HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008
[Continued]

Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version) 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

New Years resolutions, most everyone makes them. There is One far greater than us who has made plans for us since before we were formed in our mother’s wombs.

Do you see God’s hands in your life? In every aspect of our life, He is there waiting for us to seek His will. Can you at this point say Lord I see your plans, and I will trust You?

As we start to write down our resolutions for the New Year, let us first seek Him who created us, created us in His image to do His will. As we start the New Year let this old song be:

MY PRAYER P.P. Bliss

More holiness give me
More striving within
More patience in suffering
More sorrow for sin
More faith in my Savior
More sense of His care
More joy in His service
More purpose in prayer.

More gratitude give me
More trust in the LORD
More pride in His glory
More hope in His word
More tears for His sorrows
More pain at His grief
More meekness in trials
More praise in relief.

More purity give me
More strength to o’er-come
More freedom from earth-stains
More longings for home
More fit for the kingdom
More used would I be
More Blessed and Holy
More Savior, like thee. Amen.

God’s blessings on each of you,

rECj/LJG

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008 SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever, Hebrews 13:8

Two thousand years have come and gone and still He remains the same. The star still shine, but it is not the star of a babe born in Bethlehem, it is the star of Jesus as He grew and came to age to give His life for each one of us.

Today many people look up to other people as role models. The One we should look to is the Saviour. What better example can we have as to how to live our life’s with Christ Himself?

Last night the Lord was showing me something that I want to share with you. Imagine you are at your job, without you things would go on, but it would take longer without you there. In the middle of the work that gives you a paycheck that takes care of not only you, but also your spouse, your children, even your parents, a man walks up. He tells you simply “FOLLOW ME.” Walk away from everything that you know as a means of support for you and for those you love. Walk away. Do not finish the task before you, just walk away and “FOLLOW ME,” Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

That is what the disciples were told to do. One person was even told, “Let the dead bury the dead Mat 8:22" when he said let me go do this first.

Now lets look at our own life’s. We say that we are Christians, but are we willing to give it all up for Him. Honestly search yourself and ask yourself that question. If Jesus spoke to you right now and said “FOLLOW ME” would you, could you in all sincerity walk away from everything you know?

As the New Year is about to start examine yourself and see where your heart is with Christ. Ask yourself the question: Will I leave it all to FOLLOW HIM? Is my heart so in tune with Christ that I am able to surrender everything to Him, and do what He asks me to do?

I encourage you to start the New Year by examining yourself and your relationship with Jesus. He has done more and will do more for you then anything or anyone anywhere. Who are your role models? You do you wish to be more like? Let it be the Saviour. He will never leave you nor forsake you, Heb 13:5.

God Bless each of you as the New Year starts,

rECj/LJG

ARE WE GUILTY

WORD OF WISDOM

Good works have the glory of God as their object; and they have the revealed will of God as their only rule (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18, 19).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Work for God should be done with holy joy and cheerfulness. Even children and servants must rejoice before God; the services of God are to be a pleasure, and not a task or drudgery.

Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we are commanded to do all to the glory of God. And we must do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to the Father through Him.

"You shall not add thereto any inventions of your own, under pretence of making the ordinance either more significant or more magnificent, nor diminish from it, under pretence of making it more easy and practicable, or of setting aside that which may be spared; but observe to do all that, and that only, which God has commanded." We may then hope in our worship to obtain the divine acceptance when we observe the divine appointment. God will have His own work done in His own way.

By forbidding the addition, or diminishing of anything, He plainly condemns as illegitimate whatever men invent of their own imagination; whence it follows that they, who in worshipping God are guided by any rule save that which He Himself has prescribed, make to themselves false gods; and, therefore, horrible vengeance is denounced by Him against those who are guilty.

Now, since all the ceremonies of the Papal worship are a mass of superstitions, no wonder that all her chief rulers and ministers should be blinded with that stupidity wherewith God has threatened them (John Calvin).

