The Word of God

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Psalms 119:103-112

Before we start, a few interesting facts about Psalm 119. It’s the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. It’s almost exactly in the middle of the Bible, and you know what the subject is? God’s Word.

119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate
every false way.

119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy
righteous judgments.

119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto
thy word.

119:108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O
LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy
law.

119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy
precepts.

119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they
are the rejoicing of my heart.

119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even
unto the end.

103

We all hear news about our health or work or money or whatever and we naturally want to know more about it. God has given us His Word to help us live here and (more importantly) to prepare us for eternity.

James

1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning. 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of
truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath: 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not
the righteousness of God. 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and
superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted
word, which is able to save your souls. 1:22 But be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 1:23 For if
any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man
beholding his natural face in a glass: 1:24 For he beholdeth himself,
and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he
was. 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and
continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of
the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

When you’re reading God’s Word, don’t just read a passage here and there. If you let Him, God will use the Holy Spirit to guide you in the Word so it will become a part of you.

104

When the Word tells us “you shall” or “thou shalt not”, it’s not some arbitrary rule. God made us. He knows what is best for us. Just as any parent, He wants not have to stub our toes and learn things the hard way.

Proverbs

16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but
the instruction of fools is folly. 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth
his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 16:24 Pleasant words are
as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 16:25 There
is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death.

We sometimes think we have a good plan, but God sees the big picture. We have to trust that He knows what’s right.

Proverbs

3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths. 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD,
and depart from evil. 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow
to thy bones.

105

Settle yourself and seek God. He will show you the true path.

When I was preparing this message, I thought the message was going to go one way. I found out that wasn’t it. I tried another way, and that didn’t work either. When I sat back, got out of the way, and let God direct me, He gave me this verse (Psalm 119:105) to get me started.

2 Peter

1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until
the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 1:20 Knowing this
first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

This is God’s Word. Trust in it. Lean on it, but don’t be like Mark Twain described the drunk…

He said “Most people use statistics like a drunk man uses a lamp post; more for support than for illumination.”

That is, don’t use the Word to support what you want to do, use it to find out what you should be doing.

106

When you’re saved, you admit that God is Lord and worthy of obedience. You have to also trust that He is wise and will not lead you wrong.

Philippians

1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Whatever God gives you, seek His will in it. Even if it seems like a bad thing to you at the time.

107

When you’re in the midst of trials, ask God. He will either help you make it through, or show you that you’re there because of your own will and them lead you to the path of escape.

John

6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

What happens to this flesh is temporary. You are to learn here the lessons that will shape your eternal home.

108

Our faith in God’s Word is the only true sacrifice we can offer.

Romans

10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and
in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 10:9 That
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. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 10:11 For the
scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Faith means to believe in God’s Word. His Word will not return void.

109

The psalmist is saying his life is always in danger, but he doesn’t give up on God. He trusts Him to bring him through.

Hebrews

12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is
set before us, 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne
of God. 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of
sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as
unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth
he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

You are hidden in Jesus. He is the rock. Just as He was able to withstand the trials He was put through, He will help you bear the load if you let Him.

110

The enemy will set his traps and snares. Keep your eyes open. Use the Word to find your path and let the Spirit guide your feet.

1 Corinthians

10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he
fall. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Sometimes we are to stand. Sometimes, God gives us a way to get out of the way of the train that’s barrelling down on you.

111

God’s Word is not hard. When we open our hearts, the Holy Spirit will show us how simple it really is. He will show us what we need for each season of our life. We have to be patient and trust God to tell us what we need, when we need it.

Deuteronomy

30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not
hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 30:12 It is not in heaven,
that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring
it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 30:13 Neither is it
beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea
for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy
heart, that thou mayest do it.

Read, study and pray so the light God gives you is buried in your heart.

112

Commit yourself to give God everything and let Him tell you how you’re supposed to use it. Study God’s Word so you’ll have it at hand when you need it. Don’t do it as a duty or a chore. You want to know more about your earthly loved ones because that deepens your love for them. How much more should we want to learn about and understand Christ?

Philippians

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 4:5 Let your
moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 4:6 Be careful
for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 4:7 And the peace
of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. 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. 4:9 Those things, which ye have both
learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of
peace shall be with you.

God wants to live with you in this life to prepare you to live with Him when we leave here. He wants to perform His work through you so you can enter into His joy when you’re done.

Love Is Your Witness

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Romans 12:9-18

12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant
in prayer;

12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the
sight of all men.

12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
all men.

9

Love without pretense or deceit. Run away from evil and toward good.

