March 2020
Welcome! I quote John 3:16 often, where Jesus tells us how much God loves the world, but how about verse 17, where He tells us that he didn’t come to judge us. If anyone deserves His judgment, it is me, but listen to His words.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” 1
Praise Reports…
So let us praise the Lord that he gave us this wonderful salvation, taking our judgment upon Himself. Trish writes,
“I thought I would write you and express my gratitude for what you do and how you have changed your life. You give so many people hope that no matter what happens in life; with God there is always forgiveness and salvation. You are doing amazing things with the ministry, and I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Also, I would like to receive one of your ministry brochures. Thank you in advance. Have a great day! Trish, OH”
“Hello, I wanted to ask you how you were able to be a born-again Christian after everything you went through. Sometimes we go through very hard things, and we lose faith and step away from God, but you were able to get closer to God and also have the motivation and courage to spread God’s love to people. I have recently lost my faith, but if someone like you who has gone through so much and still managed to get close to God, then maybe I can too! I hope you get a chance to read this. I’m very glad you were able to turn your life around and help others. I hope you are doing okay. Have a great day! Paloma, OK”
“I’m a 26-year-old pharmacy technician. Of course, I found out who you are from the Manson crimes, but I’m writing because I truly believe you have redeemed yourself, so I want to learn about you as you are now. I just went to the F.A.Q.s on your site, and it’s definitely good to see that you’ve changed so much. Everyone makes mistakes, but you have learned from yours, and that is what matters most. I’m sure all the people you surround yourself with now are all going to benefit from the positivity you give. I’d love to hear back from you. Mark, U.S.A.”
The Goodness of God…
These reports speak of God’s goodness and grace in my time of past ungodliness. God’s grace and forgiveness were the only things that made me really want to change. “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” 2
It may surprise you, but men of old such as Abraham and David were very ungodly men, but Abraham was called a friend of God, 3 and David was a man after God’s own heart. 4 Both of these men were made right with God by looking forward to Christ’s payment for sin. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness,” 5 and David described His blessedness this way, singing:
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” 6
I’m Blessed and You are Too…
Paloma said, “I have recently lost my faith, but if someone like you who has gone through so much and still managed to get close to God, then maybe I can too!” She’s right,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 7
Let’s not stop there, the Apostle Paul went on to say, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 8
Be Reconciled to God…
Webster’s definition of reconcile is to cause to be friendly again; to bring to acceptance; accord; harmonize and attune. Through Christ, God made us His friend, gave us acceptance, brought us into one accord, so we could harmonize and be in tune with Him.
It’s called the Great Exchange: He took our sin, death and sickness upon Himself and gave us His righteousness, live and healing, plus He exchanged the feelings of fear and rejection for love and acceptance in the Beloved, Jesus Christ.
Let’s be frank; this ministry is not about me, to glorify my past, nor a religious work for salvation. It’s all about God’s grace and Jesus’ finished works at the cross, His payment for our sin, His resurrected life, and Him sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate and transform our lives for a vibrant relationship with God.
“For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 9
Choosing to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior and Righteousness is the most important decision you’ll ever make! Plus, as His child, your loving heavenly Father wants to give you the supernatural power you need to live this new life.
A Prayer for You…
“Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord, Savior and Righteousness. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. By faith in Your Word of reconciliation, I receive salvation [healing and deliverance] now. Thank You for saving me!”
“Father, I recognize my need for Your power to live this new life. Please fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. By faith, I receive Your power right now in Jesus’ name. Thank You for baptizing me. Holy Spirit, you are welcome in my life. Amen!”
Scripture References (NKJV):
1) John 3:17
2) Rom. 2:4
3) James 2:23
4) 1 Sam. 13:14
5) Rom. 4:3
6) Rom. 4:7,8
7) 2 Cor. 5:17
8) 2 Cor. 5:18-20
9) 2 Cor. 5:21