An Offer to Everyone -- Even You and Me!

Romans 2:11

For God does not show favoritism.

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

Paul wasn't the only one to have this revelation. Remember Peter's words spoken from the centurion Cornelius' home in Acts: 10:34-35, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." Or in the King James Version: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." In other words, God doesn't care who you are, the color of your skin, where you were born, or anything else. All He is concerned about is the condition of your heart.

 Cornelius "feared God and did what was right." It was a good beginning point, but even that wasn't enough. So God sent Peter to tell him about Jesus. Acts 10:44-48, "While Peter was still speaking these words [telling the Gospel story], the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 'Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.' So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." Isn't that a beautiful picture? Our Lord pouring out His grace, mercy and love upon all those who come to Him -- no matter who we are or where we are from. The only thing anyone ever needs to do is to earnestly seek Him.

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

Do you think Christianity is an exclusive club reserved for only privileged people?

Think again. Both Paul and Peter realized: "God does not show favoritism."

 

Do you feel unworthy to receive the gift of eternal life?

 

Jesus is the great equalizer.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

 

Jesus didn't qualify His statement or list a bunch of exclusions --

He only asks for us to come to Him.

That's an offer for everyone including you and me.

God does not prefer one person over another or show any sort of favoritism.

 

Will you come?

Finding Real Truth

Romans 2:2b

...God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

Jesus said to Pontius Pilate, "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38). Indeed this is the big question of not only Biblical times but our present day as well: What is truth?

Truth is especially difficult to find amidst "spin control" -- when fact is regularly shaped, turned, and twisted toward whichever meaning will benefit the agenda of the spinner. So what hope do we have of ferreting out fact from fiction? Of making right decisions? I guess it is one reason I am grateful we have a just God who sees through spin control and falsehood into real truth. In our passage today, Paul tells us God's judgment (unlike our own) is based in reality, not suspicion or imagination. Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
 

But what about help today with making decisions or judgments when the facts or truth seem so elusive? The Bible tells us in Malachi 3:5, "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me." In other words, it is our relationship or nearness to Jesus through the Spirit and the Word which allows us to discern truth in confusing circumstances.

 

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 86:11, "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

 

There we have it:

for truth to be revealed to us the requirement is an undivided heart.

What is dividing your heart right now over an important decision?

Is it ambition, jealousy, the pressure of outside interests, or something else?
Wash it all away and earnestly seek the Lord --

His counsel, His way, His heart -- and you will find His truth

Homeless ... lost his home but found the LORD

A True Story, Just click this picture.

Denying God's Judgment

Romans 1:32

Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

Most of you know I have a heart for evangelism. One of the more interesting progressions of discussion and thought I have with people, which either leads to salvation or rejection of God's saving grace, has to do with the subject of our passage today: God's final judgment. While many acknowledge man's sinful nature, it seems difficult for some to broaden this idea toward recognition of ultimate accountability and consequence for the way we have lived our lives. Most people don't like the idea that God is going to judge them for their sin. However, just because we don't want to be judged (or even believe in the concept) doesn't mean it isn't going to happen.

If you jumped off a building, just because you don't believe in gravity doesn't mean you won't crash into the street below. And what if while falling (before you hit ground) you used as proof of your non-belief, "See I jumped and nothing happened, therefore gravity does not exist." Obviously that line of thinking would be ridiculous, yet this is exactly what Paul is discussing in our passage today -- knowing what we're doing is wrong, doing such things anyway, and approving of others who do them as well. In other words, if we truly believe in eternity and "know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death" then why don't we turn from our sin toward God? Why is it so difficult to accept the grace and forgiveness offered by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ? I think the answer is simple yet complicated -- sin (pride, arrogance, stubbornness, hardheartedness, greed, selfishness, etc). Man does not want to give up the freedom to serve himself (his sinful nature) rather than God. Unfortunately, it is a path that will only lead to death.

 

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

Is there a sin God has called to your attention which you have not addressed? 

What is God speaking to you about right now?

The Lord is calling each one of us into a relationship with Him --

however we must choose Him --

this requires us to turn from our sin, repent and ask forgiveness.

No sin is too great.

And any sin can be overcome with the Lord's help and power of the Holy Spirit.

All we need to do is desire the Lord.

Will you ask?

Will you seek Him?

Me? Evangelize?

Posted by The Pocket Testament League                                                            

 

 

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“So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” ~Philippians 2:10-11

The Key to Church Growth

Church Growth by John Finkelde    

"Visitors"

That’s it.
The one key.
Without visitors, church growth will never happen.



So here’s a few questions to ask:
1. How does our Facebook page or website look to a visitor?
2. what do we do with visitors once they arrive?
3. what do we do with visitors once they leave?
Work hard on those answers & your church will grow.

Imparting "Charisma" Gifts

Romans 1:11

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

In our passage today, Paul is speaking of the "charisma" gifts of the Spirit (Greek translation of "spiritual gift") from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, which include: gifts of "...wisdom, ...knowledge, ...faith, ...healing, ...miracles, ...prophecy, ...distinguishing between spirits, ...speaking in tongues, ...and interpreting of tongues". I realize this might be a controversial subject, however I thought it would be prudent to point out Paul's letter to the Romans was addressed to believers (those already saved) for whom he wanted (his words) to: "impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong". This might imply (as some believe) that spiritual gifts come at, during, or following saving.

Regardless of differing theologies on the topic of spiritual gifts (how, when or if they are received), Paul clearly instructs believers to: "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 14:1); with this stipulation: "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church" (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Today I am only challenging you to read your Bible and make up your own mind on this subject -- allow God to lead.

 

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

Every revival begins when people begin to open, read, and study their Bibles.

Too often our minds are made up or closed to certain subjects because of church doctrine. I think it is the responsibility of every Christian to listen to God speaking to us individually through His Word. Remember, Christianity is not a religion of rules -- rather it is a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Acts 7:51, "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears!

You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!"

Are you or have you been resisting the Holy Spirit?

Will you submit to His will and leadership?