So we see our inward satisfaction will be more and more, as we abound in love and good works, which spring from faith and the in-dwelling Spirit of Christ.

God's blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

MERCY SEAT/PROPITIATION

WORD OF WISDOM

PROPITIATION ~ That by which God is rendered propitious, i.e., by which it becomes consistent with his character and government to pardon and bless the sinner. The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to execise his love towards sinners.

Souce: Easton's Bible Dictionary

In reading the Old Testament we find that the mercy seat was made of solid gold and sat on top of the Ark. The Ark and mercy seat were kept inside the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the temple by a thick curtain, because it was considered to be the place where the presence of God was. There were also a golden statue of cherubim at each end of the mercy seat, facing one another, their wings spread to enclose the mercy seat. All of the temple and the Holy of Holies were built as God instructed Moses to built them.

One day a year the Jewish High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, no one else was permitted to enter at any time for any reason. According to directions the Priest would first offer incense so that a cloud would rise up and cover the mercy seat. Then he would sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull as atonement for everyone in the family of Israel.

In the New Testament the mercy seat is portrayed as a prefiguration of Christ, as He was the final Atonement that was made for our sins. Romans states that Jesus was sent by God as a propitiation for our sins. 2 Corinthians says that Jesus became a sin offering for us.

Another word for mercy seat is covering; it is also used to mean propitiation or reconciliation by blood. In 1 John 2:2 and 4:10 Christ is called the Propitation for our sins. By Christ shedding His blood He became our sin offering, He covered our sins.

Matthew 27:45-56 (King James Version) 45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

When Jesus died the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom. Jesus had paid the price that would never have to be paid again. By His death there would no longer need to be sacrifices of animals. The blood of the Living Christ had been shed. Now we do not need to go to the Priest for atonement, the atonement has been paid in full. Jesus became the atonement for each one of us. He was the mercy seat, and has become the mercy seat for each of us. Now we can go to the mercy of Christ for our forgiveness of sins. He is our covering, our incense is our prayers of thanksgiving, our love offering to the Lord, and a covering as we ask forgiveness for our sins. Then we can step up to the mercy seat and Christ with His mercy as our intercessor can receive us.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

BAPTIZE OR NOT

WORD OF WISDOM

CHRISTIAN BAPTIST ~ An ordinance immediately instituted by Christ (Matthew 28:19, 20), and designed to be observed in the church, like that of the Supper, "till he come." The words "baptize" and "baptism" are simply Greek words transferred into English. This was necessarily done by the translators of the Scriptures, for no literal translation could properly express all that is implied in them.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

There are 59 scriptures that have the word baptize in it. I will not list each one, they though are easy to find with a good concordance.

We will start with John the Baptist:
Matthew 3:11-16 (King James Version) 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 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:

Mark 1:4-8 (King James Version)4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

John 1:25-33 (King James Version) 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew, Mark and John, three different disciples tell the story of John. John baptized in the wilderness, clothed in camel’s hair with a girdle of skin about his loins. His food was locusts and wild honey. To those who ask he tells them he baptizes with water for the repentance of sins after they had confessed their sins. He also tells all that there is One coming after him that was before him. He tells them that He [Jesus] will baptize them with the Holy Ghost. The promise is there that Jesus will fill them with the Holy Ghost. Nothing though is said about any speaking in other tongues, but fire is mentioned.

Now lets go to Jesus.
Matthew 20:20-26 (King James Version) 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. John 3:22 (King James Version) 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. John 4:1-6 (King James Version)When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

These three scriptures tell us very much. Jesus tells us that yes others can receive the baptism that He has. John and his followers tell us that more where baptized by Jesus’ followers then by Johns. What is very important here is we are told that Jesus Himself did not baptize anyone.
Now lets look to the disciples and what they did after Jesus was raised. Peter is speaking here.
Acts 2:38 (King James Version)38 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.

