FAITH vs WORKS R.D.Ice
It has been said we should WORK as if everything depended upon us, and it does. Yet we should have FAITH as if everything depended upon God, because it does. Abraham BELIEVED GOD and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous. And Abraham was called God's friend. (James 2:22-24). Faith & works cooperate together. Faith is dead (moribund) without works. And yet it is by faith we are put right with God (Romans 1:16-17' Phil. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:1-3). Note this article from "Gospel Minutes."
ENJOY HEAVEN LESS?
from Gospel Minutes by David Thurman (April 20, 2001):
Q. Dear Brother Thurman: Please explain to me if there will be some people in heaven that have not been as good as others and will not enjoy heaven much as others do who have been more righteous? Our teacher said it would be like this. -A.A., TX
A. "The simplest answer to your first question is that there will be only one kind of person in heaven. That is a person declared righteous by the blood of Christ. "And may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith" (Phil. 3:9). Since we gain His righteousness by becoming a child of God, we will all be as good as Jesus is on the day we enter heaven. Therefore none will be better or worse than others. Some may have lived worse lives and been forgiven more. Others may have served more and accomplished more good for the kingdom of God. But all who are saved will be saved by being made righteous by the blood of Jesus, not by how much work they have done."
"As to how much each will enjoy heaven, I can only speculate. It is difficult to imagine a person who hates singing, praising or worship finding much in heaven to enjoy. But I believe when we are changed to enter eternity, many things will change. Perhaps our joy at being in God's presence and gathered around the throne will dispel any sense of loss or lack of enjoyment. My personal opinion is that heaven will be wonderful and thrilling to all the redeemed."
GOSPEL MINUTES, P.O.Box 50007, Fort Worth Texas 76105-0007
If I really BELIEVE JESUS it will be demonstrated by the works (fruit) of my life But JESUS is the focus. My WORKS must never take the focus & glory away from HIM!!! We sing: "Jesus paid it all! All to HIM I owe! Sin had left a crimson stain. HE washed it white as snow!"
JESUS SPEAKS TO THE PHARISEES
You have your heads in the Bible always.
You studied for degrees in the Sacred Books.
And PhDs in books about the Sacred Books.
And you're convinced this will get you into Heaven.
But you miss The Point: IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!
The Holy Scriptures are jam-packed with
huge stomping clues about ME!
But you can't find it in your heart to admit it.
Because then you would have to ask ME
for the eternal life you want so much.
Believe ME and live eternally!
[adapted from Rob Lacey]
[compare 1 John 5:9-13]
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
THIS IS MY BIBLE
This Is My Bible
This is my Bible - my Light and my Guide.
It points me to JESUS the Savior of the world.
It tells me of God's great Love for me,
and spells out the many Promises of Hope
and how He puts people right with Himself
through the kind of Faith that Abraham had.
God's Word is truth and refreshing water to my soul.
Thank You God for teaching me to seek You
in all that I do. I trust You today and choose to
commit my every decision to You so that
I can grow strong like the tree planted by
the water. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This is my Bible, I am what it says I am.
I have what my Bible says I have.
I can do what my Bible says I can do.
I believe I have the Victory which Jesus won.
I believe I can resist the devil and he will flee.
I believe the Holy Spirit has poured
the Love of God into my heart, and that
I can rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory just as Peter wrote.
Thank You, LORD, that my Bible says
You love me and give me the power
to love You and follow You all the way.
Thank You LORD for that eternal home
which my Bible talks about. Thank You!
Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7-8; Romans 8:1-39
1. This is my Bible
God has chosen to speak to us through the written word. He created language and He raises up men & women who make the Bible available to every language group.
a) He spoke through the prophets. Luke 24:44. "Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.'"
b) He has spoken through The Son. "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48
But what did Jesus say? "Red-letter" Bible in which all the words of Jesus Christ are printed in red, in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation.
