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How To Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, And Hope in A Broken World

September 21, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Constantly bombarded by horrific news—senseless violence, murder, and rape. We were sold a lie. The idea that humanity could and would evolve into a near utopia society, if only we would become “tolerant”. Tolerant of crime, irrational ideology, drugs, and just quietly do as the global elitist and humanistic philosophers tell us to. Yet, the farther we as a world society moved toward these philosophies, the more horrific the acts of violence became. Chaos ensued. The truth that we were created by God with a longing for eternity, goodness, and love was lost. There is no such thing as evil or good if we evolved from cells. Truth is shoved aside for “my truth” which is no truth at all. Therefore, as truth is shoved aside, a broken world results. So how are we, who cling to the truth of Jesus stand with courage, peace, love, and hope. How, n this broken world?

Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?”Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:1-6 NASB

He also said,

“But be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. And when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you at that time; for you are not the ones speaking, but it is the Holy Spirit. And brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by everyone because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Mark 13: 9-13 NASB

Amid the distress of realizing that horrific evil acts are increasing throughout our nation and the world. We must recognize the birth pangs are getting closer. We will be delivered soon, just as promised by Jesus. The rapture is coming. We will be forever more in His presence. Although His presence surrounds us always, even now. Then, that day, we will be freed from this sinful flesh and sin filled world.

Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, And Hope in A Broken World—Isaiah

God’s prophet Isaiah was primarily called to speak to a nation who had turned their backs on God. In doing so, Isaiah also foretold of Jesus in detail. However, at the point he was called, he felt the world around him filled with such evil. Everything was daunting. Let us look now at when he was called.

In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim were standing above Him, each having six wings: with two each covered his face, and with two each covered his feet, and with two each flew. And one called out to another and said,

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies.

The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3 NASB

“King Uzziah died. After 52 years of reigning, leprosy caused the death of Uzziah in 739 B.C. (cf. 2 Chr. 26:16–23). Isaiah began his prophetic ministry that year. He received the prophecies of the first 5 chapters after his call, but at 6:1 he returns to authenticate what he has already written by describing how he was called. I saw. The prophet became unconscious of the outside world and with his inner eye saw what God revealed to him. This experience recalls the experience of John’s prophetic vision in Rev. 4:1–11. high and lifted up. The throne was greatly elevated, emphasizing the Most High God. train. This refers to the hem or fringe of the Lord’s glorious robe that filled the temple. temple. Though Isaiah may have been at the earthly temple, this describes a vision which transcends the earthly. The throne of God is in the heavenly temple (Rev. 4:1–6; 5:1–7; 11:19; 15:5–8).” John McArthur Study Bible_{MacArthur, John; The MacArthur Study Bible NASB edition (Lockman foundation copyright 1960); Thomas Nelson, copyright 2006, page 1333-34}

At a time when it appeared evil had taken reign in Israel. It all appeared as lost. It was then God gave Isaiah a vision. A reminder that even in the worst of times, God is on His throne. His Sovereign rule remains, even when we do not understand all that is happening. Then God also opened the eyes of Isaiah to see the magnificent Glory of God, beyond any imagination. That vision forced Isaiah to realize his own sinful nature.

Stand with Courage Because of True Faith and Humility

And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said,

“Woe to me, for I am ruined!

Because I am a man of unclean lips,

And I live among a people of unclean lips;

For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.” Isaiah 6:4-7 NASB

So, recognizing his frailty and sin, Isaiah was humbled before God. At that moment by faith Isaiah’s sins were covered and atoned for by God Himself. This because of the promise of the atoning work of Jesus Christ, yet to come. For God is omnipresent. Time is nothing for Him. He sees the present, the past and the future always and at every moment. Once humbled and forgiven, God then called Isaiah to service with such gentleness and kindness. God knew the cost for Isaiah; so, gently He called Him.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on listening, but do not understand;

And keep on looking, but do not gain knowledge.’

Make the hearts of this people insensitive,

Their ears dull,

And their eyes blind,

So that they will not see with their eyes,

Hear with their ears,

Understand with their hearts,

And return and be healed.” Isaiah 6:8-10

After accepting the call, Isaiah asked how long must he preach the truth.

Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered,

“Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant,

Houses are without people

And the land is utterly desolate,

The Lord has completely removed people,

And there are many forsaken places in the midst of the land. Isaiah 6: 11-12 NASB

The same is true for us. We are to preach the truth of the gospel of Christ. How long? Until either we are taken home or there is no one left to tell of the good news. So, if we still have breath on this earth we tell others of Jesus. Even then, leave behind a legacy. A legacy to continue on after you. Where? With your children first. Then with those whom you have met. Everything you post on social media, and every action or word from your mouth. Let all you do glorify His name. Time is very short. The birth pangs are getting closer each day.

Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, And Hope in A Broken World—Jeremiah

Jeremiah was the major prophet during the decline and fall of Judah’s Southern Kingdom. He prophesied during the reigns of the last five kings of Judah. Jeremiah was born in the village of Anathoth, situated north of Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin (vv 1,2) Called to the prophetic ministry in the 13^th year of godly Josiah’s reign, about 627 B.C. Jeremiah’s ministry lasted more than 40 years, extending beyond the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. His call actually been planned before his birth. (v 5).The nature of his ministry was tearing down and rebuilding, sprouting and planning. (v.10). Jeremiah was a prophet of doom, who was even forbidden to marry so that he could fully devote himself to the preaching of God’s judgment )16:1-2. After the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah was taken by some Jewish zealots to Egypt where he continued to preach. ^{_{Falwell, Jerry; The Liberty Annotated Study Bible KJV, Liberty University, copyright 1975, page 1100}}

Beaten, imprisoned, filled with sorrow for his nation, Jeremiah continued as God’s spokesman and prophet. Never wavering although God told Him, none would listen.

“So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you. And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God or accept discipline; trustworthiness has perished and has been eliminated from their mouth.

Cut off your hair and throw it away,

And take up a song of mourning on the bare heights;

For the Lord has rejected and forsaken

The generation of His wrath.’

For the sons of Judah have done that which is evil in My sight,” declares the Lord. “They have put their detestable things in the house which is called by My name, to defile it. They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind.

“Therefore, behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when it will no longer be called Topheth, or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but the Valley of the Slaughter; for they will bury in Topheth [n]because there is no other place. The dead bodies of this people will be food for the birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth; and no one will frighten them away. Then I will eliminate from the cities of Judah and from the streets of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride; for the land will become a site of ruins. Jeremiah 7: 27-34

Yet there was a remnant that continued on. There was Daniel, Amos, Nehemiah, Amos, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Mikah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. All suffered and died in the cause for God as pointed by Stephen in Acts chapter 7. All brought the message of the Messiah who would come. He is the hope we cling to. Jesus then came and paid the price for all our sins. Other prophets included Habakkuk and John the Baptist.

Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, And Hope in A Broken World—Habakkuk

Historical and Theological Themes of Habakkuk

The opening verses reveal a historical situation similar to the days of Amos and Micah. Justice had essentially disappeared from the Land; violence and wickedness were pervasive, existing unchecked. In the midst of these dark days, the prophet cried out for divine intervention (1:2–4). God’s response, that He was sending the Chaldeans to judge Judah (1:5–11), creates an even greater theological dilemma for Habakkuk: Why didn’t God purge His people and restore their righteousness? How could God use the Chaldeans to judge a people more righteous than they (1:12–2:1)? God’s answer that He would also judge the Chaldeans also (2:2–20) did not fully satisfy the prophet’s theological quandary; in fact, it only intensified it. In Habakkuk’s mind, the issue crying for resolution is no longer God’s righteous response toward evil (or lack thereof), but the vindication of God’s character and covenant with His people (1:13). Like Job, the prophet argued with God, and through that experience he achieved a deeper understanding of God’s sovereign character and a firmer faith in Him (cf. Job 42:5, 6; Is. 55:8, 9). Ultimately, Habakkuk realized that God was not to be worshiped merely because of the temporal blessings He bestowed, but for His own sake (3:17–19). John MacArthur ³_{MacArthur, John; The MacArthur Study Bible NASB edition (Lockman foundation copyright 1960); Thomas Nelson, copyright 2006, page 1833}

Habakkuk then ended his book with these words which all of us need. Yes, he trembled at all the evil surrounding him. But amid that trembling he trusted God.

I heard, and my inner parts trembled;

At the sound, my lips quivered.

Decay enters my bones,

And in my place I tremble;

Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,

For the people to arise who will attack us.

Even if the fig tree does not blossom,

And there is no fruit on the vines,

If the yield of the olive fails,

And the fields produce no food,

Even if the flock disappears from the fold,

And there are no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will triumph in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength,

And He has made my feet like deer’s feet,

And has me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3: 16-19 NASB

So, How do we Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, And Hope in A Broken World

Never forget

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Our hope is anchored firm in His finished work upon the Cross, if we know Him as our Savior and Lord through faith in Him

God is on His throne, Sovereign, all powerful, full of justice and grace

ALL Things work together for the good of those who are His

Go to sleep and awaken each morning asking God for what He wants you to do today

Read His Word everyday morning and night—holding tight to all His promises

Ask God what is His mission for you

Tell everyone you meet who Jesus is to you

Stand with Courage, Peace, Love, and Hope in a Broken World

O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs—

O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

Rise up, O Judge of the earth;

Render punishment to the proud.

Lord, how long will the wicked,

How long will the wicked triumph?

