“The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 12/18/2016 written by bruce r. mills

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                                                    (Revised from 7/11/2013)

           

Written by bruce r. mills @  www.Godsmanforever.com

Here is the truth about sin, and how God’s grace through saving faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ is given by God, to those who understand and obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Romans 5:12… Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (NKJV)

Most people believe sin began in the Garden of Eden, but it didn’t.  Sin began when God’s top angel Lucifer, decided to flex his power and wanted to become equal to God…Isaiah 14:12-14…

Sin, by its very nature, is born into every human being, since Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, to the serpent’s (Satan’s) temptations.  This natural sin nature is part of everyone’s natural make-up, from the time they are young children, until the time that they pass on from this life.

That 3-year-old, who is told NO by their parents, goes right ahead and disobeys their parents at the first chance they get.  This rebellion against their parents turns into rebellion against God, as a child grows older.  God hates sin because it is independent rebellion against God, and will devastate the lives of everyone that remains living in sin…in bondage to Satan and the ways of the world…1 John 2:15-16…

The sad truth about sin, is that it blinds the unbeliever…

2 Corinthians 4:4… whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (NKJV)   (More about “the light of the gospel” of our Lord Jesus Christ, later)

Satan is the father of sin (John 8:44), and a master of disguise.  The Apostle Paul warns us about false prophets, and Satan himself, in...

2 Corinthians 11:12-14… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. (NKJV)

Thank goodness God sent His Son Jesus Christ, born to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18)… whose shed blood on the cross at Calvary, will cleanse the sins of those who are first drawn in by God…

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

After being drawn in by God, then understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the sins of the unbeliever will be replaced with the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9…&…2 Corinthians 5:21)…as God’s free gift of grace, through saving faith alone in Jesus Christ, fills the heart, mind, and soul of the new redeemed child of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)

There is nothing an unbeliever can do on their own merit.  No amount of good works done in the name of the Lord can cleanse away sins.  All of our own righteousness is absolutely worthless…Isaiah 64:6…  Jesus warns those who falsely believe that their good works done in the name of the Lord (like going to church every week), will forgive sins…when Jesus warns those around Him (and us) about this, in.

Matthew 7:21-23… “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (NKJV)

Having one’s lifetime of sins forgiven, is pure grace given to the unredeemed sinner by God.  God’s grace is given by God to those who seek Jesus Christ to become their personal Lord and Savior, through a personal one on One relationship, that is established between the unredeemed sinner and Jesus Christ.

This is accomplished through saving faith alone in Jesus Christ, through obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, when the sinner realizes they can in no way save themselves, and turns to the Lord to receive God’s grace… (More about obeying the Gospel of Christ later)

So why should you desire to become a redeemed child of God ??  Very simply, to be in-dwelt with the Holy Spirit by God, to be supernaturally empowered to defeat Satan’s temptations, and our own carnal fleshly desires constantly urging us to sin… 1 John 2:15-16…

The Holy Spirit living within the “born again” Christian, has been given to them by God to guide and direct EVERY facet of the redeemed child of God’s life…  It is the Holy Spirit that helps the Christian grow and mature the fruit of the Spirit, which the Apostle Paul pens, in…

Galatians 5:22-23…  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.  (ESV)

Look at this list of attributes the Holy Spirit will empower you with !!

Love, Joy, and Peace, are the most important of these 9 fruit of the Spirit…

How would you like to have a supernatural love that surpasses your mortal knowledge (Ephesians 3:19)…  A love empowered by the Holy Spirit that will enable you to love even someone screaming in your face, as Jesus tells us to do, in…Matthew 5:43-44…

And how about having a supernatural  joy that enables you to go through life’s most difficult trial, and still be able to find joy…  The Apostle James tells us about this joy, in…James 1:2-4…

 And wouldn’t you like to have a supernatural peace that will allow you to look upon your own death…knowing without a shadow of a doubt that you will be face to face with Jesus in heaven, the instant you breathe your last breath here on earth !!  (2 Corinthians 5:8)

This supernatural peace surpasses our mortal understanding, as the Apostle Paul pens, in…

Philippians 4:6-7… Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

All of these God-given blessings will be given to you by God if you understand and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…  How is this done ??  You must pray to God, with what some call “the sinner’s prayer”, which should go something like this…

“Father I am sorry for my lifetime of sins…  I believe with ALL my heart, that Your Son Jesus suffered and died on the cross, shedding His blood to cleanse away all of my sins…  I believe that Jesus was buried, and rose again in 3 days…  I repent and turn from my sins with godly sorrow and a repentant heart…seeking Jesus Christ to come into my heart to direct my life…  Father, hear my plea to receive Your grace…  Grant me eternal life with You…  Fill me with the Holy Spirit…and I thank You and praise You in Jesus’ most precious name…Amen”

I can only tell you from my own personal experience…that I made this prayer seeking salvation several times before God graced me with salvation.  It’s not the prayer that saves us; it is a changed heart that is regenerated by God Himself…  God knows our heart, and He will only grant saving grace to those who seek Jesus with ALL of their heart, mind soul, and strength…

God finally graced me with salvation after He drew me in, and I prayed with true godly sorrow and a repentant heart…  I absolutely knew beyond any doubt, that I was just then a redeemed child of God…  It is God’s decision, and God’s perfect timing, to grace someone with eternal life with Him in heaven.

