Saturday 31 December 2016

REPENTANCE


REPENTANCE



Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change of heart and direction- from idols to the true God and from sin to obedience.


And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Acts 14:15 (KJV)


But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20 (KJV)


 


For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

1 Thessalonians 1:9King James Version (KJV)


 


But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 6:17King James Version (KJV)


 


It is a divine command given to all men and must be proclaimed in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.


 


And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 1:15 (KJV)


I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 (KJV)


And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:47 (KJV)


And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 17:30 (KJV)


Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:21 (KJV)


 


It is granted by God when His truth is believed. The evidence of true repentance is a changed life marked by good deeds and fruit of the Spirit.


 


Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Matthew 3:8 (KJV)


When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Acts 11:18 (KJV)


But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:23-25 (KJV)


 


It leads to salvation if there is godly sorrow for sin according to the will of God.


For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)


 



With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

Monday 14 November 2016

FAITH


FAITH





Faith is complete trust and reliance on the Lord Jesus as He is revealed in His Word. It is believing who He is, what He has done, and what His Word says.


Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24 (KJV)


Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:31-32 (KJV)


So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17 (KJV)


It is granted as a gift of God’s grace and results in salvation. Saving faith will be accompanied by good works and obedience after justification.


For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)


But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 6:17 (KJV)


For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 2:26 (KJV)


It is the assurance of eternal life in God’s presence.


God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hebrews 1:1 (KJV)



It is the instrument which brings justification when Christ alone is the object. Without faith it is impossible to please God


For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17 (KJV)


He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 3:36 (KJV)


With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

Friday 28 October 2016

GRACE


GRACE


Grace is the unmerited favour of God. It gives responsibility (the ability to respond) to those who are dead in sin.


Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:5 (KJV)


It is directed by God’s sovereign purpose and accomplishes salvation for those who receive it by faith alone.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 4:16 (KJV)

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV)


Grace reflects the all- sufficient work of the Saviour and therefore, is the only means by which sinners can be saved. Grace must be exclusive of all works, merit, self-righteousness or efforts to save oneself.


For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Romans 11:6 (KJV)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James 4:6 (KJV)


Grace sustains the Christian’s life and teaches them how to live.


But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.


1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV)


For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14 (KJV)


 


With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay


Sunday 2 October 2016

SALVATION


SALVATION




Salvation is the work of God in delivering man from sin. It is provided by Jesus Christ alone. Guaranteed by the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and secured by God the Father.


Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 1:6 (KJV)



Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12 (KJV)


In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)


My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

John 10:29 (KJV)


Salvation begins with justification at the moment of faith when God saves us from the “punishment of sin” and declares us righteous. Those justified will never be condemned or suffer God’s wrath.


Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:28 (KJV)


But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (KJV)


Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 5:9 (KJV)



Sanctification follows justification and saves us from the “power of sin” through the indwelling Holy Spirit.


Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)


For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 8:13 (KJV)


Glorification is when God ultimately saves us from the “presence of sin” as we enter heaven.


For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV)


In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:22 (KJV)


With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay


Monday 12 September 2016

RESURRECTION

                                                          
RESURRECTION






The resurrection of Jesus Christ secured victory over sin and death and enables Him to live as Advocate and Mediator.


So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

1 Corinthians 15:54-56 (KJV)


My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:1(KJV)


For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:5(KJV)


His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all born again believers at His glorious return.


Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:25 (KJV)



If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, the Christian faith would be worthless and we would still be enslaved to sin.


And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:17 (KJV)


His resurrection was for the justification and eternal security of all born again believers.


Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 4:25 (KJV)


Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV)



With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay




Friday 26 August 2016

THE CROSS


THE CROSS






The cross is where Christ died as a substitute by offering Himself as a sacrifice to atone for sins and reconcile His people to God.


In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:7(KJV)




And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,

by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say,

whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:20(KJV)


It is where the Creator died for the created, the just died for the unjust, God died for sinful man.



For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Peter 3:18(KJV)


It is where God’s love and justice were upheld. His justice was satisfied as Christ voluntarily bore the punishment of His people. God’s love provided one way for His people to be saved.



Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Romans 3:25(KJV)



But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8(KJV)



It is a reminder of how revolting and detestable sin is to God. Not sparing His own Son, God crushed Jesus for bearing our sin.


Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 2:24(KJV)


With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay





Sunday 7 August 2016

JESUS CHRIST


JESUS CHRIST



Jesus is the Eternal God and Creator, Sovereign Lord and King, Prophet and Judge.


For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6(KJV)


For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:16,17(KJV)


For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Romans 14:11(KJV)



The sinless Saviour who came to seek and save the lost by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to bear the sins of many.



And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21(KJV)


So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:28(KJV)


And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

1 John 3:5(KJV)



The virgin-born Redeemer of mankind and the only Mediator between God and man.



And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35(KJV)


For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:5(KJV)


Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:13-14(KJV)



The Way. He is the only access to God. The Truth, His Word is the supreme authority for faith. The Life, He is the only hope for those dead in sin.



Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6(KJV)




With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

Sunday 17 July 2016

SIN










SIN

Sin is a transgression against God’s holy law an act of rebellion against Him. Sin is knowing what is right and not doing it.
For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;
In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
Isaiah 59:12-13 (KJV)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 4:17 (KJV)
Adam’s sin brought condemnation to all men.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:12 (KJV)
Sin’s effects are guilt, enslavement, spiritual bondage and separation from God and its punishment is death.
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Romans 6:20-21 (KJV)
Salvation from sin’s punishment, sin’s power and sin’s presence can only be obtained through faith in the blood of Jesus.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5:9 (KJV)
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Revelation 1:5 (KJV)

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay