Much has been written previously on this blog about waiting - specifically waiting on God before we act and waiting for His will and His direction. Following is a 29 minute sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs titled, "Are You Waiting?"
In this sermon, Pastor Hibbs tells us, "Our past is in the past. Our past has been erased by Jesus on the Cross. Jesus sets you free from your past. You are no longer who you were before being saved." Encouraging words for the new believer as well as those who may begin to question their salvation for whatever reasons.
If anyone tries to criticize you because of your past sins, take heart because the Bible tells us that once you are saved, truly born again,
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
It does not mean you will be perfect as Jesus was the only perfect person to walk on this earth. None of us will reach perfection until we find ourselves in glory with the Lord. But you will have a new relationship with God and Jesus, and sanctification can take time; some of us are "slower" than others. The evidence of your faith and conversion is if you display the fruit of the spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23, which follows:
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Take note also of the works of the flesh at Galatians 5:19-21 .
Also, once you are truly saved, you can rest in the promises of God and Jesus to always be with you. One thing to remember is found at Romans 8:1, which follows:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
So take heart, those of you who need encouragement!
Someone has said, "Being a Christian does not make you sinless; but it makes you sin.....less."
If anyone tries to criticize you because of your past sins, take heart because the Bible tells us that once you are saved, truly born again,
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
It does not mean you will be perfect as Jesus was the only perfect person to walk on this earth. None of us will reach perfection until we find ourselves in glory with the Lord. But you will have a new relationship with God and Jesus, and sanctification can take time; some of us are "slower" than others. The evidence of your faith and conversion is if you display the fruit of the spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23, which follows:
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Take note also of the works of the flesh at Galatians 5:19-21 .
Also, once you are truly saved, you can rest in the promises of God and Jesus to always be with you. One thing to remember is found at Romans 8:1, which follows:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
So take heart, those of you who need encouragement!
Someone has said, "Being a Christian does not make you sinless; but it makes you sin.....less."
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:31
Nehemiah 8:10 b tells us, "... For the joy of the LORD is your strength."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
Hebrews 13:5 b says, "For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Following is a wonderful hymn that many of you may be familiar with:
Remember, we are here to glorify God and we can do that by living as godly a life as we possibly can and by obeying Him and putting Him and Jesus first in our lives.
In order to do that, we need to spend time in fellowship with the good Lord. In order to have a relationship with anyone, we need to converse with them frequently and spend much time with them. That way we get to know them better. The same is true for the LORD. We need to read His Word daily, and pray frequently throughout the day. That way you learn of His love and tender mercies and His attributes, and you will draw closer to Him as a result. You will have a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with Him, and He desires that from you.
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. " - James 4:8
Romans 10:9.10.13 tells us (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10)For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend..... and life!
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