They utter speech, and speak insolent things;

All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

They break in pieces Your people, O Lord,

And afflict Your heritage.

They slay the widow and the stranger,

And murder the fatherless.

Yet they say, “The Lord does not see,

Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”

Understand, you senseless among the people;

And you fools, when will you be wise?

He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?

He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,

He who teaches man knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of man,

That they are futile.

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,

And teach out of Your law,

That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,

Until the pit is dug for the wicked.

For the Lord will not cast off His people,

Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

But judgment will return to righteousness,

And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?

Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Unless the Lord had been my help,

My soul would soon have settled in silence.

If I say, “My foot slips,”

Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.

Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,

Have fellowship with You?

They gather together against the life of the righteous,

And condemn innocent blood.

But the Lord has been my defense,

And my God the rock of my refuge.

He has brought on them their own iniquity,

And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;

The Lord our God shall cut them off. Psalm 94 (NKJV)

So, who will stand up against the evil with courage, faith, hope, and peace. We win with using the greatest weapon of all—The Word Of God.

Note: We will return to Romans next week. This is a special post in honor of Charlie Kirk and all martyrs for their faith. Let us take up the fight in this spiritual battle. WE battle with the Word God as our only weapon and the power of God within and surrounding us.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Life is Really Only About Jesus and His Glory- Nothing Else Matters

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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Life is Really Only About Jesus and His Glory- Nothing Else Matters

September 13, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

We witnessed the brutal assassination of a brother in Christ this week. My heart filled with sudden heaviness. I was certain this warrior of Christ was called home. Yet, as part of the body of Christ I felt a part of me was ripped away. Suddenly I felt the darkness of the spiritual warfare surrounding me and all who proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior. Yes, for Charlie Kirk, he died a martyr for the cause of Jesus Christ. He believed life is really about Jesus Christ and His Glory first. Nothing Else Matters as much. Believing that, also meant he believed in family and in truth. He said only Jesus Christ can transform one’s life. Only Jesus gives meaning and purpose.

Urging always the youth of this nation to never be afraid to speak the name of Jesus. He would say, “Jesus is Risen! … The risen Christ continues to change lives today. Jesus is the most significant historical figure ever. He defeated death, so you may live. Accept Jesus in your heart today. Jesus changes everything.”¹ He would explain that to be saved meant to recognize yourself a sinner. Repent of your sins (turning aside from), and accept by faith Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. Then you place Him first above all else. Family second. It is then your duty to stand for truth, freedom of speech, and your country. Hearts can be changed by debate. Never by violence. Believing the youth would learn to lead the way, he went into the lion’s den of society-the university campuses.

Much like Stephen who was stoned to death after a winning debate in the Synagogue. They wanted him silenced at whatever cost. Yet, like Stephen, Charlie’s message lives on with greater fire than before.

The Story of Stephen

Truly the story of Stephen is one where life is only about Jesus and His Glory. Nothing else matters. Yet, in the same Jesus shares His Glory as it is bestowed upon Stephen. On fire for Jesus Christ, Stephen boldly went to proclaim the gospel in the Synagogue. Jesus meant so much to him that he wanted everyone else to know about salvation. Filled with the knowledge of the Old Testament, he debated more skillfully than anyone else. His style of debate very gentle. Yet so powerfully filled with the truth. It was obvious to Saul that Stephen’s message about Jesus Christ would transform many hearts. Something had to be done.

Stephen was declared a traitor and taken out to be stoned. The ones stoning Stephen laid their robes at the feet of Saul. Hence, this act indicating he oversaw the event.

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60 NKJV

Jesus Christ was standing at the right hand of God. He did not remain merely seated on His throne as Stephen was called home that day. Yet, the ultimate impact of that day raised up shortly thereafter another leader to spread the gospel. Namely Paul, who had been Saul. No doubt the vision of that day added to the fire within Paul. Drove him to spread the truth of the gospel everywhere he went. That is once he accepted Christ as His Savior shortly thereafter. I listened to several post vigil interviews last night. Several mentioned how acquaintances and friends they knew accepted Christ as Savior. This only after the tragic events of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Stephen was killed because his words rang true which created anger in those who disagreed. Charlie Kirk was killed because his words rang true.

Only About Jesus and His Glory. Nothing else Matters.

