Christian Church 24.7 Ministry Community Group
Welcome to our church! We are glad you have chosen to join us. Please read the important guidelines for the group first.
Before I begin this message, I wish to say I am posting early due to the Long visitation tomorrow and my regular Church service as Pastor at my church then the funeral at 2pm Sunday. Just keep us in your prayers.
I John 5:13 says this. 'These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye might KNOW, that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
Many people today even Christians, battle with this question: I Am I really acceptable to God?
This is usually a two fold question,
A. Am I really acceptable to God in my every day life?
B Will I be accepted of God when I die?
Many people wrestle with these questions their entire lives. They feel they have to live a flawless life and do many good works, to achieve God's acceptance. Let me then asked this question. How many good things do you have to do in order to achieve God's acceptance and, do you know when you have done enough?
Here' something we all need to remember. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Rom. 3:23.
Now let's look at this from another angle for a minute. Stop and think of the best person you have ever known in your life. Now, think what is was or is about that person that placed them in this category with you. Truth is this, no matter how great they were or are, no matter how high you hold them in esteem and respect, they have a flaw. They were or are not perfect!!!!!!
A. My parents
B. Great Preachers I have known
C. Great friends I have had, all of these were flawed in some form or fashion. ALL!!!!!!
If everyone is flawed, if everyone is a sinner and, if no-one can go to Heaven by doing good works and by being good then, how are we accepted, how do we attain God's acceptance?
Answer: By the blood of Jesus!!!!!!!
Now, let me ask you this question. Do you think that God wants you to go through this life, wondering and floundering as to who our father is?
God wants His people, His children to know that they belong to Him. Let's look at these points to consider.
I. Knowing to whom you belong, is essential in life:
A. God does not want us to live every day of our life, worrying, fretting, stressing about His acceptance of us.
1. God want us to live our lives in love, in joy, and in gratitude for what He has done for us.
2. How can you say that you love the Lord, sing "Jesus loves me this I know" and "Amazing Grace with your
mouth and yet, in your mind you are wondering if God is going to shut you out of Heaven
B. If you are not sure you are going to Heaven, how effective can you be in your Christian walk?
1. How can you win someone to Christ, when you, yourself don't even know if you are going to Heaven?
C. Lack of your own Assurance, reflects your attitude towards God!!!!!
1. You give your heart and life to Christ,
2. You ask for forgiveness of your sins, repent of them, invite Jesus to come into your life and be your
Lord, and ask Jesus to save you, give you the GIFT if eternal live.
Then, you doubt if God will keep you and honor His promise to keep you saved and safe.
A. Jesus said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews Chpt. 13 vs-5
B. Jesus said "The comforter( the Holy Spirit), will be with you and in you". John 14 vs 17.
C, Jesus said "He that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out, John Chpt. 6 vs-37.
Let's get to the "nitty gritty" of all of this. John Chpt 10: vs 27-30.
Jesus said "My sheep hear my voice and, I KNOW them and, they follow me. And I GIVE unto them eternal life,and, they shall NEVER perish: neither shall shall any man pluck them out of my hand"!
Here;s another one for you, 2nd Timothy Chpt 1 verse 12. The great Apostle Paul penned these words.
......I am not ashamed for, I KNOW in whom I have believed and I am Persuaded (CONVINCED), that He is able to KEEP that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
Now, either you believe it, or you don't!!!!!!!
II. Reasons for doubt and assurance of acceptance:
A. Many think that being saved by grace through faith, is too good to be true.
1. Romans 6:23 says, "The wages of sin is death but, the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
2. Ephesians 2: vs-8-9 says this. "For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a
GIFT of God, not of works, lest any man should boast". There is that word GIFT, again
Point; Those that believe that salvation comes from grace plus works, will never have a settled mind or peace about eternity!!!!!!
Some people worry because when they trusted Christ, they didn't feel an earth shaking effect. Listen, this type of Salvation is based on,
1. feelings
2. emotion
You are not saved by feelings or emotions. These are too fickle!!!! Feelings and emotions change.
Sometimes, God does shake us to the core when we get saved. He does this to get our attention and it is usually for a specific purpose.
He blinded Saul of Tarsus on the way to Damascus, yet, he became the Greatest evangelist who ever lived.
Remember the story where David sinned and had an adulterous affair with Urriah's wife then, had Urriah killed to try and cover this sin of adultery? Read the story in 2 Samuel Chpt 11.
Remember the prayer that David prayed as a result of this terrible sin. Read Psalms Chpt 51 vs 12-19.
David did not say "restore my salvation, he said restore the "Joy" of my salvation. David has lost the joy in his heart.
What about you? Have you lost your joy? Maybe you need to rededicate your heart and life to Christ!!!!!
