The Shepherd of the One

  “Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments" – Psalm 119:175-176

You can take it!   My life is nothing more than a temporary passage to what the scriptures have promised me.  In my current state I am weak, I am tempted, I am prone to wrong doing.  I am born of the seed of Adam and therefore I am rich with sin and unrighteousness.  From the moment of my creation, as the blood from my mother and father blended in creating the mass of tissue and life of my very being.  I carry with me a bent towards sinning, as do you, for you also are from the seed of Adam.

But, the good news is that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.  When I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I was just a small child, but I knew without a doubt that if He loved me enough to die in such a brutal way so I could go to heaven, then He was someone worth following.  I was baptized at 12 years old in First Baptist Church, Tecumseh, Mi. with my brother and my sister.  I left the church that night, and have never considered that He was not my God and my Savior.  I didn't understand His love or His grace, but I knew He was righteous and holy.

Over the last 50 or so years, I have slowly begun to understand just who He is and what He truly did for me.  I’ve never gone too far from the straight and narrow, because I knew in my heart it would lead to life of fear, sorrow and regrets.  By no means have I avoided the unrighteousness of this world.  As a matter of fact I sin each and every day, and yet I continue to strive for holiness because He is holy.  I have come to realize that there is no way for me to withstand the temptations and sin of this world within my own power and authority.  As much as I try, and chastise myself, I continue to fall short of His glory, as do you.

We must come to realize that in this world there is only good and evil.  Everything else is used in a demonstration of these two things.  We learned in Science that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  When there is good there will be evil; when there is cold there will be warmth; when there is light there is darkness; when there is truth there are lies.  We make thousands of choices every day, from mundane to intricate in detail.  Your brain is sending 10’s of thousands of signals to your body and your surrounding environment every second.  You, with or without your awareness are choosing good or evil, right or wrong at this very moment.  How therefore are you ever capable of making 100% consistently decisions for the good, for righteousness?  That’s it, you can’t !!

Because you cannot be 100% righteous and holy, you are a sinner.  Your sins must be accounted for.  In the Old Testament laws, recorded in the books of Genesis and Leviticus, Moses recorded the words of God to His people.  You must sacrifice an animal, not just any animal, but a perfect and white as snow lamb, each year for the redemption of your family’s sins.  This was done in Jerusalem, at the temple every year during Passover, right up to the year Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt.

For you see, when Jesus came into Jerusalem for Passover, He very well understood He was the sacrificial lamb of God, coming to the slaughter.  Throughout the week, He pressed upon His disciples this reality, in preparation for what was to come.  When He was crucified, and breathed His last, the sacrifice was done and the sins of the world were washed away once and for good.  Jesus was the perfect, spotless, holy lamb of God; without sin or in need of a sacrifice Himself.   His blood was not from Adam but from God directly through the Immaculate Conception.  His birth broke the chain of history and His death broke the chain of sin bondage.

Through His death, He redeemed those who had sinned up to that point.  Through His resurrection, He provided an eternal redemption for all of mankind going forward until He comes again to take us with Him to heaven.  We are incapable of not sinning, but through Him we are made Holy as He is Holy.  Upon accepting Him for who He is – our Savior and Lord – we receive the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our very soul.  Our soul is heaven-ready, from that moment, but our flesh is still weak and full of sin.  We follow His lead and abide in Him to bring those two things closer together.  Align your flesh to the Spirit, and others will see it in you.  At your death, your flesh will be destroyed 6 feet under, but your soul will move in Spirit to Jesus’ side to forever sing out praises to the Father.  Won’t you release the hurt, anger, pain, and suffering in this life to allow your flesh to align with His spirit?  Let your life reflect the Holy Spirit within, so that your life in sin will be repentant.  You must open up to Him who lives within you; the choice is all yours.

A Daily Walk

 “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” - 1 Peter 3:18

If you were asked about the greatest sin in your life, what would it be?

