"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH CONDEMNATION"
John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. This verse tells us two things about Jesus. #1 what He did not come to do, and #2, what He did come to do.
2. What He did not come to do was to condemn the world. In fact, Jesus states that the Father did not send Him to condemn. So, The Father and the Son are not on a mission to condemn the world. Condemn, means, to put asunder, to judge, in the sense of giving up on someone, and wanting nothing to do with them. It's having an ungodly opinion about someone else. Not God's opinion.
3. What Jesus did come to do, was to save the world. He says it in 3:17, "That the world might be saved through Him. That is, by having faith in Him. To be saved, means, to make whole, to heal, to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction. To save a suffering one from perishing. To deliver from the penalty of sin.
4. Condemnation can come from ourselves, that is our own thoughts. It can come from others around us, and it can come as an attack from Satan. But, one place it has not come from is God. This is not the goal and purpose of God towards man. In fact, it's just the opposite as noted above. God sent Jesus not to condemn, but to save.
5. Condemnation can lead to discouragement and to depression and hopelessness. Faith in the one who loves You and gave His life for you can lift you up and give you strength. Unbelief and focusing upon thoughts of condemnation, do the same thing, they pull us down into discouragement. But, faith in God and His Word, bring encouragement, and strength in our souls.
6. To say it another way. If you are down and discouraged, and feeling like the worlds worst, and have lost your joy and sense of hope, and have no spring in your step as it were. May I encourage you to get yourself in God's Word. There is no doubt, that He will reverse the condemnation, and bring you encouragement, and lift you up into His peace.
7. May I also encourage you to take a close and reflective look at a prayer that Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus. It's filled with what God says about You, and what God wants to do in you. Pray this prayer for yourself. Let's believe God together, to bring encouragement to you.
A prayer:
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Ephesians 3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THEY NEED GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THEY NEED GOD"
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was eating dinner with a bunch of the worst of the worst, i.e some corrupt tax collectors and other sinners.
2. In that culture when you ate with someone, it was a sign of unity, you were expressing your sense of togetherness with them.
3. The scribes, ( religious lawyers of the day ) could not understand how Jesus could have anything to do with sinners, much less eat with them, given the significance of what a meal together meant.
4. So, here's what Jesus said to them. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
5. In essence, Jesus was saying that well people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. But, look closely if you will at the verse above, and notice the last part of the verse. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. What does this mean. Well, first of all, Jesus did not hide the fact that people are sinners. A sinner is someone who has broken God's law. We all have sinned the Bible says. Also, Jesus is calling sinners to repentance, which means to change your mind, and turn away from your sin and turn to God.
6. Here's how a person can find the God they know they need in their lives.
(1) Realize or admit that you are a sinner. Ro 3:23* for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(2) Recognize that God loves You. Ro 5:8* But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(3) Repent of your sins. Ac 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
(4) Ro 10:13* For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
A prayer:
Father, thank You for wanting to save us from our sins. I'm praying right now for the person reading this, that if they need God to save them, they will call upon You this very day. Or that the person reading this might pass it on to someone they know who needs God in their lives to save them from their sins. This Sunday, we will most likely be in a church service (I hope you are) and, there will be people in those services that need God to save them. We pray for them right now, that they will turn to You Lord and ask You to save them from their sins. In Jesus name we ask these things.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was eating dinner with a bunch of the worst of the worst, i.e some corrupt tax collectors and other sinners.
2. In that culture when you ate with someone, it was a sign of unity, you were expressing your sense of togetherness with them.
3. The scribes, ( religious lawyers of the day ) could not understand how Jesus could have anything to do with sinners, much less eat with them, given the significance of what a meal together meant.
4. So, here's what Jesus said to them. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
5. In essence, Jesus was saying that well people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. But, look closely if you will at the verse above, and notice the last part of the verse. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. What does this mean. Well, first of all, Jesus did not hide the fact that people are sinners. A sinner is someone who has broken God's law. We all have sinned the Bible says. Also, Jesus is calling sinners to repentance, which means to change your mind, and turn away from your sin and turn to God.