Failure to obey the Gospel of Christ before you die will result in eternal separation from God, and you will forever forfeit your place in heaven…

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9…in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,  (NKJV)

All Christians who are Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), should absolutely, positively know for sure, that they are indeed a redeemed child of God.  The Apostle Paul tells us this, in…

Romans 8:15-16…  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  16 The Spirit Himself  bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (NKJV)

There should be no doubts for the Spirit-filled Christian about where they will be headed upon their death.  No wondering if they are good enough to get into heaven.  Because none of us are good enough…

Romans 3:23…  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NKJV)    

The power of the Holy Spirit can and will conquer sin, by those who without question, have placed their lives in the hands of the Lord.  The Apostle James says this best, when he penned this, in…

James 4:7-8… Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NKJV)

My friends, these blessings of spiritual fruit are totally indescribable, and have to be experienced to be believed !!

For those who have been graced with salvation…we must do our best to remain walking in the Spirit…  We see this penned by the Apostle Paul, in…

Galatians 5:16…   I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (NKJV)

We as Christians can only remain filled with the Holy Spirit (as the Apostle Paul tells us in (Ephesians 5:18-20), if we live in obedience to God’s will and God’s ways…  Any unconfessed sin will leave us in a state of broken (or at least hindered) fellowship with God…

To become righteous again in God’s eyes (from a practical standpoint, because we are always positionally righteous before God), we must confess our sins before the Lord…repent of them…and turn from them… We see this very clearly, as penned by the Apostle John, in…

1 John 1:9… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)

Living for the Lord, with the Holy Spirit in total charge of your life, is a blessing that I pray everyone will come to experience…

Heavenly Father, Your Word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…Hebrews 4:12-13… I pray Lord, that You would draw to Yourself those that don’t yet know You as their personal Lord and Savior…John 6:44…  And that the truth from Your Word through obedience to the Gospel of Your Son Jesus Christ, would set them free from Satan’s chains of bondage to sin and shame…John 8:32…  I pray for this fullness of Christ in all of our lives, in Jesus’ most precious name, and for His sake…Amen…

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

If you have any questions, from the USA you can call my cell  @  1-856-430-1448

or contact me by email @  brucermillslast@comcast.net

A great app for reading (or listening to) the whole Bible in one year-   www.bibleinoneyear.org

P.S.  For those who still believe they can earn their own way into heaven, listen to John Piper’s audio on… “Can My Good Works Outweigh My Bad?

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-my-good-works-outweigh-my-bad

Posted in Bible, Catholic, Christ, Christianity, Daily Devotion, Exortation, faith, God, Gospel, Holiness, Hope, Jesus Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

“In Conflict” 3/31/2023 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not

Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”  @  https://seizetheday-blog.com         

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2023/02/28/in-conflict-2/

 

In Conflict

 

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

        Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Galatians 5:24

 

When I started teaching in 1982, at Greenside High School, I could barely make ends meet but I’d been promised a salary increase and was looking forward to buying a car audio system. Then we had a staff meeting and the principal told us we wouldn’t be getting the increments we’d expected.  Boy, was I upset. For months I’d been contemplating a drive down the freeway to the beat of Keith Green or Petra. Now it was just a pipe dream.

A week later I was still fuming about how my rotten salary wasn’t even enough for a “basic necessity” like a sound system when one of my grade twelve students came up to chat with me. “Sir,” he began. “I notice your car doesn’t have a radio and tape deck.” “Everyone knows that!” I said somewhat sarcastically. “Well, I was wondering if you’d like me to get you one Sir?” “Listen Sean. It’s good of you to offer but I don’t have any spare cash.” “Oh!  But it wouldn’t cost much Sir. I can get you one for 10 percent of the price of a new system!” “What! That’s impossible! Where do you get them from?” “Well Sir, you probably don’t want to know the answer to your question but the bottom line is I can get you a really great system for next to nothing. So how about it?”

Needless to say, it was a tempting offer. Obviously, Sean was fencing stolen goods but I desperately wanted the system and for a few days I fought a tremendous inner conflict. It was a case of “the sinful nature (desiring) what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They (were) in conflict with each other”  Galatians 5:17.

Now, this was no small conflict. It raged on and on. It gave me restless nights and it was even worse when I drove past another car with music blaring out and the occupant singing along. But a few years previously I’d accepted Christ as my Savior, and now I was having to learn that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” Galatians 5:24. So because I was living “by the Spirit” I kept “in step with the Spirit” Galatians 5:25 and turned Sean’s offer down.

Similarly, when temptation comes your way, “live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” Galatians 5:16.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

 

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEddMoXeZ4pzDzCcHRRxPGEY5KDxCcA:1680233458336&q=image+spirit+vs+the+flesh+Bible&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=c7iPE8zME0YiIM%252CafW9fsHdSj5eaM%252C_%253BGx1BWPrOHS-8pM%252CuNrecVRMZU1WqM%252C_%253BXhbFUnYexMUonM%252CIeZcywsuSsQ9xM%252C_%253BCpU4sL7lD3GCsM%252CxJqIlftv7GVaBM%252C_%253BrcoN6B0zXM_g3M%252CqsIV3IjjA3w1gM%252C_%253BqyoVeUTqyQ0ytM%252CQFHMOf0rZP4UvM%252C_%253Bp72IYW7qKM5o-M%252C3yQzOPAtVh9LLM%252C_%253BBRgElE_aVlAZBM%252CoCj1ZxmJdt07GM%252C_%253Bi1ECVbM0MGMLUM%252C1ekQuKQPN4dX2M%252C_%253BG4r-lHJH4Ld27M%252Cd_zD5vyieBAxqM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQTwE0G7u1__H5S4KS2yPBN5dRqXA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjh1bGznYX-AhXNTTABHVVpDWYQ7Al6BAgUEEM&biw=906&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=pP943TkFyaktjM