James

4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will
flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Try to recognize early on when you’re faced with a temptation. Pray to God to give you strength to stand or wisdom to find the way of escape.

10

We are to love our neighbors, but our brothers and sisters in Christ first, just as you would in any family.

Galatians

6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of
the Spirit reap life everlasting. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.6:10 As we
have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith.

If you help someone that’s lost, that’s a good thing. Remember to help your brethren too though. Then God will multiply it in Christ when they also help others.

11

When you are dealing with the world remember, you are where you are for a reason. Whatever your work is, do it as unto God, because He gave you that work.

Ephesians

6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to
the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as
unto Christ; 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 6:7 With good will doing
service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Our example of honesty, dilegence and obedience to God will be our first testimony to the world. They will watch you and judge you. More than that, they will watch you and judge God. We’ve probably all heard it said “If that person is a Christian, I don’t need it.” Don’t be that person they’re talking about.

12

Whatever you’re going through, God planned it. Perhaps you’re having a period of chastening. Maybe it’s a time of great blessing and opportunity. Whatever it is, thank God for it and pray that He will help you understand how you’re supposed to use it for His glory.

Ephesians

5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of
the Lord is.5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but
be filled with the Spirit; 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to
the Lord; 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

13

Help your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all of one body, and we’ll rise and fall together.

Romans

15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the
weak, and not to please ourselves. 15:2 Let every one of us please
his neighbour for his good to edification. 15:3 For even Christ pleased
not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that
reproached thee fell on me.

Jesus is our ultimate example. He gave up everything and came to seek and save what was lost.

14

Remember, even your enemy could be a child of God. It is not our place to judge who deserves God’s love.

Matthew

5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 5:44 But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil
and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

If you can’t do anything else, pray that your enemy will be saved and become your brother. If it happens, that’ll help out everything else. Try to keep anger from blinding you. Many times, the most unpleasant of us are crying out because they hurt so much inside.

15

Share in the joys and pains of those around you. Your brethren will be strengthened, and it may give you an opportunity for you to witness to the lost.

Luke

6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be
ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 6:21 Blessed are ye that
hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now:
for ye shall laugh. 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and
when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach
you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your
reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers
unto the prophets.

We often don’t know what God is up to. His perspective is greater than ours. He can use all things to the greatest good.

When Nero was emperor of Rome, he decided to use the early Christians as scapegoats for his own political problems. He put multitudes to death in the Roman arenas. They were burned alive and killed by men and wild beasts as the crowds watched. When the Romans saw how these people were willing to die for their faith, many were converted. So much so that Christianity eventually became the state religion of Rome.

16

Remember, all are level at the foot of the cross. None of us are any better than anyone else. When a brother or sister is having a bad day, try not to retaliate, but rather remember, we all have bad days and have the needs for patience and grace.

1 Peter

3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 3:9 Not rendering evil for
evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that
ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 3:10 For
he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue
from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 3:11 Let him eschew
evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

17

God puts great stock in honest dealings, and often tells us how He looks down on dishonesty and fraud.

Proverbs

11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is
his delight.11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the
lowly is wisdom. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:
but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them 11:4 Riches
profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

There is no gain or profit that is worth cheating anyone. Not only does it hurt you, but if the world sees a believer acting like that, it just gives them another excuse to turn their backs on God.

18

If the world sees you walking in peace, temperance, and love, that is your first witness to them. If they see you walk a different path, they’ll not listen to anything else you have to say.

James

3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him
shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory
not, and lie not against the truth.3:15 This wisdom descendeth not
from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 3:16 For where envying
and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 3:17 But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and
easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrisy. 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in
peace of them that make peace.

When you witness in the world, don’t act like a judge and tell them what a rotten person they are. Remember, (and maybe even tell them) that you are a sinner saved by grace. Tell them how Jesus came to save sinful man and make peace with God through His love and sacrifice. Show them how God is reaching out to save us from ourselves. As the old saying goes, “You’ll draw more flies with sugar than with salt.”

There is a time to be the salt of the Earth, but try to show them Christ’s love first.

Who Should You Listen To?

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Ephesians 5:6-16

5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

6

Whether on TV, the radio, or in person, there are false teachers in the world. They make up doctrine and use it for their own ends. They may take verses out of context, or just use mans wisdom to make it sound good.

2 Timothy

3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good, 3:4 Traitors, heady,
highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 3:5 Having a
form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead
captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist
the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be
manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.

Check what these false teachers say against the whole Word and they will show themselves of what sort they really are. When you’ve found one of these false teachers, don’t stay and listen to them. Anything they say can sow a seed of doubt and weaken your faith.

