Is Jesus the Only Way To Reach God’s Love?

Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. Hebrews 2:1-2

A harsh warning was sounded here! A warning that if we neglect the gospel message proclaimed by the Lord Jesus Christ, we have no other means of escape from the Just Judgment and damnation. All too often, to proclaim love and Grace; we fail to tell people the full truth. We want to sound “politically correct.” Yes, God is love. Were it not for His Love He would not have provided a means of salvation. Why should He? Mankind (male and female) throughout the corridors of history since Adam and Eve; choose their perceived feelings, desires, and self-exalting behaviors over demonstrating their love for God (their creator) by obedience to His commands. Yet, as we read through the Old Testament; we see a Gracious, loving God warn humanity of their folly. We see God plead with them to repent. Alas they march on stiff-necked, rebellious with disregard for the very one who gave them life and desired to give them His Love, His Joy and to shower them with His Glory. The angels warned them! The prophets warned them! Still, they did not heed; ultimately, God would be forced to enact His hand of judgment upon the people. There was a remnant who did see Him as Gloriously Worthy of All their praise and Honor. It was for them, He continued through history to Calvary’s Road.

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3 Keys to Courage When Confronted by Hate

“Son of dust,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, to a nation rebelling against me. They and their fathers have kept on sinning against me until this very hour. For they are a hard-hearted, stiff-necked people. But I am sending you to give them my messages—the messages of the Lord God. And whether they listen or not (for remember, they are rebels), they will at least know they have had a prophet among them. “Son of dust, don’t be afraid of them; don’t be frightened even though their threats are sharp and barbed and sting like scorpions. Don’t be dismayed by their dark scowls. For remember, they are rebels! You must give them my messages whether they listen or not” Ezekiel 2:3-7 (TLB)

 

We have been given the assignment as well to stand up for and speak the truth of the gospel into a rebellious world that spews it hate filled rhetoric. The protests, the persecution, the anger spews against anyone who would dare to speak the truth of God’s words. Yet, God has called each of us who know Him to stand firm while doing so with Grace, Love and Mercy. We must do so boldly; yet, humbly. Not an easy task. Actually, it would be an impossible task were it not for God equipping us with these three keys as He did Ezekiel.

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How to Really Know that God Loves You

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11

 

Jesus, name above all names!! He is our redeemer, our Beloved King, our provider; yet, so many refuse His gift of Salvation and His promise of hope. Why? Ah, yes; the whispering, hissing poisonous lies of Satan. He whispers “God does not really love you. If He did why does He deny you such lovely pleasures?” Isn’t that the lie He told Eve! After all, if God truly loved you wouldn’t He let you eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Ah, but you see it is that very fruit that opened their eyes to see the horror of evil, unleashing its power within their hearts. Until then all they knew was God’s love, beauty, glory and presence. They had no selfishness, no anger, no hate, and no concept of evil. Yet, God had given them the choice; knowing which they would choose. His choice was simple, display your love toward me by obeying this one command. Yet, they chose not to obey; when, Satan venomous whisper was “God does not really love you!”  Still God had a plan of redemption, even before the fall of Adam.  God still planned to shower His love upon all who would accept His gift of salvation and love.

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How Can I Help to Mend What Is Broken?

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, even the Lord, the hope of their fathers. Jeremiah 50:6-7

 

The children of Israel had not heeded the warnings sent by God. He had pleaded with them to repent of their sins, to cease their idolatry and to seek Him in true worship. Yet, they had continued on in their sinful, self-indulgent disregard for God. God allowed Babylon to take them captive and for 70 years they were held. Their temple destroyed and their land laid to waste. They like blind sheep had listened to false prophets and evil Kings until they had forgotten their true place of rest could only be found in God. He was the only one worthy of worship. He was the great shepherd who would protect them, guide them, and lead them to peaceful prosperity. Even after all that, God’s great mercy looked down upon a remnant of His people. Then, when the time was right; God, as He had promised, restored them to their land.

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How to Pray to A Sovereign God for This Election

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:20-22 (NKJV)

 

Whatever happens today and tomorrow, we know this: God is in Control. He causes nations to rise and to fall. His Sovereignty never changes. He spoke this very world into being. He breathed and all the stars were in place. He is righteous and just. He wanted to shower forth His joy, His love, and share His Glory with a people. Yet, for the creature to fully know the full magnitude of all this; they would have to be given choice. For if you do not know or see the magnificent excellence of the greatest treasure as compared to lesser treasures; how, could you ever choose that greater treasure. If you never saw the devastation of evil; how, could you know to choose righteousness or justice? Or see the beauty, grace and love of God; had you not first seen the darkness within your own heart? We tend to be drawn toward lesser beauties and counterfeit joys which draw us away from seeking the true and precious treasure of knowing God in all His beauty and excellence.

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