The Gospel. The salvation.

The gospel: salvation 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4), the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, is also called Good News or Good Tidings. It is the plan that God has designed to save sinful humans from eternal separation from Him. 

What is the Gospel? The Bad News

In order to fully understand how good this news really is, we must first understand the bad news.

We are all sinners. The Bible presents a clear and consistent message that all people have sinned. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory for God.” Sin means that we have missed the mark (the perfect standard) that God has set for us.

As a result of the fall in the Garden of Eden, every part of us has been corrupted by sin—our minds, emotions, flesh. We don’t seek after God.

The penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What is a wage? It is the “money that is paid or received for work or services.” In other words, it is what you deserve, what you earn. Romans 6:23 says that death is the wage for our sin. It is what we earn. We deserve to die and live separated from God forever.

What is the Gospel? The Good News

Since there is no way we can earn our way back to God, the Bible says He came to us! This is the good news—the Gospel.

Christ died for you. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ [Jesus] died for us.” The Bible says that even though we deserve the death penalty for our sin, Jesus took the penalty. He died in our place. Three days later, Jesus rose from death, proving that sin had been conquered.

You can be saved through faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

We can depend on Jesus to forgive us and give eternal life, rather than eternal death.

What is salvation?

In English Versions of the Bible the words "salvation" "save," are not technical theological terms, but denote simply "deliverance," in almost any sense the latter word can have. In systematic theology, however, "salvation" denotes the whole process by which man is delivered from all that would prevent his attaining to the highest good that God has prepared for him. Or, by a transferred sense, "salvation" denotes the actual enjoyment of that good.

Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health, or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words saved or salvation to refer to temporal, physical deliverance, such as Paul’s deliverance from prison (Philippians 1:19).

Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health, or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words saved or salvation to refer to temporal, physical deliverance, such as Paul’s deliverance from prison (Philippians 1:19). More often, the word “salvation” concerns an eternal, spiritual deliverance. When Paul told the Philippian jailer what he must do to be saved, he was referring to the jailer’s eternal destiny (Acts 16:30-31). Jesus equated being saved with entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24-25).

1.1. What are we saved from? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, we are saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Biblical salvation refers to our 

deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.

1.2. Who does the saving? Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin’s penalty (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).

1.3. How does God save? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

1.4. How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

Understanding Basic Concept of Christianity Faith.

I have up to 40 concept I want to share. Some of these concepts we may or may not have full knowledge of it. Let's share knowledge of word of God together.

What is the definition of sin?

Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). Sin had its beginning with Lucifer, probably the most beautiful and powerful of the angels. Not content with his position, he desired to be higher than God, and that was his downfall, the beginning of sin (Isaiah 14:12-15). Renamed Satan, he brought sin to the human race in the Garden of Eden, where he tempted Adam and Eve with the same enticement, “you shall be like God.” Genesis 3 describes Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God and against His command. Since that time, sin has been passed down through all the generations of mankind and we, Adam’s descendants, have inherited sin from him. Romans 5:12 tells us that through Adam sin entered the world, and so death was passed on to all men because “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Through Adam, the inherent inclination to sin entered the human race, and human beings became sinners by nature. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity which would be passed on to all who came after him. We are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners. This passed-on depravity is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful natures from Adam. King David lamented this condition of fallen human nature in Psalm 51:5: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

Another type of sin is known as imputed sin. Used in both financial and legal settings, the Greek word translated “imputed” means “to take something that belongs to someone and credit it to another’s account.” Before the Law of Moses was given, sin was not imputed to man, although men were still sinners because of inherited sin. After the Law was given, sins committed in violation of the Law were imputed (accounted) to them (Romans 5:13). Even before transgressions of the law were imputed to men, the ultimate penalty for sin (death) continued to reign (Romans 5:14). All humans, from Adam to Moses, were subject to death, not because of their sinful acts against the Mosaic Law (which they did not have), but because of their own inherited sinful nature. After Moses, humans were subject to death both because of inherited sin from Adam and imputed sin from violating the laws of God.

God used the principle of imputation to benefit mankind 

when He imputed the sin of believers to the account of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for that sin—death—on the cross. Imputing our sin to Jesus, God treated Him as if He were a sinner, though He was not, and had Him die for the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:2). It is important to understand that sin was imputed to Him, but He did not inherit it from Adam. He bore the penalty for sin, but He never became a sinner. His pure and perfect nature was untouched by sin. He was treated as though He were guilty of all the sins ever committed by the human race, even though He committed none. In exchange, God imputed the righteousness of Christ to believers and credited our accounts with His righteousness, just as He had credited our sins to Christ’s account (2 Corinthians 5:21).

A third type of sin is personal sin, that which is committed every day by every human being. Because we have inherited a sin nature from Adam, we commit individual, personal sins, everything from seemingly innocent untruths to murder. Those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ must pay the penalty for these personal sins, as well as inherited and imputed sin. However, believers have been freed from the eternal penalty of sin—hell and spiritual death—but now we also have the power to resist sinning. Now we can choose whether or not to commit personal sins because we have the power to resist sin through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, sanctifying and convicting us of our sins when we do commit them (Romans 8:9-11). Once we confess our personal sins to God and ask forgiveness for them, we are restored to perfect fellowship and communion with Him. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to 

forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

We are all three times condemned due to inherited sin, imputed sin, and personal sin. The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not just physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11-15). Thankfully, inherited sin, imputed sin, and personal sin have all been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Men's position when sin entered. Isaiah 9: 1 - 2 Amp.

Isaiah 9:1 BUT [in the midst of judgment there is the promise and the certainty of the Lord's deliverance and] there shall be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time [the Lord] brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He will make it glorious, by the way of the Sea [of Galilee, the land] beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined. [Isa. 42:6; Matt. 4:15, 16.]

Isaiah 9:2 explained our position 

1. We were all in darkness.

2. We were all in regions and shadow of death.

8.1. How can I overcome sin?

The Bible presents several different resources to aid us in 

our effort to overcome sin. In this lifetime, we will never be perfectly victorious over sin (1 John 1:8), but that should still be our goal. With God’s help, and by following the principles of His Word, we can progressively overcome sin and become more and more like Christ.

The first resource the Bible mentions in our effort to overcome sin is the Holy Spirit. God has given us the Holy Spirit so we can be victorious in Christian living. God contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-25. In that passage we are called upon to walk in the Spirit. All believers already possess the Holy Spirit, but this passage tells us that we need to walk in the Spirit, yielding to His control. This means choosing to consistently follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our lives rather than following the flesh.

The difference the Holy Spirit can make is demonstrated in the life of Peter, who, before being filled with the Holy Spirit, denied Jesus three times—and this after he had said he would follow Christ to the death. After being filled with the Spirit, he spoke openly and strongly to the Jews at Pentecost.

We walk in the Spirit as we try not to quench the Spirit’s promptings (as spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 5:19) and seek instead to be filled with the Spirit—that is, to be fully under the Spirit’s control (Ephesians 5:18–21). How is one filled with the Holy Spirit? If sin is what grieves the Spirit and hinders His filling, then obedience to God is how the filling of the Spirit is maintained. We should pray that we be filled with the Spirit, immerse ourselves in God’s Word (Colossians 3:16), and walk in obedience to God’s commands. This gives the Spirit freedom to work within our thoughts and actions.

The Word of God, the Bible, says that God has given us His Word to equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It 

teaches us how to live and what to believe, it reveals to us when we have chosen wrong paths, it helps us get back on the right path, and it helps us to stay on that path. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and powerful, able to penetrate to our hearts to root out and overcome the deepest sins of heart and attitude. The psalmist talks about its life-changing power in-depth in Psalm 119. Joshua was told that the key to success in overcoming his enemies was not to forget this resource but instead to meditate on it day and night and obey it. This he did, even when what God commanded did not make sense militarily, and this was the key to his victory in his battles for the Promised Land. The Bible is a resource that we too often treat lightly. We give token service to it by carrying our Bibles to church or reading a daily devotional or a chapter a day, but we fail to memorize it, meditate on it, or apply it to our lives; we fail to confess the sins it reveals or praise God for the gifts it reveals to us. When it comes to the Bible, we are often either anorexic or bulimic. We either take in just enough to keep us alive spiritually by eating from the Word (but never ingesting enough to be healthy, thriving Christians), or we come to feed often but never meditate on it long enough to get spiritual nutrition from it. It is important, if you have not made a habit of daily studying and memorizing God’s Word, that you begin to do so. Some find it helpful start a journal. Make it a habit not to leave the Word until you have written down something you have gained from it. Some record prayers to God, asking Him to help them change in the areas that He has spoken to them about. The Bible is the tool the Spirit uses in our lives (Ephesians 6:17), an essential and major part of the armor that God gives us to fight our spiritual battles (Ephesians 

6:12-18). A third crucial resource in our battle against sin is prayer. Again, it is a resource that Christians often give lip service to but make poor use of. We have prayer meetings, times of prayer, etc., but we do not use prayer in the same way as the early church (Acts 3:1; 4:31; 6:4; 13:1-3). Paul repeatedly mentions how he prayed for those he ministered to. God has given us wonderful promises concerning prayer (Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-8; John 6:23-27; 1 John 5:14-15), and Paul includes prayer in his passage on preparing for spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:18). How important is prayer to overcoming sin in our lives? We have Christ’s words to Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before Peter’s denial. As Jesus prays, Peter is sleeping. Jesus wakes him and says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41). We, like Peter, want to do what is right but are not finding the strength. We need to follow God’s admonition to keep seeking, keep knocking, keep asking—and He will give us the strength that we need (Matthew 7:7). Prayer is not a magic formula. Prayer is simply acknowledging our own limitations and God’s inexhaustible power and turning to Him for that strength to do what He wants us to do, not what we want to do (1 John 5:14-15).

A fourth resource in our war to conquer sin is the church, the fellowship of other believers. When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent them out two-by-two (Mark 6:7). The missionaries in Acts did not go out one at a time, but in groups of two or more. The Bible commands us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together but to use that time for encouraging one another in love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). It tells us to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16). In the wisdom literature of the Old 

Testament, we are told that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). There is strength in numbers (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12). Many Christians find that having an accountability partner can be a huge benefit in overcoming stubborn sins. Having another person who can talk with you, pray with you, encourage you, and even rebuke you is of great value. Temptation is common to us all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Having an accountability partner or an accountability group can give us the final dose of encouragement and motivation we need to overcome even the most stubborn of sins. Sometimes victory over sin comes quickly. Other times, victory comes more slowly. God has promised that as we make use of His resources, He will progressively bring about change in our lives. We can persevere in our efforts to overcome sin because we know that He is faithful to His promises.

What is this thing call love?

Infatuation: a strong but often short-lived liking for another person
//had a brief infatuation with the captain of the ski team.
Synonyms
crush, mash, passion
Related Words
fixation, obsession
affection, devotion, fondness, love
craze, fad, rage, vogue
It is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.
"he had developed an infatuation with the girl"
ore results

How long can infatuation last?
An infatuation lasts between 6 months and a year. It could turn into a more serious relationship if it lasts beyond that. But people do realise even after a year that they are infatuated and it is not love.

What is the difference between infatuation and love?
There is a very big difference between infatuation and being in love. Infatuation is when you first see someone that you are attracted to and immediately feel there is a connection based on that whereas love is knowing the good and bad of someone and still loving them all the same.

Does infatuation turn into love?
Infatuation is an intense feeling. It happens when you are attracted to a guy's appearance or attracted to him sexually. Infatuation happens early on and tends to become obsessive. ... Lust and infatuation are usually fleeting and short-lived and don't tend to turn into love.

What makes someone infatuated?
Infatuation has got to do with the chemicals in your body. The dopamine center in your brain is rewarded once you see or believe your love interest. Then your brain gets flooded with dopamine. ... A likely cause behind infatuation is that the chemical reactions that happen in your brain.

What does the Bible say about infatuation?

Infatuation is an intense feeling of attraction for someone or something. Often mistaken for love, infatuation can feel like the real thing but usually lasts only a short time. Infatuation is emotional and highly self-centered. When we are infatuated, we have that “over the moon” euphoria that makes everything seem happier. However, infatuation cares little about the needs or long-term best interests of its object; it only wants the feeling to continue. Infatuation can lead to long-term love but by itself is not enough to sustain a relationship. Does the Bible say anything about infatuation?

The book of Judges gives us an example of a Bible character who experienced infatuation. Samson had been chosen before birth to lead God’s people. But, like many in whom God has placed great potential, Samson got full of himself. He thought he should have whatever he wanted, and when he became infatuated with a girl who was not on the approved list, he demanded that his father get her for him (Judges 14:1–2). This was infatuation, not love; the Bible says, “He . . . saw a young Philistine woman,” and immediately wanted to marry her. He did not know this woman. He had not taken time to court her, introduce her to family and friends, or seek God’s approval. He simply saw her, and infatuation took over. During the course of his pursuit of this woman, he openly defied God’s command against touching dead things (verses 8–9; cf. Numbers 6:1–8) and consorting with the Philistines, God’s enemies (Deuteronomy 7:3). But infatuation doesn’t play by the rules.

Another tragic example of ungodly infatuation is found in the story of David’s family. King David’s son Amnon became infatuated with his beautiful half-sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1–2). Amnon almost made himself sick with longing for her and found a way to lure her into his bedroom under false pretenses (verses 5–6). When Tamar came, thinking she was to prepare food for her sick brother, he raped her (verse 14). The next verse gives us a lot of insight into the difference between infatuation and love. Verse 15 says that “Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her.” True love does not behave that way. It was never love that Amnon felt; it was infatuation fueled by sexual lust.

When we compare infatuation with love, we begin to see the differences:

– Infatuation is driven by emotion; love is driven by commitment.
– Infatuation cannot wait to be satisfied; love waits for God’s timing.
– Infatuation cares mostly about self-satisfaction; love cares mostly about the other person’s best interest.
– Infatuation spawns a host of other sins, such as lust, discontent, and covetousness; love spawns a host of godly qualities such as peace, joy, faithfulness, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
– Infatuation demands; love gives.
– Infatuation acts foolishly, not caring about anything except its object; love keeps a level head.
– Infatuation can end rather abruptly; love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Spiritually, people can become infatuated with the gospel. Jesus talked about this kind of “convert” in His parable about the four types of soil (Luke 8:4–8, 11–15). Many people flocked to hear Jesus. They loved the free food, the miracles, and the kind words. They were infatuated with this radical new rabbi from Nazareth. But Jesus knew they didn’t really love Him; they only loved what He could do for them (John 2:25; Matthew 10:37–39; Luke 9:57–62). That’s infatuation. Today, some think they want to become Christians because of the rush of adrenaline they felt during a worship song or because they are desperate to get rid of guilt. But they have no root (Mark 4:17), they are unwilling to take up their cross (Luke 9:23), and they don’t last long.

Although infatuation is an exhilarating feeling, we must be careful not to base decisions affecting our future upon its fleeting nature. Many people marry because they are infatuated, only to later discover they don’t really know the person they committed their lives to. Infatuation is a spark that can ignite true love and commitment, but, unless that spark is fueled with solid conversation, quality time, and a healthy dose of realism, it never becomes a flame. Infatuation can introduce us to true love, but it can never be an adequate substitute.

Because we are Christians, our relationship should move from infatuation to cherishing.

Sources:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-infatuation.html
https://www.restorationstherapy.com/true-love-vs-infatuation/
https://www.bonobology.com/signs-infatuation-not-love/

LIFESTYLE AND CHRISTIANITY

 

Rev. Kayode Afolabi. He is the shepherds of Seed Sower Int'l. He share this on our click this WhatsApp group platform 

The Topic Before Us is: LIFESTYLE AND CHRISTIANIT

The word "christian" which is the root word from which Christianity is derived is mentioned three times in the bible - 1Pet 4:26, Acts 26:28 and Acts 11:25-26.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).

Please note, " disciples were called Christians...

They did not call themselves so.

Some people saw them, observed them and concluded "these were Christian's"

The above event happened

44–46 AD.. Before now,  I mean from the day of Pentecost believers were never called Christians.

