No Condemnation

This blog is based on a sermon from LifePoint Church, Chicopee, Mass on January 8,2023. The Holy Spirit of God stirred my heart when I heard this message. I have added some of my own thoughts.

The sermon was taken from Romans chapter eight in the Bible. Pastor Kevin talked about our struggle. We all struggle with something. We are all sinners. Adam and Eve struggled. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Esau struggled. David struggled. The great apostles Peter and Paul struggled.

…”There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

If you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you are in Christ Jesus. You are free from the judgement of God.

1. The Spirit of Life gives us freedom from defeat, and gives us life, and peace.

2. The greatest way to change our emotions is to let the Holy Spirit of God change the way we think.

3. The Spirit of God gives is freedom from discouragement. The struggle is real. God is changing you. He is making you like Jesus. JesusJesusJ

And we know that all things work together for good, to those that love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

In all these things we are mire than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:37

First, if you have never repented of your sin and trusted in Jesus, do not let another day go by before asking Him to forgive you, believing He died on the cross because He loves you and He paid for your sins and asking Him to be your Lord and Savior.

Second, if you are already a child of God read Romans chapter wight and then go back and read this blog again. Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how to apply His Word to your life in a practical way.

You are not a loser. You are nit hopeless. It is never too late to change. You are no better nor no worse than anyone else- we all struggle and we need the Holy Spirit to give us victory.

Dear Father,

Please may these words be a blessing to someone and draw them closer to you today. Please give me victory over the things I am struggling with. Help me to not only listen to your Word and read your Word. Please show me how to apply this Scripture to my own life today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

[My WordPress app is acting up and would not allow me to type any of my own thoughts after Pastor Kevin’s three points. I apologize for this. Also I do not pay for ad free content so any ads you see are not endorsed or approved by me].

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THE GOD OF THE WAY

I don’t often do a book review, but I am doing an interesting Bible study with a study Bible, study guide, book and video. The name of the Bible study is “The God of the Way.” It was written by Kathy Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel. In my 45 years as a believer in Jesus Christ, I have never done a Bible study like this before. The study Bible, titled “Cultural Background Study Bible” is fascinating but it is sold out.

Here are a few things written on the back cover of the book.

“The God of the How and When: When you don’t know the details… God does.”

“The God of His Word: When you can’t see God… trust His heart.”

“The God Who Sees: When you feel abandoned and forgotten… God knows and cares about you.” (Google Youtube and listen to the God Who Sees song.)

“The God of the Other Side: When you feel overwhelmed and unworthy… God never passes by but crosses over and brings freedom.”

Today we took an in depth look of the where: Canaan- modern day Israel- the original site of the garden of Eden. God wanted to restore the land lost by the fall of Adam and Eve- the promised land for the children of Israel.

Everything God did in the ancient days, throughout the Bible and today is strategic. God always has a purpose . “Either God is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.” Kathy Lee Gifford.

We also looked at the life of Abraham today. God tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his only son on the alter.

“Sojourning faith means being willing to put everything on the alter because we trust God to provide. Genuine faith always trusts God to provide. But how was it possible for Abraham to have this kind of trust? He understood that:

1. God loved him more than Abraham loved himself.

2. God knew what was best for him, better than he did; and

3. God is good and faithful to all his promises.

What about you? Who or what is the dearest thing to your heart? Who or what is the person or thing you love most in your heart? What is your biggest hurt, habit or hangup in this life? Are you willing to give he, she, them or it to Jesus?

For me it is my children and grandchildren. I have not seen all but one of my four children in years. My daughters have not spoken to me in seven years. My granddaughter was seven when I last saw her- she is now fourteen. I have to give them to Jesus every day and on many days I give them over and over to God throughout the day.

Do you know Jesus? Do you know how much He loves you? He died on a cross to pay for all of your sins. If you repent of your sins, put your faith in Jesus and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior you are adopted into the family of God, reconciled to God, forgiven and you receive eternal life. Wont you repent, believe and receive Jesus today?

“Abraham looked up and there in the thicket he saw a ram caught by it’s horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. “ Genesis 22:13-14

Dear Father,

Please bless the reader of this blog. Meet their deepest need today. Draw them close to You, the God of power, wisdom, love, guidance, mercy, comfort and healing. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

EXTREMES IN AMERICA

MOSES

Moses led the people through the Red Sea onto dry ground. When he went up to Mount Sanai he was gone a long time. The people made a giant golden calf and worshipped it. Moses in his fury smashed the Ten Commandments and had to get another set. He led them to the promised land. They conquered towns and cities and divided the land among them.

