October 2019
Happy Harvest! What a blessing to hear from you who are touched by the transformation of my life. You can be involved by sharing the site with friends and family. Jesus said,
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” 1
An Encouraging Response…
Keith wrote, “I just wanted to say how encouraged I was to read your website.
“Some days I just don’t understand how God can forgive me for my sins. I haven’t done anything that would lead me to be arrested, but it’s still a struggle, which is why I’m writing to you.
“You seem at peace and sure of your salvation. I was hoping to hear you share how that revelation came about for you. I know most biblical writers like David, Moses, and Paul/Saul killed men, and obviously, they are with Jesus in heaven. I don’t cave into lustful thoughts, but I still sin.
“Sometimes I go weeks without praying or reading Scripture. I occupy myself with stupid TV shows or something else not biblically minded for weeks at a time or skipping church to be at the beach or the pool. But reading some pages on your site encouraged me, and I pray this letter finds you well, and you are still firm in your faith.
“Maybe we can encourage each other in this fallen and broken world. I’m sure you have a lot of letters, and you might not write back. But if you read this, I pray the peace of Christ stays with you, and it [peace] lands stronger on me. God bless you brother Charles, Keith, NJ.”
A Prime Example…
As Keith alluded to in his letter, the apostle Paul proclaimed, “…that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 2 Before encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus as Saul, he “…was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” 3 But after receiving Christ, Paul testified:
“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 4
Like Paul, the revelation of God’s mercy empowers the worst sinners to be prime examples of God’s great patience with us. Though we struggle with sin, His love and grace “…will cover a multitude of sin.” 5 Others will realize that they also can believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 6
Struggling with Sin…
I find those who struggle with sin lack faith in the revelation of God’s love, grace and righteousness, hence the reason for no peace and joy. Listen, “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is [love, grace, righteousness, peace and joy], and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 7
We are to “diligently seek” to know God’s love and grace, which is the secret to victorious Christian living. To do this, I developed “The Christian’s Toolbox”, which I believe will help build your faith in God’s Word. This brochure can be placed in your Bible for an easy refresher course for seeking God. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” 8
Surety of Your Salvation…
Keith spoke of me having peace and surety of my salvation. You too will see your guarantee of the Kingdom of God as you bathe yourself in God’s Word of righteousness through faith in the finished works of Jesus Christ. In Paul’s epistle to Titus, he wrote:
“…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” 9
Our surety of salvation comes as we hear the Word of God, which increases our faith. In Paul’s epistle to Titus, he continues by saying, “…that having been justified [made righteous or right with God] by His grace we should be come heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” 10 If you are still reading this view, I pray in agreement with Keith, as he prayed for me, for you to be “…firm in your faith.”
A Prayer for You…
Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins and saving me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. I rejoice that Your resurrection from the dead shows Your complete victory over sin and death – making me holy and acceptable in God’s sight. Thank You for providing the way for me to have a relationship with my heavenly Father and eternal life. Thank You for hearing my prayers and sending Your Holy Spirit to heal me in areas where I have been wounded and my emotions have been damaged. Thanks for the strength and wisdom to walk in the center of Your will now and forevermore. In Your holy and precious name I pray, Lord Jesus, Amen.
Scripture References (NKJV):
1) Matt. 9:37,38 NLT
2) 1 Tim. 1:15
3) Acts 9:1 NLT
4) 1 Tim. 1:16 NLT
5) 1 Pet. 4:8
6) Rom. 6:23
7) Heb. 11:6
8) Matt. 6:33, NLT
9) Tit. 3:5
10) Tit. 3:6