What others mean for evil. God can use for good. That is why we have hope, no matter what surrounds us. Look at what Paul wrote in Romans 5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 NKJV

How is it that hope does not disappoint? The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given us. There within our hearts we have the Holy Spirit, pouring forth the love of God within us. Reminding us of all He has done for us. Creating that abiding, steadfast joy. John Calvin wrote in his commentary:

“We are stimulated to patience by tribulation, and patience is a proof to us of divine help. This further encourages us to hope, for however we may be beset and seem to be worn out, we do not cease to feel the divine kindness towards us. This is the richest consolation much more abundant than when all is well with us. Since what appears to be happiness is misery itself when God is hostile to us and displeased with us, so when He is favourably disposed toward us, our very calamities will undoubtedly issue in prosperity and joy. All things must serve the will of the Creator, who according to His fatherly favour towards us (as Paul again repeats in chapter 8, overrules all the trials of the cross for our salvation. This knowledge of the divine love towards us is instilled into our hearts by the Spirit of God, for the good things which God has prepared for those who worship Him are hidden from the ears, eyes, and minds of men, and the Spirit alone can reveal them. The participle shed abroad is very emphatic and means that the revelation of divine love towards us is so pliful that it fills our hearts. Being thus shed abroad through every part of us, it not only mitigates our sorrow in adversity, but like a sweet seasoning gives a loveliness to our tribulations. He says further that the Spirit is given, i.e. bestowed on us by the unmotivated goodness of God and not conferred in return for our merits.”² _{Calvin, John, Calvin’s Commentaries, The Epistles of Paul The Apostle to the Romans and to the Thessalonians, Vol 8, Tranlator Ross Mackenzie, The Paternoster Press Carlisle/William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1960, page 107-108}

This Paul further delineates as he writes on.

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 6-9 NKJV

And even further, if He loved us that much before we accepted Him. Imagine, how much we are loved now justified by His son.

Life is Only About Jesus and His Glory—it has always been So.

So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all people because all sinned— for before the law was given, sin was in the world, but there is no accounting for sin when there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam (who is a type of the coming one) transgressed. But the gracious gift is not like the transgression. For if the many died through the transgression of the one man, how much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man Jesus Christ multiply to the many! And the gift is not like the one who sinned. For judgment, resulting from the one transgression, led to condemnation, but the gracious gift from the many failures led to justification. For if, by the transgression of the one man, death reigned through the one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:12-17 NET

All of life is Jesus and His Glory-as we also see in His prayer

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. John 17:1-6 KJV

Jesus came that we might live. He died and rose again that we might be able to be justified. Many will be made righteous as a result. That is all who accept Him as Lord and Savior. Our security, our hope, and our love filled hearts come from Him Only.

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19 NKJV

How then do we Live, knowing that Our Life is for Christ Only and His Glory?

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised… 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 21 ESV

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Corinthians 6: 19-20 KJV

whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 KJV

Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11-12 NET

It is by Him, through Him and to Him that we live this life that is only about Jesus and His Glory. And how do we get there? It is often through suffering. Yet, once there we realize we are in a place of greater peace and joy than we had ever known before.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. I Peter 4:1-2 KJV

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Do You Have Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation with Joy?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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Do You Have Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation with Joy?

September 6, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

There is a hope that overrides every trial, tribulation, temptation, and sorrow. Do you have that hope? It is a hope that replaces our deepest pains with expectant joy. Have you ever felt that kind of joy built on hope? Overwhelming, overpowering and pushing aside every thought that does not bring you into the presence of Jesus Christ. So, again, I ask, “Do you have hope that overrides every tribulation with joy? That is the hope in which you stand if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We stand firm in Him alone. He is the hope we can rest in. A hope that drives away fear, pain, suffering, and temptation. You may say, “How do I have this kind of hope?” So, listen closely. Paul in Romans 5 through 8 details for us how to experience this hope.

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 KJV

Paul follows the true plan of an essay to clearly present the truth about justification and sanctification over chapters 5-8. In true format, he begins with telling us what he is presenting in Romans 5. Romans 6-7 is the body of proof for the report. And Romans 8 is the final review of what he presented. The first long sentence tells us the central point of this. In the previous chapters he has carefully presented our sinful state. And followed this by our utter helplessness to secure our own salvation. Salvation is clearly presented both for Jew and Gentile as by Grace alone, in Christ Alone through Faith Alone. Not of any works of our own hands. Because of this we have peace with God only through Jesus Christ. No longer are we subject to His wrath. The war was won. Christ won the victory for us.

Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation-The Sin That Easily Besets Us

Have you ever been caught in that Merry-Go-Round of Christian living? You know that the thing that upends your peace with God is sin. Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin on the Cross. That is if you have ever asked Him into your heart as Lord and Savior. Even then you may find there is a sin that keeps pulling you into its grips. You have repented, prayed, and pleaded with God that you will do better. With every ounce of your being you try to walk away. Yet then the same desire plagues you. You find yourself falling repeatedly into that same sin, until you feel defeated. There is no peace and no joy. Unfortunately, yes, we remain in these human bodies even after being saved. So, what then?

