What I’m starting to realize more and more: It seems really, really hard to work your way to God.
I mean there is just so much we have to do…go to church, not cuss, not to mention just straight up be perfect.
Doesn’t that sound stressful? Especially the being perfect part. It seems impossible to work our way to God….
That’s because it is.
Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities [sins] have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
But Romans 5:20 says, “…But where sin increased, grace increased all the more…”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9ESV
Trying to work out way to God will not work.
Your salvation is never based on what you do, but who you believe. Jesus Christ.
(I just realized I've still been trying to work my way to God...thank you God for opening my eyes to the Truth again :))
Questions-&-Answers:
·How has trying to work your way to God turned out badly?
·Believing that we’re saved by faith alone, how does that make you feel about God?
·What would you like to tell God right now, in regards to salvation? Go ahead, tell Him :)
Did you know that Saint Peter denied Christ? All while Jesus was being beaten…
Then some began to spit at [Jesus]; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don't know or understand what you're talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, “I don't know this man you're talking about.”
Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:65-72
I see that there are two types of denial: uncomfortable and comfortable.
Uncomfortable denial is what Peter was in. Peter was literally walking, following Jesus through the temple, looking for him and watching him. Yet the uncomfortable pressure got to him and he denied knowing Christ.
Uncomfortable denial: showing you follow Jesus with your actions, but denying him with your mouth.
Comfortable denial is the opposite of uncomfortable denial. Comfortable denial comes up when we are in comfortable, easy-going situations in life. It’s when everything is fine.
Comfortable denial: saying you follow Jesus with your mouth, but denying him with your actions.
Quick question: Who do you lean more toward being? The uncomfortable or comfortable denial-er?
Would you like to know something amazing? Christ knew Peter would deny him…yet still, before it all Jesus told him – “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it...”Matthew 16:18. Jesus was telling Peter that he was going to be the starter of the whole Christian church.
This is the point: Even though I fail & even though you fail, God is here reaching out to us. He wants to forgive us through Jesus Christ and beautifully use our lives to show His Love to the world. See and do what the Apostle Paul said: “…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:13) Make Jesus the LORD of your life and be forgiven! Then push forward for God’s Kingdom!
Questions:
1)How have you denied Christ in the past? Remember, both words and actions can be forms of denial.
2)Have you prayed for forgiveness? This needs to be something from your heart, not just mouth.
3)What are you going to do with your past? Turn your sorrow from that denial into an amazing, forceful passion and zeal for God and His Kingdom! Spreading the Love of Jesus!
Hey everyone! If you are here for Easter, awesome! This Easter, I am going to redirect you to my home church's, LifeChurch.tv, live online Easter service!
Here is the link. Below are the live experience times! This is one powerful message from God, so be sure to invite other friends to watch it with you by clicking on "Invite!"
He is risen...he is risen indeed!
Note: These times are CDT (Central Daylight Time). I have supplied a CDT clock below.
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