Ephesians 2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

God has been so rich in his mercy and grace toward us.  The problem that we most deal with in life is faith.  It is our failure to believe in God’s promises that lead us to see the lies of sin as compelling.  We must continually bathe in the word of God so that light shines deep into our hearts to illuminate those items we wish to cling to. The lies of sin become so embedded within the dark recesses of our hearts so that we have a hard time letting go sometimes until the light of God’s Word is able to shine deep within us and break them apart.  We may think, "to succeed and pass this difficult course, I need to cheat on this one test." In order to attract that guy over there, I need to dress provocatively"  "If I don’t compromise my principles, I may lose that guy who makes me feel so loved and so it will be ok to compromise this once" "My marriage is so miserable, I will just get a divorce or I am justified to have an affair, my happiness depends on it."  "You are a fool to forgive that person, revenge is what you need." "Only a fool would tithe, after all, God understands you cannot afford to on your salary" So go the lies of sin.  We have, by nature so much darkness within our own hearts that Satan could take a vacation and we would continue on in our own pride, jealousy, revenge and disbelief. John Piper gave a great illustration which I would like to share. In the dark recesses, we may pick up a black, shiny object and cherish it for ebony.  We admire it and cherish it.  We put it in our pocket so that we might feel it close to us and cherish it–or place it on a chain around our neck.  We begin to read the word of God, light begins to shine into those dark places and we pull out that cherished object to see it clearly in the brightness and suddenly realize that instead of a piece of ebony we are holding in our hands a cockroach.  We begin to shake our hand to through away that object as quickly as possible (that violent disgust and  rejection of the object once cherished–that is repentance).  Hebrews 4:¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.  God’s mercy is to shed so much light through His word so that we do not cling to cockroaches and believe them to be cherished items; instead, he wishes to fill our hands with His Brilliant diamonds of truth to guide us and to provide us His rest.  We should savor and seek out His promises by reading the word of God. "I will up hold you, I will love you, I will provide for you, I have removed your transgressions, I will strengthen you, and I will transform you into the Glorious likeness of my son. I will give you my water of life, my joy, and my rest."  As you seek the Word and the light shines into the depth of your heart, what cockroaches are revealed and suddenly repulse you into throwing them away to no more be a part of your life. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rl45JnnRSw

Hebrews 3: ¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

¹³ But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

² For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it….¹¹ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

At first glance we see all these verses and want to believe that they are for those who never really accepted Christ as Savior.  When we read verse 12, we pass through it with a quick glance that would want to say "Oh, certainly God sees the heart of man and knows who are really saved and who are just going through the motions to see what they might profit from joining the crowd.  Much like the crowd that followed Jesus for the miracles, but screamed "crucify Him" when he stood before Pilate"  If we look a little deeper, we may see that there is a message of hope for all of us who are redeemed.  A guide that helps us to enter into His rest rather than to be dismayed by the conflict which surrounds our soul.  The word of God is that guide which while we study it digs deep into the crevices of our soul to search out all those areas in which we may be lacking in faith so as to shed light on that area of darkness, to provide us hope.  Do I really believe His promises?  We do not even need Satan to draw us into sin, within our own hearts there are those areas in which we don’t really trust God and it becomes those areas where the deceitfulness of sin draws us into believing in the the lies that sin would tell us.  Sin might whisper, "This is your last chance for love; after all God really doesn’t care if you compromise yourself by having an affair with an unbeliever–He knows you are lonely.  Didn’t He promise you the desires of your heart?"  Or sin may whisper, "Surely God knows your finances are bad, so what if you skim the time clock, cheat on your taxes or engage in some scam–after all maybe He allowed that opportunity to present itself"  Again it is the deceit of sin that tells us to lie if the truth might cost us our job or our friend.  I would say that all of sin comes out of a lack of belief in the Word of God and His promises.  The Word of God is our hope for rest and peace–it shines it’s light on the truth so that we may discern what is real.  It is our guide to discern what is really precious to us.  It provides hope, joy and peace so that we may rest in His Grace that covered yesterday to remove all the guilt and worry for the past.  It is the light that shines deep into our hearts to remove every ounce of unbelief so that we might hold tight to the truth and not be tempted by sin’s deceitful lies.  It is the brilliant glorious light that shines into tomorrow with the promise of Future Grace to sustain us.  That is why we must not neglect our study of the word.  That is why we must share His Good News and encourage all those around us who are in need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTY-UKgLlXs