Maybe, you have lost your joy due to your neglect of being what you KNOW, God wants you to be or, to do.
III. The bottom Line if a Believers Assurance:
A. Read our text scripture again, and again, and again, until you get it.
B. John 3:16 says. For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in
Him, should not perish but, have everlasting life.
C. John 3:18 says " He that believeth on Him (Jesus) is not condemned but, he that believeth not, is condemned
already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God."
D John 3 vs 36 says" He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the son shall
not see life: but the wrath of God abideth upon him."
All these are spoken by Jesus---Promises of God!!!!!!!!---God is willing, God is able and God will do what He says
He will do.
Here is a small check list that you might want to use to examine your own salvation:
a. Do I have an inward desire to please God?
b. Do I have an inward desire to love others?
c, Do I live a life that others see, that honors God? ( our witness)
d. Do I feel the small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to me?
Point: We must trust Gods Word!!!!
A. Here's a final sayso. If God SAYS SO then, we should KNOW SO!!!!!!
God's word is full of promises of his acceptance and His salvation but, they all have one condition, one door, one requirement.
JESUS CHRIST----THE ONLY WAY OF SALVATION------JOHN 14 VS 6
In Closing:
1. You can not buy salvation.
2, You can not earn salvation.
3. You can not transfer salvation.
4. You can not sell salvation.
5. You can not inherit salvation.
6. You can not "will it" to your heirs.
7.You can not go to Heaven without it.
Now, the questions are these. Do you have salvation and if you do, what are you doing with it?
We, as preachers, Pastors, teachers, etc. are to share God's wonderful GIFT of salvation, with a lost and dying world. This is our "marching orders" as a Christian, in the army of the Lord.
We are saved, secure and safe in Him.
May this message Glory God and bless all those who read it.
Oldbiker
I John 5:13 says this. 'These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye might KNOW, that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
Many people today even Christians, battle with this question: I Am I really acceptable to God?
This is usually a two fold question,
A. Am I really acceptable to God in my every day life?
B Will I be accepted of God when I die?
Many people wrestle with these questions their entire lives. They feel they have to live a flawless life and do many good works, to achieve God's acceptance. Let me then asked this question. How many good things do you have to do in order to achieve God's acceptance and, do you know when you have done enough?
Here' something we all need to remember. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Rom. 3:23.
Now let's look at this from another angle for a minute. Stop and think of the best person you have ever known in your life. Now, think what is was or is about that person that placed them in this category with you. Truth is this, no matter how great they were or are, no matter how high you hold them in esteem and respect, they have a flaw. They were or are not perfect!!!!!!
A. My parents
B. Great Preachers I have known
C. Great friends I have had, all of these were flawed in some form or fashion. ALL!!!!!!
If everyone is flawed, if everyone is a sinner and, if no-one can go to Heaven by doing good works and by being good then, how are we accepted, how do we attain God's acceptance?
Answer: By the blood of Jesus!!!!!!!
Now, let me ask you this question. Do you think that God wants you to go through this life, wondering and floundering as to who our father is?
God wants His people, His children to know that they belong to Him. Let's look at these points to consider.
I. Knowing to whom you belong, is essential in life:
A. God does not want us to live every day of our life, worrying, fretting, stressing about His acceptance of us.
1. God want us to live our lives in love, in joy, and in gratitude for what He has done for us.
2. How can you say that you love the Lord, sing "Jesus loves me this I know" and "Amazing Grace with your
mouth and yet, in your mind you are wondering if God is going to shut you out of Heaven
B. If you are not sure you are going to Heaven, how effective can you be in your Christian walk?
1. How can you win someone to Christ, when you, yourself don't even know if you are going to Heaven?
C. Lack of your own Assurance, reflects your attitude towards God!!!!!
1. You give your heart and life to Christ,
2. You ask for forgiveness of your sins, repent of them, invite Jesus to come into your life and be your
Lord, and ask Jesus to save you, give you the GIFT if eternal live.
Then, you doubt if God will keep you and honor His promise to keep you saved and safe.
A. Jesus said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews Chpt. 13 vs-5
B. Jesus said "The comforter( the Holy Spirit), will be with you and in you". John 14 vs 17.
C, Jesus said "He that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out, John Chpt. 6 vs-37.
Let's get to the "nitty gritty" of all of this. John Chpt 10: vs 27-30.
Jesus said "My sheep hear my voice and, I KNOW them and, they follow me. And I GIVE unto them eternal life,and, they shall NEVER perish: neither shall shall any man pluck them out of my hand"!
Here;s another one for you, 2nd Timothy Chpt 1 verse 12. The great Apostle Paul penned these words.
......I am not ashamed for, I KNOW in whom I have believed and I am Persuaded (CONVINCED), that He is able to KEEP that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
Now, either you believe it, or you don't!!!!!!!
