Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Salvation

Be Gracious To Others

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:54‬

Have you ever been so angry that you wanted God’s wrath to be poured out on someone? We need to be careful with this type of attitude.

As Jesus made His final trip into Jerusalem to face the cross, He wanted to minister to a village of Samaritans but the people would not welcome Him.  Jesus sent a few men ahead of them to find a place to stay but they couldn’t find one.  

The city of Samaria wanted nothing to do with Jesus.  When James and John discovered this, they wanted to see the village go up in flames.  They thought the people should be destroyed because they rejected the Messiah.

James and John were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” because of their bodacious attitudes. (Mark 3:17)  They were brothers and close friends to Jesus and expected people to believe in Jesus as Messiah.  However, we all know that Jesus is rejected by many.  

Even today we witness people rejecting the message of Jesus but we should never want to see them consumed with fire because of their hardened hearts.  Instead we should pray for them and for their hearts to be softened to receive the gospel of Jesus.  Jesus rebuked James and John for their judgmental attitude.

Again in Acts 8:5, Philip (one of the twelve disciples) went back to Samaria to preach the Gospel and great things happened as they received the Word of God.  We should never give up on those who reject the gospel of Jesus.  

We should be consistent with sharing the love and good news to those who are ignorant to the truth.  Calling down judgment and wrath is not the right perspective.  God’s ultimate plan was carried out as they finally accepted Jesus and believed.  But what if they were destroyed before they ever believed?

Prayer

Lord we want to see Your great work done here on earth and we want to witness your power and grace. Help me to have a soft heart and a compassion for others.

Faith In Jesus

Salvation

The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:22‬

The free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is offered for all who believe in Him. Jesus died on the cross for everyone. He died a sinner’s death in the place of sinners. There is forgiveness for sins for those who believe and trust in the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The most memorized verse, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)  There is a great promise to those who believe in Jesus that they will not perish.  This blessing is only given to those who believe.

There are many who know about Jesus but only those who trust in the person of Jesus will inherit eternal life.  The only way to trust Jesus is to know Him personally.  In order to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, you must acknowledge that He is the Son of God, believe that He died on the cross, and arose from the dead three days later.  

Salvation is not earned but given by God to all who believe.  To know Jesus means to have a real, meaningful relationship with Him.  Jesus instructs all who believe in Him to follow Him and to keep His commandments.  This is the true test of real faith.  

The question may have been asked of you, “Do you know Jesus?” But you must answer this question as well, “Does Jesus know you?”

Pray

Lord, I believe in You and trust You as my Lord and Savior.  I repent of my sins and ask You to give me eternal life in Heaven.  Thank you for dying on the cross in my place.

Jesus Is Coming Soon

Salvation, Trust

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:10-11‬

It’s ironic that the entire world was waiting for the expected Messiah to appear and when He did… He was not received.

He worked miracles that proved He was from God. He taught with authority that proved He was a great preacher from God. He prophesied things that amazed people. But the ones who should have received Him, rejected Him.

Over 2000 years later He is still rejected by many. The same way that the Jews rejected Jesus is the same way people reject Him today. They don’t acknowledge Him as Lord.

Some say He was just another prophet. Some say He was just a good man. Others even say He was a lunatic and a liar. These people who don’t acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah are spiritually blind.

People who believe Jesus is the Son of God have received spiritual sight. They see that Jesus is the Savior of the World. They see Him as the Bible presents Him. He is God and He is man. He died and He arose.

The Bible is clear to say that Jesus will return for His people. He will come in a cloud just like He left this earth. He will return and take His children away from this earth while the remaining people endure seven years of tribulation. What a horrific time that will be. The earth has never seen such chaos and tragedy.

Until Jesus returns we are to shine the light of Jesus into the darkness. We are to spread the love of Jesus among the poor and needy. We are to share the message of God’s grace and forgiveness.

If we truly expect Jesus to return soon, we need make sure everyone knows Him like we do. Someone may be watching and listening to you today, expecting you to share the good news of Jesus with them.

Pray

Lord, I know You are coming soon. I want to let others know about You. Use me to show someone who You are. Thank You for saving my soul.