"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT PASSING FROM DEATH INTO LIFE"
John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This verse was spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ. This entire 5th chapter is filled with many things Jesus said about who He was, and why He came to the earth, and what would happen in the future. This particular verse has to do with a number of very specific and most important truths. Let's look at them carefully.
1. God's Word can be heard. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word. Or to put it another way, for those who listen to the message of Jesus Christ. Listening to God is really a choice that a person makes. A person can choose to listen, or not to listen. It's really up to them. The fact is, that God's Word can be heard, and if a person wants to hear it, they will definitely hear it. Here's what Jesus said in Mark 7:16 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” God is speaking and He wants people to listen to Him.
2. God's Word can be believed. Just as hearing is a choice we make, either to hear or not, so is believing. Here Jesus is talking about the fact that when God speaks a person can believe in the Father who sent Jesus. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me.
Jesus was sent by the Father into this world to deliver the message of God to mankind. And, that message is to believe in God. Here's another way that Jesus put it. John 12:44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. So, God's Word can be believed.
3. God gives everlasting life to those who believe His Word. This is of course what God wants man to have, and that is "everlasting life" by believing or having faith in God through Jesus Christ. What is everlasting life?
First of all, it is not just referencing the fact that now by believing in God you will live forever. No, it's not that.
The fact is, that all men are going to live forever beyond the grave. But to have everlasting life, means you will live forever with God in heaven. The phrase "everlasting life" means that when you repent and believe in Jesus Christ, and receive Him as Your Savior, You come into union with God through Jesus, and you come into communion with God through Jesus Christ. It means that you come into a relationship with God. John 17:3 and this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
4. God's Word believed, means you will not come into judgement. Here is another blessing, it's one of the greatest blessings a person can have. When you believe in Jesus Christ, and receive everlasting life, ( coming into a relationship with God ) You will not come into judgement. The judgement spoken of here is the great white throne judgement for sinners. Here are some verses that give us a lot of detail about this judgement.
Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Rev 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
What Jesus was saying is this. “I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins. Isn't that wonderful?
5. God's Word believed means you have passed from death into life. This is another way of explaining what happens to the person who listens to Jesus, and believes the words of Jesus. They not only have everlasting life, but, they also pass from death into life. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
In the Bible, sinners are spoken of as being dead in their sins. And, for those who come to faith, they are as we have seen said to have life. Believing in Jesus, is like walking over the bridge from death to life. And, Jesus is that bridge. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Some questions to ponder:
1. When did you hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when did you believe in Him?.
2. Do you recognize and have the assurance that you now have everlasting life?
3. Have you come to understand that You are no longer dead in Your sins, but You have passed into life?
4. Do you know that You are not headed for the great white throne Judgement because You have believed?
5. How has this verse spoken to you today? How has it affected you?
6. Will you pause to consider for a moment where you are not going because you have believed, and what you have now because you have believed?
A prayer:
Father thank You for sending Jesus into this world to die for our sins. And, thank You for giving us faith to believe in Him. Thank You for giving us everlasting life, that relationship and union with You. Thank You Lord that by believing in Jesus we have literally passed from death into life. Praise God. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FOLLOWING THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FOLLOWING THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST"
John 5:14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The scriptures above are taken from the same book, the Gospel of John. They involve Jesus talking with two different people. One a man, and the other a woman. The man had been healed by Jesus, and the woman had been caught in the very act of adultery. And, then some of the religious leaders brought her to Jesus to see what He would say about her, and her adultery, and how He would apply the Law of God, ( which called for her to be stoned to death) They were trying to trap Jesus, and make Him look bad ( discredit Him ) in the eyes of those who were following Him.
1. Jesus told the man to stop sinning or something worse might come upon him.
John 5:14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”
Not all sickness is brought on by sin, but apparently in this man's case, it was sin that had caused him to be sick.
Jesus had healed him just a little earlier. And, now as they saw each other again, Jesus told him "so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” John 5:14
This incident was a blessing, an explanation, and a warning. Jesus blessed the man by healing him. Jesus also explained, without giving the detail of the particular sin, but stating very clearly, that it was this man's sin that had made him sick. Sin can lead to all kinds of sickness. Both physical and spiritual. Sin is a powerful destroyer of men's lives.