Disciples were called Christians because of the way they were  perceived in relation to the lifestyle of Christ.

Now, let's define lifestyle.

Simply put, lifestyle is the way a person lives.

A Christian is a follower of Christ.

Our concern in this teaching is a Christian lifestyle. Lifestyle as it is related to Christianity.

What is a Christian lifestyle?

What is the way a christian should live?

What is the life we live in Christ as believers?

There is a general lifestyle that is morrally acceptable by society but the life style of a Christian is super higher than this:

Luke 6:32-35  "For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil".

This is a clear difference between a societal life style and Christian lifestyle.

Christian LIFESTYLE.

(1.) A lifestyle of faith:Romans 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

(2.) Lifestyle of the Spirit. Galatians 5:16, 18, 25  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

There is living in the spirit. There is walking in the spirit. Those who are born again are alive in the spirit. That is, living in the spirit.

This is automatic for all who are born again. But walk-in the spirit is a deliberate, conscious relational intetraction with the Holy Spirit. Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our words, actions and conduct. The reason we commit errors, fall and make mistake is because many of us are not conscious of the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must consciously allow Him to lead and direct us. There are things we must do daily that will help us to achieve this. 

(3.) A lifestyle of Love: Matthew 22:37-40  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Morals, good habits, right attitude etc are all products of the aforementioned. A lifestyle of faith, of the Spirit and of love. Obeying God's commandments must be done in the spirit. 

Introduction of GGOM

 

Celebrating Jesus on the life of our generation God's generals.

Every month GGOM want to start celebrating Jesus in the life of our generation God's generals. This month is the birthday month of Pastor E.A Adeboye so we will start with him.

Brief history of his works that relate to GGOM vision.

Fellowship

In 1988, a students’ body known as the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) was established. It is the youth wing of the church concentrated within tertiary institutions of learning in the country. 

Soul winning 

His passion for soul-winning feeds his passion for church-planting, and through this, countless people have been inspired to follow him and serve the Lord in the ministry.

Quotes

*Nelson Mandela Quotes* 

Marriage doesn’t cure lust. If it does,adultery wouldn’t exist. Self-control is still a requirement. Lust doesn’t care if you are married or single.

You may be *Solomon* in *wisdom* or *David* in *praise* or *Abraham* in *faith* or *Joshua* in *war*. If you are not *Joseph* in *discipline,* you will end up like *Samson* in *destruction* ...

 *I found this powerful*

The cause and effect of being a reprobate

 Cause and effect is a relationship between two things when one thing make something else happen. Cause is the doing or acting out while effect is the result of doing or acting out.

We will look at Jeremiah 6: 1 - 30. In this chapter the Jews are the reprobate. We want to look at what they did and what happened to them.

Reprobate is someone who behaves in way that is not respectable and morally correct. God is always full of wrath and He is weary about holding His anger on the reprobate Jer. 6:11. Jeremiah 6:11 Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.

Characters of reprobate i.e. what they do ( The cause)
Anyone can be reprobate minded both the redeemed and non redeemed. The Jews are God's people mind you. In Jer. 6:13, it say even prophets, priests and the children and adults acted in reprobate ways.
1. They covet.They are greedy for gain and deceitful.
2. They don't blush for their act. They are not ashamed or embarrassed of what they do.
3. They sometimes gives fat and good offering Jer. 6:20
4. They rebel and slander
5. They are corrupt.

The effects of being reprobate minded i.e. what are the result one get for being a reprobate.
1. They will be among the fallen and be brought down for punishment Jer. 6:15 NIV
2. They always experience disasters Jer. 6:19 NIV
3. They stumble and perish Jer. 6:21 NIV
4. God allow evil to fall upon them Jer. 6:22 - 24 NIV
5. They mourn, anguish and fear terrors.
6. They are rejected by God.

Finally, there is a way out for reprobate minded people. In Jer. 6: 16 NIV; This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ’We will not walk in it.’
The ancient path is Jesus Christ. John 14: 6 KJV. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The reprobate are meant to stand and look at crossroads of salvation also ask for the way to help them so that they can find rest for their souls.
Prayer points
1.  I am reprobate minded please have mercy on me. I come to you Jesus and help me to walk with you in other for me to find rest for my soul.
2. Lord I reject every act or characters of being a reprobate person.
3. Lord let me walk with you in other to make heaven.

Feed your soul.

 

Things you need to know for yourself about God's covenant

Good morning my people, God uses covenant to seal up agreement between man and him. Understanding this covenant will help our Christian life. Please read this article https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/8-covenants-in-the-bible

The truth of creation 4

Date: 15th February 2021
Topic:  The truth of creation 4
Bible verse: All flesh is not the same flesh.’
1 Corinthians 15:39 NKJV
The Bible tells us that animals are created “without understanding” (Psalm 49:20 ESV). We are made in God’s “image”. We aren’t merely a higher form of species on the evolutionary scale. As human beings, we are aware of our “being”.
God wants us to use all the skills and creativity He’s blessed us with to further His kingdom and demonstrate His glory and power: ‘God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance to live our lives doing’ (Ephesians 2:10 NCV). Every day, let’s do our best to reflect God to those around us, remind them of the beauty of His creation, and show His creativity and power.
Source: United Christian Broadcaster. Word for today devotion.

The truth of creation 3

Date: 14th February 2021.

Topic: The truth of creation 3

Bible verse: Genesis 1:2 KJV ‘The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water’.

