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Touching lives with the truth of God's Word.

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Location: Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

A Godly Influence

Being a godly influence means helping others understand who Jesus is, it means helping them grow in the Word, and encouraging them to make God honoring choices. To be such a person, we must have strong conviction, solid commitment, and steady courage.

In order to have a godly impact on others, we must first be convinced that Scripture is true; that the Bible is the inspired, and infallible Word of God. That there is absolutely no mistakes to be found in the Bible. That so-called discrepancies are just things we do not understand yet. (2 Timothy 3:16) Second the true God, the God of the Bible, is triune in nature; that is, God is Three-in-One. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and each member is fully divine. (Matthew 28:19) Third eternal life is received only through faith in Christ alone--there is no other way. (John 14:6) Salvation cannot be earned, even by good works. (Ephesians 2:8-10) And fourth Jesus will one day return for those who belong to Him, and He will take them with Him to heaven. (John 14:2-3) But unbelievers will remain under divine wrath. John 3:36)

A good Old Testament example of conviction, commitment, and courage is Daniel. He knew the biblical prohibition against eating meat offered to idols. As a captive in Babylon, he faced a dilemma. Since his meals were first offered to idols, he had to decide whether to obey God's law and risk punishment from men, or adopt Babylonian ways and displease the Lord. Daniel believed, and obeyed what the Scriptures said, and God granted him favor. Our Father is also pleased with us when we trust in His Word. Child of God how firm are your convictions? You need firm convictions to be a godly influence. You think about that.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

The Centrality Of The Resurrection

Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. (Matthew 28:5-6)

May I say the Christian faith stands or falls on the resurrection. Without the resurrection, our faith would just be a lot of wishful thinking, no better than human philosophies and speculative religions. Paul knew that without the resurrection our salvation could not have been possible. Paul was also convinced that the truth of the resurrection must be believed or else salvation cannot be received: if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9).

In spite of many challenges from skepticism, persecution, heresy, and unfaithfulness, the church through out the centuries has continued to testify to the reality of Christ's resurrection. Paul and the other apostles, and every leader in the early church continually preached Christ's resurrection. Actually, because the church gathers on Sunday, the Lord's day, the first day of the week (when Jesus rose), we are reminded of His resurrection every week.

We as believers should be so captivated by the significance of the resurrection of Christ, that our lives would manifest a solid witness to the power of the gospel of the risen Christ. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in me will never die" (John 11:25). Thank God, we have a living hope, and a living Savior. Halleluiah! to the Lamb of God, praise His holy Name, for He is worthy of our worship and praise. Can you say amen to that?

Remember child of God; who loves you unconditionally, who died on a cruel cross and rose the third day that you might have everlasting life. Give Him thanks right now and tell Him how much you love Him. Prove your love by seeking to obey His will for your life. You will be blessed for it. That's God's promise to you from His Word. You think about that.
HAPPY EASTER 2006....

Saturday, April 01, 2006

THE STORY OF THE ROOSTER

The story is told of a rooster who arose early every morning of his life to crow. And every morning shortly thereafter, the sun would rise.
As the months and years went by, the animals of the barnyard said, “Thank you for bringing the sun up every day. We’re not worthy.” But one day, not feeling well, the rooster overslept. Yet the sun came up anyway.
“You fraud!” the animals said to the sleepy rooster. “You weren’t even out here today. Yet the sun came up anyway.”
Although at first, the rooster was embarrassed and depressed, he was eventually relieved when he realized that, because he didn’t bring the sun up, the world didn’t depend on him.
So, too, there comes a point in a believer’s life when we realize our Christian walk isn’t dependent upon us, but solely upon Jesus. May I say, happy is the day when we truly understand that our relationship with the Father has nothing to do with our attempts at being a spiritual rooster bringing the sun up. Instead, it has everything to do with admitting we would be in the dark were it not for the Son shining upon us all the days of our life.

God answers prayer.