And, this incident is one of warning. Jesus had blessed him by healing him, explained to him why had become sick, and now gives him a good warning, designed to help him in the future. ""so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 God knows what is right and what is wrong. He knows what is best for us, and He knows what will hurt us. Sin will hurt our lives, that is certain. Warnings are often disregarded, and we don't know if this man took Jesus's warning to heart or not. I hope for his sake he did. I do know, that you and I can either ignore or take heed to the warnings of God. Let's pray that we take heed. God wants to keep us from hurting ourselves.
2. Jesus told this nameless woman John 8:11 “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
The woman had been caught by some religious leaders in the very act of adultery and then brought to Jesus and thrown on the ground in front of Him. The leaders were trying to trap Jesus, by seeing how He would apply the law which called for her to be stoned to death. They thought that if He said go ahead and stone her, it would make Him look cruel and mean in the eyes of His followers. Or, if He avoided applying the law, they thought it would make Him look as if He had no regard for the Law, and therefore discredit Him in the eyes of the people.
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
This verse comes at the end of Jesus kneeling down on the ground and writing things on the sand in front of the men. We don't know what He wrote, but the scripture says, John 8:9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Then we have these two verses
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
There are two things here to consider.
(1) Jesus did not condemn her, nor does He condemn you. John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. And, for those in Christ, here's what we are told in Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(2) Jesus also told the woman to "go and sin no more" Clearly she had sinned. But, here is Jesus not condemning her, but giving her Godly instruction, and the best counsel a person can get, "go and sin no more"
Don't repeat the sin that you have just committed. Stop it. Of course, we can not do this on our own, but with God's help, He can work in our lives to help us not to sin. We will never be sinless this side of eternity, but we can be by His grace, sinning "less and less" May it be so Lord, may it be so.
A few questions:
1. What stands out to you in both of these incidents?
2. What is God saying to You as you read these Scriptures?.
3. What might you say to the Lord right now after reading this devotional?.
4. Wouldn't you agree that our God is so gracious, loving and caring?.
5. Would you please take a moment to just talk to the Lord right now and thank Him for who He is.
A prayer:
Lord, what a wonderful and gracious God You are. Thank You for telling us the truth about life, and thank You for not casting us away when we sin, but rather, teaching us what to do, and what not to do. Your ways are right and true. May we walk in them this day, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John 5:14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The scriptures above are taken from the same book, the Gospel of John. They involve Jesus talking with two different people. One a man, and the other a woman. The man had been healed by Jesus, and the woman had been caught in the very act of adultery. And, then some of the religious leaders brought her to Jesus to see what He would say about her, and her adultery, and how He would apply the Law of God, ( which called for her to be stoned to death) They were trying to trap Jesus, and make Him look bad ( discredit Him ) in the eyes of those who were following Him.
1. Jesus told the man to stop sinning or something worse might come upon him.
John 5:14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”
Not all sickness is brought on by sin, but apparently in this man's case, it was sin that had caused him to be sick.
Jesus had healed him just a little earlier. And, now as they saw each other again, Jesus told him "so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” John 5:14
This incident was a blessing, an explanation, and a warning. Jesus blessed the man by healing him. Jesus also explained, without giving the detail of the particular sin, but stating very clearly, that it was this man's sin that had made him sick. Sin can lead to all kinds of sickness. Both physical and spiritual. Sin is a powerful destroyer of men's lives.
And, this incident is one of warning. Jesus had blessed him by healing him, explained to him why had become sick, and now gives him a good warning, designed to help him in the future. ""so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 God knows what is right and what is wrong. He knows what is best for us, and He knows what will hurt us. Sin will hurt our lives, that is certain. Warnings are often disregarded, and we don't know if this man took Jesus's warning to heart or not. I hope for his sake he did. I do know, that you and I can either ignore or take heed to the warnings of God. Let's pray that we take heed. God wants to keep us from hurting ourselves.
