Category Archives: Salvation

Peace Through Christ

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Whether we’re shopping for insurance, cars, clothes, or a house, we want the best bang for the the buck . . . the complete package.

The Apostle Paul wrote the New Testament book of Colossians not only to combat errors in the church, but also to show believers that everything we need is found in Jesus Christ.

One of the strongest statements about Christ is found in the following reference:

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Jesus—the express image of the invisible God—is equal with the Father. He is pre-existent, omnipotent, and eternal. He not only desires a relationship with us, but also deserves to be our highest priority. Jesus Christ, the fullness of God, is the power source for living the Christian life. He is our leader and the head of the church.

Jesus is the most comprehensive, perfect, and complete package “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Unlike the most expensive car, clothing, or house, He offers us eternal life free of charge. Christ’s gift of salvation and forgiveness covers us now and throughout eternity. We don’t even have to meet a deductible to receive these benefits. This is by far the greatest, most gracious offer ever given.

Salvation by trusting in Christ’s work on the cross sounds too easy for many. But self-effort only leads to disappointment or pride, and then eventually eternal death. I love that Christ’s simple way can be understood by children. His provision is the only way that leads to abundant, eternal life.

Are you connected to Jesus Christ? Have you placed your trust in the One who lacks nothing? I believe this is the greatest decision a person will ever make . . . to accept and follow Jesus Christ, or reject His offer. Eternal life is at stake and the consequences are serious (John 3:15-18, 36).

If you haven’t seen Billy Graham’s second video in My Hope America series, I encourage you to watch the following 30 minute presentation. If you have questions about receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior, or about Christianity, please ask in the comment section and I’ll do my best to answer. 🙂 Have a great week!

The Supreme Gift

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Why am I in a cleaning out frenzy lately? My husband attributes it to female nesting. Hmm . . . possibly . . . . Or maybe:

  • Anticipation of a new year?
  • Seeing the contrast between my home and Better Homes and Gardens January issue: Simply Organized?
  • Cluttered drawers; forgotten, broken stuff; tripping over my daughter’s toys and boys’ clothes?

Yep . . . all of the above.

Clutter drives me nuts. I feel great after organizing a drawer, but maintenance . . . now that’s an ongoing project! Papers crumple, paint peels, toys break, carpet stains. Eventually, everything material crumbles and fades.

I’m really not trying to downplay giving gifts. I really do love Christmas. Baking, decorating, giving and receiving gifts, watching the kids’ excitement (which begins on Thanksgiving), attending their basketball games and concerts, spending time with family, sending and receiving Christmas cards . . . . It’s all good!

But I have to say, all of the above dims in comparison to knowing Jesus Christ. And I have to ask myself: Is there room in my heart for Christ’s reign, or is it cluttered with other stuff?

A Babe in a Manger

I love that God came down to earth in a poor and lowly place, in the form of a little baby. Jesus–Immanuel–God with us came to bring salvation to everyone, even the poorest and lowliest. As God’s Son, He came to save us from our sins and give us new life. The One who fashioned the universe (Psalm 104:1, 5) also clothed Himself in humanity so we can relate to Him.

Although Christ traveled ancient paths (John 1:1), He’s in the business of restoration and abundant life. Although “the mountains melt like wax before the LORD” (Psalm 97:5), He transforms and renews the surrendered heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). He never fails, breaks down, fades, or changes. His love is bigger than the universe He created.

His Name:

 Jesus Name Tree

(Created by K.D. Manes at tagxedo.com)

What’s on your Christmas list this year? Have you received the supreme gift of Jesus Christ–eternal life, adoption, forgiveness, restoration, healing, love, joy, peace, hope, purpose, friendship, abundant life? (For more on the supremacy of Christ, see Colossians 1:15-20.)

When Jesus was born, there was no room in the inn. Is there room in your heart for Him today?

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The Christmas Story

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My family and I enjoyed visiting the Okanagan Valley and West Kootenay region of B.C. Thanksgiving week. Kootenay Lake, Slocan Lake, and Arrow Lake—nestled between giant mountain peaks—stretch on for miles. The pine blanketed forests and rugged wilderness reminds me of God’s great creativity and power. IMG_2205_1

Holiday Time

The holidays can bring both joy and stress. Amidst busy preparations and seasonal activities, I hope we’ll all find time to relax and delve a little deeper into God’s Christmas treasures.

Last Christmas I bought a short reading guide, The Christmas Story, published by Zondervan in 2010. It highlights Messiah prophecies to the miraculous birth of Jesus. This book also features questions and summaries to help individuals and families better understand corresponding Scripture passages. The following references may be adapted according to your schedule and/or family’s ages.