 

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“Biblical Inerrancy?” 3/30/2023 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Why is it important to believe in biblical inerrancy? | GotQuestions.org

Click this link for www.Gotquestions.org for the answer to why it’s important !!  https://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-inerrancy.html

Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”  @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2023/03/28/biblical-inerrancy/

Biblical Inerrancy?

28TuesdayMar 2023

Posted by insanitybytes22

Tags  blogging, culture, faith, insanitybytes22, life

Do I believe the Bible is true? Yes! Absolutely. Do I believe in the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy signed into being in 1978? No, not at all.

Not only do I not believe in it, I think the fruit of it is even worse, often all smelly and rotten. People seem to believe that if they scream “Biblical inerrancy” it will somehow stop gay marriage, end homosexuality, and prevent transgenderism. Well, how is that all working out???

What it actually does is teach people they should not think critically about their Bibles, not internalize what they are reading, and not incorporate it into their personal lives. It does absolutely nothing to convince people that they better “submit to the facts.” In fact, whenever I hear that phrase myself I assume you’re a small-minded moron with an ego five stories higher than your IQ.

One of the tragic side effects is that we have created a kind of intellectual faith, all in our heads, and completely devoid of the heart. It cuts us off from the poetry and music of the Bible and it prevents us from letting the Bible speak to us as individuals, which requires a bit of subjective experience and artistic participation.

Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…” Deuteronomy 6:4, “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart..” Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.“ 

Well, if one is going to insist all those multiple passages mean one should only use one’s intellectual, fact-based, objective interpretations, with no heart, well, one has just violated one’s entire notion of Biblical inerrancy. The Bible is full of poetry, metaphors, parables, and instructions to use your heart.

Ironically, it is the inerrancy of the Bible that speaks to us about that very thing. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is a Person, not a flat, two-dimensional set of markings on a page. Those markings do not carry any meaning in and of themselves, without an observer interpreting them through the personhood of Jesus Christ.

How do you prevent the Bible from saying whatever you want it to say? Interpret it through the eyes of Christ and not your own.

For a few thousand years of Christian history, these things were discussed and fought over, debated and argued, which is clear evidence that the matter was not, “settled throughout all of church history.” In fact, the Catholic church didn’t even come up with its own version of something similar to “Biblical inerrancy” until around 1965. Their version is actually less problematic, and somewhat more sensible.

Speaking of Catholics, I don’t even know what to do with a bunch of protestants who actually came into being by going against the grain and questioning the text. To be “reformed” indicates one must have wanted to “reform” something. Catholics often have a few extra books in their Bibles today, which seems to indicate somebody challenged the text at some point. When I read John Calvin’s commentaries, not only is he challenging the text, he is correcting punctuation and wording and critiquing what he is reading. And shoot, Martin Luther hated the book of James and several others, and argued in favor of their outright removal!

I saw a hat the other day, a cute baby blue thing saying, “God knows.” Just two words! So I automatically assume it means God knows your struggles, God knows your heart, and God knows what you’re going through.

This is a Hat of Comfort, of encouragement. That is my subjective judgement of just two little words. But au contraire, a bazillion people were offended by the hat on account of the fact that it represents a kind of stalker God out to get us, not unlike Santa Claus, “He knows if you’ve been good or bad…” For many people, it felt threatening as if “God knows”…. what a creep you are. God knows…. what you did last summer….

How in the world do we take just two little words and come up with such completely different interpretations?? Well, needless to say, I believe my interpretation is more reflective of the actual personhood of Christ. I can’t really prove that with facts, you kind of have to get to know Him and feel it, see for yourself. And the tragedy of all tragedies, a lot of the people objecting to that hat, were actually Christians who seem to believe this God of judgment and condemnation who hates us, is a good thing! The hat was too kind, too loving! Sheesh.

The condition of one’s heart is going to impact what we see in the very same two words of text. It is reflective of our own relationship with Jesus. Hollering about “objective reality” and the “inerrancy of the Bible” really does nothing to fix that. In fact, it makes things even worse because now you’re a complete lunkhead and nobody wants what you have lurking in your own heart.

So there you have it. That’s how I feel about the whole thing. There is a lot of stuff that came into existence within modern American Christianity beginning in the late 70’s that was far more about reacting and responding to politics then it was about faith and several of those things, rather than helping, have done a lot of harm.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-inerrancy.html

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“What is the Christian’s hope?” 3/29/2023 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/hope-Bible.html

What is the Christian’s hope?

Christian hopeaudio

ANSWER

Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is “confident expectation.” Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1, 7). Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous (Proverbs 23:18). Without hope, life loses its meaning (Lamentations 3:18; Job 7:6) and in death there is no hope (Isaiah 38:18; Job 17:15). The righteous who trust or put their hope in God will be helped (Psalm 28:7), and they will not be confounded, put to shame, or disappointed (Isaiah 49:23). The righteous, who have this trustful hope in God, have a general confidence in God’s protection and help (Jeremiah 29:11) and are free from fear and anxiety (Psalm 46:2-3).

