“Down from His glory, / Ever living story, / My God and Savior came, / And Jesus was His name. / Born in a manger, / To His own a stranger, / A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.
“O how I love Him! How I adore Him! / My breath, my sunshine, my all in all! / The great Creator became my Savior, / And all God’s fulness dwelleth in Him.” (Sung to the tune of “O Sole Mio”)
Imagine This. God the Son came down from the glory of heaven to dwell with men for about 33 years. During that time He accomplished the mission that God the Father had set for Him to do (John 17:4).
Religion. Man is incurably religious and wants to do something to earn favor with God and entrance into heaven. But Jesus came to judge meaningless religion (Mark 7:5-13). Had man been able to earn his way into heaven, Christ’s coming would have been in vain. Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, is “a type of the mere man of the earth. His religion was destitute of any adequate sense of sin or need for atonement…he worshiped in self will, was angry with God, refused to bring a sin offering, murdered his brother, lied to God, became a wanderer, and was still the object of God’s concern.” – Adapted from Dr. C. I. Scofield
One Way. Jesus is a liar, a lunatic, or He is the Lord. He said, “I am the [only] way, the [absolute] truth, and the [One who gives eternal] life” (John 14:6). The Apostle Paul rebuked and cast out a demon from a young girl for proclaiming that Jesus was [a] way of salvation (from the Greek translation of Acts 16: 17). The Apostle Peter affirmed this truth. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Believe on Him and receive eternal life; reject Him and be condemned and separated from God forever in hell (John 3:18, 36; Matthew 25:41, 46).
Professors. It’s not popular to be known as a “Christian” in some countries. However, in our country many people attend church for all kinds of reasons: to make contacts with others for business purposes, to appear religious and upright, to make new friends, find a mate, or a number of other reasons. But not all who profess to be Christians are true Christians. Many people believe in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2). Judas was a disciple (follower of Jesus) but he wasn’t a true believer (John 17:12). When judgment day arrives, Jesus, the righteous Judge who is all knowing (John 2:24; 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8), will be able to sort out the believers from the non-believers (Matthew 25:32). In which category will you be found?
Victorious. Did you know that it is possible, though not very probable, for a Christian not to sin? Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). God has provided, within the Scriptures, all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He has made a way of escape from every temptation a believer faces in life (1 Corinthians 10:13). In spite of this, a Christian still sins periodically (1 John 2:1, 2; 3:9, 10).
Confession. When a Christian sins, he must confess it to God the Father if he wants family forgiveness (1 John 1:9). We don’t have to confess our sins to another person unless we sin against him/her (James 5:16). Every New Testament Christian is a priest (1 John 2:5, 9) and Jesus is our only High Priest and Mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:5).
Filthy Rags. Everything (including all the good works) that a non-Christian does is sin in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-23). If he wants judicial forgiveness, he must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior through the message of the Gospel (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). How do you stand before God right now?
Questions. Are you merely going through the motions of a ritualistic religion? Do others see the power of God transforming your life into more Christ likeness? If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you ashamed of Jesus? Are you interested in spiritual maturity, bearing much fruit, and enjoying God’s peace? Are you professing to be a Christian without really being a true child of God? Do you need assurance of salvation? Why should God let you into heaven? If you think that you are saved, do you believe that there is something that you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would it be? Are you enslaved to a sinful habit that is keeping your from spiritual growth? Do you know and claim God’s promises?
Certainty. If you’re not sure of your salvation, why not place your faith in Christ today? God can save any and all who trust in Him. If you have other spiritual needs, let us help.
Contact. Call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com
