Sunday, October 2, 2011

October 3, 2011

We started a new study entitled "EKG" - Empowering Kingdom Growth - last night with the launch of our L.I.F.E. Groups. There is a 40 Day devotional component to this study and I will be including that in my devotional blog during that time.

This first devotional thought coincides with the sermon subject I shared this morning - redemption.

As God was developing His people, Israel, and raising them up to be a nation He first had to allow them to experience His redemption. It was the only way

The same is true of you and me. Do you know for certain that you have a personal relationship with God? Until you do know for certain this kingdom message is going to cause you nothing but frustration and confusion. If God is dealing with you at this time, and you know that you have not accepted Jesus in your heart, you can do that right now.

1. Romans 3:23 says your problem is serious: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." It is that sin that prevents you from having a relationship with the Holy God. Since you were created for fellowship with Him and sin keeps you from having that you will always feel incomplete until you have that relationship.

2. Because God also wants to be in relationship with you, He made a way for you to escape the penalty of sin, as the Bible states "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Contained in this verse is both the good news and the bad news of the Gospel. Sin leads to spiritual death, separating us from God. But eternal life in Christ is the gift God offers to solve that problem. When you receive Jesus Christ by faith you get the forgiveness of God that Christ provided on the cross. Because God's forgiveness erases your sin you are able to enter into personal relationship with Him and receive the eternal life He brings!

3. Jesus lived a sinless life and was born sinless, so He had never experienced sin. Despite that fact, He was condemned as a criminal and crucified on a cross to take the penalty for your sins. As the Gospel of John declares "For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that Whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

4. The Bible promises that "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him up from the dead, you will be saved." This may not be the first time you have heard these truths, but hearing without believing is not enough. If you have heard but not believed you are lost in your doubt and unbelief. And if you have not heard until today, then you must believe it in order to recieve redemption. Admit you sin, repent of your sinfulness and turn to God as your Spiritual King and you will be saved. You will find forgiveness and peace in your spirit.

If you have read this far and are still not sure if your have a spiritual relationship with God - you probably have no relationship with God. But you can change that immediately if you are willing to confess your sin and ask His forgiveness. He will forgive you and come into your life if you will sincerely pray this prayer: "Father, I have sinned against you. I am sorry for my sin and I turn from it today. I believe that Jesus died for my sin and was raised from the dead to give me eternal life. I invite Him into my heart by faith and ask Him to save me. Amen."