2. Jesus told this nameless woman John 8:11 “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
The woman had been caught by some religious leaders in the very act of adultery and then brought to Jesus and thrown on the ground in front of Him. The leaders were trying to trap Jesus, by seeing how He would apply the law which called for her to be stoned to death. They thought that if He said go ahead and stone her, it would make Him look cruel and mean in the eyes of His followers. Or, if He avoided applying the law, they thought it would make Him look as if He had no regard for the Law, and therefore discredit Him in the eyes of the people.
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
This verse comes at the end of Jesus kneeling down on the ground and writing things on the sand in front of the men. We don't know what He wrote, but the scripture says, John 8:9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Then we have these two verses
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
There are two things here to consider.
(1) Jesus did not condemn her, nor does He condemn you. John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. And, for those in Christ, here's what we are told in Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(2) Jesus also told the woman to "go and sin no more" Clearly she had sinned. But, here is Jesus not condemning her, but giving her Godly instruction, and the best counsel a person can get, "go and sin no more"
Don't repeat the sin that you have just committed. Stop it. Of course, we can not do this on our own, but with God's help, He can work in our lives to help us not to sin. We will never be sinless this side of eternity, but we can be by His grace, sinning "less and less" May it be so Lord, may it be so.
A few questions:
1. What stands out to you in both of these incidents?
2. What is God saying to You as you read these Scriptures?.
3. What might you say to the Lord right now after reading this devotional?.
4. Wouldn't you agree that our God is so gracious, loving and caring?.
5. Would you please take a moment to just talk to the Lord right now and thank Him for who He is.
A prayer:
Lord, what a wonderful and gracious God You are. Thank You for telling us the truth about life, and thank You for not casting us away when we sin, but rather, teaching us what to do, and what not to do. Your ways are right and true. May we walk in them this day, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE - FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT THE FEAR OF THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE - FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT THE FEAR OF THE LORD"
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These verses are of course from God's book of Wisdom for living. The Proverbs. And in these two verses, there are 4 wonderful truths about what the fear is, and the blessings of walking in the fear of the Lord.
1. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. Or to say it another way, those who walk in the fear of the LORD are secure. We live in a world filled with an enemy. The devil, and his demons. They are against the Lord, the people who know and follow the Lord. When we walk in respect and reverence, awe and submission to God's will, we find ourselves with a strong confidence day by day, and we are secure.
Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
2. And, His children will have a place of refuge. This verse is telling us that God is that place of refuge. God Himself is our refuge. A place of safety from danger. Psalm 142:5 Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Isaiah 25:4 But to the poor, O LORD, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,
3. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. Here is another benefit that comes from the fear of the Lord. What a beautiful word picture this is for us. A fountain of life. God meets the thirsts in our lives as we walk in the fear of the Lord. He quenches our thirst. Being satisfied when thirsty is so comforting. Psalm 36:9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
4. The fear of the LORD will turn one away from the snares of death. When a person walks in, and lives in the fear of the Lord, one of the primary effects and benefits is, that person will be turned away from the snares of death. Snares are traps that catch a person into sin. One can't see them. But, when one is looking up to God in worship, He is the light that shines to the safe path of life. In other words, the fear of the Lord offers escape from the snares of death.
Some questions:
1. Do you believe at this time in your life, You are finding God to be that place of refuge and shelter?
2. If so, would You take just a moment to say "Thank You Lord for Your protection in my life.
3. How would you describe to someone what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord? Is that something you feel comfortable with, and believe you understand what it means?
4. The fear of the Lord keeps us from the snares of death. Can you think of times you have felt ensnared by death and sin? What a joy to realize that God Himself will keep you from those snares as You walk in the fear of the Lord.
A prayer:
Father, Your Book of Wisdom, the Book of Proverbs is always a blessing to read. Thank You for showing us how to live on a practical day to day basis. You address almost every area of life in these 31 chapters. Please give us that hunger to take Your Word, read it, study it, believe it, and put it into practice. Again, thank You Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These verses are of course from God's book of Wisdom for living. The Proverbs. And in these two verses, there are 4 wonderful truths about what the fear is, and the blessings of walking in the fear of the Lord.
1. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. Or to say it another way, those who walk in the fear of the LORD are secure. We live in a world filled with an enemy. The devil, and his demons. They are against the Lord, the people who know and follow the Lord. When we walk in respect and reverence, awe and submission to God's will, we find ourselves with a strong confidence day by day, and we are secure.
Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
2. And, His children will have a place of refuge. This verse is telling us that God is that place of refuge. God Himself is our refuge. A place of safety from danger. Psalm 142:5 Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Isaiah 25:4 But to the poor, O LORD, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,
3. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. Here is another benefit that comes from the fear of the Lord. What a beautiful word picture this is for us. A fountain of life. God meets the thirsts in our lives as we walk in the fear of the Lord. He quenches our thirst. Being satisfied when thirsty is so comforting. Psalm 36:9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
4. The fear of the LORD will turn one away from the snares of death. When a person walks in, and lives in the fear of the Lord, one of the primary effects and benefits is, that person will be turned away from the snares of death. Snares are traps that catch a person into sin. One can't see them. But, when one is looking up to God in worship, He is the light that shines to the safe path of life. In other words, the fear of the Lord offers escape from the snares of death.
Some questions:
1. Do you believe at this time in your life, You are finding God to be that place of refuge and shelter?
2. If so, would You take just a moment to say "Thank You Lord for Your protection in my life.
3. How would you describe to someone what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord? Is that something you feel comfortable with, and believe you understand what it means?
4. The fear of the Lord keeps us from the snares of death. Can you think of times you have felt ensnared by death and sin? What a joy to realize that God Himself will keep you from those snares as You walk in the fear of the Lord.
A prayer:
Father, Your Book of Wisdom, the Book of Proverbs is always a blessing to read. Thank You for showing us how to live on a practical day to day basis. You address almost every area of life in these 31 chapters. Please give us that hunger to take Your Word, read it, study it, believe it, and put it into practice. Again, thank You Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, May 5, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD"
John 4:31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
The above verses were spoken by Jesus following a conversation that He had with a woman of Samaria. And, then a talk He had with His own disciples. The disciples were urging Jesus to have something to eat. And, that led into what He said to them about the will of God. Let's see what our Lord said.
1. Jesus said He had food to eat that they did not know of or about. John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” As we are going to see, He was talking about the will of God being the food for His soul.
The disciples were wondering if someone had brought Him some food. John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” They just like us did not easily understand many things that Jesus said. But the passage reveals it to us in terms we can understand. Let's see what Jesus meant.
(1) Jesus called His food, "to do the will of Him who sent me.
(2) Jesus called His food "and to finish His work"
(3) Jesus said, not to think that the harvest of mens souls was off in the distance, but rather it was right now.
2. Of course Jesus ate real food just like we do. And, He received nourishment and strength from eating just like we do, but here He is speaking of spiritual nourishment. And, He was speaking of spiritual hunger. He was nourished by doing God's Will. And, so are we. He was hungry for God's will. And, God would have us to have that same hunger.
3. Jesus wanted to not only do the will of God, but He wanted to finish the will of God for His life. And, in this context, He was referencing going to the cross to die for our sins. He was hungry to do that. He wanted to do that. He loves us so much.
4. Jesus was also explaining that men's souls were ready now to be harvested. There was no need to wait. No time to waste as it were. People need salvation now. And, He wanted His disciples to have a sense of urgency and mission.
Some questions:
1. How often do you think about God's will for your life?
2. Are you confident and truly believing He does have a will for you?
3. Would You today ask Him to begin/or continue revealing His will for your life.?
4. Are you hungry like Jesus was for God's will to be done in your life?
5. Will You today, thank the Lord that He does have a will for you?
6. Will you today, do whatever it is that God is calling you to do?
A prayer:
Father, we never, ever tire of Your wonderful Word. It is so refreshing, and so timely for us. We love You, and Lord Jesus, how can we ever thank You for what You have done for us. Will You please make us like Jesus. Will You put in us a hunger for and an urgency to do Your will. There are countless people all around us who need salvation, and encouragement. Use us we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
John 4:31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
The above verses were spoken by Jesus following a conversation that He had with a woman of Samaria. And, then a talk He had with His own disciples. The disciples were urging Jesus to have something to eat. And, that led into what He said to them about the will of God. Let's see what our Lord said.