Acts 10:40-50 (King James Version] 42 And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 19:3-5 (King James Version) 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Peter one of the original disciples tells the people repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. He goes on later to tell us that those who heard that those who believed in Christ received the Holy Ghost before water baptism; then they were baptized. Coming upon those who had been baptized by John for repentance, they were again baptized in the name of Jesus.

So reading all this we can tell that baptism is important. There is more then one way to baptize, but once you hear the right way you need to do it the right way. There is more then one baptism, there is water baptism and there is Spirit baptism. We have learned that you can have one before the other, but you do need both.

But, oh yeah we have to have a but in here. What of the man on the cross with Jesus? Well let’s take a look at him. Did he repent; did he ask to be saved? We know with all certainty that he was not baptized. Luke 23:30-50 (King James Version) 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Two men were also on crosses that day. One mocked Jesus, the other rebuked him saying to him don’t you fear God, you are nailed to the cross just as Him, but we deserve to be here, He does not. Then look carefully at his words to Jesus, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And just as Jabez prayer was heard and answered, so was this mans. [Now if you do not know the prayer of Jabez you should go read it.] He knew who Christ was, what he did not know, but would receive was a last minute reprieve. He admitted he was a sinner and asked Jesus to remember him and Jesus told him that today you shall be with Me in paradise.

From all the scriptures we have just read we know to call on the Name of Jesus and we shall be saved. We know that it is okay to be baptized in water for repentance of sins. We also have read that once we know that it is the Name of Jesus then yes we should be rebaptized in His Name. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are titles. There is only One Name under which we can be saved. But not being baptized will not keep you from heaven’s door. What is very important to remember here is that we are held responsible for what we do know. If we have not had some things revealed to us through the Spirit then God is just enough to know this. What we do know and do not act on is what we will be held accountable for.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST

WORD OF WISDDOM

GIFT OF TONGUES ~ Granted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (Comp. Joel 2:28, 29).

Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1 Corinthians 12:10-14:30, "divers kinds of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues." This "gift" was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be "a sign to them that believe not."

Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

I have an uncle who would get slain in the spirit all the time. Yet he never spoke in tongues. Is he saved? Of course he is. Is it recorded anywhere that the man on the cross beside Jesus spoke in tongues? [Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom] No.

I could site case after case of people who never once spoke in tongues and they were filled the Holy Ghost. The evidence is speaking in tongues. Do we have solid evidence that we can see and touch that lets us know that Jesus Himself is the Saviour? What we do have is a Bible passed down through the years. What we do have is the believe in what we do not see, Hbr 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Bible tells us it is by faith that we are saved, Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. I wish that all should speak in tongues, 1Cr 14:5A Now I want you all to speak in tongues. It is the heavenly language that is understood by only the Lord. It is our direct line to Him. Do all do so? No, but it has nothing to do with being saved.

Tongues are a gift, just as there are many gifts of the Spirit. All do not have all gifts, 1 Cr 12:30 Do all posses gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? The gift of tongues is to all that ask, James 4:2B yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Then how do we receive this gift?

One problem I have with this is people will tell someone they should be filled but will not walk them through the process. Tongues can be received when one is alone, you do not need someone to hold your hand. For others is easier to have someone with you.

Praying through is the term used for praying that leads to speaking in tongues. There are different reactions for different people, but basically it is all the same. Prepare, yes LJG's favorite word and mine. Take some time to yourself, so you will not be interrupted.

One man I know got on his knees told the Lord, Your Word says and waited a few minutes, without saying another word. Then he got up and said it is not for man in this day and age because he didn’t speak in tongues. Oh, what he is missing.

Are you ready? Go before the Lord with His Word,[1 Sa 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him;] make your request by offering the Lord your petition, which is to speak in tongues. Then start praising the Lord. Continue to praise Him and as you do you will begin to feel the present of the Lord. Do not be alarmed or stop. Usually when the Spirit of the Lord comes on a person they will feel a warmness coming over them. As they are speaking the words they are saying might slur. Do not stop. Let the words come out. This is your heavenly language let it continue until it stops. You have now prayed through. If for some reason it doesn’t happen, don’t give up. Ask someone you know and trust to pray with you.