Main points:

Science defines the universe as being made up of five components: time, space, matter, power and motion. There’s a relation between science definition of the universe to this bible verse Genesis 1:1 – 2 KJV.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning (time) God created (power) the heaven (space)and the earth (matter).

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved (motion) upon the face of the waters. The first thing God tells us in the bible is that He created all things and that He controls all things. The truth is this: God made you, He has a plan for your life.

Source: United Christian Broadcaster. Word For Today devotional manual.

Personal note.

1. For everyone there are times or seasons God has planned for our lives.

2. For everyone there are spaces and matters one must occupy which were also planned by God.

3. For everyone there are power to exercise  and to use given to us by God  according to His plan.

4. For everyone there are actions or moves one must do which is ordained by God according to His plan.

Prayer points 

1. God you made me. Don’t let me make wrong choice Gen. 3:6 KJV.

2. Lord let your Spirit set me in motion to walk according to your plans for my life.

3. Lord let me know, understand and follow your will for my life. 

Source: Personal note and prayer points by God's General Outreach Ministries.

Create a system that work

Bible verses: Genesis 1:1, 26 -27 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

[05/02, God is the creator of heaven and earth. He created man in his own likeness. We are the image of God. He expected us to behave like Him by creating something.

Psalms 82:6 I said, You are gods [since you judge on My behalf, as My representatives]; indeed, all of you are children of the Most High. [John 10:34-36; Rom. 13:1, 2.]

Some people are creating a system that our government has failed to do. I visited an estate on the island. They have electricity 24hrs, have good road and good water supply system that gives water to all buildings. People are beginning to create a system that work for themselves. Everyday people are inventing new things.

 We serve a God that has resources at His disposal and He said we are His representatives from the above scriptures psalm 82:6 Amplified

 We have the capacity to create a system that works for ourselves in fact some of us are doing it already. I pray  God will enlarge us.

To create means to cause something to happen or exist. System is a way working, organizing or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. It is God that gives us inspiration to create a that work. Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

I mean it is God that gives us inspiration to create a system that work.

How do I create a system that work?

You don't need government of Nigeria to create a system that works you need God.

You need resources too. God is the custodian of resources and the good news is that He shall supply our needs according to his riches and glory. Phil.4:19. I pray God help us to create a system that works in our household and every aspect of our lives. God bless you all.

Titled:The Lord gives and take

  I got a rhema from Pastor Joseph Prince message this morning titled inherit God's promise through faith and grace. We always quote a bible verse that says the Lord gives and take but do you know that it was Job that said it not God and as that time Job was in distress but in chapter 1 of Job. It show that it was the devil that took Job's blessings and not God. When we are distressed we say something that not through about God. People tend to give us different opinions about the issues. When Job focus was shifted back to God he got his blessing back. I pray that whatever the devil took from us God is replacing them in hundreds folds in Jesus name amen.

Get to work build a home

Proverbs 24:27
Put your work in order outside, and make it ready in the field; and after that, see to the building of your house.
I encountered this bible verse which stand in line with what all youth and young adults need to know or which they already know before establishing a home. It means go look for job or create a small business then think of having a family. It also means for young adults to have plan to save, invest and build your own house. You can't continue to live in rented apartments. I have seen this work in some people close to me. I pray it work for you and me in Jesus name 

The gospel

The gospel is the good news concerning Jesus Christ and the way of salvation.
Headlines of good news
The first good news is the birth of Christ.
The second good news is about His purpose for coming to the world.
The third good news is related to His purpose which is to save His people from sin Mat.1 : 21. That is why He was named Jesus which means the Lord save.
The fourth good news is How He intended to keep those whom He has saved all together.
The fifth good news is He want us to reign with Him. 

Avoid all emotional and sexual affairs,

Even if you are married to the best spouse in the whole world,
if you do not guard your heart, you may end up "falling in love"
with someone aside your spouse and eventually ruin your
marriage.
No one gets married and plan to have affair but lots of
married men and women are into affairs today because they
slept when they should have been wide awake with their five
senses alert.
1. Don't be too friendly with the opposite sex. This is where
lots of married people land in trouble. Over spirituality and
pride will destroy your marriage! You can't handle close
friendship with the opposite sex as a married person. Your
heart is involved. Set boundaries. Be disciplined. Be cordial.
Be respectful. Be godly. Be holy.
2. Don't share your personal problems with an opposite sex
friend. It will bond you together. Problems bond people.
3. Don't contact any opposite sex you are fond of. If you
secretly admire them, you are fond of them and their is a
tingling in your heart at the mere thought of them, don't
contact!
4. Avoid unnecessary eye contact that lingers with the
opposite sex.
5. Don't tell an opposite sex you are romantic or sexy, that
private information is for your spouse only.
6. Avoid discussions with the opposite sex when you are tired,
very sad, depressed, sorrowful, drowsy, sleepy or very sick.
This can cloud your judgment and make you say silly things.
Talk to your husband/wife instead.
7. Avoid unnecessary compliment of the opposite sex.
8. Stop saying "I love you" to the opposite sex, for what?
9. Work on your marriage. Keep the fire of love and romance
alive in your marriage.
10. Protect your family. Don't share your marital problem with
your opposite sex friend, it will bond you.
11.Never flirt with the opposite sex.
12. Mind the pictures you post on the social media. Limit
pictures that show your curves or portray you as sexy.
13. Do not contact all your EX after marriage.
14. Don't chat with the opposite sex on the days you are
horny.
15. Stop focusing on your spouse's weaknesses and appreciate
their strengths. If you always see the bad side of your spouse,
you will be angry, bitter, critical and look for someone who can
"understand" you and make you happy aside your spouse, that
is the beginning of an emotional affair and eventual sexual
affair. It is the beginning of the end of a once glorious
marriage!
FLEE from all appearance of evil is what the Bible says.
#copied
What you will not eat, don't bring it to your nose, don't smell it!
Don't start what you cannot finish!
Avoid all emotional and sexual affairs, they will destroy your
marriage!
May you not take a step that will lead to eternal regret in
Jesus' name.
PLS SEEK FOR THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT CALLED SELF CONTROL AND ALWAYS ANCHOR YOUR THOUGHTS ON PHIL 4:8.
GOD BLESS YOU.