The New Testament idea of hope is the recognition that in Christ is found the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Matthew 12:21, 1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is rooted in faith in the divine salvation in Christ (Galatians 5:5). Hope of Christians is brought into being through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Romans 8:24-25). It is the future hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), the promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7), the redemption of the body and of the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25), eternal glory (Colossians 1:27), eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7), the return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14), transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3), the salvation of God (1 Timothy 4:10) or simply Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1).

The certainty of this blessed future is guaranteed through the indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:23-25), Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), and the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:26). Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Romans 5:2-5) and is the inspiration behind endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:11). Those who hope in Christ will see Christ exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). Trustworthy promises from God give us hope (Hebrews 6:18-19), and we may boast in this hope (Hebrews 3:6) and exhibit great boldness in our faith (2 Corinthians 3:12). By contrast, those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5). Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13). Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory (Titus 1:1-2). Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3).

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEdcBPgMVdccJAzon5cHBRbmxx-i64w:1680061122523&q=image+Rom+15:13&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=ZlAML2_aoR6luM%252CgUC1VEgl6_6WzM%252C_%253BXN_FTOBEUy0r-M%252CPssWN-S_zhMDUM%252C_%253Bce1tmTPX1Ln6GM%252CDO5qybex0oQCEM%252C_%253BkSXeurW_ez2AHM%252CyfCyfAPQKqtT9M%252C_%253BkNF5OfSkWL1E8M%252CTYMzzM7EoWEQ6M%252C_%253B0H2Dir6wnkZyAM%252CL-s9doD5gHUTEM%252C_%253BbWEnqZZDQUGcyM%252Ciag7XiDUtPUn1M%252C_%253Boq-5aKh0_WtP2M%252CGd0b_xliQCVaZM%252C_%253BvbenqCdBT0pzFM%252Ciag7XiDUtPUn1M%252C_%253BckeFbPJt7PvovM%252CaWsRhN7tjvkp-M%252C_%253BLR7XRUzvOguNvM%252CVVtYHM6HV1WVlM%252C_%253Ba1Obmp9MxnKo9M%252CiVcQiOZjc14N4M%252C_%253BCYUr7oAJNNGXsM%252C7tT5nYxlKWmzRM%252C_%253BIEUmU2MKckcWWM%252Cbib0jkX47vUwpM%252C_%253BTB9ak1NJhGLApM%252CZHAcDaEigCJYfM%252C_%253BzCYBgCUSEpr7LM%252C8PFr9aBFbo1UzM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTyUO_lSbK_dcwr9UnRNhJ0BH0V3Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwidtKKzm4D-AhV9STABHX7nAV8Q7Al6BAgbEEA&biw=906&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=ZlAML2_aoR6luM

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“The Most Encouraging Word You’ll Ever Hear” 3/28/2023 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Normal Isn't Coming Back Jesus Is, Revelation 14

Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2023/02/25/the-most-encouraging-word-youll-ever-hear/

The Most Encouraging Word You’ll Ever Hear

POSTED ON  BY 

When I sit down at my desk every morning to write I look at my Bible and wonder, “Where do I start?” Every word on every page is important and valuable. It’s hard to pluck a small bit of text out of this wonderful, blessed book. So I ask Him to speak through me because He knows you so well. He knows exactly what you need. He knows me too and He speaks to me as much as He speaks through me.

Today He sent me to 2 Peter 3 – a wonderful word of hope. No, it’s not an “everything’s gonna be all right, just you wait and see” kind of encouragement – it’s better. The context tells us that his readers are under much duress and persecution by “scoffers who come scoffing and following their own evil desires” (v. 3). They deny the existence of God and His work of creation. They “deliberately forget” that He has the authority to judge “ungodly men” (vs. 5-7). They rejected His Word and His people. Sound familiar? Some things never change.

Peter’s audience was growing weary of evil and persecution – just as we are. They wanted to know when God was going to keep His word and pronounce judgment. Then Peter says, “Do not forget this one thing, dear friends . . .” (v. 8). This is the message he knows will reach their minds and their hearts. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises . . .” “the day of the Lord will come” (v. 9-10). Make no mistake – God will punish evil. But in His grace, He is giving men time to repent. If you have lost loved ones, that is good news.

Then Peter brings it all back to the Christian – to you and me. In light of God’s faithfulness, “what kind of people ought you to be” (v. 11)? People who “live holy and godly lives” and “look forward to the day of God” (v. 11-12).

The greatest, most encouraging, and hopeful promise I can share is this: Jesus is coming again. No, I mean: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! He will gather us together and take us home. He will judge all the wickedness and evil that grieves us so. He will make all things right. Just “wait a little longer” (Rev. 6:11), Beloved, and keep your eyes on the eastern sky.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/normal-isnt-coming-back-jesus-revelation-2144260483

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“God’s Power is Perfect” 3/27/2023 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV Images | My Grace is Sufficient For Thee

Written by  Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ” @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2023/01/30/10680/

God’s Power is Perfect

 

12 Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

These were my mom, Belle’s, favorite two verses in the Bible. She has it engraved on the cover of one of her Bibles.

We can be strong, because of the grace that is given to us through Christ. When we are weak, He is strong. His strength and power never run out.