This is a gift that everyone should desire and have.

Now that we are Saved, Spirit Filled, and Speaking in Tongues, what else do we need to do? Get baptized? That question we will address tomorrow.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JESUS the fulfillment of the prophecy

There have been many turning points in history, but only through Christ Jesus did the promise of eternity come to all who would call on the Name of Jesus.

One Day
By J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, example is He.

Living, He loved me; dying He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He’s coming—
O glorious day! Amen

May this be the year that every heart will open to receive not the Babe in swaddling clothes laying in a manger, but to receive the Christ who 33 years later gave His all for all of mankind.

While we enjoy this special time with our families our prayer is that you shall have a very blessed day in the Lord. May the grace of God watch over you and keep you under the Shadow of the Almighty.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

YOUTH

WORD OF WISDOM

EAGLE ~ It is said that the eagle sheds his feathers in the beginning of spring, and with fresh plumage assumes the appearance of youth. To this, allusion is made in Psalm 103:5 and Isaiah 40:31. God's care over his people is likened to that of the eagle in training its young to fly (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11, 12).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Psalms 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's

As the eagle, when her beak overgrows, sucks blood and so is renewed in strength, even so God miraculously gives strength to his Church above all man's expectations. The eagles which lives long in great strength and vigour. By God's provision, the saint retains a youthful vigor like the eagles.

The eagle is long-lived, and, as naturalists say, when she is nearly 100 years old, discards all her feathers (as indeed she changes them in a great measure every year at moulting time), and fresh ones come, so that she becomes young again.

When God, by the graces and comforts of His Spirit, recovers His people from their decays, and fills them with new life and joy, which is to them the promise of eternal life and joy, they may then be said to return to the days of their youth.

Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

This beautiful and expressive metaphor is founded on the extraordinary care and attachment which the female eagle cherishes for her young. When her newly fledged progeny are sufficiently advanced to soar in their native element, she, in their first attempts at flying, supports them on the tip of her wing, encouraging, directing, and aiding their feeble efforts to longer and sublimer flights. So does God take the most tender and powerful care of His chosen people. As the eagle does for her young so should we as parents train up our children to business, and not to indulge them in idleness and the love of ease.

Moses gives particular examples of God's kindness and concern for them. The eagle's care for her young is a beautiful emblem of Christ's love, who came between Divine justice and our guilty souls, and bare our sins in His own body on the tree. And by the preached gospel, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, He stirs up and prevails upon sinners to leave Satan's bondage.

God's blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM

EVIL-SPEAKING ~Is expressly forbidden (Titus 3:2; James 4:11), and severe punishments are denounced against it (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10). It is spoken of also with abhorrence (Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 18:6, 7), and is foreign to the whole Christian character and the example of Christ.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

EVIL FOR EVIL

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

The idea is the care which Christians should take so to behave themselves as to command the respect of all men.

Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's.

This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all His followers, and it must be obeyed.

But when we are bidden to prepare good things before men, we must at the same time notice for what purpose: it is not that men may admire and praise us, as this is a desire which Christ carefully forbids us to indulge, since He bids us to admit God alone as the witness of our good deeds, to the exclusion of all men; but that their minds being lifted to God, they may give praise to Him, that by our example they may be stirred up to the practice of righteousness, that they may, in a word, see the good and the sweet odor of our life, by which they may be brought to the love of God.

