Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

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.

A Life Of Humility

Faith

‘For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?’
I Corinthians 4:7

The Apostle Paul addressed the Corinthians prideful hearts by asking three questions. (1) Who makes you differ from someone else? (2) What do you have that you did not receive? (3) Why do you boast as if you had not received it?

These questions should make us think about our own life. Do I give God credit for all that He has done for me and given to me? Do I possess a humble spirit? Am I grateful in all things? Am I content?

The christians at the church in Corinth thought of themselves as being successful due to their wisdom and courage. The problem was that their definition of success was all wrong. They considered their success as part of their own doings.

The only true success a person can have is obtained through the works of the Cross at Calvary. If we boast in anything else we possess a prideful heart. We are who we are because of who we are in Christ. Without Jesus we are nothing!

If we are going to possess a spirit of humility it must be based upon our relationship with Jesus. Let’s measure our success through how much we give and not how much we make. Our selfless, sacrificial service toward others proves that our hearts are in the right place.

The remedy for pride is spending more time in worship to God and realizing what Jesus has done for us.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to overcome pride. Help me to recognize if I have a prideful spirit. Keep me humble through the power of the Cross.

Study The Truth

Faith

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17

Sadly, many people in the world today are not searching for truth. People find comfort in what they already believe to be true. Many are afraid to have their beliefs challenged due to the fact that it may deny what they actually believe.

There was a time when people believed the world was flat until someone challenged their belief and proved it to be round. It was once believed that the Sun orbited around the Earth.

The Word of God is our source for truth and wisdom. Wise people find every opportunity to study the truth of God’s Word. The power of God’s Word causes faithful people to trust in it’s truthfulness.

Why is it important that we be consumed in the Word of God? Because God reveals His truth and wisdom through every word, dot, and tittle. The Scriptures reveal everything we need to know.

If we never turn to the Word of God we will never understand what God desires to teach us. Consuming ourselves in the Word allows God to speak to us and allows the Spirit of God to change our lives.

If you were to be honest right now, would you say that you are a student of God’s Word? Do you find comfort and peace when you search the Scriptures for truth?

Pray

Lord, I desire to be in Your presence. Use Your holy Word to speak truth into my life. Give me the desire to meditate upon Your Word everyday.