My dear mom, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus, on the morning of January 21st. Of course, I miss her and find it hard to believe she is no longer here with us. However, I am thankful for the life she lived and the love she gave to me, my family, and countless others.

Mom was ill for a while, so I am also thankful she is no longer suffering. I can’t imagine the bliss she is now experiencing, being in God’s presence for all eternity, with a new glorified body. She loved trees, so I thought of her when I chose this picture…

Photo by: Felix Mittermeier of Germany

God’s grace is sufficient. That is a truth that my mom lived each day and I am thankful that through Christ, we can continue to live in that truth too. Weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, do not change who He is. His power is perfect. We are secure in His love.

We are busy planning my mom’s memorial service, plus I am still processing the reality of losing her, it’s very difficult. So, I may not post every Monday for a while, but I will still be checking in, reading, and commenting, from time to time.

I ask for your prayers during this time. May God continue to direct your path as you trust Him, and as always, thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Blessings.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEdf3AnWuPeX8kdDwMWIqmbP6u-SpoA:1679887457458&q=image+2+cor+12:9&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=9LKRq3zbT8hXCM%252CVaf798UzusDQoM%252C_%253Bhgm3cmJba2Q5RM%252CPNy8zi0lgRItJM%252C_%253BW4BiE0OsYkUZeM%252CezT2fd7ZqYn7GM%252C_%253B9ItNaQQgVdnpGM%252CGNyMnEpAB4TYhM%252C_%253B8IaSh9QW65pcjM%252CywzGhr7xCDi6QM%252C_%253BNKFa0ypJqYTsvM%252C3z-3gT1b-S6tyM%252C_%253B1ivPPLnc3Vl8kM%252CpO14zwJhnx1AXM%252C_%253B_1FK-d86ZgkNmM%252Cf7wdykjN98PceM%252C_%253BzkogeQXZfAaW7M%252CezT2fd7ZqYn7GM%252C_%253B9mbIKZ5G8yBSKM%252CxoaKt2yU5WDExM%252C_%253BNts4eHxz6A2b3M%252CPpxpDDEeFuFxbM%252C_%253B1bDcuYtRVFvXAM%252CRyePaEIXzSRGfM%252C_%253B9g1URIcykze3TM%252CMf1YShkMfIMNOM%252C_%253ByurlwBCDnUij4M%252Cmp99itdAJ_AWpM%252C_%253BQNFT3YcM1qJDoM%252CT5wz-6f-640xFM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQOdllRuELdfOo-AE-UQIMYNbcGNQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ_Ke5lPv9AhXkFlkFHV81DP0Q7Al6BAgbEEM&biw=906&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=9ItNaQQgVdnpGM

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“TIME FOR A TIME OUT?” 3/26/2023 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional          

 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare” @   http://atimetoshare.me

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2023/03/02/time-for-a-time-out/

TIME FOR A TIME-OUT?

Posted on March 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Having spent the last three years in and out of isolation, most of us are not crazy about timeouts. If you’ve been recovering from a long illness, you don’t want to hear that you should relax and take it easy – spend some quiet time – meditate. When you’ve put in extended hours at your job and someone tells you to slow down, you might feel inspired to push on, but your mind would rather take a vacation. Maybe you’ve turned to an artificial way to dumb down your feelings. You’ve gone from being a slave to one thing to exchange it for another. There are times when we simply need to be alone in a quiet space with no one else around to interrupt our thoughts.

Do you have such a place? For us rustic Tundra people, we can count on at least half a year filled with snow, ice, treacherous roads, broken bones, colds, flu, and on and on. We manage to survive but usually succumb to cabin fever about this time of the year. How do we crush the feelings of being in bondage for all that time? Eventually, if there is more than one of you under the same roof, it becomes a time of tension, too much of each other, too much conversation, too much. As much as you love each other, you often get on the other’s nerves. When that happens, what do you do? Where do you go? How do you cope? Who will listen to you?

When Jesus began His ministry, He spent 40 days in the desert. During that time, He was tempted by Satan but used the Word of God to fight Him off. Many times, during His life, He would retreat to a quiet place and talk to His heavenly Father. His schedule was full. He grew hungry and tired. He needed some space. When we feel that way, we can go anywhere to be alone but also know that God is right there with us. He will help us sort through the difficulties we’re facing. He hears our voice before we ever utter a word. He will guide us to answers to the things that tug at our hearts and souls.

Life on this earth will never be perfect, but if we remember what Jesus said to His followers as well as us, we can look forward to the hope and promise of heaven.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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“God’s Arms Are Open” 3/25/2023 Written by   Jennifer Benson Schuldt for Our Daily Bread

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional 

1 John 1:9

Written by  Jennifer Benson Schuldt for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the “Listen Online” link and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end in the original post link below]

Original post @ https://odb.org/US/2023/02/08/gods-arms-are-open

February 8

God’s Arms Are Open

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

1 John 1:5–10

I frowned at my cell phone and sighed. Worry wrinkled my brow. A friend and I had had a serious disagreement over an issue with our children, and I knew I needed to call her and apologize. I didn’t want to do it because our viewpoints were still in conflict, yet I knew I hadn’t been kind or humble the last time we discussed the matter.

Anticipating the phone call, I wondered, What if she doesn’t forgive me? What if she doesn’t want to continue our friendship? Just then, lyrics to a song came to mind and took me back to the moment when I confessed my sin in the situation to God. I felt relief because I knew God had forgiven me and released me from guilt.

