Jesus died for the Jews and Gentiles

jews
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a city known as the birthplace of Jesus and King David.  It is a predominately Christian Palestinian city just south of Jerusalem. Therefore he was not a White man, African, Indian, German, Spanish man. He came from Israel which means he was of that descent. So I ask you the question, Are you prejudice? Do you think your nationality or race is better than someone else. Have you found yourself talking badly about another race.

There are so many different nationalities in the world but Jesus died for all. If you think you are better than someone else, then you might want to consider that Jesus was born a different race than you. Do you find yourself looking at someone’s skin color? If you have received salvation then we are all of Christ. If you cannot accept someone for their race, then you might be held accountable by God. This is not something to look at lightly. Jesus loved all and showed compassion for all the people, even when others looked down on him. Look at the Samaritan woman. She asked, “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9). He didn’t care about her race but her soul. Jews looked down on people who weren’t of their race and they called them Gentiles. They considered them unclean people.

Prejudices are a form of pride. God hates pride and he says it is from the devil. 1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Related scriptures:

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Acts 20: 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2 Corinthians 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.

Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.

Acts 11:1-3 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Psalm 10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

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Jesus Our High Priest

highpriest
Not one person on earth is clean and pure before God. We are all unclean and our righteousness is as filthy rags in the eyes of God (Isaiah 64:6). There is nothing hid that has not been manifested or revealed to God; but all things are naked and opened unto him (Hebrews 4:13). So I ask you “How can we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3) We can be redeemed and forgiven because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross. Romans 3:24,25 says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

If we believe in Christ, then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the Heavens which is Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14). “We have a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). For he is our mediator between us and God. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Beginning at the time of the first Passover, a blood sacrifice had to be made to offer an atonement for sin (Exodus 12:27). Then as a part of God’s commandment, they had to eat unleavened bread for seven days. If they did not follow the Passover, then all the firstborn in the land of Egypt would die. Now we do not have to follow this ordinance because Jesus became our sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Hebrews 9:11-14 says, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Related scriptures:

  • Hebrews 7:26-27 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
  • Hebrews 3:1 says, Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
  • Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
  • Titus 3:5,6 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
  • Hebrews 5:5,6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
  • Hebrews 7:22-27 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Related post:

Saved by the Blood of Jesus

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Seeking God through Fasting

fasting

The Bible teaches us that the act of Fasting brings us closer to God. We deny our fleshly desires and promote our spiritual development through fasting. This is the most powerful thing that a Christian can do to discipline his mind and body. There are many reasons that we need to fast. We can fast for our own spiritual growth, fast for God’s guidance, help with our health, or so we can pray for others, including our country.

Why should we fast
Fasting is done by the believer to help bring them to a closer relationship with the Heavenly Father. Fasting will open your eyes to what God is telling you. It shows your love for the father and your willingness to deny yourself, because you give up what you love most. Fasting is a humbling experience that helps you realize that nothing is more important that God. Denying your body of food is the most popular way to fast, and denying yourself of anything that you truly love to do.

What to do when you fast
At this time, you should focus on reading your Bible and Praying to God. Seek a closer relationship with the Father. Repent of any unconfessed sins and examine your heart. Get rid of things in your life that affect your spiritual growth. Praise God during the times when you are weak and worship him with your whole heart. Praise him through song.

How long should we fast
A person can decide on how long they fast, but do not let it affect your health. Make sure to drink water because you cannot live without water for a long period of time. Consider your health at all times, you may want to talk to your doctor before beginning any food fast.

Be aware of your enemy
Satan will come at you at full force, so stay focused. Don’t let others discourage you. Pray when you feel Satan attacking you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you.  Do not let anything hinder you from praying.