Let this message get to the Good Women Leader and Mens Fellowship Leader and let them share it on their various group platforms so all married men and women will get it.
Let them discuss it at their meetings.
The Lord will keep our homes, marriages and keep us pure to reign with Him in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you.

Hero worshiping

When people pray to you or  when people believe you are always there to help in time needs, praise you and you receive the glory. You are an idol and that  is hero worship. 

The characters of a true minister of God

2 Cor. 6: 5 - 12
1. Always careful of the way they act so that they won't hinder people from knowing Christ.
2. They patiently endure troubles, hardship and calamities
3. They always prove themselves in purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love and in the power of Holy Spirit
4. They have righteousness as a weapon for both attacks and to defend
5. They serve God whether people honor them or not.
6. They speak honestly from God and from their heart 

Life and death

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.
2 Corinthians 4:9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.
2 Corinthians 4:10 Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:12 So we live in the face of death, but it has resulted in eternal life for you.

When we do not know why

‘It Doesn’t Make Sense’

When We’re Blindsided by Suicide

Article by 

Jon Bloom

Staff writer, desiringGod.org

“It really doesn’t make sense and feels like it can’t be true.” Another suicide.

The friend that texted me had a good friend, a Christian whose faith by all appearances was authentic and vibrant, who succumbed to an incomprehensible darkness and incommunicable despair — a despair that, at least at the moment of final decision, he didn’t believe he could live with. My friend was reeling, blindsided by a tragedy that defies explanation.

We call it “the problem of evil,” trying to reconcile how evil and suffering exists in a world ruled by an almighty, all-good, all-knowing God. But calling it a “problem” hardly begins to describe our experiences of it in this fallen world.

Hand Back the Fruit

A buoyant friend suddenly ends his life. A beloved child dies of disease. We witness torture. The spouse we trusted with everything abandons us. The plane-ruined towers collapse upon three thousand souls. The horrific abuse we suffered leaves us soiled with shame for decades. Such tragedies and sins almost never make sense to us. And the closer we are to the destruction evil wreaks, the more chaotic and senseless it appears.

In these experiences, we glimpse the real nature of evil — and it’s worse than we had conceived. The evil events themselves, and God’s good providence in choosing not to prevent them (especially when we know he has chosen to deliver others), exceed the bounds of our rational capacities. We’re left with anguished, perplexing questions only God can answer. Most of the time he doesn’t, not specifically. He rarely reveals his specific purposes for allowing our specific tragedies and the resulting wreckage.

What we find is that we simply aren’t suited to bear the weight of the full knowledge of good and evil. It’s knowledge too complex for us to manage. It’s beyond us on both sides. And the merciful truth is that God does not ask us to bear it. He asks us to trust him with it. He asks us to hand him back the fruit.

Merciful Mystery

There are mysteries that are great mercies. Great, great mercies.

The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil contained a secret — one that God said should remain a mystery. God warned the man and woman that it would be better for them not to eat it. It would be the death of them if they did. Rather, he wanted them to trust him with the mystery of this knowledge and his administration of it (Genesis 2:17).

However, Satan told them this fruit would not kill them, but would open their eyes to the heights and depths and lengths and breadths of God’s knowledge, making them wise like God (Genesis 3:4–5). They believed him, and so they ate. Then the eyes of both were indeed opened to good and evil in ways they had not yet known — ways they were not at all equipped to deal with. And we have been languishing under this knowledge ever since.

Beyond Our Understanding

As a result of that first sin, God subjected the world to futility (Romans 8:20), and the evil one was granted a kind of governing power (1 John 5:19). Sin infected us profoundly. Not only were our eyes opened to more knowledge than we have the capacity to comprehend, but we also became very susceptible to evil deception.

Our indwelling sin nature also has adversely affected our ability to comprehend and appreciate good. That’s one reason we need “strength to comprehend . . . the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18–19). It’s why we must pursue through intentional prayer “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” when we’re anxious (Philippians 4:7). It’s why we need “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation” to enlighten “the eyes of [our] hearts . . . that [we] may know what is the hope to which he has called [us]” (Ephesians 1:17–18). The goodness of God would be far beyond our imagination even if we were sinless, but it is all the more so in our fallenness (1 Corinthians 2:9).

We forfeited a great mercy when we believed we could be wise like God and opened the Pandora’s box of the mystery of the knowledge of good and evil.

Mysteries in Job’s Suffering

Mystery refers to what exists in the dimensions of reality beyond the edges of our perception (things we can’t see) or comprehension (things we can’t grasp). Some things are mysteries because we are unaware of them until God chooses to reveal them to us. Other mysteries we might be aware of, but they just exceed our ability to comprehend them, at least in this age.