Adultery, Pornography, Control, Lying, Stealing, Hatred, Greed, Anger, Envy, Self-Righteousness, Murder, Drugs, Drinking, Abuse, Homosexuality, Blasphemy, Cursing, Gambling, Selfishness and Pride; just too name a few.  You must all agree that these are all sinful actions against a Holy and Perfect God, and this is just off the top of my head.  If Jesus Christ came to die as the propitiation for the sins of all men, as stated in 1 Peter 3:18; then who are we to say that one of these sins is greater than the other.  For in saying this, then one must expect that there is another action coming by which the greater of these sins is washed away.  Otherwise we have limited and minimized the saving grace offered up by the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Do you then believe that Christ died for your sins (some of those mentioned above), so that you can spend eternity with Him and the Father in heaven; but this same act (Christ’s death) is not sufficient to cover other sins mentioned above?  If your belief is true, than have you not placed limitations on the saving grace of our Lord?  Salvation comes from belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, coupled with the act of repentance for our sin filled life.  This means sin no more.  Jesus told the woman caught in adultery; “And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.””  {John 8:11}  We must acknowledge our sinful actions and turn from them, relying on and trusting in the strength of the Lord to overcome our weak flesh and desire to continue in our sin.  This is true with every sin. 

Accept that only through the Holy Spirit can we take hold of our addictions, our transgressions and turn away from them.  This goes for the simplest of sinful action to the greatest.  Continuing in our sinful action suggests that we are still holding onto our fleshly desires rather than repenting of them.  Romans 3:23 tells us "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  We all have sinned, yes, even you; and we must decide if we will continue in our sin or walk away from it.  Our choice in this matter says a lot about our desire to live for God Almighty or to live for ourselves.  Before we condemn another in their sinful action, perhaps we should all take a very good look at our own, and where we are in overcoming them.  This is a daily walk with the Lord close by your side to help overcome our weaknesses, and it cannot happen without His help and strength.  Seek Him in overcoming your sin, He will see it through.

Why Jesus

Daily Thoughts – Why Jesus

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (in context)

Truth is measured in one of three ways: logical consistency, experiential relevance, and empirical reliability.  In all truths we are challenged to demonstrate in one of these ways that indeed a claim is indeed verifiable.  So, by these standards, how do you approach the topic of Jesus Christ, as the only way to heaven?  We have no physical evidence, to present in a manner that would ever be acceptable to a nay-sayer.  If someone has asked for proof in order for them to believe in Jesus Christ, I propose that they are not really intent on finding the truth, but trying to legitimize their own opinion of the unauthentic claim of Jesus’ deity.

So, when we stand before an Atheist, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jew, a Buddhist or any other non-believer, how do we debate in a manner that will have some influence on their perspective? 

First, you must decide that you are willing to debate on the topic.  You must commit to allow God, the Father to use you, and to work through you.  We must realize we are incapable of saving anyone, we can only lead them to the Savior.  Preparation requires study, just as in any effort you put forth.  If you want to excel at work, you study and prepare for the skills you will need.  If you want to excel at sport, you put in the hard work to improve your skills, your talents and your abilities to play the game at a higher level.  If you want to excel at marriage, you must put in the work to expand your ability to love another selflessly.  Evangelizing for the Lord requires work on your part to understand His love, His grace, His salvation plan and His desire to bring all mankind to His eternity.  In short, be able to tell the story of Jesus. 

Second, you must put emotions aside, and not allow yourself to be angered by their response and arguments.  Jesus taught us to spread His word in love.  Love one another as God first loved you.  This includes loving those who are opposed to your love of Jesus Christ.  Reaching out to the non-believer is an act that must be centered in your love for others, not in your desire to win the argument.  If your neighbor doesn’t believe, your love for their eternal destination must lead your actions.

Finally, you must understand that their opinions and perspectives are just as important to them as your love of Christ is to you.  We can’t argue against their beliefs without insulting them.  Keeping in mind that they have arrived at this point in their life through careful consideration of alternatives, and wisdom gained over their personal experiences just as you have.  A more effective method is to share your story, how did you become a Christian and what has God done for you.  Your experiences are yours alone and have built the foundation of your faith.  This testimony is something that another cannot argue against, just as you can’t argue against theirs.  Know your storyline first, know how to tell it, know how God has had His finger in it   The experiential relevance of your life events have framed your emotions and this becomes the basis for your discussion with others.  You cannot evangelize on someone else’s story, your faith must be evidenced through your own experiences.

Why is Jesus the only way to heaven then?
 