Related scriptures: Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Isaiah 58:2,3 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Related sites about fasting:
http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/

http://biblicalfocus.com/Fasting.html?gclid=CJuA2I-h27sCFWJo7AodtxgAgg

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Trusting in the Almighty

faith2

The Bible teaches us about several great men and prophets that God used because of their faith in him. They won kingdoms, stopped the mouth of lions, won battles, parted the Red Sea, killed giants, healed diseases, etc… They had to believe that God would do what he promised to do. They did not fear man for they knew that God would protect them and help them overcome anything that came their way. They knew it was more important to fear God and trust in him, than to suffer affliction, than to enjoy sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25). I encourage you to read Hebrews Chapter 11. It is a chapter of faith. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

No matter what trials that you have had to overcome, I can tell you others have overcome more. Read the book of Job. Job lost everything he had —covered with diseases. In the end, God restored to Job more than he had in the beginning because he trusted in him. Romans 5:1-5 says, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us

A few years ago, my father came near to death — actually he quit breathing. As a nurse, I tried everything to help my father when he was sick in the hospital but nothing seemed to help. We asked everyone we knew to pray for him. It wasn’t until we gave up —until we put everything in God’s hands, then he worked his miracle in my dad. When my dad quit breathing, God put his hands on my father and restored his health. I discovered who God really was that day. He is the creator, the Almighty and our help in the time of need. Learning who God really is in your life will help you with your faith, and any trials that come your way. God knows all because he looks down from Heaven upon his children (Psalm 53:2).

Nothing happens in this life that God does not know about. Sometimes God allows things to happen to us or people we love so that we will come to him. He deserves your honor and praise and your love for him. He will answer your prayers if you come to him with your WHOLE heart. A quick five second prayer is not giving God your whole heart. He wants us to diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

God knows what you need before you pray, but is waiting on you to ask him. The more you pray, the closer you will be to God. I have learned that when something goes wrong, stop and pray. Prayer helps you to defeat anything, including Satan. Satan knows your weaknesses and will use them against you. If you are a Christian, he wants you to fall into sin. We can prepare ourselves against Satan’s tactics. Ephesians 6:13 says, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:16 says, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

If you are truly going to trust in God, you must walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, For we walk by faith, not by sight: If you only have faith when everything is going right, than where is your faith? God gives us his Holy Spirit to comfort us and help us when we are troubled in this life. John 14:26 says, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Everything that happens to you in your life adds to the person you are. God prepares us to be witnesses to the world by helping us in our times of need. He builds to our faith through helping us overcome trials and tribulations. If you walk in God’s law and live a life that is pleasing to him, he will give you peace. God’s wisdom is much higher than ours. His thoughts are much higher than our thoughts. Just believe that he knows exactly what he is doing. Trust in him today! Allow him to be your master and Lord.

Related scriptures:
Micah 4:12 -But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

Romans 11:33 -O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Proverbs 3:5-6 -Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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A Glimpse of Heaven

heaven

We can only see a glimpse of what Heaven is really like by reading the Bible.

Things we know about Heaven

  • We know that God created the Heaven and the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:1).
  • We know that God is the ruler of Heaven. 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
  • We know that Heaven is above us because of the way the scriptures read. Job 22:12
    Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
  • heaven3We know that there is a throne in Heaven and the angels surround the throne. 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. Revelation 20:11 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.
  • We know that Heaven is Holy and full of Righteousness. Psalm 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.  Revelations 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
  • We know that God looks down from Heaven upon his people.  Psalm 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
  • We know that God has prepared a reward for his people in Heaven.  Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • We know that there is no sorrow in Heaven.  Revelations 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
  • We know that God is the light of Heaven.  Revelations 21:23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Revelations 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Related scriptures:

  1. Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
  2. Psalm 11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
  3. Psalm 102:19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
  4. Psalm 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
  5. Psalm 103:19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
  6. Isaiah 45:12  I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
  7. Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
  8. Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  9. Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  10. Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  11. Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
  12. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  13. Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
  14. Revelations 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
  15.  Revelations 21:14   And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I urge you today to come to Jesus through prayer and repentance and ask for forgiveness for your sins.