DAVID, SOLOMON

When David killed Goliath he (years later) became the King of Israel . He loved and served the Lord and God blessed Israel. When his son Solomon became King all he asked God was for wisdom. God blessed him- he was the richest man in the world and his kingdom was vast. But he turned from God to serve idols. The sins of Israel and Judah became extreme. Not only did they burn incense to these pagan gods they offered their own children as human sacrifices to these gods. [The end of my five minutes- you may choose to stop reading here.].

THE RESULT OF EXTREME WICKEDNESS

The result was the walls of Israel were broken down, the temple was destroyed and everything in it was taken, the people were taken captive, people died by the sword and they died by famine because of their extreme wickedness. Sodom and Gomorrah were filled with homosexuality and extreme immorality and God totally destroyed those cities with fire and brimstone. Noah was a just man but because of the extreme sinfulness of the people God destroyed the earth with a flood.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The United States of America was once a great nation. We were founded on Christian principales and for hundreds of years we were a Christian nation. People went to church on Sunday. People prayed before they ate a meal. Men were men and women were women. Marriages were between a man and a woman. And women did not have the right to murder innocent babies in their womb.

IN MICHIGAN

In Michigan Gretchen Whitmore had numerous television ads promoting human rights- her body her choice. Now in the Michigan State Constitution women can kill their babies right until childbirth. People will be coming here from other states to kill their babies. Millions of innocent babies will die. At six weeks old they have a heart, and soon after lungs, brains, bones, muscles, arms and legs, fingers and toes. They have nerves. They are real babies. What extreme wickedness! What an abomination before God! How could any Christian vote for a Democrat who clearly represented the right to kill their unborn babies?

I believe God’s judgement is coming on our nation. Right now food prices are extremely high. Gas prices are extremely high. Things are going to get much worse. Repent, Americans, get on your knees and pray for America. This country represents extreme wickedness before a holy and righteous God Almighty.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

CHRISTIANS: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Dear God,

Please have mercy on this extremely wicked nation. There are still people in this country who love you and worship you but we as Christians are not speaking up and speaking out against the wickedness of this nation. Help us Lord. Help us to be burdened for America. Help us to get on our knees and pray for America. Lord, whatever it takes, help this once great nation to turn back to you, and to turn back to our Christian principles. Help those Christians who no longer follow you to return to you, to your Word and to your churches. We need a revival in America. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

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WHILE YOU ARE ON THIS EARTH

I am writing for a group called Five Minute Friday. I have been given a one word prompt (“while”) and I have five minutes to write about it.

Our Time on Earth is Short

Our time on earth is short, like dust in the wind. Then we will spend eternity on one of two places- in heaven when Jesus or in the lake of fire. The Bible has more verses warning us about hell than it does telling us how wonderful heaven will be. While on earth we are to prepare for eternity. Friend, if you died tonight do you know where you would spend eternity? The Bible says that we can know for sure. John 3:16 promises. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”.

To the Christian

Okay, if we have been born again, and we know we are going to heaven when we die, what do we do while we are on earth? One thing that God says of great importance is to go to church, often. This is not a suggestion, not a request; this is a command from God.

Why We Should Go to Church

1.Christ Died for the Church. He left the kingdom and glory of heaven, came to earth, became human, and died on the cross for the church. He loved the church. Ephesians 5:25.

2. To imitate Christ and the apostles. Luke 4:16 Mark 1:21 Acts 11:26

3. To learn and better understand Scripture. Pastors and teachers are given to the church to help us to understand Scripture. Hebrews 13:17

[My five minutes is up. You may stop reading here or decide to continue to read in. I have 12 points total.]

4. To worship and Praise God. John 4:24

5. To Receive Guidance from God. Proverbs11:14, Proverbs 24:6

6. To Have Fellowship with Jesus. 1 John 1:2-3 God uses the church to draw us closer to each other and closer to Himself.