The book of Job is the great piece of ancient literature that God inspired to illustrate how we experience these mysteries and how the restoring of our souls begins as we hand God back the fruit. The purposes behind Job’s tragedies were mysterious to him and his friends because of what they could not see and could not know.

Job’s friends thought they had sufficient grasp on the knowledge of good and evil to diagnose Job’s suffering. They were wrong (Job 42:7). And in the end, God did not explain himself to Job, but challenged Job’s assumption that he could comprehend the wisdom of God. Job responded by putting his hand over his mouth and saying, “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. . . . Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3, 6), effectively handing the fruit back to God.

The message of the book of Job is not that God hates when people pour out their bewilderment in their pain and tragedies. Indeed, God the Son, when he became flesh and dwelt among us, cried out in the depth of his agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Rather, God’s message — which is a core message of the whole Bible — is “trust me.” Where God does not grant us to see or to know, he has merciful reasons for it.

When you think about it, God has designed the gospel and the Christian life to require us to hand back, and keep handing back, the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil — to render back to God what is God’s, what was never meant to be man’s.

Trust Him in the Darkness

When the realities of good and evil exceed our limited perceptions, overwhelm our limited comprehension, and threaten to override our psychological and emotional circuitry, there is a reason for this. We may be “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), but we are also fearfully finite. There are many things too wonderful for us to know. The peace that surpasses our understanding (Philippians 4:7), which we need so much, is available to us if we are willing to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

When I texted my friend back, as he was grieving the tragic suicide of his friend, I sought to capture the essence of these truths in a few sentences. He asked me to write more on it, and I’ve attempted it here. In the face of devastating tragedy, we find that we simply aren’t suited to bear the full weight of the knowledge of good and evil. The merciful truth is that God does not ask us to bear it. He asks us to trust him with it. He asks us to hand him back the fruit.

Jon Bloom (@Bloom_Jon) serves as author, board chair, and co-founder of Desiring God. He is author of three books, Not by Sight, Things Not Seen, and Don’t Follow Your Heart. He and his wife have five children and make their home in the Twin Cities.

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ASK PASTOR JOHN

How Do I Live Like a Son Rather Than a Slave?

JUL 17, 2019

God has called us sons and daughters, but his people sometimes talk as if we were still slaves. What does it mean to talk like children of God?

John Piper

ARTICLE

Bound Together for Good

Lessons for White Christians from the Black Church

SEP 17, 2019

Ethnic harmony in our churches depends, in part, on our learning from the past. Here are three lessons fr

Avoid the Trap of Fear

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25, NIV) Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tools to keep us from going forward. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith, immediately, the enemy will bring fear to stop us. He’ll put thoughts in your mind like, “What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince you to shrink back and just stay right where you are. The Bible tells us that fear is a spirit. It affects your emotions. But when you choose to put your trust in the Lord, no matter how you are feeling, you are combating fear. Today, don’t allow fear to trap you and hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith knowing that God is on your side. He is for you and with you, leading and guiding you in the path of victory all the days of your life. Father, I choose to put my trust in You. I press forward in faith so I can overcome fear. I believe You have my best interest at heart and know that You are leading me in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life in Jesus name. Amen
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Give Us Life Eternal

These things have I written unto you that believe ... that ye may know that ye have eternal life ... 1 John 5:13

Recently I read that it will cost this country a hundred billion dollars to get one man safely to Mars. It cost God the priceless blood of His only Son to get us sinners to heaven. By tasting death for every man, Jesus took over our penalty as He erased our guilt. Now God can forgive. In a moment of thanksgiving, Paul once exclaimed, “He loved me and gave Himself for me!” Will you repeat these words right now, even as you read? If you do, I believe you will have cause to be thankful too, and that you will experience the love of God in your heart. Try it and see. The Bible teaches that you can be absolutely sure that you are saved.

Father, although my finite mind cannot understand all the wonders of the Gospel, I thank You for the assurance of my salvation through Christ.
by: Evang. Billy Graham

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These things have I written unto you that believe ... that ye may know that ye have eternal life ... 1 John 5:13

Recently I read that it will cost this country a hundred billion dollars to get one man safely to Mars. It cost God the priceless blood of His only Son to get us sinners to heaven. By tasting death for every man, Jesus took over our penalty as He erased our guilt. Now God can forgive. In a moment of thanksgiving, Paul once exclaimed, “He loved me and gave Himself for me!” Will you repeat these words right now, even as you read? If you do, I believe you will have cause to be thankful too, and that you will experience the love of God in your heart. Try it and see. The Bible teaches that you can be absolutely sure that you are saved.

Father, although my finite mind cannot understand all the wonders of the Gospel, I thank You for the assurance of my salvation through Christ.
by: Evang. Billy Graham

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Today's Bible Verse

Today' bible verse
Prov.3.4 - So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

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See His Goodness

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13, NIV)

David was going through tough times when he made the declaration in today’s verse. Things weren’t going his way. But he said in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, “This situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that this year, I will see God’s favor in a new way.”

Always remember, what you focus on is what you will see. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see His goodness! He is the all-powerful, omniscient, Creator of the universe, and He holds you in the palm of His hand. Nothing is too difficult for Him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today!

Father, thank You for Your goodness in my life. I choose to focus on You no matter what my circumstances may look like. Give me Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus name. Amen
by: Pastor Joel Osteen

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Can pride, irritation and jealous never cease to happen in the church?

Gal 5:24-26 (TEV)

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25 The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26 We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.