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God’s Gift to Us

christmasphoto

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ- God’s son. God gave us the best gift he could, when he gave his son as a sacrifice on the cross. Anyone who has had a son or daughter, that they have lost to death, has had a glimpse of what God went through when he gave us his son. The most precious thing that belongs to someone is their family and especially their children. Jesus was God’s son before his birth on this earth. This should show you how much God sacrificed because he loves us. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

I have had close family members to die and have seen other family members lose someone close to them. My sister lost her baby, Shelly when she was six months old. She didn’t choose to give her daughter to death. She was a special little girl who God loved and took at an early age. I have only caught of glimpse of what it would be like to lose a child to death. It is an overwhelming grief that takes a lifetime to overcome.

God loved us so much that he decided to give his son as a sacrifice on the cross. I can only imagine that giving your child to death is much harder than to lose a child suddenly. To see your child suffer a terrible death on a cross. To see your child spit upon and mocked would be unbearable. Then to turn your head away from your child when he is suffering and calling upon your name from the cross. See God turned his head from the sins that were laid upon his son on the cross.

So I urge you to seek the Lord in this Christmas season and give thanks for his sacrifice. The sacrifice of his beloved son for the sins of the world.

Related scriptures:
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

1 John 2: 1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Luke 1:30-32 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

John 3:16-17 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.

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Other related post:

What does Easter mean to Me?

The Season of Giving

The Death of the Cross

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The Season of Giving

gift

Christmas is the season of giving. We should all learn how to give by God’s example; he gave his only begotten son so we may have eternal life. In this season, I urge you to find ways to give to others. Giving doesn’t always mean giving money to someone in need; it can be giving of your time. To give means to freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to. Another definition of giving means to endure the loss of; sacrifice.  Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Give unto others and expect nothing back in return.  Do not let others know what you have done.  Give in secret and you will receive a reward in Heaven.  Luke 6:35 says, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Giving should be done with charity (1 Corinthians 13:3).

gift3Give the gift of the gospel to others (1 Peter 4:10).  If you love others you want them to receive the gift of salvation.  Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

prayerPrayer can be a great gift to give someone.  If someone is hurting or in the need of God, prayer can be just want they need.  Sometimes people cannot pray for themselves.  They could be in a hospital unable to pray.  Give the gift of prayer and ask others to help you pray for someone this season.

There is no greater gift to give than that of your only son. 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).

More definitions of giving:
a. To devote or apply completely
b. To permit one to have or take
c. To furnish or contribute
d. To offer in good faith
e. To allot as a portion or share
f. To bestow
g. To attribute
h. To award as due
I. To distribute
j. To devote (oneself) completely:
k. To devote to a particular purpose or use
l. To distribute or send forth

Related scriptures:

  •  Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • Luke 1: 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.
  • Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
  • Matthew 16:27 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.
  • 1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
  • James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14  And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
  • Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
  • Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
  • Ephesians 2:8
    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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Grace- Unmeritable Favor

grace
Grace is a huge topic. Someone could talk about God’s Grace for a while and not cover the whole topic. God is a forgiving God. We are all sinners and don’t deserve the grace of God. Grace is unmeritable favor.  Grace is when we receive the love, kindness, pardon and favor of God. It is unearned forgiveness of God. 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.

When someone sins, and God forgives them, that is grace. God is without sin and hates it. God sent his only begotten son to die for the sins of the world. After you accept his son, then God forgives you of your sin. He loves us enough to forgive us when we ask. We are not perfect, but God knows this. That is why he give us grace. He tells us in Ephesians 2:2 that we were once the children of disobedience. We fulfilled the lust of the flesh, and the desires of our mind. We were the children of wrath. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for this great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in our sins, hath quickened us together with Christ”, Ephesians 2:4,5. “He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish”, 2 Peter 3:9.

