There is a destructive spiritual tendency that resides in every human being. It is "the law of sin and death." This indwelling principle is always pulling people downward into sin and spiritual deadness. It comes from being physically born into a fallen race of sinners who are like their earthly father, Adam. Being born anew spiritually does not remove this problem, since this principle still operates within our natural humanity (the flesh). Yet, becoming a child of God does make His remedy constantly available to us.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?
Doing good will never make up for our sins. Only the blood of Jesus will do that. However, ignoring sin and allowing it to grow around us will only corrupt our good intentions.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” —Titus 2:11-12, NIV
Grace teaches us how to live in a fallen world, and how to resist temptation and harmful behavior. Grace allows us to live soberly, righteously, and without condemnation. Grace gives us the strength to live in God’s will and to impart grace to others with love and humility.
Grace is the gift of a loving Father who desires to bless His children. Open your hands and your heart and receive this powerful gift and let grace teach you how to live.
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (Revelation 3:8 NKJV)
There are some things that only God can do, and there are some things that only we can do. God will open a door, but we must walk through it. In the church, we want our doors open. We don’t want to put up a wall where God has put a bridge. We want to be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks, to people coming to Christ. It should never be difficult for people to come to Him.
It isn’t enough for us to grow in the knowledge of Christ; we must also grow in grace.
Part of why so many of us love Peter is because he is so like us: fallible. He loved Jesus with all of his heart. He was brave. He stepped out on the water. And, he failed. He chickened out when it mattered. He was… human like us. And, Jesus chose him. Like He chooses us. As Jesus continued to perfect Peter, He continues to perfect us.
We are nothing with all our gifts be they ever so great, except God assist us.
Martin Luther
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
A man who says “I’m not going to die on that hill” but never fights on any hill is not a man you can trust to fight for anything that really matters.
This blessed Book will fill your head with knowledge, and your heart with grace. -
Thomas Watson
Though God is infinitely & incomprehensibly gracious, though He purpose to exert His grace & goodness towards sinners, yet He will so do it, do it in such a way, as shall not be prejudicial to His own holiness & righteousness. His justice must be satisfied.
John Owen Works 6:403
Faith is a gift from God that He works in your heart through the Holy Ghost. "For by grace you were saved through faith, and that not of you; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2: 8) He gives this gift to everyone who asks Him.
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
To progress is always to begin, always to begin again. Martin Luther
"Search the inspired Book and desire to know everything it teaches." — Charles Spurgeon
There is not a sigh that goes up to Him but He hears it. He hears His children when they cry.
Next Gen Leaders, Don’t grow weary in doing good. When I was a Next Gen Pastor, many of the students who “drove me crazy”, are now adults who are passionately following Jesus! Stay faithful. Teach the Word. Make disciples. Be patient. Watch God work in the long run.
“Let us not seek any other ground of assurance than God's own testimony.” — John Calvin
Comments