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV

Look to Jesus. Focus on Him. How? Bible Study, Prayer, and Singing Songs unto Him. Seek His Presence every moment of the day in all you do. The more scripture you have in your memory banks, the faster the Holy Spirit can bring them to mind. Songs are a wonderful way to recall the Goodness of God and His Magnificent Glory. Singing those songs in moments of crisis, blocks out the other thoughts which are trying to crowd into your head.

What to do with Sin that Upsets the Peace

Never ever forget, your salvation was by grace. Your sanctification is also by grace with the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life. Worry the day you are no longer battling sin. The day that you think you have finally conquered all sin. Or when you believe you are living a fully righteous life on your own. For me it was a fleeting thought at the age of 16. “God aren’t you glad you chose me? I am not like those others defaming your name. Everyday I witness and stand up against the crowd.”

That was right before I went through years of spiraling downward. At times I wondered if I would ever overcome the sin which so easily beset me. Wondering how could God still love me. Finally, after years of the battle, body physically broken by illness, surgery, and age. No longer do I battle that particular sin. Though now I see more clearly all the others. Moments of selfishness. Occasions of doubt. Sadness that may creep in where joy should be found.

But you see through the years, I have learned. The sooner I refocus of Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my faith. Pushing all else aside. The faster I am restored to that place of peace and joy.

For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:18-25 NASB

Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation with Joy When Temptations Rise

What is that hope? We know that cloaked in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we cannot be lost again. This flesh groans for its final day of redemption when we will never again sin. If you do not groan for this. Beware! Ask yourself if you ever accepted Him as Savior. If Sinning does not cause you to feel pain for dishonoring the one you love, then do you love Him?

But if you struggle within your heart and mind, you can lay it all out at the cross. He has said that if you repent you are forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 KJV

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25

Do you believe God’s Word to be true? Our hope rests by faith in Who HE IS not in what my guilty hands can do. That is why we can stand firm in Him. Not wavering and not moving.

What did Moses say to the Children of Israel while the Egyptians were pursuing them. The Red Sea stood before them? It appeared they had no where to go.

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day Exodus 14:13 KJV

Or Paul in Ephesians told us how to stand firm

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6: 11-16 KJV

Hope that Overrides Tribulation: Physical Pain and Illness

We look to Jesus as the healer. Sometimes praying for relief of the pain. It seems at moments He is silent in our suffering. We even see Him miraculously heal others and wonder “Why not me?”. But if you remember while on this earth, neither did He heal everyone. Instead of asking, “Why not heal me?” We should be asking, “What is your purpose in my going through life with this pain or this infirmity?” Paul asked God that very question three times, and this was the answer he received from God.

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NASB

Ultimately Paul understood that there was purpose in His suffering. We may never fully understand the why here on earth. However, we will see it clearly one day. There is purpose and meaning in all that happens. Sometimes it is to protect us from our own self. At other times it is for the good of the Kingdom. And yet, other times it works within us to draw us closer to Him. What we do know is that it does have purpose otherwise we would not have to walk through it. He would not allow us to suffer without purpose. Never forget sometimes His Suffering is to stop us from walking down a path that will hurt us. Therefore our pain is an act of love by God toward us.

John Piper wrote:

So, let’s take John 16:20, where Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament. . . . You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” That’s sequential: “Because I die and then live again” — then he makes the comparison — “you’re going to have joy.” But here’s what he says. This is the analogy he’s making:

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. (John 16:21)

There is sorrow in the anguish of labor pains, followed by joy. Now, anguish is not owing to unbelief. The anguish is owing to pain: the season of pain gives way to the baby in the arms and brings a season of tearless joy.

But even in the cries of labor pain, there is what Paul calls the joy of hope. He says in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope.” And in Romans 5:2–3 he says, “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings.” So, he put the two right together in Romans 5:2–3. We rejoice in our sufferings — our labor pains, you might say — because all Christian suffering is like giving birth: God makes it bring “an eternal weight of glory,” he says in 2 Corinthians 4:17. So, there is both sequential and simultaneous sorrow and joy.¹

John Piper _{https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/does-joy-come-after-suffering-or-in-it accessed 9/6/2025}

Many places in the world one must be willing to die if they declare their devotion to Jesus Christ. Even to own a Bible is considered a death penalty. In Paul’s time, it did prove a death penalty for him as well as the majority of the apostles. Yet, the gospel message spread by the power of God in spite of all the trials and difficulties.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you. “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:16-22 NASB

And who endures to the end? The one who is cloaked in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. That is all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. I cannot endure by my own might or works. Sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption from this earthly body, I will not falter. As to suffering or trials? Are we above our Master and Lord? No. But rest assured. He is with us each step of the way. Rely on His presence always going before you, in you, behind you, surrounding you.