7

Throughout the Bible, leaven is used as a symbol for sin and corruption. When celebrating the Passover (which illustrates Christ’s crucifixion), the Jews were to eat unleavened bread. This symbolizes how we’re to eat the whole Word of God, the Bread of Life, without the leaven of the world.

1 Corinthians

5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven
leaveneth the whole lump?

If you’ve ever made sourdough bread, it’s the perfect picture. You take a “starter” from the last batch, add ingredients to make your bread, and save back part for the next time. The leaven that came from the starter is enough to leaven the whole loaf you made, and the starter for next time.

5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump,
as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with
the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of
sincerity and truth. 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company
with fornicators: 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world
or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye
needs go out of the world.

That is, if you’re fully separated from sinners, how can you witness?

5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man
that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater,
or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not
to eat. 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without?
do not ye judge them that are within? 5:13 But them that are without God
judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The way to judge a false teacher is to look at their fruit. No one is perfect, but if someone professes to be saved and is wilfully living in sin, you have to question it. There are steps to help a backslid brother and restore them to the fold, but that’s a message for another day. You can start in Galatians Chapter 6 if you’d like to explore this topic.

8

When you’re saved, God begins to use the Holy Spirit to work in your life. He will show you where you are weak, and build you up to be stronger. You have to yield to The Spirit and let Him perform this work in you.

Matthew

6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be
single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 6:23 But if thine eye
be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light
that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 6:24 No man
can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon.

Your eye looks for the things you desire. It will show you the things you want to see. You cannot grow in Christ and hold on to your old sins. You have to be willing to set them aside and let the Holy Spirit show you the path the Father has for you.

9

Paul gives us a brief outline of some of the fruits of The Spirit…

Galatians

5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law. 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts. 5:25 If we live in the Spirit,
let us also walk in the Spirit.

Along with the Holy Spirit, God gives us gifts. The Spirit will help us lay hold on these gifts so the fruit can show forth in our lives.

10

The Spirit will help us figure out what we’re supposed to do, and what we’re not supposed to do.

Romans

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. 12:2 And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Let The Spirit guide you in all things. Don’t just look to God when you’re in trouble or need something. Try to lean on The Spirit to find the will of God for your life in all things, and to recognize and thank God for all the many blessings of each day.

11

I’m sure we’ve all had fair weather friends that only hang around as long as they can use you. When you’re saved, your old “friends” will try to tempt you to return to your prior ways. If you use the strength of The Spirit to resist, they won’t understand and will likely leave you, showing they never were true friends.

1 Peter

4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the
will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess
of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4:4
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same
excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 4:5 Who shall give account to
him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 4:6 For for this
cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they
might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to
God in the spirit.

The Law was given to convict men of sin. Jesus came to show there is a better way. All are dead in trespasses and sin. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and He will give you the gift of The Life.

12

Sinful man in his own wisdom thinks he has it all figured out. Because they love their sin, they’ve chosen to believe the lies of the Devil.

Romans

1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened. 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise,
they became fools, 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God
into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed
beasts, and creeping things. 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their
own bodies between themselves:1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a
lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who
is blessed for ever. Amen.

An idol doesn’t have to be a gold statue. It can be anything you believe or trust more than God. The evolutionists have their faith in vast stretches of time. However, when some of their own start pointing out that their estimate of the age of the Earth (5.6 billion years) isn’t enough to account for the development of life, many of them started talking about life coming from somewhere else. Rather than believe the truth of God, they would rather create and believe a new lie.

13

The world doesn’t want to believe, because then they’d have to admit they are sinners in need of a Savior.

Luke

8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel,
or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they
which enter in may see the light. 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall
not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known
and come abroad. 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever
hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be
taken even that which he seemeth to have.

God’s light penetrates all things. You can’t hide from Him. One day, the evil man will lose his riches and the humble will receive the riches of God, the treasures they’ve been storing up in Heaven.

14

This quote can be found in few places in the Old Testament. One is in Isaiah.

Isaiah

60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is
risen upon thee. 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and
gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his
glory shall be seen upon thee. 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy
light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

One day the entire world will see the brightness of God in Christ. We can start living in that light now. As Jesus says in John (8:32) “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

15

You have to walk in this world, but you don’t have to take part in it. Keep your eyes open. There are many traps and snares set out to trip you up.

Matthew

10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye
therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

16

Someday soon, the clock will run out on this world. We have to work while there is still time, to witness to the lost and sow the seeds of life. When the world has ended, we’ll be able to enter into His promised rest.

