Seeking God’s Wisdom for 2019

Greetings friends and neighbors! I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas season. As we get ready for 2019, focusing on a better way and attitude about many different things is talked about among a lot among different people. Whether it is by resolutions or plans we should involved the Lord in all of our decisions. The Bible Says: James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Hebrews 10:19-20  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Friends have you been renewed in mind and knowledge? Romans 12:1-2  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. 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. & Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 

Friends if you are a Christian put on the new man! Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. You can be made a new creature in Christ Jesus!

Friends the Bible says: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Friends remember God is no respecter of persons!  Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

In Conclusion: Friends are you born-again? If not, please receive Jesus as Lord soon! Christians, as we focus on a new vision for a new year carefully and prayerfully ask yourself these important questions and study what the Word of God has to say about them.  As we make our New Year’s resolutions for Christ let us ponder on the Lord’s Truth. Luke 9:23-24  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Hebrews 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. Friends you can be born-again today! John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. You must be born again.  John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.Friends have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.Friends have you trusted Jesus for your eternal salvation and Him only? Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Friends please receive Jesus as Lord today! 

Glory to God!

Glory to God!

Greetings friends and neighbors! May grace and peace be with you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Friends, God is so good to us that we can never praise Him enough. When we get up each day God has blessed us with life. Most of us have food, clothes and a good place to live. Glory to God! Today I was reading the scripture and this passage come to mind. Philippians 4:6-13 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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. 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. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 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. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

            Friends let’s give glory to God for hearing our prayers when we call out upon Him! Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.Hebrews 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. John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

            Friends let’s give glory to God because Jesus Christ our Lord will never forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Jesus is with us all the way through everything we face in life. Jesus care. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

In conclusion: Let’s give glory to God for all the many blessings He has blessed us with. Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Psalms 116:12-13 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. Friends the Lord brings us true peace! Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Godly Repentance

Greetings friends and neighbors! May peace and grace be with you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  This week’s article is about Godly repentance. God’s word says: Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.   Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. A definition from the old Webster’s Dictionary says:

“REPENT'ANCE, noun

1. Sorrow for any thing done or said; the pain or grief which a person experiences in consequence of the injury or inconvenience produced by his own conduct.

2. In theology, the pain, regret or affliction which a person feels on account of his past conduct, because it exposes him to punishment. This sorrow proceeding merely from the fear of punishment, is called legal repentance as being excited by the terrors of legal penalties, and it may exist without an amendment of life.

3. Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence. This is called evangelical repentance and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life.

Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.

Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:9. Matthew 3:8.

Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God.”

Friends, Repent and be Converted! Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Friends, God’s holy word says:  2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

            Friends if we truly repent we will be sorry for our sins that we have committed and turn from them. 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

            Friends if we truly repent there should be a change in us. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

            Friends after true repentance and you are born-again salvation is attained. Salvation is attained through faith alone in the Person and work of Jesus Christ our Lord, Master and King. Romans 4:24-25  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

            Friends have you truly repented and changed your mind about walking in sin? Have you turned from your sins completely and turned to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as you Lord?  Are you a new creature in Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. You must be born again. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Have you trusted Jesus for your eternal salvation and Him only? Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

In conclusion: Friends repent and receive Jesus Christ as you personal savior today! 1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

WITHOUT A VISION

Introduction; People are dying and going to hell in droves and a lot of churches do not have a soul winning program.  What’s wrong with that picture? Let us look at what the scripture says. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.  1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.   2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.   We are not to be ashamed of the Gospel. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  As true soldiers of the cross we are to stand as part of the Lord’s army and win souls for Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

I) GO and tell the Gospel;

 

*Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

* Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

*Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

 

Why should we stand as soldiers of the cross and spread the gospel always?

A) Because they are enemies of the cross;

*Philippians 3:18  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

 

B) Because we should be cross bearers;

*Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

*Matthew 16:24-28  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

 

C) Because it is one way to let the world know where we stand;

*Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

*Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

 

D) We should be willing to be a living sacrifice for the Lord Jesus Christ;

*Romans 12:1-2  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. 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.

 

II) Go and win people for Christ;

*Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

*Matthew 9:37-38  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

 

III) Go and warn the lost;

*Ezekiel 3:18-21  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

*Ezekiel 33:8-9  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

 

Conclusion; It is our responsibility to have a soulwinning vision.  Remember you will reap what you sow.  Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. And Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.   Let us go and spread the good news to everyone that we can.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

          Friends and neighbors have you ever stop to think about the Amazing Grace of God? The word grace is found 170 times in the Holy Bible and one of the meanings of the word grace according to Webster Dictionary is: “Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.”  In Ephesians 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

           

The grace of God that brings salvation appears to everyone. Titus 2:11-13  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

          The grace of God is accessible to everyone. Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Therefore everyone can benefit from the Amazing Grace of God. Hebrews 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.

            The grace of God is sufficient to help us in the times we need God’s help. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

            The grace of God brings redemption. Ephesians 1:6-7 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 

In conclusion: We know that the grace of God brings us hope and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord Titus 3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 1 Peter 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Revelation 22:21  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

At the Cross where I first saw the Light!

At the Cross where I first saw the Light!

 

Friends and neighbors Jesus Christ brought light into a world full of darkness through what He done at the cross. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 1 John 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.

 We know that Jesus was wounded for us according to the scriptures.  Isaiah 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

We know that Jesus died in our place according to the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

We know that Jesus bought us with a price because God loved us so much He sent His only begotten so to die a substitutionary death in our place.   John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

In conclusion: We should give our life to Jesus Christ, the one who gave His life for us. Hebrews 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. Romans 12:1-2 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. 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.

How is your appetite?

How is your appetite?

Text: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

1.) Do you have an appetite for God’s Holy Word?

* 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

* 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

* 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2.) Do you have an appetite for destruction?

*Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

*John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

*Revelation 20:10-15 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

 

3.)  Do you have an appetite for heaven?

John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

Conclusion: Again, How is your appetite?