 I read these bible verses today from different version. I felt can this be possible in house of God, that people will not be proud, irritated and be jealous of each other. I for one am not left out of these three. I do them whether consciously or unconsciously. The bible specifically said it in Today’s English Version (TEV) that pride, irritation and jealous must stop.

What must we do for these three not to happen in our fellowships?

1.      Put to death our human nature with all its passion and desires. Gal 5:24

2.      We must surrender to Spirit because He is the one that gives us life. Gal 5:25

3.      The Spirit must also control our lives.

4.      We must obey Gal 5:26 which says, we must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.

God’s General Outreach Ministry

Jenyo James Toyese Adebayo.

This Music Video Blessed Me

This is a song by Tim Godfrey featuring Travis Green. Love it and it has blessed my life and family.

GOD IS JEALOUS.

Good morning generals,

             I am blessed by this devotional today and I think I need to share it. Stay blessed.

"God is Jealous" Nahum 1:2

God's kind of jealous is sacred. He is very jealous of your love. Who we choose over Him to love or what we choose over Him or just loving Him with word of mouth without commitment. He is very jealous of your trust. Whom we choose to trust over Him or when we choose not to trust Him at all. He is very jealous of your company. Who we choose to associate with or have intimacy with. May the Lord have mercy on us.

Source: Spurgeon's Daily Devotional September 12th A.M

We blessed God!

We blessed God for Friday service I thank the Lord I was there. Am blessed 

The Incredible Reality of Who We Are Now Because of Jesus

MarkAltrogge

RSS 

Contributors

Senior Pastor, Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, PA

One of the incredible results of Jesus’ resurrection is that God makes believers into completely brand new creations.

The Bible says we are completely new creations – we aren’t simply reformed or refurbished. We’re brand new.

We aren’t just the same old people who have now made resolutions to change or improve. It’s not like Jesus bought an old piece of beat up dirty furniture in a junkyard, washed it off, and is now beginning to sand it and polish it up.

No. That decrepit rotten piece of junk is gone. It no longer exists. Now there is a brand spanking new, beautiful creation in its place. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

When God saves us, he not only washes all our sins away, but he joins us to Christ. He makes us one with Christ. When God looks at us he sees Christ. When he looks at Christ, he sees us in him.

We aren’t just refurbished old creations – we are completely NEW.

We are nothing like we were before. We are NEW creations in Christ. We have to remember this – the old has passed away. It’s gone. The new has come.

But we don’t always feel like new creations. When I first prayed to receive Christ, I expected fireworks or goosebumps, but didn’t feel any different. I still felt like the old me. I still felt tempted to sin. I didn’t realize that for right now, while we are still in these earthly bodies, we can still be tempted to sin. We will still have desires and cravings from what remains of our sin nature in our bodies.

But we ARE new. Whether we feel like it or not. 

We must believe God’s word. Early in my Christian life, I felt like it would be impossible for me not to sin. Then I heard someone teach that believers are no longer slaves of sin. As it says in Romans 6:12-14:

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Did you catch that? Sin will have NO DOMINION OVER YOU!

And why not? Because we are no longer under law but under a whole new system – we are under grace. We are new creations, no longer enslaved to sin, no longer under its dominion. We don’t have to sin. We don’t have to obey it’s urges, no matter how strong they feel.

God isn’t simply refurbishing the old us. He has created us anew and is shaping us more and more into the likeness of his Son:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 CO 3:18

We are new creations, and God is taking us from one degree of Christ’s glory to another. We are one with Christ, and God makes us more and more like him every day.

This is incredible! Even the highest seraphim in heaven can’t claim to be new creations.

The angels around the throne aren’t being transformed into the likeness of Christ. The most glorious angels have not been adopted by God as sons and daughters. They can’t call God “Father” like we can. And they are not one with Christ the way we are.

When God gave Isaiah a glimpse of his glory, he saw the seraphim:

Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. IS 6:2

These glorious heavenly beings who had never sinned had to cover their faces – they could not look upon the infinite glory of God.

Yet look what God says we will experience:

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 JN 3:2

We are now God’s children, and someday, we shall be like Jesus – clothed in his glory, and we shall see him as he is!

We shall gaze directly upon the face of Jesus Christ in all his infinite radiant glory.

And we will never grow tired of taking in his beauty, because his beauty is infinite. For all eternity he will show us new, amazing, astounding, breathtaking, mind-blowing, vistas of his glory and majesty.

Why? Because Jesus died for us, then rose from the dead to make us who believe in him into new creations.

Someday we all will die unless Jesus comes back first. But because Jesus rose from the dead, believers will rise from the dead. We will have new glorious heavenly bodies. We will be like Jesus and see him as he is. In the meantime, though we live in this dying world, WE are right now, new creations. We have imperishable, everlasting life. The old is gone, the new has come. Jesus isn’t just sanding and polishing up the old you. You are a brand new you.

---

This article originally appeared on The Blazing Center. Used with permisson.

Mark Altrogge has been senior pastor of Saving Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982. He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including “I Stand in Awe” and “I’m Forever Grateful.” Mark and his wife, Kristi, have five children and five grandchildren.

Find out more on his blog, The Blazing Center.

Photo Courtesy: Thinkstock

Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/mark-altrogge/

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE TO YOU?

Life is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 1:2) but God original planned were:
1) God made man a social creature (Genesis 2:18-25); 2) God gave man work (Genesis 2:15); 3) God had fellowship with man (Genesis 3:8); and 4) God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26).  All of the above were lost when man sinned.

Please click on the below link!
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE TO YOU! PLEASE CLICK ON THIS