6. Here's how a person can find the God they know they need in their lives.
(1) Realize or admit that you are a sinner. Ro 3:23* for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(2) Recognize that God loves You. Ro 5:8* But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(3) Repent of your sins. Ac 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
(4) Ro 10:13* For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
A prayer:
Father, thank You for wanting to save us from our sins. I'm praying right now for the person reading this, that if they need God to save them, they will call upon You this very day. Or that the person reading this might pass it on to someone they know who needs God in their lives to save them from their sins. This Sunday, we will most likely be in a church service (I hope you are) and, there will be people in those services that need God to save them. We pray for them right now, that they will turn to You Lord and ask You to save them from their sins. In Jesus name we ask these things.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, October 31, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HEARING GOD SPEAK TO THEM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HEARING GOD SPEAK TO THEM"
Luke 5:4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 5:6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
A few explanatory thoughts:
When Jesus had finished speaking, or teaching the multitude the Word of God, He turned to Simon, ( Peter ) and asked him to take the boat they were both in, and go out into a deeper part of the lake, and to let down his nets, for a catch. Peter's immediate response was both correct, and incorrect, but, ultimately the right one. And, the results were astonishing to say the least.
1. First of all, Peter called Jesus Master, which means superintendence, or a chief, commander. Indeed, this is exactly who Jesus is. He is the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. He is the master of all as it were.
2. Secondly, Peter explained that they had already tried to catch some fish, in fact, they had been fishing all night, but had caught nothing. Peter was actually now telling the Master, No, You are wrong, this won't work, we have already tried this.
3. Thirdly, and this is what I love about Simon, he said, "nevertheless, at Your Word, I will let down the net" Nevertheless, is like saying, "but, if You say so, we will try again.
4. As they moved the boat out into deeper water, and let down the net, the catch of fish was so great that their net started to break.
A prayerful reflection and application:
Father, thank you for speaking to us as You do. You often speak to us after we have tried to do whatever it is that we do, and we have had no great success. But, then we hear You, and You direct us, and like Simon, we may have a little, or a lot of disagreement with You. We tend to think that we know more then You do.
But, also like Simon, by Your grace, we then do what You tell us to do, and like Simon, we are astonished at what happens.
If you say to do something, even though it may seem fruitless to us to do it, it's ok, because You know what You are doing, and You want to show us something by giving us direction, just as You did for Simon.
Lord, let there be lot's of "nevertheless's " in our speech and heart toward You. Let there be lot's of "but, if You say so, we will do it"
That's the way to live, to hear You, and obey You. It's like what we read in Proverbs 3:3-5
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Thank You Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Luke 5:4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 5:6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
A few explanatory thoughts:
When Jesus had finished speaking, or teaching the multitude the Word of God, He turned to Simon, ( Peter ) and asked him to take the boat they were both in, and go out into a deeper part of the lake, and to let down his nets, for a catch. Peter's immediate response was both correct, and incorrect, but, ultimately the right one. And, the results were astonishing to say the least.
1. First of all, Peter called Jesus Master, which means superintendence, or a chief, commander. Indeed, this is exactly who Jesus is. He is the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. He is the master of all as it were.
2. Secondly, Peter explained that they had already tried to catch some fish, in fact, they had been fishing all night, but had caught nothing. Peter was actually now telling the Master, No, You are wrong, this won't work, we have already tried this.
3. Thirdly, and this is what I love about Simon, he said, "nevertheless, at Your Word, I will let down the net" Nevertheless, is like saying, "but, if You say so, we will try again.
4. As they moved the boat out into deeper water, and let down the net, the catch of fish was so great that their net started to break.
A prayerful reflection and application:
Father, thank you for speaking to us as You do. You often speak to us after we have tried to do whatever it is that we do, and we have had no great success. But, then we hear You, and You direct us, and like Simon, we may have a little, or a lot of disagreement with You. We tend to think that we know more then You do.
But, also like Simon, by Your grace, we then do what You tell us to do, and like Simon, we are astonished at what happens.
If you say to do something, even though it may seem fruitless to us to do it, it's ok, because You know what You are doing, and You want to show us something by giving us direction, just as You did for Simon.
Lord, let there be lot's of "nevertheless's " in our speech and heart toward You. Let there be lot's of "but, if You say so, we will do it"
That's the way to live, to hear You, and obey You. It's like what we read in Proverbs 3:3-5
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Thank You Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS"
Job 7:6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.
1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Job, was right in the middle of a major "Job" type trial. It was as bad as it could get, without losing his life. He had lost everything. And, he was stating in Job 7:6, that his days were going by so quickly, and they were spent without hope. Hope here means, a cord, or an attachment. It has the idea of expectancy, something to live for, or something to long for. Job, along with many people from time to time have this "no hope" experience. It's a feeling of detachment, and a life being lived without anything to look forward to, nothing ahead, or so it seems.
2. Please notice the apostle Paul's perspective on the hope that he had for the believers in Thessalonica. These truths would apply to you and I today as believers in Jesus Christ. First of all, Paul had hope, and then called it a joy, or crown of rejoicing. So, he was living in hope for these believers.
3. Here's what he said specifically about them. "Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as His coming. That's a mouthful. Let's break it down a little bit. He viewed them, the believers as one day being in the presence of God. He knew that as saved people that is where they were going, and, it's where you and I are going as those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Furthermore, Paul speaks of Jesus Christ's coming. That's a reference to His second coming. The future as it were. When Christ comes again, heaven on earth will begin, and so will eternity as it were for all who know Him. With Jesus in heaven for eternity.
5. May I encourage you to pause, and to consider these verses. It may be true that you are feeling hopeless, but, please meditate on the verse in 1st Thess 2:19, and let the Lord minister to you about your future. You have one. You have a hope in Jesus Christ.
A prayer:
Father, You are called the God of hope. And, You know Lord how often we can find ourselves in place where we feel hopeless. Would You please for any reading this today, who are indeed in that place of being without hope, help them to turn their eyes to You, and let Your Word remove the lie of not having hope, and replace it with the truth that is in Jesus Christ, He is our living hope. We are going to be with Him, see Him, reign with Him forever and forever. We ask this of You Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Job 7:6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.
1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Job, was right in the middle of a major "Job" type trial. It was as bad as it could get, without losing his life. He had lost everything. And, he was stating in Job 7:6, that his days were going by so quickly, and they were spent without hope. Hope here means, a cord, or an attachment. It has the idea of expectancy, something to live for, or something to long for. Job, along with many people from time to time have this "no hope" experience. It's a feeling of detachment, and a life being lived without anything to look forward to, nothing ahead, or so it seems.
2. Please notice the apostle Paul's perspective on the hope that he had for the believers in Thessalonica. These truths would apply to you and I today as believers in Jesus Christ. First of all, Paul had hope, and then called it a joy, or crown of rejoicing. So, he was living in hope for these believers.
3. Here's what he said specifically about them. "Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as His coming. That's a mouthful. Let's break it down a little bit. He viewed them, the believers as one day being in the presence of God. He knew that as saved people that is where they were going, and, it's where you and I are going as those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Furthermore, Paul speaks of Jesus Christ's coming. That's a reference to His second coming. The future as it were. When Christ comes again, heaven on earth will begin, and so will eternity as it were for all who know Him. With Jesus in heaven for eternity.
5. May I encourage you to pause, and to consider these verses. It may be true that you are feeling hopeless, but, please meditate on the verse in 1st Thess 2:19, and let the Lord minister to you about your future. You have one. You have a hope in Jesus Christ.
A prayer:
Father, You are called the God of hope. And, You know Lord how often we can find ourselves in place where we feel hopeless. Would You please for any reading this today, who are indeed in that place of being without hope, help them to turn their eyes to You, and let Your Word remove the lie of not having hope, and replace it with the truth that is in Jesus Christ, He is our living hope. We are going to be with Him, see Him, reign with Him forever and forever. We ask this of You Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY"
Job 2:10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Ec 7:14* In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. When Job was facing his adversity, he stood firm in his understanding of God's goodness. See Job 2:10. Notice what he said. "Shall we we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?.
2. Job understood that he was not a special person who would only have the good and not the bad come his way.
3. The word adversity here means, wickedness, mischief, hurt, bad, trouble, malignant, unpleasant, giving pain, evil, sad, hurtful and unhappy. Those words, sure sound familiar and are a great expression of what can come into our lives.
4. Job's response, was, "Shall we not accept etc, " the word accept means, to receive, hold, undertook. Job was very pliable, and non resistant to the things that God allowed into his life. What a tremendous example he is to us.
5. Finally, there is much wisdom for us in Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. When things are going well, you are prospering, the Lord, He says to be joyful. But, if you are in the day of adversity, to consider. It means to look at, to inspect, to perceive.