Conclusions:

We were formerly the children of Wrath. There is therefore no peace without God. Our only hope of salvation is Jesus Christ. No works can save us. Perhaps some feel a pseudo peace for their own good works. Or others are so enwrapped in their own sin that they are numbed to recognizing their condition. However, they have never experienced the peace so overwhelming or experienced moments of ecstatic joy. That peace and joy which can only be felt by seeing even a glimpse of God.

Keep reading His Word, Praying, Seeking His Presence in everything, and Sing

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

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If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Does Delight Create Works?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Does Delight Create Works?

August 29, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

The first three chapters of Ephesians tells us clearly who we are in Christ. Paul is very clear that Salvation is by Grace Alone, through faith Alone, in Christ alone. But he is also very clear. True faith transforms us immediately as to position and gradually through sanctification by the work of the Holy Spirit. There is a transforming work that begins the day we accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Each step of the journey we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Declared Righteous, Declared Saints all by one step of redemption. Bought by Jesus at a very high price on the cross. Yet if faith in Jesus gets One into Heaven, Delight in Him Create Works? If there is no transformation, no outward display of the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. Then can one be truly saved?

I am not speaking of immediate perfection. Nor am I saying we will be fully like Him while living on the earth. That is until the day we return with Him to reign during the millennial reign of Christ. There remains within me this fleshly nature. But even that can be seen being transformed step by step. One tiny glory following tiny glory, as I remain focused on Him. For He is the “Author and the Finisher of (my) faith”. Hebrews 12:2

Faith In Jesus Gets One Into Heaven Yes and Amen

Until now in the book of Romans, we have seen that God has revealed Himself to every human born. None are without a glimpse of His Glory. All therefore are accountable to accepting the light He provides or choosing their own foolish human desires. Thus, placing themselves either as bowing to Him or to themselves.

Gradually, skillfully, Paul has presented the case for the progress of evil. It fills our world because foolish human beings choose to worship themselves rather than God. As such they form many idols throughout their lives. Those idols weigh down and burden all society leading to wars, pride, death, sorrow, tragedies of many kinds. But what can I say? I too was dead in my trespasses and sin.

Yet the Bible is very clear.

Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. … For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:20, 23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Romans 4:1-4

So, If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, What About Works?

Recently there has been a lot of talk about working our way into heaven. President Trump even said concerning the Ukraine/Russian War,

“If I can save 7000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s a pretty good…..I want to try to get to heaven if possible. I hear I am not doing well. I’ve hit the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven this would be one of the reasons.”

President Donald J. Trump, _{https://www.newsbreak.com/mediaite-520570/4183303672076-trump-tells-fox-hosts-he-s-worried-about-not-getting-to-heaven-i-am-really-at-the-bottom, accessed 8/29/25}

Oh, how I am praying that he come to realize that the only way to heaven is to trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! He must accept there is nothing he can ever do to earn heaven, except to humbly bow before Jesus. Accepting and believing that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. I wish I could spend even 30 minutes with Him to tell Him that. Jonathan Pokluda prays for the same chance as he pointed out last week in His sermon. That sermon is attached below. Please listen to it.

In chapter 4 Paul presents the case for righteousness by faith alone by discussing both Abraham and King David. Now some will argue that this chapter conflicts with what James wrote in James 2:21-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:21-24

What at first sight might appear a difference, really is not. That I will begin to unpack for you.

Looking at Abraham’s Faith for Righteous-a Faith In Jesus that Gets into Heaven

When God first called out Abraham, He called him to leave Ur of the Chaldees and go to Canaan. He was to leave his father, forsaking everything. But he only made it to Haran to start with where he stayed until his father died. We know this. How? First, there is a note in Genesis 11 that he left for Canaan and then stayed in Haran. Also, please note the clarification of this by Stephen right before being executed.

“Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.” Acts 7:2-8 NKJV

God called Abraham who started in the right direction and then paused. He was 75 years old when he continued to Canaan where he was supposed to have headed. We also know that he did follow God in faith. But not perfectly. Many a stumble along the way. He lied and told both the King of Egypt and later Abimelech King of Gehrer that Sarai was his sister. Why? because he was afraid. (What happened to his faith here?) He had moments of great faith and then sometimes less. God spoke with him directly anyway. Essentially, Abraham did believe what God had promised. The covenant was that he would be the father of many nations. This despite his being barren. He had a child by Sarai’s handmaid, named Ishmael who became the father of the Arab nations.

Yet, Abraham was known as the friend of God who was clothed in righteousness due to faith.

Then We Have James Account—Works, Faith, or works resulting from Faith

As the years had passed and Abraham grew in his knowledge of God, his faith grew as well. One day that faith was brought to its greatest test. Namely, God told him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise on an altar. At this point, he trusted God enough to believe God’s plan was perfect. He now finally believed t “God IS and God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him”. (paraphrase of Hebrews 12:6). He marched forward to do exactly as God commanded believing with all his heart, God had a perfect plan. That is when faith was demonstrated by his actions. A faith with no fruit, no actions is not a faith at all. That is what James means when you read it carefully. And Paul echos that sentiment with full explanation in the Ephesians 2 verses we just began this post with.