Hebrews

4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 4:10 For he
that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works,
as God did from his. 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,
lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief 4:12 For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we
have to do. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as
we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God knows all things. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows all our faults, our weaknesses and our shortcomings. He also knows our strengths and talents. Most importantly, He knows His plan for us. Our part is to let Him work that out in us.

Who Do You Love?

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Romans 13:8-14

13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that lovethanother hath fulfilled the law.

13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

8

When we’re saved, we are no longer bound by the old rule of obedience, but are given liberty in the Lord. This was partly symbolized in Peter’s vision on the rooftop.

10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done to show Peter that the Gentiles were allowed in the Church, but the symbol of meats no longer being forbidden is used elsewhere. To paraphrase Jesus’ correction of the Pharisees, it’s not what you put in your mouth that defiles you, but what comes out.

However, we’re not to use this liberty to satisfy our own selfish desires.

Galatians

5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

The Holy Spirit will allow us to walk in such a way that we’re not living to fulfill the desires of our flesh, but to serve the Lord in love.

9

This is a simple summary of the “man facing” portion of the 10 Commandment, but it is not new. Leviticus is one of the books of the Bible that explains The Law in more detail.

Leviticus                              

19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

God has been showing man that salvation is simple from the beginning. We want to make it complicated. In our pride, we want it to be something we can do ourselves.

10

Love is easiest to see when we act in love toward each other. However, we’re also to love God more than ourselves. That is, more than the life we live here in the flesh. In Mark, Jesus gives an advanced lesson in the Law to a young scribe.

Mark

12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Here we have both the God facing and man facing sides of the Commandments boiled down to the most basic elements. Love God more than anything, and your neighbor as yourself. If you could live up to that, you would fulfill the Law. It’s a good “short version” to use as a guide.

11

Whether we meet the Lord in the air as a group, or if we depart before then and meet Him individually, every day brings us closer to that time. By design, none know when that will be.

Mark

13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 13:34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at  midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 13:36 Lest  coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 13:37 And what I say unto you  I say unto all, Watch.

Jesus has left this house for a season. He’s left us all to do our work until He returns.

12

The darkness of this world has an end. The day will soon dawn when Jesus will return. Until then, we are to strengthen ourselves in the armor of God and keep the faith. We are all engaged in battle every day and must be prepared.

Ephesians

6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

13

This world is in darkness and the rats and roaches are at play. We’ve probably all been in a place where they run away when the lights are turned on. God has given us this example to show how wicked men react to His light.

John

3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Many try to pick apart the Bible and the Church, not because they have a real issue with the truth, but because they love their sin too much and don’t want to let go of it.

I ran into an interesting example of a hidden truth of the Bible the other day.

Proverbs

6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

Now, like all the Proverbs, this is terrific advice, but there’s more here than first meets the eye. Almost all ants are female. All the workers are female, and even when the nest “queens” and the flying male and female ants emerge, most of those are female. So how did Solomon 2700 years ago know that? He didn’t of course, but when God gave him this little piece of wisdom, He placed an extra little nugget of truth in there for us to find.

To get back on message then, none of us are perfect. However, if we desire to be in the light, God will use His Word to show us what we need to work on and help us to become the true image of the Father we were created to be.

14

Luke

12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

All together, or one by one, Jesus is coming for us some day, maybe even today. We are to try to use each day for the purpose God gave it to us. If we’re having a hard day, we should learn the lesson God is giving us. If we’re having a good day, we should thank God for the rest he’s provided before the next battle. There is a reason you have today. Use it to draw closer to God and seek His will.

Works Won’t Save You

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Romans 3:19-26

3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

19

Anyone that thinks they can be good enough to save themselves is wrong. The Law was given to show man that he can’t do it by himself.

Galatians

3:10 For 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. 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

If you’re going to claim salvation by The Law, you have to live in all of it. There is no “good enough”. God sent Jesus to make a better way. However, Jesus doesn’t do away with The Law, He is part of the plan. As He tells us in Matthew…

Matthew

5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

That is, The Law and prophets will be fulfilled right down to the dot of every i, and the cross of every t.

20

Even in the Old Testament, they knew they couldn’t keep The Law. In the Psalms David says…

Psalm

143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. 143:2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

In other words, please don’t judge me according to my works, but by your grace. I know I would fail a true judgment.

21

Now, a fuller picture of God’s plan has been revealed in Christ, but it is still based in The Law and prophets to show the truth of it.

Galatians

3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The Jews were given the sacrificial system. The sacrifices pointed ahead to Christ as a symbol of what He had to do.

As Jesus told two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection..