We can’t control how people will respond to us when we try to work out relational problems. As long as we own up to our part, humbly ask for forgiveness, and make any changes needed, we can let God handle the healing. Even if we have to endure the pain of unresolved “people problems,” peace with Him is always possible. God’s arms are open, and He is waiting to show us the grace and mercy we need. “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

By:  Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Reflect & Pray

How does forgiveness create peace? What steps will you take in God’s power toward reconciliation with someone this week?

Dear God, remind me of Your unending grace. Help me to be more humble and to commit all my relationships to You.

For further study, read What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship?.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEddRiSgYCF_yS7pI1yF1a2J0d-rMkg:1679717549449&q=image+1+JOHN+1:9&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=9tnnN0C1DfpdoM%252CRqhGlwHSe0l7pM%252C_%253B_dEAHSOxO37kAM%252CNOEe2J-9Asm2TM%252C_%253B7lmte6-UfSeQkM%252CTI0HttPsASqY_M%252C_%253B6BUx3MFW4kn71M%252CdCBXOUU0U440oM%252C_%253B3dVR3j14yTV5RM%252CSTTcgZwOo-mrUM%252C_%253BKJrevdU3FaE3sM%252CNRfNx7GYaWchLM%252C_%253Bx6UwVBAdyHkulM%252COGXCC7O_I0RrlM%252C_%253BNlo_zjTt5EjYMM%252CRqhGlwHSe0l7pM%252C_%253B-_aoBai-_8QFiM%252CWffnJ55dee1YYM%252C_%253BR3PW9CU3AcG0cM%252CSTTcgZwOo-mrUM%252C_%253BIqhnwIjbWHuUyM%252CN6FDqgs-3zyhCM%252C_%253BbpwJsTORMcBkfM%252C59m58KaCnMVlbM%252C_%253B3V7zxEwLcJQTBM%252CLLXCg8F1SRBnUM%252C_%253BAWIC1YjeLxCleM%252Cv2oWUAOv2h5xiM%252C_%253B-w6PhycOSDoavM%252C6WplPRWaP1KnnM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTr_yQZQrq4685hGPSqSp3O5L9WPA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmiO6-m_b9AhUtfTABHRerA-EQ7Al6BAgaECw

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“What does it mean to put on Christ in Romans 13:14?” 3/24/2023 Written by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Romans 13:14 - Bible verse (NRSV) - DailyVerses.net

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/put-on-Christ.html

What does it mean to put on Christ in Romans 13:14?

ANSWER

In a very real sense, the Christian life is a “put-on.” In Romans 13:14, the apostle Paul instructs believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (ESV). The phrase put on Christ means to figuratively clothe oneself with the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal the glory of God to the world.

Paul was talking about putting on spiritual clothing. Those who clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus are believers who do not focus on gratifying the desires of sinful nature. In the preceding verses, Paul had encouraged the saints to “wake from sleep” (Romans 13:11) and “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (verse 12).

Paul paints a vivid picture of moving into the new life in Christ as trading the darkness of night for the light of day. As believers, we must not only wake up and throw off our night clothes but also get dressed in the appropriate outfit for the new day. Our “old clothes” were the deeds of darkness, but the proper new daytime attire for the solder of Christ is God’s armor of light (see Ephesians 6:11–18).

The expression put on Christ occurs again in Galatians 3:27: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (ESV). As in Romans 13, putting on Christ here speaks of having clothed oneself with the new nature; believers are taught “to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). We put on Christ when our old ways are nailed to the cross and we wear the grace and forgiveness of Jesus as a glorious garment for all the world to see.

To the church in Colossae, Paul echoes the teaching: “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him” (Colossians 3:10, NLT). The spiritual garment no Christian should ever be without is the Lord Jesus Christ. Putting on Christ means letting the Lord be our armor, embracing Him over and over, and daily trusting Him in faith, thankfulness, and obedience. John Chrysostom (c. AD 347—407) described putting on Christ as “never to be forsaken of Him, and His always being seen in us through our holiness, through our gentleness” (quoted by C. E. B. Cranfield in Epistle to the Romans, T&T Clark International, 2004, pp. 688–689).

To put on Christ means to follow Him in discipleship, letting our lives be conformed to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). Rather than adapting ourselves to the pattern of this world, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and the modification of our behavior into the model of Christ’s life on earth (Romans 12:2). This change requires putting off the old self and putting on the new throughout the Christian life (Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:12). To achieve this transformation, we rely wholly on our righteous standing before God made possible in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Putting on Christ means abiding in Jesus and living to please Him. John Wesley described it as “a strong and beautiful expression for the most intimate union with Him, and being clothed with all the graces which were in Him” (quoted by L. Morris in The Epistle to the Romans, Inter-Varsity Press, 1988, p. 473). We are clothed in Christ when we become so closely united with Jesus that others see Him and not us.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=AJOqlzXJIhDSVsiG1nljGP_rb9KwLzX0lg:1679634903383&q=image+rom+13:14&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=eYSHbe9sXfxNeM%252C8M0yJiUJ5QAD4M%252C_%253BqwStf_xgtZtOgM%252Cq59OGDzJqlVyGM%252C_%253BscD5WUAmRg1PsM%252CCGBgVSHRebYxUM%252C_%253B_zeWD4zneFqchM%252CiBCtsioA-DD2kM%252C_%253BE2oAUyUkVIxjkM%252CY_rUK7t57uzjRM%252C_%253BkGPCYswk0gxNKM%252Cket8pBsUME_HFM%252C_%253BRz74sJyvJMAG4M%252Ci6Yx2e4XhBbRfM%252C_%253BgCDJRgjxnvjebM%252Ccsw8_z3_ukDIjM%252C_%253BrDUfBE63If7deM%252CD9pGjSaxb8sBLM%252C_%253BatqgvMCBNoE9ZM%252CINoYQbj33ldfOM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTX8oF4ejn8zMXwWfRVtJKOZwOVIg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiMzpLO5_P9AhWBZzABHULpAecQ7Al6BAgcEE0&biw=1093&bih=500&dpr=1.25#imgrc=STFQcQFpQvJb2M

