Hey Everybody,
This year I have decided to read through the entire Bible. I am using one of the reading plans on Bible Gateway’s site. You know how you’ve read a scripture before, but you read it again and a “light” comes on; or it causes you to pause and ponder. Well I am using the reading plan that allows you to read some of the Old Testament and The New Testament at the same time. In reading The New Testament, I’m reading a lot about Jesus – as I have done many times before. But in reading about Jesus casting out demons and healing the sick, it mentions many times how Jesus was moved or filled with compassion. Compassion? I think I know what compassion means, but I decided to look it up in the dictionary (my sister/asst. pastor does this a lot). Compassion is defined as a deep awareness of the suffering of another.
Jesus is deeply aware of our sufferings. He’s see us right where we are, and just as He healed the sick, He will do the same for us. Healing can take place in areas other than the body; it can take place in our minds, hearts, and finances. I’ve even laid hands and prayed for my car smile . I once was in a place where I thought I was a failure. I did and said things that hurt those around me. My mom use to always say ‘Hurting people hurt people’. On the outside, you’d never have known that anything was wrong. On the inside, I was hurting, angry and just downright selfish (did whatever made ME happy not thinking of those I might hurt).
One day I was looking at myself and was disgusted at the person I had become. Alone in my home, I began to talk to Jesus as I had done so many times before. He heard me when I said “Lord, I don’t want to do this anymore! I need a way out; I need You to help me!” He heard my cry; He was filled with compassion, He knew I really wanted to change. He knows the intent of the heart of every man; so don’t think you can fool Him. I meant every word I’d said to Jesus that night. I didn’t want to live the way I was living anymore! I renewed my relationship with Jesus. Those who went to school (Junior high and high school) with me know how I was a “Bible Toting Teen”. I asked for that same passion, desire – that FIRE – to be renewed in my spirit. He, Jesus, was filled with compassion yet again for me. Just as He has done this for me, He can and will do for you – He is no respecter of persons. Maybe you don’t need healing in your body today, but we all need the compassion of Jesus in our lives every day. I had to come back to the realization that Jesus is so in Love with ME – Yes, Jesus is in Love with me! He loved me so much that He gave His life for mine. He saw how I suffered, torn between the Spirit and the flesh. The Spirit Won! Praise the Lord; I am so glad it did. We all have or have had things in our lives that need or needed to be kicked out. Take a good look at your life; you know what or who it is. Make the choice to line your life up with the Word of God. Everything and everyone that doesn’t line up with the Word of God you need to kick out. Let me say this – every THING that doesn’t line up with God’s Word, kick it out. For those (people) that do not want to go God’s Way, you need pray for them. If this person is not in your household (spouse or child(ren), you might want to distance yourself and pray for them. Your manner of life, living for Christ, can win them for the Kingdom of God. Don’t give up on them, continue to pray. Jesus and some of family never gave up on us. If that person is doing or saying things to influence you to do or say things not pleasing in God’s sight – distance yourself – lots and lots of distance.
So many people are going through their own trial(s) right now. So many of us are hurting or we’re lost. All that we will ever need can be found in a compassionate Jesus who loves us and intercedes for us. He wants us to be happy, to be whole, and to be prosperous and a success.
Jesus is in Love with YOU! HE LOVES YOU! He is waiting for you to accept His love –to accept Him.
Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. If you pray it and want to
contact me, please do.
Did you put your armor on today???
Be Encouraged Today!!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!
If you are a Christian, and you are using the Bible as your source of truth and guide for life, then you should know and understand that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven. A lot of people that read this blog are family and good friends of mine, and they know and love me no matter what I say or believe. But for those that do not know me as well I want you to understand that I’m only going to speak the truth here. And if I can’t back what I am saying with the Word of God, then I don’t say it. I understand that there are different denominations and churches, and not all of my family, friends and potential new friends go to the same church as I do. I only know what is being taught in my church by my pastor, and if it is not in the Word of God she doesn’t preach it. There was a pole taken that stated that 57% of evangelicals, Christians, believe that there are other ways to get to Heaven, to have salvation. If your pastor is preaching that there are other ways to get to Heaven and other ways to have true salvation, other than Jesus Christ, run – get out of there! I remember hearing that when the rapture takes place that many pastor’s/church leaders would be left behind and some killed. I know what you’re thinking, that’s awful and who would say such a thing. It is awful, but I can see where it would be true. If you’ve set under a pastor or church leader’s ministry for years, and they taught that there were others ways to get to Heaven other ways to have salvation, and as a result you were left behind – YOU MISSED THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH! There are going to be some angry people, and some will take that anger out on the one they believed lead them the wrong way. Yes, it’s the responsibility of every man (human) to read the Word of God themselves; but as a pastor, it’s his/her responsibility to bring forth the truths of God’s Word, and if they are preaching other ways to get to Heaven and other ways to have salvation, other than by Jesus Christ, then they are leading many in the wrong direction, many will be left behind and some will be angry even to the point of doing harm to those they believed deceived them.
As always, let me back up my belief, that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven, with the Bible, our handbook for life. I want you to take your Bible out to make sure I’m telling the truth about what is written in God’s Word and to make sure there are no typos (smile).
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 NIV)
Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 NIV)
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name (John 1:12 AMP)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." (John6:63-65)
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" (John 3:3-5)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (Acts 10:38-43)
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. I Timothy 1:13-15)
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:8-10)
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Hebrew 7:25)
For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.(Hebrew 9:24-28)
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:10-14)
Praise to God for a Living Hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,(1 Peter 3:13-18)
Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:50-54)
These are not the only scriptures that state that Jesus is the only way and only hope of salvation. These are in no particular order, but they can all be found in the Bible. Take the time to search out these scriptures and other that pertain to Jesus being out only hope of salvation and ticket to Heaven. Set aside some time everyday to read the Word of God so that you make know what truth is and what is not truth. Many are being deceived in churches where other ways of salvation and way to Heaven is being preached. If you know of any other scripture that pertain to this subject, please take the time to share them (and there are others).
Did you put your armor on today???
Be Encouraged Today!!!
As always, let me back up my belief, that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven, with the Bible, our handbook for life. I want you to take your Bible out to make sure I’m telling the truth about what is written in God’s Word and to make sure there are no typos (smile).
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 NIV)
Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 NIV)
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name (John 1:12 AMP)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." (John6:63-65)
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" (John 3:3-5)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (Acts 10:38-43)
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. I Timothy 1:13-15)
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:8-10)
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Hebrew 7:25)
For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.(Hebrew 9:24-28)
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:10-14)
Praise to God for a Living Hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,(1 Peter 3:13-18)
Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:50-54)
These are not the only scriptures that state that Jesus is the only way and only hope of salvation. These are in no particular order, but they can all be found in the Bible. Take the time to search out these scriptures and other that pertain to Jesus being out only hope of salvation and ticket to Heaven. Set aside some time everyday to read the Word of God so that you make know what truth is and what is not truth. Many are being deceived in churches where other ways of salvation and way to Heaven is being preached. If you know of any other scripture that pertain to this subject, please take the time to share them (and there are others).
Did you put your armor on today???
Be Encouraged Today!!!
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