1. Jesus said He had food to eat that they did not know of or about. John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” As we are going to see, He was talking about the will of God being the food for His soul.
The disciples were wondering if someone had brought Him some food. John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” They just like us did not easily understand many things that Jesus said. But the passage reveals it to us in terms we can understand. Let's see what Jesus meant.
(1) Jesus called His food, "to do the will of Him who sent me.
(2) Jesus called His food "and to finish His work"
(3) Jesus said, not to think that the harvest of mens souls was off in the distance, but rather it was right now.
2. Of course Jesus ate real food just like we do. And, He received nourishment and strength from eating just like we do, but here He is speaking of spiritual nourishment. And, He was speaking of spiritual hunger. He was nourished by doing God's Will. And, so are we. He was hungry for God's will. And, God would have us to have that same hunger.
3. Jesus wanted to not only do the will of God, but He wanted to finish the will of God for His life. And, in this context, He was referencing going to the cross to die for our sins. He was hungry to do that. He wanted to do that. He loves us so much.
4. Jesus was also explaining that men's souls were ready now to be harvested. There was no need to wait. No time to waste as it were. People need salvation now. And, He wanted His disciples to have a sense of urgency and mission.
Some questions:
1. How often do you think about God's will for your life?
2. Are you confident and truly believing He does have a will for you?
3. Would You today ask Him to begin/or continue revealing His will for your life.?
4. Are you hungry like Jesus was for God's will to be done in your life?
5. Will You today, thank the Lord that He does have a will for you?
6. Will you today, do whatever it is that God is calling you to do?
A prayer:
Father, we never, ever tire of Your wonderful Word. It is so refreshing, and so timely for us. We love You, and Lord Jesus, how can we ever thank You for what You have done for us. Will You please make us like Jesus. Will You put in us a hunger for and an urgency to do Your will. There are countless people all around us who need salvation, and encouragement. Use us we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD DEALS WITH OUR SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD DEALS WITH OUR SINS"
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
Psalm 103: 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Some Explanatory thoughts/Application/Question, and a Prayer:
The Scriptures above are taken from the from the New Living Translation. And, this particular Psalm, is a magnificent hymn of praises, ( believed to be written by King David ) in which he speaks of God's personal, and national blessing, and about His forgiving love, and His eternal love.
1. God has not given us what we deserve.
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
The Lord not giving us what we deserve, is also called mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve for our sins.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve for our sins. God has been, and is merciful towards us.
And, His mercies are new every morning, and they are everlasting.
2. God loves us with an unfailing love. Psalm 103: 11a For his unfailing love toward those who fear him'
How wonderful, that His love is unfailing. God is love, and, He never fails to love us. He cannot but love us, because God is love. And, nothing can separate us from His love. See Rom 8
4. God's love for those who fear Him is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 11b as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
This helps us to somewhat understand the greatness of His loves. It's as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Today, just take a look up during the day time, and then when it turns night. It will help you to see this verse in action. What you will see is a measurement of how great His love is for you.
5. God has removed our sins and rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
How beautiful is the word removed. It means, to become far, distant, go far away. To send away, to be gone far away. To put far away. And, how far is the east from the west? We can't measure it. It's limitless.
That's how far our sins have been removed, they are gone.
6. God is father, treats us as His children with tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Our God is also our Father. He has adopted us into His family. And, though some may not have had good fathers here on earth, please be comforted in knowing that Your heavenly Father treats you with tender compassion.
He knows we are weak, and He treats us accordingly.
A question or two:
1. Would you take a moment to reflect on God's forgiveness and thank Him for it today?
2. Do you still think about the sins you have committed, but, please try and realize that God has removed them, and as far as He is concerned they are gone, gone, gone. Forever, and ever.
3. Do you need something right now in your life? Would you please ask God for it today. He is Your father, and He knows Your needs, and wants to minister to those needs.