Luke     

24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

22

Some say the Old Testament was to the Jews and the New Testament is to everyone else. However, the Old Testament teaches that God will save all peoples, not just the Jews.

Luke

24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

23

1 John

1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This is what verse 22 meant by “there is no difference”. All are equal at the foot of the cross because we can’t do anything to raise ourselves up. Jesus has to do that work in us through the Holy Spirit.

24

Justice: To get what you deserve. When standing before a perfect, sinless, Holy God, this should strike fear into our very bones.

Mercy: To not receive the punishment you are due. The sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed to Christ, but were just a way to plead for mercy.

Grace: To be given gifts that you do not deserve. Jesus came not just to save us, but to restore us to our place as sons of God and joint heirs in Jesus.

John

1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

25

Religion, any religion, won’t save you. Religion says “do”. God wants a relationship with you through Jesus. He says “I did it for you”. Our part is just to believe and accept the free gift.

Hebrews

10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

That is, the Old Testament sacrifices have been done away with, because the perfect sacrifice of the New Testament has come in Jesus.

… continuing in Hebrews

10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

All the Old Testament sacrifices were to show that we can’t live perfection in ourselves and that a sacrifice must be made. In the end, only His sacrifice is sufficient.

26

Jesus is our savior. He died for us. He is our high priest.He made the sacrifice once and for all time. He is also now sitting on the Father’s right hand as the only just judge, so that none can deny they were given a fair chance. He was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus tells us…

John

5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

The world comes down to two choices. You can choose The Way, The Truth and The Life, or you can choose something else. Jesus has already paid the price and made The Way. We judge ourselves by our choices.

May we help those around us make the right choice.

Jesus Is God

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Colossians 1:12 – 18

1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

12

God’s light comes from His righteousness. Darkness comes from sin. What has God done to make us “meet”, that is to make us worthy? This comes through the blood of His sacrifice in Jesus Christ.

1 John

1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

13

After John the Baptist was cast into prison, Jesus went to Capernaum, which is on the border of two Gentile lands. This was in fulfillment of prophecy, which Matthew quotes…

Matthew

4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

That is, Jesus came to bring light and life to both the Jews and the Gentiles.

14

In Christ, we have our salvation through the sacrifice of His blood. In the opening of Revelations, John describes Jesus this way..

Revelations

1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

15

God is a spirit and cannot be seen. Jesus is the visible face of God. As He tells His disciples…

John

14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?  the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

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One of my favorite Bible passages is found in the first chapter of John…

John

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Jesus is the Word of God in person. When God speaks, things happen. His Word has power.

If He wanted to create everything in seven seconds, He could. He did it the way He did for His purposes. Genesis isn’t meant to be a full history of the creation of the Universe. It’s an outline to give us the important parts. He was there. He made it. We came along. We messed it up. He had to provide a Savior.

17

We saw how Jesus, as the Word, was in the beginning with God, and how all things were done by Him and through Him, according to the plan of God the Father. The New Testament is a revealing of more of the plan. The main part being how The Word became flesh and died to save sinful man. Hebrews starts out this way…

Hebrews

1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

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Just as Jesus is the image of The Father, so are we to become the image of Christ. When we’re saved, the Holy Spirit begins to work in us, to purge the old man and shape us,

Romans

8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

God makes an honest appeal to sinners. All who believe can be saved. He already knows who they will be and has plans for how He intends to use us to build the body of Christ. God’s glory is to shine through us in such a way as to make the lost world thirsty for what we have. If they thirst, He will fill them with living water.

Faith Will Give You Peace

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Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

As a believer, your faith is not of this world, but of the world to come. Therefore, it doesn’t pay to get too wrapped up in what happens here. Whether we abound in worldly blessings, or are abased in godly humility, we should be content. If the Lord has chosen to give us riches, then we are to remember that they come from him, and seek the purpose for which he’s given them. If we are experiencing hard times, we should know that we’re going through this to strengthen our faith, or to give God an opportunity to show his power. In all things, remember to give God the glory.

Continue reading →

Faith is the Key to Salvation

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Romans 3:23   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

No one is free from sin. We are all human. It doesn’t matter if it’s the addict in the street or the pope in the Vatican. We all live inside these bodies of flesh and bone, and we all sin. It doesn’t matter if the sin doesn’t show on the outside. We all know what we are on the inside. God knows too.

That’s why he sent his Son to die on the cross. By believing that God did this for us, we have access to what really moves God, faith. Even in the old testament, when the law was all man had to believe in, God said he would forgive those who had sinned, but had asked forgiveness and had returned to the law. Continue reading →