to stick like glue to that which is good. After a bit of digging I think I found the most proper definition of good as what is right or proper. So stick like glue to what is right (or how about the opposite of evil).
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love (or, in the love of the brethren) ; in honour preferring one another;
To be kindly affectioned is to cherishing one another as Christians (siblings in Christ). In honor (respect) preferring (to lead the way for others) one another. There are two ways you can lead someone, in word only, or in word and in deed. Showing another person respect will leave them more likely to follow the path you are trying to lead them on. Like my mom always says, "You'll win more flies with honey than with vinegar."
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing is to be calmly happy or well-off. To hope is to anticipate, usually with pleasure. So rejoicing in hope is to be calmly happy in anticipation (of something good). I love how it says continuing, you can't continue something you haven't started. To continue instant in something is to be constantly diligent (care and perseverence in carrying out tasks), in this case it is prayer.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Share with others (distribute) to the necesssity (need) of saints (other Christians). Given to hospitality is to pursue kindness in welcoming guests or strangers. This is where it makes me think of where we are told to entertain strangers, because in so doing we are entertaining angels without knowing it.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Speak well of them which oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs. If someone wants to speak evil of you or wish you harm, you are to ask God to bless them. Sure this is hard to do, but it is God's will for us as Christians to speak well of others. Don't you be the persecuter and don't wish bad on other people, you be the one seeking God's blessing for the people that find life so hard to deal with that they have to bring trouble upon you.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
As a preacher once told me to rejoice is to "joy again." So you are joining your joy with the joy of those that are rejoicing. I know when I have good news to share I want to pick up the phone or turn on the computer and let someone know about it. That way I can have someone rejoicing with me. We are also to weep (wail aloud) with those who are weeping. Again, when there is something that just hangs so heavily on my heart that I can't help but let out deep sobs, I want someone there to cry with me. It's the concept of a yoke, two sharing one burden makes the burden feel lighter.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Recompense means to repay, so we are not to repay evil (defined above) for evil. In fact, according to verse 14 we are to repay evil with good. Provide is defined in the Greek as 04306 4306 pronoeo pron-o-eh'-o from 4253 and 3539; to consider in advance, i.e. look out for
beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself):--provide (for). see GREEK for 4253. So we are to consider beforehand what would be honest in the sight of all men. That which is honest is full of integrity. Consider what is honest and if you are going to say or do something that is dishonest, then you are wrong. A wise man once said, "A half truth is a whole lie." So once again we need to think before we act. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. This always a good rule of thumb to remember before doing or saying anything.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Just remember that when this verse says "as much as lieth in you" it really means you should be operating under the power of God. If you are operating in God's power then anything is possible and you can live peacably with everyone. To live peacably, is not only keeping away from doing what would cause strife, but also to help others come to peace in their relationships. You need to be a peace maker and the only way you can make peace is if it is dwelling in you. You get peace from God, you use it in your interactions with other people and you help others to make peace in their relationships. How close is your walk with God? I believe it can be gauged by how actively you seek to have peaceful relationships in your life and how often you help others to bring peace to their relationships.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Has someone done you wrong? What is God's answer? Avenge means to vindicate, retaliate, punish. Here it is saying we are not to retaliate when someone has wronged us, but rather we are to put wrath in it's rightful place. Wrath is defined as violent passion (ire, or (justifiable)
abhorrence). Sure when someone has "done us wrong" we feel that we can justify getting so angry that we lash out, but there should be no such thing to a Christian. Wrath's rightful place is in God's hands. Only God can mete out proper punishment, so don't try to take his place (it doesn't work, look at Satan), just trust him to be faithful.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
An enemy is defined as one who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another; a foe. If someone is opposing you then you are not to fight them, you are to reach out to them, meet their needs, assist them in any way possible. I know a lot of people find joy in the end of this verse like, "oooh, if I treat them well that will get 'em." You should not care about the end result, but care about what God wants you to do. He wants you to treat everyone with love, even your enemies (and everyone has got at least one). Look at Christ's own example as he was mocked and slandered, he didn't fight it, didn't try to prove his innocence, he kept his mouth shut until he was on the cross when he said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Don't let evil get the victory, overcome it with good. It really helps, at least in your own heart, to speak blessings to those that curse you. It helps to reach out with good (Scripture) to someone who is being a stinker.
I have really realized in my own life that if I want to keep from letting bitterness settle in I need to get chugging on doing something positive. It has gone a long way to really changing the core of who I am. It can do the same for you. Please just reach out a receive a blessing from God. If you are blessing others, God will bless you. If you are following God's will, he will bless you. It doesn't take much effort to say a kind word or to do something nice for someone else, it just takes a person willing to make the right decision.
God's richest blessings to you all. Jo
Friday, August 19, 2005
How simple is salvation? Can you just ask God to save you? Does he do it? Does he require anything more of you than a one time acceptance of his gift? Once you are saved can he keep you saved?