Some would say it was Abraham’s obedience in circumcision that sealed him as righteous. But it was in Genesis 15 that this was written.

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6 KJV

But the covenant sealed with Abraham by circumcision concerning the Jewish nation occurred in Genesis 17. Abraham was 99 years old. So, faith was not sealed by works. Rather works came only because of faith.

David Another Example of Righteousness by Faith

Our only hope of heaven is to be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus through faith. For King David it was a faith in the promises to come. He was to be the Father of the Messiah to come. A miracle he had to accept by faith alone. He would not be able to imagine how God would do it. Even though God revealed a lot to Him. Consider the Messianic Psalms Yet, was King David perfect. Anyone who knows his story can be assured otherwise. He did suffer earthly judgments that were harsh to his gentle heart; but God was faithful. This led to King David writing this Psalm which is quoted in Romans.

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:6-8

Again, What About Works vs Faith, Does Faith In Jesus Get One into Heaven

Righteousness is imputed to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It was an imputed righteousness to Abraham before circumcision and in spite of his stumbling faith at moments. Although that faith did grow leading to works, not works leading to faith.

For the promise, that he (Abraham) should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith…. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Romans 4:13, 16-22

What is that to us Gentiles, Does Abraham matter?

Yes, a thousand times yes. Catch this. God told Abraham that he would be the Father of many nations. There is the Jewish nation via circumcision and all the covenants with them. Then there is the Gentile nations comprised of all who would be saved by faith and our promises. His faith was counted as righteousness before circumcision.

Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. Romans 4:9-12 (NASB).

And therefore, this is very important to us.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:21-25

If Faith in Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Why should we work?

Because we cannot do anything else but to work. Delight in Him demands we work and yet not us. Rather we are compelled each day more intensely to surrender everything into the hands of He who paid it all for us. Our love grows demanding we honor and glorify Him. We are a new workmanship created to good works. How can we do anything less? A faith without works resulting as the fruit of the Holy Spirit is a nonexistent faith.

Remember and Never Forget

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. Ephesians 2: 1-10 Berean Standard Bible

Please watch on Youtube this amazing sermon reflecting the truth Faith in Jesus Gets One into Heaven. It is Grace Alone, through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Can I Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride by faith alone in Jesus?

How to be Truly Justified Freely by the Blood of Jesus Christ

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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Can I Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride by faith alone in Jesus?

August 24, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Perhaps the most difficult thing for the human heart is to overcome sinful pride. We are born with this sin nature that pulls within our hearts desiring to think of me first always. It is in the heart of the child screaming “mine”. And it never seems to go away during our lifetime. Even we who have put our faith in Jesus Christ are plagued by Sinful Pride. Can we ever overcome sinful Pride? We tend to be self-centered. Desiring love, recognition, and wanting others to recognize what we do.

Even the work I think I am doing for God often gets turned toward wanting glory for myself. Instead of being only for His Glory. This despite all the Glory being His Alone and none of mine. I can do nothing, absolutely nothing good apart from His Holy Spirit working through me. Should not my entire desire be for His Glory Only? He who gave His Life for me.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. II Corinthians 5: 12-19 KJV

Overcome Sinful Pride by Remembering Previous Study Above in Romans

No one of the flesh is Righteous. Absolutely No One can be saved trying to climb their way to Righteousness. Even those who do works continuously trying to redeem themselves are doing so with a self-pride. Often trying to be whom they can never be alone. Essentially what we just finished studying earlier in Romans 3 points out our inadequacies. And then shows what Christ accomplished on the cross in our behalf.

First, Jesus in dying for the glory of God upheld the value of the Glory of God. In such doing he restored what we have dishonored. Repairing the injury we have done in despising the Glory of God. What do I mean by saying we have despised the Glory of God. We do it all the time. By our actions, how often do we treat God as unimportant in our lives? We go about our days with no regard for Him. This alone suggest He is of low worth. Meanwhile, we prefer worldly pleasures and self-exaltation over His divine beauty and greatness. It is a preference for temporary things over the eternal joy and fellowship found in God. We further display this by our frustrations when He does not do it our way. As though we deserve anything from Him.

Furthermore

He absorbed the wrath of God for us. This is something we must never forget. The depth of His payment for us. He appeased God for all the condemnation that was for us and deflected it ALL upon Himself. All the guilt, all the shame, and all of what we justly deserved.

He paid the ransom for all who come to believe in Him as Lord and Savior. He did this only by His grace as our redeemer. Thereby He freed us from the guilt, condemnation, fear, and power of our own sin. Our only hope to sin less is by surrendering to the Holy Spirit, every moment of every day. Sin usually occurs when I ignore the promptings He whispers in my head.

Furthermore, God vindicated the righteousness of God Himself in His son. The righteousness of God cannot dwell with sinful man, unless the price is paid for our unrighteousness. How arrogant and proudful are we when we are fighting to do the right thing in our own flesh? And we all do it. What hypocrites are we.

Our only hope to Overcome Sinful Pride is Dying Daily to Self

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 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.For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:16-21

Yes, I truly understand how hard that can be. To die to self, so that I let Him live through me. I must allow it to be Him that shines and never seek my own Glory. Yet, it is so hard not to say, “Look what I did this week for Him.” I, we are wired that way. Always wanting at least to be noticed for what we do. But when I tell others what I do, am I not falling again into the trap of pride. Hoping to get a “wow” from someone. It is so hard to not speak of how much you give or do for the Lord. Our excuse is we want to shine a light on His work.

But the truth is we want an “attaboy” from those around us. We want to feel a little better about ourselves. Which is foolish really. Should it not be enough that God chose me before the beginning of time? Me, so prone to sinful pride. And is not sinful pride what causes me to be critical of others? Comparing myself to them, whether I realize it at the time or not. Always wanting a leg up. If we are all in the same boat. All sinners saved by Grace Alone, then what is there to compare? That is why Paul wrote, “Where is boasting, then?”

We are His Workmanship Not Our Own—Big Difference

And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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.But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 3:1-10 KJV

Our works did not save us. Yes, we are to persist in working for Christ. But that work must come out from the workings of the Holy Spirit. Not ourselves. The same as we cannot earn our salvation. We do not truly earn our crowns by pulling up our boot straps to work for Him. Instead, we surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us and thereby shining the Light fully on Christ.

The New Testament describes several types of crowns believers can receive at the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment occurs after the rapture while the tribulation is going on earth. So, this is a judgment for believers. These crowns are:

Crown of Life: For those who endure persecution and trials with faithfulness.

2. Crown of Righteousness: Given to those who love and eagerly anticipate the appearance of Jesus Christ.

3. Crown of Glory: A reward for faithful leaders, such as pastors, elders and teachers.

4. Crown of Rejoicing (or Soul-Winner’s Crown): For those who evangelize and bring others to Christ.

5. Crown of Incorruption: For those who overcome the desires of the Flesh

But here is the caveat. When we receive the crowns, we will then cast them at Jesus feet. Why? Because there we realize, He did the work when I stepped aside and let Him. I could not of my own accord do it.

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:10-11 KJV

So, How do we Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride

We must keep our eyes focused on Him. Then we are transformed little by little through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

Paul in writing to the Corinthians referred to the believers there as an epistle demonstrating the truth of the gospel of Christ. Not written with ink or human effort. But rather written by the Spirit of the living God in fleshy tables of the heart. Just as God promised in Isaiah, His law would be written on our hearts. This is His work. When I desire to sin. His Spirit convicts me. And provides the way of escape at which point I listen or I don’t. Yet, He will draw me back in, one way or another; because I am covered by the blood of Christ. I would rather listen than to have to be drawn back. Sometimes the drawing back is tough, but even that is better than marching forward in my own prideful desires.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

The letter of the law only leads to death. But the spirit gives life eternal to all who accept the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

When Moses had gone up on the Mount of Olives, his face shown so brightly that he had to wear a veil. He had been in the presence of God. God’s commandments are glorious. They are righteousness revealed. How much more glorious, His Grace toward us!

So, Now What can we do to overcome sinful pride

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 2 Corinthians 3:12-15

The veil remains unless one accepts Jesus Christ. He is the one who unveils the truth.

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

So as we look upon Him who died in our place. We behold His Glory, although dimly and there in we are being transformed, day by day. Little glories, little changes; but one day I will have His heart. No longer will there be the dark spots I now see. All my sinful pride will dissipate in the presence of His Glory. Then I will see Him face to face and fall prostrate at his feet, knowing it was only He when goodness came forth from me.

Concluding Thought

When I consider the truth of who I am. I am reminded that I can do nothing without Him and to Him is due all the Glory. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

So, it takes me to the illustration I heard Jack Hibbs present in his sermon regarding Romans 3:26-31.

A Father Oxen working hard pulling the plow, turning all the dirt. He did the job with great skill. Alongside him was a young ox, yoked to him. His feet hardly touch the ground, held up in the air slightly by the Father’s yoke. The Father smiled as the young calf happy to see all that was being accomplished. Yet, knowing all along that only the Father was laboring.

Well that little calf is me yoked to my Lord and Savior. He does all the work, when it is good. And He through the work is sharing a tiny piece of His Glory with me. While at the same time shining forth His Magnificent Glory through me. What Grace and Mercy is That!