Here's how it reads in the NLT Ec 7:14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.
And, in the Amplified version. Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one side by side with the other, so that man may not find out anything that shall be after him.
A prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your wisdom is greater then ours. And, thank You that we can look to Your word for all the things that come our way in life. One thing is certain, You are in control of all things, and we find such comfort in You teaching us how to deal with what You allow in our lives. Your Word sets us straight. It gives us comfort, and understanding and helps us to patiently endure.
We love You Lord. In Jesus' name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Job 2:10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Ec 7:14* In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. When Job was facing his adversity, he stood firm in his understanding of God's goodness. See Job 2:10. Notice what he said. "Shall we we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?.
2. Job understood that he was not a special person who would only have the good and not the bad come his way.
3. The word adversity here means, wickedness, mischief, hurt, bad, trouble, malignant, unpleasant, giving pain, evil, sad, hurtful and unhappy. Those words, sure sound familiar and are a great expression of what can come into our lives.
4. Job's response, was, "Shall we not accept etc, " the word accept means, to receive, hold, undertook. Job was very pliable, and non resistant to the things that God allowed into his life. What a tremendous example he is to us.
5. Finally, there is much wisdom for us in Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. When things are going well, you are prospering, the Lord, He says to be joyful. But, if you are in the day of adversity, to consider. It means to look at, to inspect, to perceive.
Here's how it reads in the NLT Ec 7:14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.
And, in the Amplified version. Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one side by side with the other, so that man may not find out anything that shall be after him.
A prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your wisdom is greater then ours. And, thank You that we can look to Your word for all the things that come our way in life. One thing is certain, You are in control of all things, and we find such comfort in You teaching us how to deal with what You allow in our lives. Your Word sets us straight. It gives us comfort, and understanding and helps us to patiently endure.
We love You Lord. In Jesus' name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO CHANGE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO CHANGE"
LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
A few explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Change is the very thing that Christ has come to do. You can be confident He wants you to change, and will help you change.
See LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
The word repentance means to change. So, we see that the very mission of Jesus is to call men to change, your desire for change, is exactly what He wants to have happen in your life.
2. Ok, I see you may say, but how do I do it?. Well, it's a gift from God. See James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
God is the great giver. as it says there in James 1:17 these gifts come down from the Father of lights. We receive His gifts by asking for them. So, if you want to change, simply ask Jesus to give you the gift of repentance. The word gift, does not imply work, but rather something given. The word gift here, actually means, bounty, benefaction.
Here's how it reads in the Amplified Version James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect ([a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
So, the gift of repentance is free, large, full, God is the one who gives it. He will give it to you, and He will help you to change.
3. Here's one of the main and direct benefits of God's goodness. His Goodness, leads us to repentance.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? It says in Rom 2;4, "the riches of His goodness" The word "goodness" means, useful, good, gracious. What a great description of our God.
4. Putting all this together, what hope we have that change can be ours. Because, it's God's will for us to change. It's God who gives repentance. His goodness, is the motive for Him giving it, and it leads us to salvation. Jesus always taught about God being a giver, and the Bible teaches us to ask God for those things that are in His will, and if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will have what we ask for. John 15:7“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
A prayer:
Lord, we come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. We ask not only for ourselves, but for everyone who may be reading this, or the people we know in our families, or in our church bodies, or where we work, or our friends, who really and truly want to change.
We are praying that they might look to You. The giver of good gifts. We pray for this change. May You pour out change in an great
way. We love You for being our changer. Change our hearts we pray. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
A few explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Change is the very thing that Christ has come to do. You can be confident He wants you to change, and will help you change.
See LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
The word repentance means to change. So, we see that the very mission of Jesus is to call men to change, your desire for change, is exactly what He wants to have happen in your life.
2. Ok, I see you may say, but how do I do it?. Well, it's a gift from God. See James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
God is the great giver. as it says there in James 1:17 these gifts come down from the Father of lights. We receive His gifts by asking for them. So, if you want to change, simply ask Jesus to give you the gift of repentance. The word gift, does not imply work, but rather something given. The word gift here, actually means, bounty, benefaction.
Here's how it reads in the Amplified Version James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect ([a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
So, the gift of repentance is free, large, full, God is the one who gives it. He will give it to you, and He will help you to change.
