All posts filed under: salvation

His Perfect Patience

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“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Perfect PatienceNobody I know in this life has perfect patience. But I know beyond the shadow of doubt that God displays perfect patience. We can see it on full display in Paul’s life. In this short passage Paul describes himself as “foremost.” What did he mean?Let’s look back at a few verses: 1 Timothy‬ ‭1:12-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of …

Rivers of Living Waters

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In May of 1989 my family and I woke up to the sound of mortar blasts, and rocket launchers in our back yard. It was a great spot for the government soldiers because of the cliff overlooking the other side of the city, where rebel soldiers occupied. When we left our home that day, we came across many displaced people who had been without food and water for many weeks. The fighting was intense and life as we knew it, came to a stop. We had no idea what life would look like the next few weeks with less food and no source of safe drinking water. By the time we hit the second week on the run, we began to realize how important water is. Vital organs began to shut down because of dehydration. Skin began to get clammy. Coherent thoughts began to vanish. As we struggle to find safe drinking water, our mouths became dry; our heads ached and our Knees became weak. Sadly, many others fell by the roadside for lack of water. …

Taste and see that the Lord is good

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I love good food! Sometimes, I just want to show up and be served. Other times, I like to get creative and show the world that I’m a better cook than Gordon Ramsay. I have tasted a lot of good stuff, but my wife’s cooking is the best. My most favorite place to hang is in the kitchen when she is cooking. But she usually kicks me out because I don’t really know when to stop tasting. I just keep coming back for more. Well, God has extended to us an invitation to not only taste but to also discover his goodness. He is the only one able to serve goodness, and His invitation is for everyone to taste and see how wonderful it is (Psalm 34:8).  I responded to that invitation many years ago but I just can’t get enough –  so I keep coming back for more. I know you have probably tried everything this world has to offer, but God’s invitation to taste and see how good he is still stands. He wants you to: Taste the word – …

Infinite Redeemer

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Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him… Verse 23 Message By: Rev. E. W. Moore. There is a story told of Alexander the Great that, when the fancy took him, he would order a burning lamp to be set down without the walls of the city he was besieging. Then he would offer mercy to the besieged if they surrendered before the lamp went out. Was this the origin of the familiar lines— While the lamp holds out to burn The vilest sinner may return? I know not, but I know that a greater King than Alexander pledges His mercy to the last dying gleam of our life’s flickering flame.’ His Name is Jesus! Whom is Jesus Christ able to save? Probably we have all thought of this text as applying to the unconverted. That is true—it is most true; but it is …

What must I do To Inherit Eternal Life?

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Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. This video reminds me of how simple yet deep and profound the gospel message is. Preaching here, Billy Graham, a true and humble man of God, delivers a powerful gospel message. Have you given your life to Jesus yet? Today is your day don’t let it slip away. <;a

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow – Who promised you tomorrow?

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And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. Exodus 8:10 Have you ever had a “duh” moment reading the Bible? A moment when you perceived that the action or decision taken by someone you are reading about was foolish or stupid. Well, I had one the other day reading Exodus chapter 8. God had sent Moses to Egypt to tell Pharoah to let His People go. If Pharoah did not let the people go, He would pour his wrath upon the land. Chapter 8 of Exodus is where we find our second wrath. The first being the turning of the river Nile into a river of blood. Seven days after that, one would think Pharaoh will repent and let the people go. Instead, he hardens his heart and sits through another horrifying experience. This time it’s frogs. Frogs are everywhere. They came out of the land and covered it. Pharoah calls Moses and begs him to plead …

Nomads, Exile and Prodigal?

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Some call them Nomads – those “wondering away from traditional religious institutions but say faith is still important to them.” I call them the free radicals – and they have exposed themselves to Satan’s most effective tool – Separate them as far from fellowship as possible, because in the long run they will grow cold. These people are in big trouble. Others are called Exiles – “exiles being those who are – still hopeful about their faith but feel stuck when they consider life’s challenges”. Jesus warns about this spiritual dilemma in Matthew 13:20-22. “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves …

Simply Redeemed

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Let me begin with the chorus of a beautiful song written by Heather Headley entitled Simply Redeemed: While I was yet in my transgressions Somebody paid the price for me I offered up my life to Him And now I say again I am not perfect Simply redeemed We are simply redeemed. Look at what Paul says to this effect… Ephesians 2:9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Here is an outline of this truth in chapter 1 of Eph. Ephesians 1 HE BLESSED US – with every spiritual blessing. Whatsoever I need spiritually he has already provided. HE CHOSE US – we were worthless when he chose us… if he loved you while you were playing in your dirt, how much more does he love you now that you belong to him? But, you must understand that his goal is that you become like him. HE LOVED US – to shower his affection upon us! HE PREDESTINED US – we have been set apart from our mother’s womb. HE ADOPTED …

Follow Me… the Master calls

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Jesus gave the command “Follow me” to many. He gave this command to Philip, the spiritual seeker (John 1:43). He gave this command to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen (Matt. 4:19). He gave this command to Matthew, the hated and traitorous tax collector (Matt.9:9). In responding to this command, Matthew gave up a comfortable job butfound a destiny. He lost a good income but found honor and self-respect. He lost financial security but found spiritual security. He gave this command to the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:21). Because he had great riches, and because they had first place in his heart and life, he declined our Lord’s invitation and went away lost. Today He is calling you… Check out the lyric of this old song: Softly and gently He’s calling Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me; see, on the portals he’s waiting and watching, watching for you and for me. Come home, come home; ye who are weary come home; earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, …

Amazing Grace!

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From time to time we do a hymns in our church… and our people love it! Other times we either tag one at the beginning or at the end of the service just in case. But for two weeks in a row I decided to do amazing grace for no reason at all. Well, there is a lady who just started coming to our church with her three kids. Two months ago, her soon to be husband was killed in an accident and “Amazing Grace” was his favorite hymn. So every time I do the song, she would just begin to cry and cry and cry. Well, her son told her that the pastor is just trying to torture by singing that song every sunday and she told him, no, he doesn’t know that it was your dad’s favorite song. Last week, her uncle brought her up to me for prayer after church because she had attempted to take her own life the night before. Just before we prayed, I asked her – have you given you …