Archive for the ‘ Religion ’ Category
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26, ESV
It is the power of God that saves us, by grace through faith. Nothing we can do, have, or give can get us closer to God. It is His gift.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
John 15:4, ESV
Works can never save us, nor can we do truly good works apart from Christ.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16, ESV
Our works will never save us, but Christ’s work and light shine through us to glorify the Father by leading others to Christ.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
Philippians 2:12, ESV
We do not earn our salvation. We show the world we are saved by being obedient to Christ and doing good works to help others, encourage each other, and glorify God.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:7, ESV
Trusting the Lord brings the blessings of forgiveness, grace, a changed heart and mind, inner peace, and eternal life in Christ.
Many years on this blog I mark a very important date in my own life: January 9. And not just because it is my wonderful mother-in-law’s birthday.
Two of my more favorite passages from the Bible are these:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8, ESV
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12, ESV
What wisdom do we gain by considering our lives and drawing near to God?
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3, ESV
So, every January 9, I celebrate my Re-Birthday, the day I was born again by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And on January 9, 2020, (specifically, at 6:47 pm CST), I am celebrating 20 years as a Christian.
And I think people should celebrate their salvation much more than we do, to show the world the joy of the world to bring others to glorify the Lord.
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.
Psalm 35:9, ESVBut may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
Psalms 40:16 ESV
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:3, ESV“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16, ESVHow then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:14, 17, ESV
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3, ESV
Do not read this as “Make sure God is invoked in your work so that your plans work out.”
Start your plans by seeking God’s will, work diligently and faithfully with the help of God, and find success on God’s terms, not necessarily your own.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
John 1:12, ESV
We may all be made in God’s image, but we are not all His children.
We become children of God by believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God who takes away the sins of the world.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Matthew 4:4, ESV
Jesus’ example: respond to temptation and trials with Scripture.
We should be like Jesus.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11, ESV
Sometimes this life can get us down or even feel pointless and beyond hope.
But God is God. If we turn to Him and praise Him alone, we will find our joy and peace.
a simple man of God 