salvation

The Way Out

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18)

If you were standing in a full-on burning building and the fireman who had intimate knowledge of the property and situation was directing you to the one, single way out, my hope is that you would be willing to follow the one who has come to rescue you and bring you to safety.

Whether you want to believe it or not, this world is on fire… but there is a way out.

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Crucified With Christ

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Some people like to call it their “B.C.” or “Before Christ” years, referring to the period of their life before coming to faith and salvation in Jesus. I remember mine, and it wasn’t pretty.

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Remembering a Servant (Galatians 5:13)

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

Happy Birthday to my one and only sibling Trisha! Today would have been her 42nd birthday, so in remembrance of my lovely sister and the wonderful blessing she was to so many people, I’d like to share a memory I wrote last year around this time. She’s now been at home with the Lord for 2 years, and I can only imagine the amazing reunion I’ll have with her, my Mom, and other loved ones in heaven when I eventually join them as well! (more…)

Basis of Hope (Amos 5)

“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” (Amos 5:21-23)

If we put verses 21-23 in the modern context, how many of us go to church gatherings and meetings (feasts and assemblies)? How many of us tithe to the church or donate money or other resources (burnt offerings and grain offerings)? How many of us give or serve to simply appease God or others (peace or fellowship offerings)? How many of us take part in worshipful activities such as sing praise songs at church (noise of your songs)?

The answer is probably most, if not all, of people who call themselves Christian do all of these things. But when they are done without truly accepting Jesus, not only as Savior of our lives, but as LORD of our lives (meaning dying to ourselves and giving our life fully to Him), HE WILL NOT ACCEPT OR REGARD THEM. We have put our hope in the wrong things. (more…)

Decision Point (Joel 3:14 & 20-21)

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14)

“Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations. Their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, I will pardon. The Lord dwells in Zion!” (Joel 3:20-21)

While the book of Joel begins with a description of God’s impending judgment for the nation of Judah’s sins, it ends with the promise of restoration. For the children of God, our ending will always contain full assurance of His forgiveness and mercy! (more…)