A prayer:
Father, these scriptures bring our hearts such comfort, and the elicit great praise to You. Thank You for who You are, and for what You have done for us. Please help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to share the good news of what You will do with a persons sins who would come to Christ in faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
Psalm 103: 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Some Explanatory thoughts/Application/Question, and a Prayer:
The Scriptures above are taken from the from the New Living Translation. And, this particular Psalm, is a magnificent hymn of praises, ( believed to be written by King David ) in which he speaks of God's personal, and national blessing, and about His forgiving love, and His eternal love.
1. God has not given us what we deserve.
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
The Lord not giving us what we deserve, is also called mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve for our sins.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve for our sins. God has been, and is merciful towards us.
And, His mercies are new every morning, and they are everlasting.
2. God loves us with an unfailing love. Psalm 103: 11a For his unfailing love toward those who fear him'
How wonderful, that His love is unfailing. God is love, and, He never fails to love us. He cannot but love us, because God is love. And, nothing can separate us from His love. See Rom 8
4. God's love for those who fear Him is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 11b as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
This helps us to somewhat understand the greatness of His loves. It's as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Today, just take a look up during the day time, and then when it turns night. It will help you to see this verse in action. What you will see is a measurement of how great His love is for you.
5. God has removed our sins and rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
How beautiful is the word removed. It means, to become far, distant, go far away. To send away, to be gone far away. To put far away. And, how far is the east from the west? We can't measure it. It's limitless.
That's how far our sins have been removed, they are gone.
6. God is father, treats us as His children with tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Our God is also our Father. He has adopted us into His family. And, though some may not have had good fathers here on earth, please be comforted in knowing that Your heavenly Father treats you with tender compassion.
He knows we are weak, and He treats us accordingly.
A question or two:
1. Would you take a moment to reflect on God's forgiveness and thank Him for it today?
2. Do you still think about the sins you have committed, but, please try and realize that God has removed them, and as far as He is concerned they are gone, gone, gone. Forever, and ever.
3. Do you need something right now in your life? Would you please ask God for it today. He is Your father, and He knows Your needs, and wants to minister to those needs.
A prayer:
Father, these scriptures bring our hearts such comfort, and the elicit great praise to You. Thank You for who You are, and for what You have done for us. Please help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to share the good news of what You will do with a persons sins who would come to Christ in faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, May 2, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
This verse is right out of the first part of the Gospel of John. And, it deals with the very most important problem we have in this world, SIN. And, it deals with how God has dealt with this problem of SIN.
1. God can and will use you ( Just make yourself available to Him ) just like He used John the Baptist to point others to Christ, so that He can help them with their sin.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
2. God takes away our sins through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Our sins have been placed upon Jesus Christ, and He died in our place, paying the full payment for our sins, which is physical and spiritual death, or separation from God. God has provided the answer to our sins, it's called forgiveness. Please notice what it says Jesus does. "Who takes away the sin of the world"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
4. Seven truths about the Forgiveness of your sins as a believer in Jesus Christ.
(1) God forgives you of your sins.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
(2) Forgiveness belongs to God.
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
(3) God gives repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(4) God wants you to know about His forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
(5) God wants you to by faith receive the forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
(6) We have forgiveness of our sins through Christ's blood being shed for us.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
(7) We also have been redeemed or purchased by God through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ into this world to die on the cross for our sins. What a price You payed for our sins. We thank You now, and will thank You forever and forever. Someday, we will see You Father, and You Jesus face to face. We will at that time be able to tell you both in person, how much we appreciate the true fact, that our sins have been forgiven. We do not have to suffer the consequences of our sins. You have suffered in our place. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
This verse is right out of the first part of the Gospel of John. And, it deals with the very most important problem we have in this world, SIN. And, it deals with how God has dealt with this problem of SIN.
1. God can and will use you ( Just make yourself available to Him ) just like He used John the Baptist to point others to Christ, so that He can help them with their sin.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
2. God takes away our sins through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Our sins have been placed upon Jesus Christ, and He died in our place, paying the full payment for our sins, which is physical and spiritual death, or separation from God. God has provided the answer to our sins, it's called forgiveness. Please notice what it says Jesus does. "Who takes away the sin of the world"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
4. Seven truths about the Forgiveness of your sins as a believer in Jesus Christ.
(1) God forgives you of your sins.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
(2) Forgiveness belongs to God.