2 Corinthians 3: ¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.4 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

² But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

³ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

For all those who are saved, we know that God commanded the light to shine within our hearts.  This is the same God who created the earth and commanded the light to shine out of darkness.  He placed the stars in the heavens and the sun by speaking them into being.  If you know Him it is because that same God commanded that your hearts be opened from the darkness within so that you might open the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  He sent forth His son to display His Glory to mankind.  He who was willing to be obedient unto death so as to be filled with the joy of sharing His love to us (such an unworthy and ungrateful bunch) Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  He who willingly Philippians 2:⁷ made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

His Glory was magnified by this very act.  We who are His are promised that He not only begins that work of faith in us, but finishes it. Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  He promises to transform us into the image of His son, glory by glory.  Little steps of glory by little steps of glory until the finished product will be His likeness.  How amazing is that fact!!  Every thread of our life, everything that happens is a part of that wondrous work God is completing in us.  Our part?  Keep looking upon Him and seeking to glimpse at His Glory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygx4Qe27lBw&list=UU42mNOLo78vBCpPh34HSUTw&index=9&feature=plcp

John 6: ²⁸ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

²⁹ Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

We are saved by faith and not by works.  We have never been able to perform the works of the law and for that reason, Christ died to pay our price for sin.  Does that mean that I give up the fight against sin in my life or even the sin of omission (forgetting that God is my greatest treasure and getting caught up in other affairs of life such as to push Him aside)?  Paul the apostle was very firm in his teachings (as was Christ) that salvation is by grace alone and not by works that I can perform.

Romans 3: ²¹ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

²² Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

²⁷ Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Yet, if that is the case what about the following verse from James?

James 2: ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Once more Paul provides the answer.

Galations 2: ¹⁶ Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

¹⁷ But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

¹⁸ For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

¹⁹ For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

²⁰ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

²¹ I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Faith,hope, righteousness, justification all are freely given those who accept the gift of Christ for our salvation.  God continues to perfect us and step by step transforms us into the likeness of Christ.  He takes on the task of finishing the work He began in us.  For that reason, if any of you say "I am a Christian" and "going to heaven" and there is no transforming work going on–maybe you should ask yourself if truly you gave your heart to Christ or not?  Is there any passion or love for Him that draws you to His side–that makes you long to be with Him?  Do you go to Him only when you want something or do you want to just sit with Him a while and bask in His presence?  Do you see His righteousness shining so brightly that your heart aches each time you fall down and then marvel in the loving way in which He picks you up from the muddy mire-so overwhelmed by His love that you never want to fall into the mud again?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUg9qE_KjLg

Isaiah 26: ³ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

⁴ Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

⁵ For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

⁶ The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

⁷ The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.

⁸ Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

⁹ With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

¹⁰ Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.

¹¹ Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

¹² Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Perfect Peace–do you have it?  Do you want it? Then look to Jesus, study His words and His promises.  Rest in the Lord Jehovah who is everlasting strength.   Do you trust Him or do you merely go about saying that you do without ever letting that trust fill your heart, mind and soul.  Do you believe that He will provide for your every need?  Do you really believe that He loves you unconditionally?  Do you really trust and believe that He provided for you His righteousness and that He will set about the completion of transforming you into His image?  Does your soul thirst for Him in the dark of the night when you lay your head upon your pillow or do you drown Him out with TV?  Are you too busy in the early morning preparing for work to seek Him? Do you trust Him in the middle of a busy hectic day and ever whisper a prayer of thanks for His guidance?  What about when it would seem that everything is lost, do you trust Him still?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_EfDqF7YI

It is Well with MY SOUL

by Horatio Spafford

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

   When sorrows like sea billows roll;

   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

   It is well, it is well, with my soul.

   • Refrain:

     It is well, with my soul,

     It is well, it is well, with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

   Let this blest assurance control,

   That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

   My sin, not in part but the whole,

   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

   If Jordan above me shall roll,

   No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

   Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

   The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

   Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

   Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

6. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

   The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

   The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

   Even so, it is well with my soul.