II. Reasons for doubt and assurance of acceptance:
A. Many think that being saved by grace through faith, is too good to be true.
1. Romans 6:23 says, "The wages of sin is death but, the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
2. Ephesians 2: vs-8-9 says this. "For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a
GIFT of God, not of works, lest any man should boast". There is that word GIFT, again
Point; Those that believe that salvation comes from grace plus works, will never have a settled mind or peace about eternity!!!!!!
Some people worry because when they trusted Christ, they didn't feel an earth shaking effect. Listen, this type of Salvation is based on,
1. feelings
2. emotion
You are not saved by feelings or emotions. These are too fickle!!!! Feelings and emotions change.
Sometimes, God does shake us to the core when we get saved. He does this to get our attention and it is usually for a specific purpose.
He blinded Saul of Tarsus on the way to Damascus, yet, he became the Greatest evangelist who ever lived.
Remember the story where David sinned and had an adulterous affair with Urriah's wife then, had Urriah killed to try and cover this sin of adultery? Read the story in 2 Samuel Chpt 11.
Remember the prayer that David prayed as a result of this terrible sin. Read Psalms Chpt 51 vs 12-19.
David did not say "restore my salvation, he said restore the "Joy" of my salvation. David has lost the joy in his heart.
What about you? Have you lost your joy? Maybe you need to rededicate your heart and life to Christ!!!!!
Maybe, you have lost your joy due to your neglect of being what you KNOW, God wants you to be or, to do.
III. The bottom Line if a Believers Assurance:
A. Read our text scripture again, and again, and again, until you get it.
B. John 3:16 says. For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in
Him, should not perish but, have everlasting life.
C. John 3:18 says " He that believeth on Him (Jesus) is not condemned but, he that believeth not, is condemned
already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God."
D John 3 vs 36 says" He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the son shall
not see life: but the wrath of God abideth upon him."
All these are spoken by Jesus---Promises of God!!!!!!!!---God is willing, God is able and God will do what He says
He will do.
Here is a small check list that you might want to use to examine your own salvation:
a. Do I have an inward desire to please God?
b. Do I have an inward desire to love others?
c, Do I live a life that others see, that honors God? ( our witness)
d. Do I feel the small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to me?
Point: We must trust Gods Word!!!!
A. Here's a final sayso. If God SAYS SO then, we should KNOW SO!!!!!!
God's word is full of promises of his acceptance and His salvation but, they all have one condition, one door, one requirement.
JESUS CHRIST----THE ONLY WAY OF SALVATION------JOHN 14 VS 6
In Closing:
1. You can not buy salvation.
2, You can not earn salvation.
3. You can not transfer salvation.
4. You can not sell salvation.
5. You can not inherit salvation.
6. You can not "will it" to your heirs.
7.You can not go to Heaven without it.
Now, the questions are these. Do you have salvation and if you do, what are you doing with it?
We, as preachers, Pastors, teachers, etc. are to share God's wonderful GIFT of salvation, with a lost and dying world. This is our "marching orders" as a Christian, in the army of the Lord.
We are saved, secure and safe in Him.
May this message Glory God and bless all those who read it.
Oldbiker
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Just thought I would join this group now that I am a widower. My wife passed away May 28th. She was "The Wind Beneath My Wings". When I met her, I was a drunken, dope smoking, fighting, hell raising biker. She told me if I could get rid of the inner storm within me, that I could be a blessing to people. God placed her in my path to stop me. I have been drug and alcohol free now for 53...
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My husband and I got our foster license last month, after 3 years of hard work (we had to start over multiple times due to family dramas and Mom's open heart surgery). We spent a year preparing the whole house, guest rooms, and children's bathroom for older kids of 7 yr old and up. Then we got a call that we have been approved to receive twin newborn premies. What, what?!! Babies!? Premies?!...
"Faith" by Carol D. P.
When sometimes we are alone and tempted by sin
Faith is still having burning with the light of Christ to show where to tread
Through vain arguments construed from man's head
When all is dark saved by the light Christ has shed
That dwells in my soul the form of hope held in Jesus Christ
The direction to go. In spite of tribulations you are our only friend
Your Word that we've held within guides us through this world of sin
Be with me as I go forth in darkness of the night in order to show your light
Rest in assurance that you will keep me up right
Lord Jesus you are my friend and light
Give me hope when stillness of souls prevail, lost in death they travail
To burn your light brightly when we strive to shed it on them there.
I have done this now for over a year, trying to be blessing. Maybe the majority don't care whether there is a message or not.
The message was fantastic and liberating. I am finally getting it through your help and the holy spirit opening my eyes. Yes I am saved, have been for years and I had always battled this. I finally get it, praise God!!!