Have you ever received a gift that far exceeded what you could have expected? Something so nice that just saying “thank you” seemed inadequate? If anything, you feel like you want to do something special for that person, to show your appreciation, to declare your love. In the same way, when you consider all that Christ did for us on the cross and what He continues to do for us each and every day, it feels so inadequate to simply tell Him, “Thank you.” He has given us eternal life …
…I thought for a treat this morning I would share a quote (writing) from J. C. Ryle’s book, “Holiness.” I love how he brings to remembrance that we need to maintain a heart of brokenness and humility when it comes to sin and us thinking we can reach perfection from it on our own merits. The only way you and I are ever perfect is through faith in Jesus Christ, and even then it is His perfection in me, not mine.
“What saint can be named in God’s Word, of
(1 Timothy 4:13)…..Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(Hebrews 4:12)…..For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
These are two great verses that speak to the importance of God’s word. There is no substitute for the basics. When His word enters us through our eyes, ears, or our thinking, they impart life …
What happens when a sinner is turned from his/her wickedness? Their soul will be saved from “death.” Not physical death, but eternal death, separation from God. Eternal death is the promise to the sinner who is not redeemed (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) (Revelation 20:11-15). Do you fall into that category (Revelation 21:6-8)? Our life should be an instrument used by God to save others (1 Timothy 4:16). By turning a sinner from his/her wickedness to Christ – it will cover a multitude of sins. Think about that this …
We read in (Ephesians 2:8-9)…..” For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” These are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. They are some of the most powerful in Scripture, They are verses that are quite freeing when it comes to salvation. If salvation is based on our performance, on what we do then it is not by grace. Oh, how we need grace, right? Our salvation is based …
Sing to the LORD a new song (literally – fresh song) this brought up in (Psalm 33:3) (Psalm 40:3) (Psalm 98:1) (Psalm 144:9) (Psalm 149:1)(Isaiah 42:10). Even though David and others were singing this Psalm at the dedication of the Tabernacle, it’s sung of the future expectation of the Messiah, the confirming of the new covenant by His blood, the calling of the Gentiles, ultimately looking to Jesus Christ coming to judge the world in righteousness and truth. Bless and praise the name of the LORD – by singing a new …
God’s promises are sometimes not on the same timetable as we would want, but His promises to us are real, true, and reliable. The character of God’s promises are just as faithful today. The character of God makes every promise of God, sure, full of hope for the righteous. His promises are sure, faithful, enduring, everlasting, without end, incapable of not being fulfilled. We know this because God has always kept His promises to men.
According to the dictionary despair is defined as the loss of all hope, to be overcome by a sense of futility or defeat, complete loss of hope. Despair is a loss of hope which brings about a state of hopelessness, despondency (very low in spirit), and discouragement which brings about a loss of courage and ambition. Have you ever felt that way? Let me just say despair is not good, as a matter of fact it would classify as sin. Wait a minute Pastor Dan, did you say sin? Why? …
Zion is a place that God loves, (Psalm 78:67-69)…..Moreover He rejected the tent of Joseph, and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved. 69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which He has established forever. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (87:2). It is through those gates that the worshiper can come to meet with their God. God has set His love upon His …
(Psalm 87)…..His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah
4 “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia:
‘This one was born there.’ ” 5 And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.” 6 The Lord …