Proverbs 24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Say not, I will render to the man according to his work, and make him pay dearly for it; for it is God's prerogative to do so, and we must leave it to Him, and not step into His throne, or take His work out of His hands. If we become judges in our own cause, we forfeit the benefit of an appeal to God's tribunal; therefore we must not avenge ourselves, because He has said, Vengeance is mine, Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Pro 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family. As therein unkind to his family, for he brings a curse upon it. This is a crime so heinous that it shall be punished, not only in his person, but in his children and his children's children, for whom he thus treasures up wrath. The Jews stoned Christ for His good works; therefore is His blood upon them and upon their children.

As we help other people, we should realise this. The people that we help may not be honest. They might be cruel or unfair. As Christians, we serve God, rather than other people. We help them, because we love God. God rewards us.

If we are in difficulties, then we should obtain advice and help. We should not remain in a situation that is too difficult for us. But, if in the off chance that the advice and help given was in error then God will convict the advice and help giver. Let's just hope that person knows the voice of God and is willing to listen and admit they were wrong.

God's Blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

ARE YOU SAVED

WORD OF WISDOM

SAVIOUR ~ One who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to his redeemed ones, he is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the individual by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

ARE YOU SAVED?

Have you asked the Lord into your life? What pray tell does that have to do with being saved? First we have to look up the word saved.

transitive verb 1 a: to deliver from sin b: to rescue or deliver from danger or harm c: to preserve or guard from injury, destruction, or loss d: to store (data) in a computer or on a storage device (as a floppy disk or CD) 2 a: to put aside as a store or reserve : accumulate b: to spend less by 3 a: to make unnecessary : avoid b (1): to keep from being lost to an opponent (2): to prevent an opponent from scoring or winning 4: maintain, preserve intransitive verb 1: to rescue or deliver someone 2 a: to put aside money b: to avoid unnecessary waste or expense : economize c: to spend less money 3: to make a save

Okay, does that help, or confuse. Right there first thing a: to deliver from sin. But what does that have to do with being saved, or for that matter with asking the Lord into your life? Isn’t life interesting when we start trying to understand what we think we know?

Now we could go back to the Old Testament and look at the word saved there, but to keep it as simple as possible we will stay with the New Testament. Acts 16:23-33 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. The two main scriptures we want to look at here are 31 and 32. The prison keeper asks the question “What must we do to be saved.” Paul tells him “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house.”

We will explain the reason behind the keeper of the prison asking this, but first let’s look at what he did in fact ask. He did not ask what it was, the point being he wanted to know how to be saved. As simple as his question was Paul’s answer. “Call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Now we will look at why the keeper asked how to be saved. He is in charge of all the prisoners, suddenly the ground shakes, the doors open, and this man knows two things; he will be held responsible for any one that gets away; and secondly whatever Paul and Silas has is more powerful then any thing he has ever saw. What can I do to be saved?

This has got to be this man’s lowest point in life. I try to put myself in his shoes, what was going through his mind at this point. I can just see him getting his light and looking at these two men. Were they anything other then ordinary looking men? No they appear normal, what sets them apart? Whatever it is, if it can open the doors of the prison for them, then surely it can save him also. Whatever it is he wants it. What can I do to be saved? The cost was of no concern to him, only that he be saved.

Being saved is asking the Lord Jesus into your life. Have you asked the Lord into your life? If so then you are saved. Does this mean you know all you need to know about the Lord? Of course not. What it means is you have taken the first step into the kingdom of God. Now that you are saved you want or should want to know what to do now. That should be an easy question. If you have asked God into your life, where do we go from here?

What does being saved mean now that we are saved?

God Bless

rECj/LJG

WORDS

WORD OF WISDOM

Oct 15 1900 - Pentecostal evangelist Charles Fox Parham opened Bethel Bible Institute in Topeka, Kansas. It was here on January 1, 1901 that the first Christian in modern times was reported to have spoken in tongues: student Agnes Ozman

The words we use are very important. My question today is have you ever listened to someone speak, and wondered what they were talking about? Part of you wanted to say hold on a minute while I get a dictionary, but then how do you spell that anyway.

