I have a question for you. If you're a Christian, do you take the Bible seriously? I mean do you really read it? Every day?
You know, I've been watching our financial markets every day as we are quickly slipping into a recession and I see people panicking as they look for places to hide their money. I see the media interviewing people who all have a different opinion as to the fate of the markets. I see our government officials trying to infuse liquidity into the markets by providing billions of dollars in stimulus packages.
Watching all this I've really come to see what has become America's God. Right, you guessed it, - money - the bottom line. Now don't get me wrong, I know very well that money is a necessary evil if we are to get along in this world. But what did Jesus say about our earthly treasures? "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Math. 6:19-21
If you are a Christian, a true born again believer who has been saved by the grace of God, then I'm assuming you believe the Bible is the very word of God. And as such, doesn't it stand to reason the God's word should be the greatest treasure of our lives? Yet I fear that for the majority of Christendom the opposite is actually true.
Can I ask you a question? Do you spend even a quarter of the amount of time delving into the treasures of Scripture as you do the treasures of your bank account. Its amazing isn't it? We clamor and grasp at the things that are only temporary, here today and gone tomorrow, yet our Bibles sit idly on our shelves collecting dust. We have a treasure that is eternal and yet we hardly give it the time of day.
We need to be in the Word always because that's how we can get to know God better. There are so many people running around looking for the next big miracle that they are neglecting the treasure God has already provided. Do you know how important the Bible is to God?? At the end of Psalm 138:2 David says, speaking of God, "...for you have exalted above all things your name and your word." Did you hear that?? His name and His word, exalted above all things!!
Why are there so many "Christians" today who think the Bible is insufficient? Listen to what God says about His word:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Heb 4:12
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..." 2Tim 3:16
Look at what John MacArthur has to say on this subject, "I am greatly concerned, that the Church doesn't believe that it [Bible] is perfect and able to transform the whole person. I am convinced that the Church doesn't believe that it [Bible] is sure, trustworthy, and able to make a simple person eminently wise. I am not sure that the Church believes that. I am not sure the Church believes that it [Bible] lays down the right path and brings joy to the heart. I am not sure that the Church believes, that if you really want to see things clearly, you need to see them through the pages of the Scriptures. I hear so many preachers who are doing everything but teaching the Word of God with depth. That's a passion for me. I believe the Word of God is sufficient for every Spiritual need."
I couldn't agree more. So folks, and I'll end with this, lets start treating our Bibles like the treasures they are. I challenge you and myself also, from this day forward to really delve deeply into God's word each and every day. It is there that we will find treasures that will last for eternity.
God bless
Rob
Being once dead in sin, now raised by God's mere mercy, to newness of life.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Salvation by Christ Alone
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
What an amazing testimony Peter gives here while standing in the temple in front of the elders and rulers of the council. He first reminds them just before this, in v. 10 that they were the ones who crucified Jesus, but it was God who raised Him from the dead. He then goes on to tell them that the only way to Heaven is by Jesus Christ alone.
To me, it is so sad how Satan has convoluted the message of the Gospel. So much so, that even people who profess to be "christians", even many big time Christian leaders are today teaching or at least alluding to the belief that there are other ways to Heaven.
But the truth is, there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ alone. If there are other ways to Heaven, then Christ died for nothing. How sad that there are people in churches out there who are being taught that 'Jesus is the answer, BUT there are also other ways to Heaven.'
No folks, Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Even He himself proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me." John 14:6
Our hope and faith must be built on the sold rock foundation of Jesus Christ. Apart from the shed blood of Jesus, there is no salvation. Unfortunately today, people are denying the truth because they want there to be other ways beyond the way God has provided. Its like going to a physician and hearing that you have cancer and are soon to die. The doctor tells you, ..."but there is one cure, only one cure, and I've got it in the next room." Instead, you tell him, "well thanks, I believe you but I also believe there is another, easier way and I'm going to look for that first." We wouldn't do that with a deadly disease like cancer, why do we do it with a deadlier problem like sin.
My friend, there is only one way to Heaven and His name is Jesus. He came to this earth so that sinners like you and I can be made right with God and receive His gift of eternal life. No matter how much sin is in your life, salvation is by the grace of God alone and He can and does save sinners. Jesus said, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32
So if you've come to realize that you are a sinner and have offended the Holy God of the universe, as we all have, then today is your day of salvation. Repent of your sins, that means to turn, 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and ask Jesus to forgive you. If you're just not sure, I encourage you to start by getting yourself a copy of God's word, the Bible and start reading it with an open mind and heart. Start reading for just a few minutes each day. Start in the Gospel of John and pray for God to reveal Himself to you. Trust me, you'll know when God has opened your eyes because all of a sudden you'll begin to see the deeper, spiritual meaning behind the words in the text. It is truly a mind blowing experience.
If you're ever in the Palm Coast, Florida area, be sure to come and visit us at Turning Point Community Church. Just ask for Rob and I'll be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have regarding spiritual matters. And if I can't answer something I'll be sure to point you to someone who can.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family.
Rob
What an amazing testimony Peter gives here while standing in the temple in front of the elders and rulers of the council. He first reminds them just before this, in v. 10 that they were the ones who crucified Jesus, but it was God who raised Him from the dead. He then goes on to tell them that the only way to Heaven is by Jesus Christ alone.
To me, it is so sad how Satan has convoluted the message of the Gospel. So much so, that even people who profess to be "christians", even many big time Christian leaders are today teaching or at least alluding to the belief that there are other ways to Heaven.
But the truth is, there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ alone. If there are other ways to Heaven, then Christ died for nothing. How sad that there are people in churches out there who are being taught that 'Jesus is the answer, BUT there are also other ways to Heaven.'
No folks, Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Even He himself proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me." John 14:6
Our hope and faith must be built on the sold rock foundation of Jesus Christ. Apart from the shed blood of Jesus, there is no salvation. Unfortunately today, people are denying the truth because they want there to be other ways beyond the way God has provided. Its like going to a physician and hearing that you have cancer and are soon to die. The doctor tells you, ..."but there is one cure, only one cure, and I've got it in the next room." Instead, you tell him, "well thanks, I believe you but I also believe there is another, easier way and I'm going to look for that first." We wouldn't do that with a deadly disease like cancer, why do we do it with a deadlier problem like sin.
My friend, there is only one way to Heaven and His name is Jesus. He came to this earth so that sinners like you and I can be made right with God and receive His gift of eternal life. No matter how much sin is in your life, salvation is by the grace of God alone and He can and does save sinners. Jesus said, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32
So if you've come to realize that you are a sinner and have offended the Holy God of the universe, as we all have, then today is your day of salvation. Repent of your sins, that means to turn, 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and ask Jesus to forgive you. If you're just not sure, I encourage you to start by getting yourself a copy of God's word, the Bible and start reading it with an open mind and heart. Start reading for just a few minutes each day. Start in the Gospel of John and pray for God to reveal Himself to you. Trust me, you'll know when God has opened your eyes because all of a sudden you'll begin to see the deeper, spiritual meaning behind the words in the text. It is truly a mind blowing experience.
If you're ever in the Palm Coast, Florida area, be sure to come and visit us at Turning Point Community Church. Just ask for Rob and I'll be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have regarding spiritual matters. And if I can't answer something I'll be sure to point you to someone who can.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family.
Rob
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