2. I am what it says I am
a) I am created in the image of God. "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen 1:27
b) I am reconciled to God (made acceptable to Him) through Jesus Christ. "Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17
"That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." 2 Cor 5:19
3. I have what it says I have
a) As a Christian I have access to the throne of God.
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:15-16
b) Even before I ask, He hears me. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Matt 6:8
4. I can do what it says I can do
a) As Paul wrote: "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:12-13
Paul is saying: By the power of the sacrifice of Christ, I can go in His strength.
b) I can be brave in the tribulations of life because He Overcame The World. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:7-9
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Phil 3:10-11
c) I can receive His generosity. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38
This is my Bible - my Light and my Guide.
It points me to JESUS the Savior of the world.
It tells me of God's great Love for me,
and spells out the many Promises of Hope
and how He puts people right with Himself
through the kind of Faith that Abraham had.
God's Word is truth and refreshing water to my soul.
Thank You God for teaching me to seek You
in all that I do. I trust You today and choose to
commit my every decision to You so that
I can grow strong like the tree planted by
the water. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This is my Bible, I am what it says I am.
I have what my Bible says I have.
I can do what my Bible says I can do.
I believe I have the Victory which Jesus won.
I believe I can resist the devil and he will flee.
I believe the Holy Spirit has poured
the Love of God into my heart, and that
I can rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory just as Peter wrote.
Thank You, LORD, that my Bible says
You love me and give me the power
to love You and follow You all the way.
Thank You LORD for that eternal home
which my Bible talks about. Thank You!
Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7-8; Romans 8:1-39
1. This is my Bible
God has chosen to speak to us through the written word. He created language and He raises up men & women who make the Bible available to every language group.
a) He spoke through the prophets. Luke 24:44. "Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.'"
b) He has spoken through The Son. "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48
But what did Jesus say? "Red-letter" Bible in which all the words of Jesus Christ are printed in red, in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation.
2. I am what it says I am
a) I am created in the image of God. "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen 1:27
b) I am reconciled to God (made acceptable to Him) through Jesus Christ. "Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17
"That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." 2 Cor 5:19
3. I have what it says I have
a) As a Christian I have access to the throne of God.
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:15-16
b) Even before I ask, He hears me. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Matt 6:8
4. I can do what it says I can do
a) As Paul wrote: "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:12-13
Paul is saying: By the power of the sacrifice of Christ, I can go in His strength.
b) I can be brave in the tribulations of life because He Overcame The World. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:7-9
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Phil 3:10-11
c) I can receive His generosity. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38
THANKSGIVING PRAYER
MY PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Almighty GOD, Father of all mankind,
You created me and gave me life. (Genesis 2:7)
I thank You that I am a citizen of Heaven
as well as a citizen of this present world. (Phil. 2:20-21)
I am trying to follow Your Golden Rule, (Matt. 7:12)
and I pray that my efforts, though feeble,
may bring praise and honor to You, LORD!
I am trying to let my light shine. (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15)
Thank You, LORD,
for my health which You have given me. ( 3 John 2)
for my eyes that see,
for my ears that hear,
for my heart that beats,
for my legs that walk,
for blood and bones and strength.
For all the blessings You give me daily,
I thank You.
I thank You, LORD,
that I am able to work and prosper,
that I can help support my family,
that I am still able do things and
feel that I am worth something,
that I can add to the common good,
and be able to help others also.
I thank You and praise You, LORD,
for all my family,
for my mother and father,
for my sisters and brothers,
for aunts, uncles, cousins,
for grandmothers, grandfathers,
for children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren.
I thank You for friends and neighbors too.
I thank You, LORD,
for the Written Bible, a light of truth
to guide me through this world.
For the Church, my family of faith,
for the Lord's Supper - Holy Meal -
we celebrate the Cross & Resurrection
of JESUS - LAMB of GOD!