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
(3) God gives repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(4) God wants you to know about His forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
(5) God wants you to by faith receive the forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
(6) We have forgiveness of our sins through Christ's blood being shed for us.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
(7) We also have been redeemed or purchased by God through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ into this world to die on the cross for our sins. What a price You payed for our sins. We thank You now, and will thank You forever and forever. Someday, we will see You Father, and You Jesus face to face. We will at that time be able to tell you both in person, how much we appreciate the true fact, that our sins have been forgiven. We do not have to suffer the consequences of our sins. You have suffered in our place. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE"
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
The apostle John is giving us a brief, but very comprehensive understanding of what God has done in the lives of those who have responded to His love and grace in Jesus Christ. Let's look at these blessings in detail.
1. "But as many"John 1:12a But as many as received Him. Please notice, that we are told that "as many" this would include each and every person who has come to faith. It includes you if you have come to faith. You are one of the many.
2. "But as many as received Him." John 12:12b. This is another way of saying "repent and believe in Jesus Christ"
The word received, means, to take, to have, to catch. To take to oneself. To receive what is offered. So, received means, to have believed in, and to have accepted Jesus Christ.
3. "To them He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12c For each and every person who has believed in, and accepted Jesus Christ, God has then given them the right, or He has entrusted You to become one of His own children. You are now a child of God. Just as much as any other believer in Jesus Christ.
4. "Who were born etc" John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This means that you have been reborn, or born again, born anew, born afresh, spiritually reborn. And, please notice that this new birth you have has nothing to do with what any human being has done, but rather, your rebirth comes directly from God. How wonderful. All praise and honor belongs to and goes to God Himself for what He has given to those who believe.
5. In summary. God has sent His Son to save those who would believe in Him. And, for those who have believed in Him, God has made them His children. They are born again, and this new birth not a physical birth caused by man, but rather, it's a spiritual rebirth caused by God alone.
A prayer:
Father, and indeed how appropriate to call You Father. For You have made us who have believed Your children.
We are now in Your family. And, You have made us heirs of God. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This life here, this physical temporary life, is just that, temporary. But, You have united us with Yourself, and we will dwell with You forever, and forever. What a glorious future we have as Your children. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace towards us Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
The apostle John is giving us a brief, but very comprehensive understanding of what God has done in the lives of those who have responded to His love and grace in Jesus Christ. Let's look at these blessings in detail.
1. "But as many"John 1:12a But as many as received Him. Please notice, that we are told that "as many" this would include each and every person who has come to faith. It includes you if you have come to faith. You are one of the many.
2. "But as many as received Him." John 12:12b. This is another way of saying "repent and believe in Jesus Christ"
The word received, means, to take, to have, to catch. To take to oneself. To receive what is offered. So, received means, to have believed in, and to have accepted Jesus Christ.
3. "To them He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12c For each and every person who has believed in, and accepted Jesus Christ, God has then given them the right, or He has entrusted You to become one of His own children. You are now a child of God. Just as much as any other believer in Jesus Christ.
4. "Who were born etc" John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This means that you have been reborn, or born again, born anew, born afresh, spiritually reborn. And, please notice that this new birth you have has nothing to do with what any human being has done, but rather, your rebirth comes directly from God. How wonderful. All praise and honor belongs to and goes to God Himself for what He has given to those who believe.
5. In summary. God has sent His Son to save those who would believe in Him. And, for those who have believed in Him, God has made them His children. They are born again, and this new birth not a physical birth caused by man, but rather, it's a spiritual rebirth caused by God alone.
A prayer:
Father, and indeed how appropriate to call You Father. For You have made us who have believed Your children.
We are now in Your family. And, You have made us heirs of God. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This life here, this physical temporary life, is just that, temporary. But, You have united us with Yourself, and we will dwell with You forever, and forever. What a glorious future we have as Your children. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace towards us Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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