Let me explain: a maginolipsida is still a rose. Now there is a word for you; maginolipsida is the class of flowers known as roses. So a rose is still a rose. What good does it do you to read that which you do not understand? How are you to understand what a person is saying if they are using 12 letter words that you do not understand. Is it not better to speak in a way that those around you can understand what you are saying?

I say all this to say I have heard many speak on the Word of God forgetting that there are not that many people who know or can understand the big words that are used. Then again as a new Christian there are many words that the newborn will hear that are as foreign as speaking another language. I just used one, did you catch it? Try to explain new born? It really is simple, but if never heard before something as simple as this can throw a person off.

Spirit filled is another one. I was talking the other day with a young man who had asked the Lord into his life. I know this because he told me he had. The thing that got me is he did not know he was saved. The person who led him to the Lord told him that to be saved is to be filled with the Holy Ghost. His understanding of being filled with the Holy Ghost meant speaking in tongues. Since he had never spoke in tongues, he felt he was not saved.

Now if you are a Spirit filled tongue speaking person, what I just wrote probably make sense to you. If you are not, then what the heck am I talking about?

Over the next few days we are going to go back to the basics. Remember our first Love Christ? If no one took your hand and walked you through being a new Christian, and explained some words to you this might enlighten you. If you are older in the Lord, well take it as a honeymoon with the Lord. We will travel back to the beginning and look at the words that so many took and many still take for granted, not knowing the full meaning of just what those words meant, and still not knowing the full meaning of many words.

God bless you,

rECj/LJG

REASON FOR THE SEASON

WORD OF WISDOM

WORKS ~ Works are "good" only when, (1) they spring from the principle of love to God. The moral character of an act is determined by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are the essential elements of all true obedience. Hence good works only spring from a believing heart, can only be wrought by one reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18,22).

REVELATION 2:1-5 (King James Version)
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

We all sin and fall short of the glory of the Lord. As we look closer at the above scripture, what do we see? Let me paraphrase here: I know everything you have done, I know your work, your patience. I know that you cannot stand those who are evil, you have even questioned those that said they were apostles, and are not, and you have found them to be liars. For Me you have borne, had patience and labored, and while doing so you have not fainted. Up to that point it sounds and is the Lord telling someone, He is aware of everything that they have done and it sounds great. BUT He continues I have something against you. Reading the first part again, what could you possibility do more? Let us continue: you have left your first love. He tells you to remember where you have came from, repent and do the first works. AND if you do not, I will come to you quickly and remove your light out of it’s place, unless you repent.

With all that this person, who can be anyone including you and myself, has done how could he or she have lost the first love, which is Christ. Oh people we do have to be careful. There are times in our life’s that we do need to go by what we know and not what we feel. Emotions are not to be our guide. What we are speaking here is that deep love for the Savior. That should always remain our first love.

Even when we are doing that which the Lord has guided us to do, we have to keep that love alive. We are not to do something because we are suppose to, that in itself is not enough, we are to do what we do because of the love of Christ.

When I asked the Lord to be apart of my life, I was bubbling over with love. The very thought that someone could love me as He did was overpowering. Not overpowering as in too much to stand, overpowering in the sense that I wanted everyone to have what I had. I wanted everyone to know this love that passes all understanding.

All the good deeds we can do, are nothing without the love of Christ behind it. People a new year is about to start, we are in the Season behind the Reason. A season that even though many show love to those around them, the love of Christ is not there. Except for some who will say a brief prayer at some point during the day, how many of us will share the love of the One who is the reason behind it all? How many of us will spend the day celebrating the gift that we have received because of Him?

I do not want my light taken away from me, I shall search myself and ask God to reveal to me anything I need to repent of. I love Him so much. None of our good works will get us into heaven [Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 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.], it is only the mercy of God that I am saved.

This Christmas I want to spend the day telling Him whom I love just how great that love is, and not just in passing as I go about my day.

What is your reason for the Season?

God Bless,

rECj/LJG