Sunday Words of Encouragement November 8, 2015

This morning we continued our study in Romans and I plan to use those notes for a Sunday when we are away again. We celebrated communion and Pastor’s sermon was titled: Jesus Paid It All. Pastor noted that without the resurrection Christ's suffering was in vain. Isaiah 53:5 describes (prophetically) how “he [Christ] was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  Pastor argued that healing is for us today. Christ redeemed and redeems those who believe. If God’s Spirit is living in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies. Romans 8:11. God gives life abundantly (John 10:10) and He wants us to succeed and prosper in health as well as spiritually. 3 John 2.

God wants us to praise, remembering His ‘benefits’, remembering who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. Psalms 103:2. There have been several suicides locally and our community is suffering from an epidemic of depression and discontent. Pastor reminded us that we need to rebuke Satan’s lies, not claim illness or sickness, but instead claim the promises and healings of God. Jesus carried our sins on the cross. He did it, it's done. We need to return, come home, to our Shepherd. 1 Peter 2:24-25. (Read Psalm 23.)

If He is our shepherd, are our actions showing God’s will, grace, power and healing in our lives?
We need to act by faith even in a world of darkness. God’s grace covers our daily living. Partaking of communion, in an attitude of reverence and heartfelt gratitude, brings restoration and healing. 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.

Once again, I started looking for one song and ended up with another.

This one fits renewal and allowing the Spirit to live within.

Verse for Today:
Romans 8:11 NIV
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Lord, I praise you and thank you for the words you have given for your children in the Bible and through spiritual leaders who confirm your messages. The more I read and listen the more I see your redeeming love from 'before the world began' to the expanse of eternity.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 15, 2014

It was wonderful to be back at our home church this morning. We had great praise and worship time and then a lovely communion celebration.

Our Sunday School teacher is still in Revelations 20 (v11-15) which speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment that all men will face. Today however was about the Bema judgment ( 2 Corinthians 5:12) when Believers stand before God and give an accounting for our actions, our works. We will not be judged for sin as there is no condemnation for those who have believed and received salvation.

What we will be judged on and rewarded for is the good deeds we have done with right motive (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).  Lives here are fleeting and it is inappropriate to just bide our time and get through this life. Faith provides salvation but works follow and should produce fruit. After sharing a long list of scriptures describing, affirming and evoking “good works” our teacher noted: we should be laying up treasures in heaven not on earth. What we do for Christ is really all that matters. He wants our obedience to be shown by sharing his love, blessings and abundance, not hoarding them to ourselves.

Interestingly, our Pastor’s sermon was that Grace is the True Gospel. He is technically totally correct that we are saved by grace and grace alone. It is our believe and trust in God that saves us and that is a free gift. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves except to accept by faith the freely offered gift of salvation: payment for sin, redemption, by Christ’s death.

The two messages might seem at odds until we recognize and understand that they blend. Once we believe and have accepted the free gift of salvation by grace, our growing knowledge of God and His love should bring us to want to do His work where and when He directs in our lives.

As I looked for a video to go with this message I did find Bema Seat by Petra. 

That is very lively and fitting although you have to listen closely as the lyrics are not included.

However then I came upon this video and I really liked it's screen messages
as well as the well-known worship song.

Verses for today:

Romans 14:10-12
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Lord, I do feel that time is drawing short. And even if the time of your return is not as imminent as I might believe, my time on earth is limited. Therefore, I seek Your daily guidance as to where and when I might share share Your love and the abundance you have graciously bestowed upon me.