Christmas Scripture Reading Plan

Old Testament Prophecies and Background of Messiah’s Coming

  1. God’s Promise to David: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
  2. The Sign of Immanuel: Isaiah 7:10-8:10
  3. A Child Is Born: Isaiah 9:1-7
  4. God’s People Ask for Salvation: Psalm 80:1-19
  5. The Branch from Jessie: Isaiah 11:1-10
  6. God Will Come To Save: Isaiah 35:1-10
  7. A Promised Ruler from Bethlehem: Micah 5:1-5

Events Surrounding and Including Jesus’ Birth

  1. The Birth of John Foretold: Luke 1:5-25
  2. An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth: Luke 1:26-56
  3. Joseph Has a Dream: Matthew 1:18-25
  4. The Birth of John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-80
  5. The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-7
  6. The Shepherds and the Angels: Luke 2:8-20
  7. Mary and Joseph Present Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:21-40
  8. The Visit of the Magi: Matthew 2:1-12

Jesus: The Son of God and Channel of God’s Loving Forgiveness

  1. Jesus, the Son of God, is Baptized: Matthew 3:13-17
  2. From the Beginning: John 1:1-18
  3. God’s Great Gift of Love: John 3:1-21
  4. Jesus Christ Is Supreme: Colossians 1:15-20
  5. “Let All God’s Angels Worship Him”: Hebrews 1:1-14

May God’s great love and redemption plan seep into our hearts this Christmas . . . . I love the following rendition of Drummer Boy.

Morning Star

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The night I wrote my last post, From Darkness to Light, our electricity went out. Thankfully, my oldest son brought me a candle when the house went black.

d6b9c109d99fb4a851625cbb14a7a4c3In the middle of the night, I stumbled outside onto our deck to gaze at the stars. Without any street lights, the stars sparkled like polished diamonds.

I was reminded: Jesus is not only the light of the world (John 8:12), but He is also the morning star (2 Peter 2:19; Revelation 2:28; 22:16).

A morning star appears when the night is coldest and darkest, just before dawn.

In Revelation 2:18, Jesus is described as “the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

A Letter to the Church of Thyatira

This Revelation chapter 2 contains a letter from Jesus to the Church of Thyatira, one of the seven churches that He addresses. Jesus commends their deeds, love, faith, perseverance, and increase of service. However, He warns:

I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.”   – Revelation 2:20

Jezebel, a pagan queen of Israel, was considered the most evil woman who ever lived (1 Kings 19:1-2; 21:1-15; 2 Kings 9:7-10, 30-37). Jezebel may have been the name of the woman in the Thyatira church who promoted sexual immorality amongst believers, or Jezebel may have been a symbol of the evil God abhors.

When Christ gave this woman time to repent—turn away from her sins and follow Him—she refused, sinking further into spiritual darkness and God’s judgment.

Jesus’ words are weighty, but clear:  “I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. . . . Then all the churches will know that I am He who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds . . . . To you who do not hold to her teaching: Only hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does my will until the end, I will give authority over the nations . . . . I will also give him the morning star.”  – Revelation 2:22-28.

Are You Prepared to Meet Jesus Christ?

When the world is at its darkest, Jesus will rush onto the scene. Shining in brilliant glory, He will expose evil with the light of His truth. He will also bring His promised reward. Until that time, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and shed light on His truth in the Bible.

Are you prepared for the dawning of The Morning Star?

Let’s ask the Lord to search our hearts and help us overcome any sin that holds us captive. Let’s seek His will and persevere in it.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”  – Isaiah 30:15

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From Darkness to Light

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Have you ever stumbled out of bed in the middle of the night and ran into a wall? I’ve done that a few times, mostly when away from the familiarity of my home. . . . Thank goodness for light!

Light . . . I love seeing the sunlight streaming through the clouds, painting the evening sky. I love viewing God’s creation in radiant color and clarity. I also enjoy the sun’s warmth on a cool day, and the ability to see while biking so I don’t crash into the bushes.

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SUNLIGHT

For all of you trivia fans, here are some interesting facts about the sun (source: http://www.goldenkstar.com/facts/sun-interesting-facts.htm):

  • The sun makes up 99.86% of the mass of our solar system.
  • The energy being emitted from 1 square centimeter of the sun’s surface is enough to burn 64 light bulbs of 100 watt.
  • The earth receives 94 billion megawatt of energy from the sun. This is equivalent to 40,000 times the power requirement of the United States.
  • It takes up to 50 million years for energy produced at the core of the sun to reach its surface.
  • If a drop sized matter from the core of the sun is placed on the surface of the earth, no living organism will survive for a distance of 150 km from that drop.
  • An area of the sun’s surface the size of a postage stamp shines with the power of 1,500,000 candles. . . . That’s a lot of candles!

SON LIGHT

Shortly after the last night of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles celebration—where large torches lit up the skyline—Jesus spoke to the people from the temple where offerings were placed (John 8:20). Candles were burned here to symbolize the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the desert at night (Exodus 13:21-22). The pillar of fire represented God’s presence, protection, and guidance. In this context, Jesus said:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  – John 8:12

Without Christ, we are spiritually lost due to our sin. This ends in spiritual death and eternal separation from God. I doubt we can fathom just how dark and horrible such an existence is.

Is Jesus the light of your world? He will lead you to safety, wisdom, victory, and truth.