No Other Name

 

In today’s fast-paced society and declining economy, who you know could be the difference between success and ruin. We know from life that if you are connected with the right people and mention their names, it could open up many doors for you. The same holds true in the Christian faith.

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)

As Christians, we have made the right connection when we received Jesus Christ. We have to remember that is through faith in His name that we are saved. It is through trusting in His name that we can make it through this life. His name is a strong tower. The Psalms declare that the righteous run to it and they are saved.

And it is by His name that we will enter into eternal life. There is no other name given whereby an individual can be saved. Be thankful unto God that you know the One whose name opens up the doors to life and life everlasting. 

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust in the name of Christ. I thank you that you will never leave me or fail me. Amen.”

The Choice is Clear

 

There was an old Sunny Delight commercial where some kids come into their friend’s house and enter the kitchen. Upon entering, they open the refrigerator looking for something to drink. They began to call out the choices – soda, purple stuff, and the like and then they all agree on the Sunny Delight.

The other products paled in comparison to Sunny Delight. What is the point? Although there are many other beliefs, religions, and systems of worship, Christians should know that the choice they have made is the right choice, the clear choice, the only choice.

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.1 Cor 8:6 (KJV)

We have to know as Christians that our belief in God is not a sign of arrogance, ignorance, or intolerance. We must know that God is truth and we cannot move from the truth of God revealed in Christ because of opposition.

Unlike other belief systems, we know that God’s salvation is available to ALL and given to ALL that will receive Him. With such goodness on display, the choice to come to God by Christ is the only clear choice.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for knowing you are true, and that salvation is in your Son. I desire to remain unwavering in my faith. Amen.”

Appreciate Christ

Receiving Christ in your life as Savior is the best thing that could happen to you. However, there are many who are miserable and unhappy in their walk with Christ. This is due largely in part to personal comfort and conveniences. Many are unappreciative of their salvation because life is not going how they would like for it to go.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalms 1:1 (KJV)

God gives us all things to enjoy freely. However, the joy and happiness of the Christian should not rest in material possessions and worldly gain. Joy and happiness should be founded upon the Christian’s deliverance from a life of sin and the bondages that come with it.

In Psalm 1, the writer tells us that blessed or happy is the man who does righteousness. When you do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand (live) in the way of sinners, this should fuel your happiness.

When you are able to overcome sin and desire righteousness, this should be the basis for your happiness. Why? Because righteousness will bless you and others in this life, and it will take you into the life that is to come. This is why you should appreciate your salvation even when life does not go how you would like it.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your blessings. On this day, I make special mention of your salvation and deliverance from sin. I am grateful for all things. Amen”

The Hallmark of a Disciple

 

Jesus came into the world to save man from sin. Biblical history reveals the continual rebellion and unrighteousness of men following the Fall. Yet, we see in the scriptures the love, patience, and mercy of God even upon those who refused to acknowledge Him. This “love legacy” of God culminated with Him sending His Son, Jesus. God loved the world, so He sent Christ. Christ loved the world, so He gave His life – giving all that receive Him the ability to stand before God in peace.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)

All those that receive Christ are His disciples. A Christian’s discipleship is verified by LOVE. Love is the hallmark of the disciple. Those who receive Christ have been recipients of God’s love, grace, and mercy. This should fuel the Christian’s resolve to share the love that they have received.

Although we carry God’s message to the world, Jesus stated that the disciple is known by his love for other disciples. How do we view and treat other Christian is the identifier for the disciple?  So, where are you today in your Christian walk and discipleship experience? One way to evaluate it is by the love that is demonstrated to others.

Prayer of the Week:

“God, I thank you for your great love towards me. Aid me as I endeavor to a disciple of Christ. Let your love be demonstrated in me towards others. Amen.”