There is nothing you can do to lose God’s grace, unless you totally deny him. Mark 3:29, “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.” That is the only sin that God does not forgive. He redeems us by his grace through Jesus Christ, Romans 3:24

If we believe in his son’s death on the cross and ask for his forgiveness, than we become sons and daughters of God. Joint heirs with Christ. That is pretty amazing isn’t it. So don’t delay, ask God for his forgiveness today.

Grace
God gives to us more grace,
to those that deserve none.
Our sins he did erase,
from his book of judgement.
Remembering them no more,
casting our sins from east to west.
Eye hath not seen what he has in store,
for those that love and trust in him.
He cares about me when I am low,
giving me comfort in times of sorrow.
his love to all, he does bestow,
that is what grace is all about.

He walks beside me giving me peace,
helping my infirmities when I am weak.
Making me strong through his Son,
because things above, I did seek.
He Forever guides us through his word.
If we look toward him as our Father,
A Heavenly home is not unheard,
for we will see one day our family above.

Related scriptures:

  • 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
  • Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.
  • Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
  • 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.
  • Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
  • 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.
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The Marriage of the Lamb

wedding

God tells us a parable in Matthew Chapter 22 about a king who made a marriage for his son. He told his servants to call those who were bidden to come to the marriage. Then he told his servants to go to the highways and the hedges and invite them to the marriage of his son, so that his house would be full.

  • Matthew 22:9 says, Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

The marriage represents the coming together of the believers with Christ. It is a time of celebration including a feast that God will prepare for his people. If you do not believe in Christ as your savior then you will not be allowed to attend.

  • Matthew 22:4 says, Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Have you been invited to the Wedding?

You must have on a wedding garment which God gives to the believer to be accepted to the marriage of the Lamb.

  • Revelations 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
    8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
  •  Revelation 19:9 says, And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Do you have on a wedding garment?

  • Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
  • Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Are you prepared for the coming of the Lord?                       wedding1

  • The Lord will come and gather his people in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, we will be called up to the marriage of the Lamb (1 Corinthians 15).  Now is the time to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 says, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 says,  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
  • Matthew 25:1 says, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

God wants everyone to go to Heaven, but they must be made clean by accepting Christ sacrifice on the cross. He gave his life as an atonement for sin.  Anyone who receives Christ as their savior will go to the wedding.  Revelations 22:17 says, And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.  Please read the following blog post below to understand why Jesus Christ had to die on the cross for the sins of the world.

Related links:

Salvation a Free Gift: https://godlywitnesses.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/salvation-a-free-gift/
The Death of the Cross https://godlywitnesses.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/the-death-of-the-cross/comment-page-1/#comment-12

marriage

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salvation

There is no other faith or religion where you can receive a free gift of Salvation. You do not have to work or pay to go to Heaven. It is given as a free gift to those who claim it by faith and repentance. Ephesians 2:8 says, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

No one on this earth is perfect and sinless. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He made an easy way to go to Heaven. He offered up his only son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world. See God loves everyone and doesn’t want any to perish and receive judgement. 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

giftofgod

The way to salvation is simple: Romans 10:9 says, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:10 says,  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Now is the time to take that step toward salvation.  Receive the free gift of salvation by praying to God.  Ask him into your heart and tell him that you believe that he sent his son Jesus to die for the sins of the world.  Then, tell others about your decision to accept Christ.

God’s Record of Salvation

1 John 5:11 says, And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 Peter 1:3 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Other related verses:

  •  Romans 5:15 says, But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
  • Ephesians 2:8 says, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
  • Ephesians 3:7 says, Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
  • 1 John 1:7 says, 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.
  • Revelations 1:5 says, And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.
  •  Luke 15:7 says, I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
  • Acts 2:38 says, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Other related links: http://thevinevigil.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/calvary-was-not-a-down-payment/

Posted on by Tracy K | 7 Comments