I had spent much time preparing for this post, but last night while laying in bed and praying, I felt led to focus on different Scriptures and a different topic. So, with the good Lord's help (as always) here goes !
Believe me, without praying in advance for the Holy Spirit's guidance, these blog posts would not be possible! Jesus tells us at John 15:5 = "I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing."
That is something the world in general does not even understand; meaning people who are not spiritually minded and who concern themselves only with the material and secular view of life in this mixed up world. They may think that Christians who devote their time and thoughts on the good Lord and His will are fanatics or just crazy. But what matters is What God and Jesus think! How the good Lord views a person; not how the world judges a person.
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance; but the LORD looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
The sermon following is from the Bible book of Lamentations. But before that, here is a brief 7 minute very informative overview of Lamentations:
Before the sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, let us consider Lamentations 3:21-24 :
"This I recall in my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."
What encouraging words for us today in this modern, topsy-turvy world ! Pastor Smith, who passed away in 2013, was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches. His 29 minute sermon is based on Lamentations 3:21-24.
God is a promise keeper! Pastor Smith, in the above video, tells us: "God will keep His promises to you - it all depends on where you stand with God."
Remember the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"? It ties in with Pastor Chuck's sermon above and I felt it needed to be included here for you. Enjoy !
In the sermon here by Pastor Smith, he tells us (1) "It is good to be on God's side" - and (2) "Hope in God and wait for His salvation."
Many people today realize things are just in a turmoil in this world (and that is an understatement!) They see no way out - like no relief is ever going to be possible. The Bible prophesied about our day! We are in the end of this dispensation- the end of the Church age! Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning occurances proving these are now the end times !
Jesus tells us at Luke 21:25-26 : "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
But then pay attention to what Luke 21:27 and 28 tells us ! "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."
True believers in the good Lord realize all this chaos and upheaval occuring today is proof that Jesus' return will be very soon to rapture His Bride (The Church, true followers of Christ).
Will you be Rapture Ready?
Jesus loves you, and He is waiting to hear from you!
When you put your faith in Him and believe with all of your very soul - all of your very being- that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean from your sins because He paid your sin debt in full by His ransom death -- He died in your place and took on your sins so that you may have eternal life if you but believe in Him as the Redeemer- Just BELIEVE!!
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." - Romans 5:9
However, you do need to repent of your sins in all sincerity, as well as pray with all of your heart and soul for forgiveness ! At Matthew 4:17 it tells us: "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
This world is dying! In Jesus, we LIVE!
When you run to Jesus in faith, He will welcome you with open arms and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!
Following are some "Salvation Scriptures" for those who may not yet have believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior. Also, the following verses are good for you who are already Christians to share with unbelieving relatives or friends to help bring them to salvation. We are only vessels - we do NOT save anyone - but we share the Gospel with others and God's Holy Spirit saves them !
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) - 2 Corinthians 6:2
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
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