God and Christ

Please read all Scriptures listed.

Acts 17:22-31. The Gospel places the fact of God and of Christ squarely before us. It shows the severity of sin and its results. It shows God's hatred of sin and His wrath against sinners who do not repent. At the same time, it also shows His infinite love and grace.

"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." (John 3:16). This fulfilled what Isaiah 53:4-6 stated, and provides Romans 5:8-10 and 8:32. Such things being true, the above text is the more potent. God so wants to save penitent sinners that he actually COMMANDS all men everywhere to repent. I.e., to turn from sin, believe on Jesus, and to follow Him.

When the Gospel reaches the hearts of sinners, some hesitate, or even refuse because the Gospel makes them see the need to forsake their sins. They may be afraid they can't, or they may be unwilling to do it. For some, Luke 14:26-33 may sound harsh and demanding. But Luke 14:26-33 is not all that Jesus said about following Him. Look at John 8:31-36. That is certain, Divine proof. Look at James 1:25. That's a sure promise. Look at 2 Pet.1:2-10. That's absolute guarantee. Now look at 2 Cor.13:14. That's FELLOWSHIP, meaning to take part in, to be a partner. John 15:7 is power. But the goal of our progress is Phil.3:8-10. Paul obeyed our text. He did what Jesus said in John 8:3. He did what Jas.1:25 says. He entered into 2 Pet.1:2-10 and he entered into 2 Cor. 13:14. Did it work? Note Phil.4:9, and finally, 2 Tim.4:7-8.

The Scriptures have substance and guarantee salvation which can be gained by obeying the Gospel of Christ. It is not enough to merely assent to it, then do our "own thing". It is not productive to select what we like and reject what we don't agree with. Unless we commit to follow Jesus, and become doers of His Word, and to participate in the Holy Spirit, our experience can stagnate after our new birth experience. Worse, if we insisit on living after our carnal impulses and attitudes, we shall DIE! Rom.8:13.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is wonderful in what it provides for us. But it makes awsome requirements of us! Our eternal destiny is determined by our responses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has wisely commanded all men every where to repent. The Bible requires that our response must be more than mental assent.

The great questions for each of us is: "Am I a believer of the Gospel? Do I CONTINE to do God's Word? Is Jesus Christ number One to me, more than self, family, job?"

Most of us need help to fully carry out God's will for our lives, and thank God, He offers help. Heb.4:14-16. Make time, and a place for you in which you open your heart to Him. He already knows all about you, but He still invites you to come, because of Heb.7:25.

FACT VERSES IN THE BIBLE.

Acts 2:36 : "...God hath made that same Jesus...both Lord and Christ".

Therefore: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11).

If we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved, Romans 10:9.

On that condition, Jude 24, because: "...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," (Rev.1:5).

By considering the FACTS of what God and Christ have done for us at Calvary, faith comes into our hearts, because our God CANNOT lie!

God has provided for your total victory in any situation that you may be in. He has bidden you to come boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in this time of need. Heb.4:16.

Beloved, a Pastor's heart yearns over God's people. It seems to me that God has assigned the primary emphasis of the Pastoral ministry, to "making Disciples" of those who come to Christ for salvation.

It is seems easier to get people to confess Christ, or to make a decision for Christ, than it is for us to develop into faithful, fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ.

A disciple of Jesus Christ is one who has turned from sin, and who daily follows Jesus by obeying His Word. This includes SELF DENIAL. Luke 14:26. In today's hedonistic society, self denial is not popular. Nonetheless, Jesus requires it of all of His disciples.

Our personal commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, will prevent us from being partakers of the sins society. We are in the world, but we are not OF the world, and our way of life is to be vastly different from theirs. Our devotion to Jesus obtains vastly different results than they have, who assume that they can "run their own life" .

Some who profess to be Christians, indicate that going to church is an option of their choice. Heb.10:25 bids us not to "Forsake the assembling of ourselves together...". We are to take part in worship services at church in order to please God and to obtain the benefits that He has placed in the Body of Christ. We are commanded to love one another, and we are to administer to each other the grace that God gives us. That can make our attendance more than a boring duty.

God bless you, I love you.