Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Saved

Encouragement, Trust

Saved

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭

Power of God

The message of the cross is all about Jesus Christ. It is a redemption story that will be retold for eternity, even in Heaven. The most amazing element of the message is love. Jesus endured the punishment of sin so that you would be set free. Set free from your bondage and guilt of sin.

For those who are spiritually blind and ignorant of the truth, it is foolishness. Paul was stating the fact that for some people the message of the cross is meaningless. Some people do not realize how much love God has for them. Even though God hates sin, He loves the sinner and wants to redeem him/her and bring them into a right relationship and fellowship with Him and the Saints of God.

However, for us who have been saved the message of the cross brings us power. The power of God is given to us through the Holy Spirit of God that reveals to us what it means to be saved. Being saved of our sins gives us freedom to live under grace and not by the Law. No one can keep the Law perfectly but everyone can experience the grace of God. It’s given and not earned. It is power to the Believer because we know the truth. The power of God is what makes us live confidently in this evil world. It produces boldness and courage for those who desire to please the Lord.

Prayer

Lord Father, we thank you for sending us Jesus to die in our place. We boldly confess You as King. Give us someone to share Your love and grace with.

You Who Seek The LORD

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

You Who Seek The LORD

Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51:1‬ ‭

Where Do You Come From

The nation of Israel began with the faithfulness and obedience of Abraham.  For several generations God blessed the children of Israel by showing them favor and giving them prosperity.  God revealed Himself to many strong and spiritual leaders.  Men like Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah witnessed some amazing things from God.

However, there are also some times in the Bible that we discover that people turned their back on God and served other gods.  The children of Israel missed out on the amazing things of God because they were not seeking Him first.  The Bible is full of history that details the events that took place when God’s people were not being blessed and were even taken captive by evil nations and evil kings.  It shows us how important it is to never fall away from trusting God and waiting on His promises.

Can you see the big picture of God’s redemption and grace?  You are an important person when it comes to God’s plan.  You may not think that you have any significance but for generations to come your faith can be spoken about through children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and more.  Think about your heritage and just ponder on the people who have made an impact on your life.  Our forefathers made a great difference in which we are reaping what they sowed both good and bad.  What are you doing or what can you start doing today that will make a difference in the lives that aren’t even born yet?  We can start with what we have right now.  Demonstrate righteousness and faithfulness today and watch what happens.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me part of Your great plan and giving me a purpose.  Help me to make a difference in the life of others today.

The Judgment Seat

Encouragement, Trust

The Judgment Seat

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
2 Corinthians 5:10

Standing Before Christ

There are many things that motivate us as Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Possibly one of the most important is the fact that one day we all will give an account of our life to Christ.  We will not have to report what we did or did not do because Jesus knows all things.  Neither will there be any reasons to give excuses for our life here on Earth.  As the Scripture says, we will receive what is due for what we did while we were in our mortal bodies.

Paul was motivated by this truth and desired to please God with all his might.  The idea of standing before Christ gave him an expected urgency to obey the small still voice of God.  The Holy Spirit guides us to do the will of God.  That is why Paul says that it is important be controlled by the Spirit of God and no other thing or person.  Paul’s ministry was pleasing to the Lord.  He was not perfect but he strived to live everyday for the Lord.  His actions and words were living proof that Jesus was His master and Lord.

The promise that we receive as true Believers in Christ is found in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  The blood sacrifice of Jesus paid for our sin once and for all to give us eternal life in Heaven but we will still stand before Christ to receive our just reward for the things done good and bad.

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for dying on the cross for me and my sins.  Give me strength to live courageously for You as I strive to please only You.