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“Regular Reminders” 3/23/2023 Posted by Alister Begg  for  www.truthforlife.org

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Alister Begg  for  www.truthforlife.org

 

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/daily/?tab=alistair_begg_devotional&date=01%2F08%2F2023&src=23ELAB0&utm_campaign=Alistair%20Begg%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=240635851&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-92oOAhny0-m431acY1YEI8xV-qCwyj9FVnlffSv3jDuSkwZcbTPb1ujmw-sAGsWK8NSKlNCPofDRW4laIlHNw5xl-j_ubIG-AG2k4v0-fdHDQyrOw&utm_content=240635851&utm_source=hs_email

 

Regular Reminders

 

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

The good news of the gospel can so easily be forgotten or taken for granted. If we begin to feel that we need to go beyond it, or we find it irrelevant in our lives or affections, we should be concerned, not complacent. Just as young children need regular reminders to keep them from forgetting what they need to remember, we need to recall routinely the transforming power of Jesus Christ in human hearts.

Why? Because the gospel is not just the way into salvation but the way of salvation; it is not only the ABC of the Christian life but the A to Z. It is the word to which we must “hold fast.”

As Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians 4:3, life without the gospel is like living with a veil covering our eyes: we are blinded by our own sin, by our pursuit of comfort or doing “enough” good, or even by our own theology or religious adherence. This clouded vision is common to all mankind; by nature, we all face a No Entry sign at the gate of heaven. The road is flooded, and there is apparently no way through. But the gospel, the glorious news, is this: there is one who stands ready to clear the way. In His living, dying, and resurrection, Jesus lived the life we can’t, died the death we deserve, and conquered death once and for all so that all who believe can have a relationship with God.

On the day we first understood the full weight of this—the day when God’s grace opened our clouded eyes, unplugged our ears, and softened our hardened hearts—we could run no other way than toward Him, crying, “Save me!” As the old hymn says:

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.[1]

Now, having run to Him as the gospel bids us, we need to remain with Him as the gospel reminds us. So, where does the gospel find you today? Are you living in this freedom? Or are you still occasionally living as though imprisoned, trying, trying, trying with all your might to find the freedom only Christ gives?

To the Christian, the gospel is and must be as water in a dry land. It is the priceless, payment-free water that the Lord Jesus offers—it is the water of life (Revelation 21:6). Be sure to rehearse to yourself the simple gospel today, and every day, so that it never grows cold to you and so that you live in the freedom that Christ died to win for you.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

 

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=AJOqlzVj9Th6I06N9LSzS3tf8Kl5NWw0Aw:1679539227908&q=image+2+timothy+2:8&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=jSsK0K5VEes5RM%252CMiRzoJIF8wshiM%252C_%253BnvyybdA7dHGJ2M%252Cy34lvM0-1A728M%252C_%253BMsEYlj0lCU8fPM%252CofXG1-YNKg2qIM%252C_%253BM-3qUIh0I_pzMM%252CebKhEDfWGiX0UM%252C_%253BS1cMMAL2P0p72M%252CMLCiGwa-OSasMM%252C_%253BcLuBZnpXylZA3M%252C-l-g8GpGeiFLyM%252C_%253B4gN6BBs-Ltms4M%252CYp41qmLcwMb0LM%252C_%253B_h6mn7bwerKVwM%252CsFw-jOfLl7z_pM%252C_%253BIqVV3VK9sBuU3M%252C-MDMb1pWdXkagM%252C_%253BxOFJ0doF32iJXM%252C2LVlZOBQxHCY8M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQYcm8FAg6yLf8C9aUOrGvYRJGICA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2g8OYg_H9AhUpnGoFHRW-D7wQ7Al6BAgTED4&biw=951&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=nvyybdA7dHGJ2M

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“AWAKENING! OH, IT’S HAPPENING!” 3/22/2023

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Posted on  by Pastor Randy

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Verse of the Day - Ephesians 5:14 - iDisciple

Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank  for “Kingdom Pastor”  @  https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/02/24/awakening-oh-its-happening/

“AWAKENING! OH, IT’S HAPPENING!”

So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”        John chapter 3, verses 7 and 8; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Unless you’ve been hibernating in some cave, hopefully, you have heard by now about what’s been happening at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. On Wednesday, February 8, it started out as just another Chapel Service. Students are required to attend at least 3 per week. Zach Meerkreebs, an assistant soccer coach, was the speaker. He used Romans chapter 12 and talked about God’s love for them. At the end of the service, no one came to the altar. It was just another “Chapel” service. Even Zach felt that way. He texted his wife: “Latest stinker. I’ll be home soon.”

