Friday, June 2, 2023

Pastor's Pondering, June 2, 2023

Through Him We Win


Hezekiah Walker and The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir sang, “Ninety-Nine and a Half.”  Some of the lyrics are, “Lord I'm runnin', tryin' to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won't do. On my knees every day, Lord please hear me when I pray. Please forgive me when I stumble, Lord, I wanna be in that number.”  Thank God that we don’t have to worry, be upset, or be anxious. It is no longer us trying to make it to heaven through our own efforts, but our simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and we are saved (Romans 10:9-10).

 

It is the trick of the evil one to get us to fret that we are not good enough to meet God’s standards. That is correct, we will never be good enough in our own strength.  But the Bible tells us that it is no longer ourselves, but that Christ lives inside of us (Galatians 2:20).  He is greater than any of our tendencies, habits, perversions, or sins.  He promises to forgive us and cleanse us from our disobedience when we tell Him about them and ask for His forgiveness.

 

Throughout the Bible we are told repeatedly to fear not. Our Father cares for us; we are worth so much to Him (Matthew 10:29, 31).  He does not want any to go into an eternity without Him; He is waiting for our invitation to Him into our life (2 Peter 3:9).  While many seem to have no regard for themselves, their fellow citizens, or God, we can take solace in knowing that God cares for us, loves us, and wants us to live with Him eternally (Ephesians 2:6).  He certainly wants us to win with Him.

 

Romans 10:9-10

New Life Version

If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin.

10 When we believe in our hearts, we are made right with God. We tell with our mouth how we were saved from the punishment of sin

 

Galatians 2:20

New Life Version

20 I have been put up on the cross to die with Christ. I no longer live. Christ lives in me. The life I now live in this body, I live by putting my trust in the Son of God. He was the One Who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Matthew 10:29, 31

New Life Version

29 Are not two small birds sold for a very small piece of money? And yet not one of the birds falls to the earth without your Father knowing it.
31 So do not be afraid. You are more important than many small birds.

 

2 Peter 3:9

New Life Version

9 The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise as some people think. He is waiting for you. The Lord does not want any person to be punished forever. He wants all people to be sorry for their sins and turn from 

them.

 

Ephesians 2:6

New Life Version

6 God raised us up from death when He raised up Christ Jesus. He has given us a place with Christ in the heavens.


 

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