I thank You, LORD,
that You have blessed our Nation (Psalm 33:12-15)
with great prosperity and freedom,
that I am free politically and religiously,
and not harassed or persecuted,
free to worship You in spirit and truth.
I thank You, LORD,
for faith, hope and love, (1 Cor. 13:13)
for the promise of the eternal future (Rev. 7:9-17)
which I can see by the eye of faith.
I look for the Eternal City called Home
as did faithful Abraham. (Hebrews 11:9-10)
I want to live in Your House forever! (Psalm 23)
Bless America, dear LORD,
preserve every one of us
in this time of world crisis. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Wash us and cleanse us (Isaiah 1:16-20)
and turn our hearts back to You! (Luke 1:17)
Send us revival and renewal! (Romans 7:6)
We lift up holy hands to You (1 Timothy 2:8)
in praise and joy and thanksgiving! (1 Peter 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:9)
In Jesus' Name, Amen. (John 16:23-24)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
GOD OF THE HOLY PROMISE
(Heb. 10:21-24)
For God ever deals with mankind
through His Word of promise.
We in turn cannot deal with God
otherwise than through faith
in the Word of His promise.
We consider Him faithful in His promises,
and patiently wait in this belief.
Promise and faith must go together.
For without the promise there is nothing
to be believed; while without faith
the promise is useless, since it is
established and fulfilled through faith.
Almighty GOD, Father of all mankind,
You created me and gave me life. (Genesis 2:7)
I thank You that I am a citizen of Heaven
as well as a citizen of this present world. (Phil. 2:20-21)
I am trying to follow Your Golden Rule, (Matt. 7:12)
and I pray that my efforts, though feeble,
may bring praise and honor to You, LORD!
I am trying to let my light shine. (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15)
Thank You, LORD,
for my health which You have given me. ( 3 John 2)
for my eyes that see,
for my ears that hear,
for my heart that beats,
for my legs that walk,
for blood and bones and strength.
For all the blessings You give me daily,
I thank You.
I thank You, LORD,
that I am able to work and prosper,
that I can help support my family,
that I am still able do things and
feel that I am worth something,
that I can add to the common good,
and be able to help others also.
I thank You and praise You, LORD,
for all my family,
for my mother and father,
for my sisters and brothers,
for aunts, uncles, cousins,
for grandmothers, grandfathers,
for children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren.
I thank You for friends and neighbors too.
I thank You, LORD,
for the Written Bible, a light of truth
to guide me through this world.
For the Church, my family of faith,
for the Lord's Supper - Holy Meal -
we celebrate the Cross & Resurrection
of JESUS - LAMB of GOD!
I thank You, LORD,
that You have blessed our Nation (Psalm 33:12-15)
with great prosperity and freedom,
that I am free politically and religiously,
and not harassed or persecuted,
free to worship You in spirit and truth.
I thank You, LORD,
for faith, hope and love, (1 Cor. 13:13)
for the promise of the eternal future (Rev. 7:9-17)
which I can see by the eye of faith.
I look for the Eternal City called Home
as did faithful Abraham. (Hebrews 11:9-10)
I want to live in Your House forever! (Psalm 23)
Bless America, dear LORD,
preserve every one of us
in this time of world crisis. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Wash us and cleanse us (Isaiah 1:16-20)
and turn our hearts back to You! (Luke 1:17)
Send us revival and renewal! (Romans 7:6)
We lift up holy hands to You (1 Timothy 2:8)
in praise and joy and thanksgiving! (1 Peter 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:9)
In Jesus' Name, Amen. (John 16:23-24)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
GOD OF THE HOLY PROMISE
(Heb. 10:21-24)
For God ever deals with mankind
through His Word of promise.
We in turn cannot deal with God
otherwise than through faith
in the Word of His promise.
We consider Him faithful in His promises,
and patiently wait in this belief.
Promise and faith must go together.
For without the promise there is nothing
to be believed; while without faith
the promise is useless, since it is
established and fulfilled through faith.
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