But. . .don’t you just love that word BUT. . .about 18 or 19 students remained in Hughes Chapel. And beginning at that moment, the Holy Spirit started to stir! Nothing phenomenal–but The Spirit was moving in those 18 or 19 students. One of those students stayed for about an hour before it was time to go to class. And when he came out of class, he heard singing something from the Chapel. His observation was: That’s weird! And a remarkable and powerful moment turned into an undeniable Awakening by the Holy Spirit.

And this Awakening has been going on since February 8, 24 hours a day. Today is the 24th and it’s still going on. It spread from the campus into a nearby church. It’s spread from Wilmore, Kentucky to other states and campuses. It’s the work of The Holy Spirit. The only Superstar has been and continues to be Jesus! The Administration of Asbury were astute enough to recognize what was happening February 8. They knew and admitted that they didn’t start it, so they couldn’t control it. So they did what the Spirit wanted–they met in a janitor’s closet and became instruments of the Holy Spirit to organize–not what was happening. Rather, they find ways to quietly assist those who were showing up. One of the first decisions made was to keep Hughes Chapel open. Then they simply practiced radical hospitality. And that small town of a few thousand folks grew into tens of thousands of folks simply seeking the presence of God.

Award-winning Christian artist Keri Job was there. Not to sing, but to experience what the Holy Spirit is doing. Again, No superstars but Jesus! And there are those, known as Churchians and Tenured Pew Sitters, who are convinced there’s no hope for this world. That’s it’s going to hell in a handbasket. And the younger generation? Well, they are only making it worse. So much for that balderdash. I heard the story of 2 women in Brazil who sold their car to have the money to go to a little Kentucky town called Wilmore. Again, No superstars but Jesus!

There are the detractors–those who say it isn’t real–just hype and emotionalism. Of course, most of those detractors are in the dying camp called the United Methodist Church. Believe it or not–God Really Knows What He’s Doing! Shocking, right? Who would have thought that? I doubt that those first 18 or 19 students who stayed in the Chapel after that mandatory chapel service recognized what The Spirit was about to do. They just knew they needed to be there.

Listen, you can’t explain how the Holy Spirit works or moves. That’s exactly what Jesus told Nicodemus. Be prepared for what I am about to say: The Holy Spirit Doesn’t Depend On Us And What We Do! I know this isn’t what the Bishops and leadership of my former tribe thinks. But it’s The Truth! An assistant soccer coach who thought it “whiffed it”, and those 18 or 19 students who did not have a clue as to what the Holy Spirit was about to do, became those earthen vessels (or cracked pots as I like to say) for The Holy Spirit to move and work through.

You see, the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be planned nor orchestrated by any of us. All we need to do is to pray and surrender to Him! To do what the administration of Asbury did–to seek ways to give The Holy Spirit the freedom to move and work–and to make sure no one hijacked what The Spirit is doing. There were a few, very few, who tried to do just that. And because of their prayers and commitment to this Awakening, no human has been able to hijack the Sacred and Holy Movement. One person was even given a police escort off the campus.

And so, what does this teach us where we are at this very moment? Hopefully it teaches us to fall down before God. To confess our own sinfulness. To acknowledge our need for Jesus. And to rely completely on the Power, Work, and Movement of the Holy Spirit. Awakening is happening folks! And we do not have to replicate what they did at Asbury. We just have to throw ourselves completely upon the mercy, grace, and love of God. Then let the Holy Spirit BE the Holy Spirit!

Already one local television station announced the Awakening is over today. (see the article here) No it’s not! This is only the beginning! So, let’s step aside, Church. Let the Holy Spirit BE the Holy Spirit and be convicted and convinced that we depend on Him! Not the other way around.

I leave you with an appropriate song done by Ryan Stevenson:

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

 

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=AJOqlzWhJ7g7SiesTxXZf3byXzQMZcXr9g:1679430910338&q=image+eph+5:14&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=i56N7eLj-bscKM%252CMO7iMTRJLfnKbM%252C_%253BsK51v3-HBg69mM%252Cho89vswr4omUkM%252C_%253BNXi34tvfpGH8JM%252CZIit5Ergzk5MwM%252C_%253BJpjvDn85F1Sg-M%252CwUoCAXqWcITIWM%252C_%253BOXquW1GWdnKxxM%252CNcAMT478Q9L1oM%252C_%253B5mBQsIVrCc87dM%252CMO7iMTRJLfnKbM%252C_%253B7mxmLgvzr4ItMM%252Cgzw5uFlOpLtGcM%252C_%253BGaIhVClfi3ib0M%252CXKveeI_uX9BT7M%252C_%253BcdkPJkXfruSUxM%252CO69m-nb67j3EkM%252C_%253BdDCCdih5A9bc6M%252Cho89vswr4omUkM%252C_%253BL29KudQj3RVt4M%252CU7XXeWGo6L4M2M%252C_%253BWJu_d9vyKTYUKM%252C_kuOE2oaFAQPRM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRn6DFLxbd1RFgnEYUQM4QZtXzhiw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRhdfW7-39AhVelmoFHTAQA8kQ7Al6BAgIEEc&biw=951&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=-wWdAvGSvrIoJM

 

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