7. To Share, Encourage, Love and Help Others. Romans 25:2 Hebrews 10:24-25

8. Christians Together Make Up the Body of Christ. We belong to each other. We are each given gifts from God to use in serving one another. I Corinthians 12:26,27

9. To be good examples in speech, behavior, love and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

10. Going to Church is Vital to Our Spiritual Growth. Colossians 1:9,10

11. Church is How We Put God First. Matthew 6:33

12. It is Never Good to Isolate. In their times of need, you need to help others. In the our time of need, you need others to help you. Proverbs 18:1

Christian, while we are on this earth, let us meet together with other believers, worship God, praise God, learn the deeper meaning from the Scriptures, encourage each other, imitate Christ and the apostles, be a good example to others, grow spiritually, use our spiritual gifts in serving those in the family of God, and find encouragement in our own times of need.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 4:24,25

Dear God,

I ask that you would touch some heart today by these words. May we all be encouraged and inspired to attend our weekly worship services, small group Bible studies, prayer meetings, Christian recovery meetings and any other church gatherings that are available to us. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

This blog was taken from a Bible message from Pastor Andrew Willis of Maplelawn Baptist Church, Wyoming Mi and is part of a series in the study of the book of Hebrews, in the Holy Bible. Pastor Willis used Biblereasons.org for some of this material.

WHAT IS A TESTIMONY?

TESTIMONY: MIRRIAM WEBSTER

1a: a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public officialb: firsthand authentication of a fact.

2a: an open acknowledgmentb: a public profession of religious experience.

THE TESTIMONY OF THOSE WHO SAW JESUS

There were thousands of eyewitnesses before, during and after Jesus resurrection. People’s lives were dramatically changed. Those who knew Jesus loved Jesus. They shared their eyewitness accounts – their testimonies – with us in ancient scrolls passed down through the years, later to become our Bible. Jesus was real. He was fully man and fully God.

MY TESTIMONY

I have never seen Jesus face to face but I know Him. I talk to him every day. He talks to me every day through His Word and in hymns and songs of faith. He speaks to me, inspires, teaches, encourages, comforts and rebukes me every Sunday in church- both in the preaching and in the songs that we sing.

MY TESTIMONY OF SALVATION.

My testimony: I was fifteen years old. I was asked, “If Jesus came back tonight, do you know for sure that you would go to heaven? Jesus said He is coming again- He could come tonight.” That scared me. I thought of my life. I am a sinner. All my good works were not enough to please a holy, perfect and righteous God. I prayed and I repented of my sins, asked God to forgive me, believed in His death and resurrection, and asked Him the be the Lord of my Life. In return, He adopted me into His family and offers me eternal life.

I SHARE MY TESTIMONY

My testimony of knowing Jesus is something I share with other family members, friends, family, neighbors and you, my readers. I often pass out gospel tracts. I often buy 100 tracts for $6.00. God commands us to go and preach the gospel to every person. That is not a suggestion; it is a God’s command. Christian, are you sharing Your testimony with others? Do you pass out gospel tracts? Do you sacrificially give to support your church’s missionaries who are preaching the gospel around the world?

Our Father,

Help us to be bold in sharing our testimony with others. People today need Jesus. We have the good news. Help us open our hearts and our purses to give toward our missionaries who are preaching the gospel around the world. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

PS: I have not approved of any ads you may see posted under my blog. I refused to pay for my blog, thus, they add unsolicited ads.

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WHO DO YOU WANT TO BECOME LIKE?

WHO DO YOU WANT TO BECOME LIKE?

Who do you want to become like? Of course, for the Christian, we want to become like Jesus. But God has given us individuals in our lives that we respect and admire. We can learn from them. Who is your hero? Is it a Hollywood actor? A family member? A priest or a pastor? Someone in our nation’s history? A married couple? Someone in your church?

I WANT TO BECOME LIKE MONTIEL

I have prayed and asked to God to help me become like Montiel McCauley. I grew up with this sweet woman as an older lady in my church. I loved her kindness and sweet smile. When I got older, I got to know her better. She had a prayer book filled with the names of people she prayed for. She read her Bible every morning. She told everyone she met about Jesus. I would like to become like Montiel.

WJO DO YOU WANT TO BECOME LIKE??

Who would you like to become like? Who is the first person that comes to mind? Is it Jesus? Is it a person in your family, your church, your friends, a Hollywood actor, a married couple?

Be Imitators of God

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear Father,

Help me to be like Jesus first, and Montiel second. Help me to love people the way she loved people. Help me to pray for people. Help me to share my faith with those who need Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen

I belong to a group of writers called Five Minute Friday. Every Friday we are given a one word prompt and five minutes to write about that topic. I love to read other people’s blogs- there is so much God given talent. Terri day’s word was the word become.

I do not endorse any of the ads you may see on my blog. I refuse to pay WordPress to be ad free, so they add ads to my blog. I apologize for this.

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GOD’S PROBLEM

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WHO ARE YOU REPRESENTING?

Lord please bless my writing today and give me the words for this five minute blog.

Christians, who do you represent?

Who do you represent? As Christians, each one of us is called to be an ambassador of Christ. Our friends, families, neighbors and coworkers are watching us. Are we separate from the world? Are we different from those who are not children of Christ?