3. Here's one of the main and direct benefits of God's goodness. His Goodness, leads us to repentance.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? It says in Rom 2;4, "the riches of His goodness" The word "goodness" means, useful, good, gracious. What a great description of our God.
4. Putting all this together, what hope we have that change can be ours. Because, it's God's will for us to change. It's God who gives repentance. His goodness, is the motive for Him giving it, and it leads us to salvation. Jesus always taught about God being a giver, and the Bible teaches us to ask God for those things that are in His will, and if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will have what we ask for. John 15:7“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
A prayer:
Lord, we come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. We ask not only for ourselves, but for everyone who may be reading this, or the people we know in our families, or in our church bodies, or where we work, or our friends, who really and truly want to change.
We are praying that they might look to You. The giver of good gifts. We pray for this change. May You pour out change in an great
way. We love You for being our changer. Change our hearts we pray. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, October 28, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO THINK GOD WOULD NOT WANT THEM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO THINK GOD WOULD NOT WANT THEM"
Luke 5:30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Luke 5:31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory notes and application:
1. One of the criticisms of Jesus was that He ate with the worst of the worst. He was called by His enemies the friend of sinners.
Mt 11:19* “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
2. It's a little hard to imagine how people could be critical of Jesus for reaching out to people, ( sinners ) but, sure enough they did, and they still do. And, so does the devil. Only he criticizes you and I for our sin, and then tries to get us to believe that Jesus does not love us, or care for us, or want us. But, the Devil is a liar.
3. The truth is that God is love. 1Jo 4:16* And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. And, His love has been demonstrated at the cross, where He died, not just for the sins of some, but for the sins of the whole world. 1Jo 2:2* And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
4. Please notice what Jesus said in Luke 5:31-32 above. He came for sinners. Yeah, that's you and me. Sinners. So, contrary to what anyone may say, or what you may be feeling within yourself, the Bible tells us the truth, and that is, that not only is God love, but, Jesus specifically came for sinners.
5. One last thing. God loves us so much, that He does not want to leave us in our sinful condition, so, He calls us to repentance, that is to turn to Him, believe in Him, and receive Him. If you have done that, then You have become His child, and You are a joint heir with Christ, and You have eternal life, and nothing can separate You from His love. Isn't that wonderful.
A prayer:
Lord, we would like to take just a moment to say how wonderful it is, that You have given us Your Word to tell us the truth about life, about ourselves, about the future, and most of all about Your love, grace and mercy for each of us. Help us to keep ourselves in Your Word, and help us to believe it, and to obey it, and to enjoy the benefits of doing all those things. There is no one like You Lord. And, we have no love and appreciation for anyone, or anything, as we do for You. We love You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 5:30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Luke 5:31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Some explanatory notes and application:
1. One of the criticisms of Jesus was that He ate with the worst of the worst. He was called by His enemies the friend of sinners.
Mt 11:19* “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
2. It's a little hard to imagine how people could be critical of Jesus for reaching out to people, ( sinners ) but, sure enough they did, and they still do. And, so does the devil. Only he criticizes you and I for our sin, and then tries to get us to believe that Jesus does not love us, or care for us, or want us. But, the Devil is a liar.
3. The truth is that God is love. 1Jo 4:16* And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. And, His love has been demonstrated at the cross, where He died, not just for the sins of some, but for the sins of the whole world. 1Jo 2:2* And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
4. Please notice what Jesus said in Luke 5:31-32 above. He came for sinners. Yeah, that's you and me. Sinners. So, contrary to what anyone may say, or what you may be feeling within yourself, the Bible tells us the truth, and that is, that not only is God love, but, Jesus specifically came for sinners.
5. One last thing. God loves us so much, that He does not want to leave us in our sinful condition, so, He calls us to repentance, that is to turn to Him, believe in Him, and receive Him. If you have done that, then You have become His child, and You are a joint heir with Christ, and You have eternal life, and nothing can separate You from His love. Isn't that wonderful.
A prayer:
Lord, we would like to take just a moment to say how wonderful it is, that You have given us Your Word to tell us the truth about life, about ourselves, about the future, and most of all about Your love, grace and mercy for each of us. Help us to keep ourselves in Your Word, and help us to believe it, and to obey it, and to enjoy the benefits of doing all those things. There is no one like You Lord. And, we have no love and appreciation for anyone, or anything, as we do for You. We love You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia