Pastor Stephen Dedman

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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.

A New Opportunity

Encouragement

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
II Corinthians 5:17

Don’t you love the fact that God offers us second chances? And third chances! And so many more chances.

We need more than just second chances. But at the same time we can’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again. We need the grace of God, but we cannot continue in sin.

God gives us the opportunity to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Forgiveness gives us a fresh start and a new beginning. The Christian life is life of hope. In Jesus, everyday is a new beginning.

True forgiveness allows us to put the past in the past. The only way to receive true forgiveness is through Jesus Christ. Today’s verse narrows in on the word “if”. If anyone is in Christ, he or she is made new.

Are you resting in the promise of newness in Christ? Do you seek the opportunity to refresh yourself in the person of Christ everyday? Everyday is a new chance to start fresh and to let go of the past things that kept us from glorifying God.

Make today count. Let everything be made new in and through Christ. Set your mind on the things of Christ that can create new blessings of opportunity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a new day and a new opportunity to seek forgiveness and repent of my sins. You have saved me from a death in Hell and given me life in Christ. Let me make the most of it today.

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.