Now you're probably wondering where this is coming from. I'll tell you. I had a very frustrating run in with a pentacostal lady who bases her salvation on her day to day life (she's been bad lately so she'll go to hell), on her ability to speak in tongues (was back in church 2 months before she got the "Holy Spirit" back), and on baptism (have to get baptised to wash away your sins). I just don't understand this, how could you possibly believe like this. These statements are nearly contradictory. If speaking in tongues is what saves you, then you don't need baptism too. If you get baptised once, then you sin, wouldn't you have to get baptised again after you sin again? I am glad that God has set us free in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 13:5 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.
Romans 11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
II Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
I John 5:13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I mean it seems pretty clear from these scriptures that it is God's GRACE that saves us, not our works. He extends his grace to us when he extends the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. So, how do you find about how to receive this gift? I am posting below what Christians call "The Romans Road." Basically they call it that because you take a journey through the book of Romans that will tell you all you need to know about accepting the gift of Christ as your Savior.
(Taken from my church tract)
Would you like to know if you were to die today that you would go to heaven? YOU CAN!
Who is good?
Romans 3:10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Who has sinned?
Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Where did sin come from?
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
What is God's price for sin?
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What is our way out?
Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
If you believe that Christ died for you, and if you are willing to confess Him before God and man, then pray this prayer believing in Christ to save you for your sins.
Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I know that there is a price for my sin that I cannot pay. I realize that Jesus Christ paid that price for me through his death, burial and resurrection. I pray to accept Jesus as my Savior right now, believing that his precious blood has washed away all my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and take me to heaven to live with you Jesus some day when I die. In Jesus Christ's precious name and through power of his shed blood I pray. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer today, then I welcome you to the family of Christ. I know that trusting in Christ's perfect sacrifice is the only way to get to heaven and I want everyone to have the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. It was a wonderful night on June 19, 2002 that I made the decision to trust Christ and his shed blood for the remission of my sins. God has blessed every day. I've gone through trials and tribulations, but I can get through it all with Christ sharing my burden! God bless you all! Jo
Now you're probably wondering where this is coming from. I'll tell you. I had a very frustrating run in with a pentacostal lady who bases her salvation on her day to day life (she's been bad lately so she'll go to hell), on her ability to speak in tongues (was back in church 2 months before she got the "Holy Spirit" back), and on baptism (have to get baptised to wash away your sins). I just don't understand this, how could you possibly believe like this. These statements are nearly contradictory. If speaking in tongues is what saves you, then you don't need baptism too. If you get baptised once, then you sin, wouldn't you have to get baptised again after you sin again? I am glad that God has set us free in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 13:5 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.
Romans 11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
II Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
I John 5:13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I mean it seems pretty clear from these scriptures that it is God's GRACE that saves us, not our works. He extends his grace to us when he extends the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. So, how do you find about how to receive this gift? I am posting below what Christians call "The Romans Road." Basically they call it that because you take a journey through the book of Romans that will tell you all you need to know about accepting the gift of Christ as your Savior.
(Taken from my church tract)
Would you like to know if you were to die today that you would go to heaven? YOU CAN!
Who is good?
Romans 3:10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Who has sinned?
Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Where did sin come from?
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
What is God's price for sin?
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What is our way out?
Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
If you believe that Christ died for you, and if you are willing to confess Him before God and man, then pray this prayer believing in Christ to save you for your sins.
Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I know that there is a price for my sin that I cannot pay. I realize that Jesus Christ paid that price for me through his death, burial and resurrection. I pray to accept Jesus as my Savior right now, believing that his precious blood has washed away all my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and take me to heaven to live with you Jesus some day when I die. In Jesus Christ's precious name and through power of his shed blood I pray. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer today, then I welcome you to the family of Christ. I know that trusting in Christ's perfect sacrifice is the only way to get to heaven and I want everyone to have the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. It was a wonderful night on June 19, 2002 that I made the decision to trust Christ and his shed blood for the remission of my sins. God has blessed every day. I've gone through trials and tribulations, but I can get through it all with Christ sharing my burden! God bless you all! Jo
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
I have been thinking a lot lately. Thinking about my light. Is my light shining for others to see? Am I fulfilling all I should as a Christian? Where does that start? With love. Love whom? EVERYONE. Love God first and foremost, but love everyone else. It doesn't matter what anyone has done to you, God told us to love others. This is really hard to put into practice, especially with people that treat you like you're the scum of the earth. Romans 12 says to bless those that persecute you. Blessing others is a way of loving them. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do you feed yourself? Make sure your neighbor has food. Do you clothe yourself? Make sure your neighbor is clothed. Do you desire to go to heaven? Lead your neighbor to the Lord. We are to do unto others as we would want them to do to us. Do you want to be treated poorly? Surely not! Then don't treat others poorly. This is a simple rule of thumb, that even the unsaved understand. I've heard "you win more bees with honey than with vinegar" more than I can count in my life. If you've offended others or they've offended you, you're supposed to make it right. Too many times we let our pride get in the way. We need to re-learn our manners and always be willing to apologize even if you feel someone else is at fault.
May God's richest blessings fill your life!
May God's richest blessings fill your life!
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