The Cross

“Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham,

Isaiah 29:22-24

Intr.:

says to the house of Jacob:

1.  ‘No longer will Jacob be ashamed,

2.  no longer will their faces grow pale.

3.  When they see among them their children,

the works of my hands,

a.  they will keep my name holy;

b.  they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and

c.  will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

4.  Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding,

5.  those who complain will accept instruction.'”

End:

HEART

“The LORD says:

Isaiah 29:13

Intr.:

‘These people come near to me

1.  with their mouth, and

2.  honor me with their lips,

End:

but their hearts are far from me.'”

AT THE BEACH

I am reminded to make sure to do five things, before I head off on holiday this year in one of our papers (Northern News, December 17, 2014).

I know that it is the holiday season, but the headline in the same paper “”Tis the burglary season,” reminds me that it is also the burglary season.

And here are the five hings:

• Hide and secure valuables

• Lock doors, preferably with large padlocks

• Set the burglar alarms

• Let neighbours know

• Write down serial numbers to all electronics

We usually stayed in Whangaparaoa north of Auckland at Christmas time while working in Kaikohe. (United Maori Mission)

Before we left the property in Kaikohe we always made sure to have a time of prayer, praying for the safety of the place and a safe journey.

Psalm 127:1 says:

“Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”

“4GIVIN” (Forgiven) I saw written on the number plate of a car just now on my walk into town.

“My sins are forgiven,” I remember reading on the present for Christmas made by my brother in Christ, who also prepared to go and work in the vineyard of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Forgiven”

It is so  long ago that I really cannot remember the details, but I remember that it was at the HQ of WEC International near Frankfurt in Germany. (Missionary Society)

Let us find out what the BIBLE says about Forgiveness in Romans chapter eight. Romans is a book in the New Testament.

It is quite a long letter and the letter is written by the Apostle Paul and the Apostle says exactly the same in the first verse and in the last verse of chapter eight.

In the first verse he says:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, …”

The meaning of the words is that if we are Christians our past sins, our present sins and our future sins have already been dealt with. If you are a Christian you can never be lost. The Bible teaches the ‘Final perseverance of the saints’.

Those who don’t believe that have a very fickle life.

I have already mentioned that the Apostle Paul says the same  in the first verse of Romans chapter eight and in the last verse of Romans chapter eight.

Now, what does he say in Romans chapter eight in the last verse?  He says that nothing

“will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

And no, I did not have a chance to talk to the owner of the car with the number plate “4GIVIN”.

Last year it was:

“… days until Christmas”

“…days until Christmas”

This year it is:

“… sleeps until Christmas”

THE CROSS

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,

First Corinthians 1:30,31

Intr.:

who has become for us wisdom from God – that is,

1.  our righteousness,

2.  holiness and

3.  redemption.

End:

Therefore, as it is written …”

THE CROSS

“I am the gate;

John 10:9,10

Intr.:

whoever enters through me

1.  will be saved.

2.  He will come in and

3.  come out, and

4.  find pasture.

End:

The thief comes only …”