Who else do you represent?

In addition to Christ, we each have roles of people that we represent? African Americans? Asians? Hispanics? Husbands? Wives? Mothers? Fathers? Teens? Seniors? People with physical disabilities? People with mental disabilities? Our career titles? Who are we representing? And are we doing it well?

Who do I represent?

I represent white women, wives, over age 60. I have bipolar depression and borderline personality disorder so I represent people with mental disabilities. But my greatest role is that of a child of the one true King, Jesus Christ.

Let us remember

Let us each remember we are representing ourselves to others and act accordingly. Our reputation is valuable and can be destroyed within minutes. Remember, if we have repented of our sins and trusted in Jesus we belong to Him and we represent Him to others every day. We were bought with a price. That price was the blood of Jesus when He died on the cross in our place.

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Dear Father,

Help us to remember each one of us, as Christians, represent Jesus every day. We are called to be a light in a dark world. In addition to being ambassadors for Christ we each have unique roles and people that we represent. May all that we say and do bring honor and glory to Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

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WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? “ And I said, “ Here am I, send me!” Isaiah 6:8

I Have Gone

I have literally knocked on the door of every neighbor on my street. I have written out invitations for a ladies brunch at my home and invited all of my neighbors. I have done this several times but only one lady showed up. This lady is a Christian and we had a very nice visit. My hope was that I could build a friendship with many of my neighbors and then invite them to church where they could hear the gospel preached.

Passing Out Gospel Tracts

If you know me at all, you know I love to share the gospel with others. I have prayed and asked God to help me to be like Montiel, an old lady who shared the gospel with anyone and everyone she met. I am not as bold as she was. Rather than taking the bold approach I pass out gospel tracts. I give them to cashiers at Dollar Tree, Dollar General, the grocery store, the restaurants (regular and and fast food) and I am considering knocking on the door of my neighbors once again to give them each a tract.

So Cheap Yet So Valuable

For $12.00 I just purchased 100 Halloween tracts. I wish I had trick or treaters come to our door- I would put a tract in each bag. There are a big bunch of pumpkins on a card and you have to find which pumpkin is different. On the back is the gospel. It was $6.00 for 100 plus $6.00 shipping. You can buy 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100. There are many different styles of tracts to choose from; you don’t need to buy Halloween tracts. The company I order from is called Moments With The Book. One tract could mean the difference between your friend, family member, cashier, waitress, neighbor or coworker going to hell or going to heaven.

Jesus is Calling

The Lord is saying to you right now, right here today, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Will you answer God’s call and pass out gospel tracts to your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, waitresses, and cashiers? Let’s each one win one for Jesus.

Dear Father,

Please help us to have a burden for lost souls. Help us to remember people today need Jesus. You call us, each one of us, to be the light of the work. Please give us courage and boldness to share our faith with those around us. And Holy Spirit, if there is a reader reading this who has never repented of their sin and trusted in Jesus Christ, may they do so today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

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HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN

TheBible says that we can know for sure that we will have eternal life and go to heaven after we die. Is it by keeping God’s commandments? Doing the sacraments? Going to church? Being baptized? Giving to the poor? No. None of these are good enough to get to heaven.

The Bible says that we are all full of sin- none of us are holy enough or righteous enough to go to heaven. We need to repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus. “If we confess our sins He is faithful enough to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. I John 1:9. “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17

Jews, Gentiles, Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, Agnostics, Hindus there is one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We all must come to Jesus and put our faith in Him. He died on the cross. He paid for our sins. He offers us the free gift of eternal life. We just need to repent and believe in Jesus. If we do that, He promises to give us eternal life with Him in heaven. We will live in mansions. We will walk on streets of gold. We will see more beautiful sights than we can possibly imagine.

Christians, have you done this? Have you believed and received Jesus? Have you had your sins forgiven? Have you been adopted into the family of God? Do you know for sure that you will receive eternal life? If the answer to these questions is yes why aren’t you sharing this good news with others? Why don’t you share this blog with your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors? Or forget this blog and share the gospel with them yourself. Why don’t you share what God has done for you?

Dear Jesus,

I ask if there is any person reading this blog who has never trusted in Jesus, please help them to repent of their sins and trust in you. For Christians reading this blog may they be inspired to share the gospel with friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. Life is so short. None of us are guaranteed that we will be alive tomorrow. Today is the day to choose Jesus and to share Jesus with others. In your name I pray, amen.

GOD’s LOVE FOR US
IS DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN

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