There are those who accept the truth that there must be something more than this life.  They believe that there is a greater power in the Universe, but do not necessarily want to believe in God as a supreme authority.  This means they recognize that there is a hierarchical framework to our existence.  These individuals generally can wrap their head around the logical argument of God, but may not understand the reason for a Savior.  For these individuals I’ve found it valuable to first help them understand the love God has for us, and His desire for us to join with Him for eternity.  It’s important to state the holiness and perfection of God, the Father.  We are sinful, from the time of Adam, man has become sinful in our self-centered driven life, rather than God centered life.  All have sinned and therefore need to have our sins redeemed and forgiven.  We must repent from our sinful life and turn from the ways of the world. 

Many religions believe that works can overcome these sins, but there is no amount of good works we can accomplish redemption in His eyes.  Think about it.  How many good works does it take to overcome one sinful act – swearing?  How many good works does it take to overcome adultery, or murder, or stealing?  We all sin, multiple times every day.  It is impossible to believe that we can do enough works to overcome the volume of sinful actions in our lives. 

So, God, by His loving grace, provided another way.  A sacrifice, the crucifixion of His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and bring us into a state of righteousness to exist in God’s presence.  Through the death of His beloved Son, God demonstrated His love for you.  This sacrifice created the only way to atone for our evil works, our sinful actions, and character.  The life of Christ represents a perfect life (2 Corinthians 5:21) without sin.  Therefore, by sacrificing this life, God has provided a path a path to redemption, and through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are grafted into His perfection.  God could have abandoned mankind and separated us for all of eternity, but chose to love us instead. 

By providing a path to redemption, God has reached out to all mankind to join with Him for all of eternity.  The refusal to accept this gift of grace is a refusal to accept eternity with God.  God doesn’t damn anyone to Hell, man chooses it for himself.  This is in and of itself an unforgivable sin.  You see, if we don’t want God, He will not force you to spend eternity with Him.  He loves you that much.  The scriptures over and over again tell us that Jesus Christ is the bridge, the path, the grace that God has provided for salvation, and by no other manner will mankind be saved from eternal damnation.

Why Jesus?   Because God wants you to be with Him in a perfect eternity and because of your sinful nature, there is no way for you to get there on your own.


© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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37 Days – A Promise to Finish His Work in Us

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6

February 1^st Prayer:
Father, You promised that I would be transformed into the image of Jesus. You predestined it at the point of my salvation. Thank You for changing me from the inside out. I get off sometimes and wonder if I’m going ever get back on track. But You have promised to get me to the finish line looking like Jesus. I receive Your promise today and cooperate with Your spirit’s work to finish what You’ve begun in me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:
So many of us have disqualified ourselves from the grace and salvation of our Lord because of something we have said or done.  Even those of us who claim to be “saved” and part of His Kingdom will find ourselves discounting our salvation because we find ourselves in the act of sinning again.  We need to realize that God has called us to salvation, not in order to expel us once we have slipped, but to bring us to an eternal peace with Him.  God created you, He knows your inner thoughts and weaknesses.  He also has provided the Holy Spirit to dwell within you as you Counselor, Comforter and Advocate (as we discussed yesterday). 

The Holy Spirit is strengthening and growing your wisdom, your courage, your resolve and your ability to stand firm in the righteousness of the Father.  In 1 Peter 2:2-3, we learn that all Christians grow up in our salvation; ”Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”, letting us know that we are all going to learn, grow and mature in our salvation. 

My friend, do not be discouraged when you fall.  You will fall.  The key is to realize God’s love doesn’t change because you make a mistake.  He can’t love you more tomorrow than He does today.  His plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is infinitely designed.  You will always fit under the umbrella of His grace and loving forgiveness; and one day when Christ returns, we will be found holy and righteous enough to enter into His presence.  He will finish what He has started in you.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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37 Days – Embrace the Grace

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  - Ephesians 4:7

January 14^th Prayer:

Paul was confident in the measure of grace apportioned to him. Like Paul, you must embrace the grace God apportioned to you. When you live within your sphere of grace, you will stop comparing your life to others and wrestling with all the insecurities that accompany comparisons. You have a specific deposit of God that you are responsible to reflect. God has dealt each of us a measure, and it’s all you need to fulfill the purpose of God for your life. Relax and enjoy your measure. Embrace the grace! Thank You for the measure of grace You’ve given me.

Thank You that I’m not called to perform like anybody else. Thank You that I’m free from the need to compete with any of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I applaud the grace in the lives of others. And I thank You for the unique expression of Jesus that I am. I am excited to grow more and more in the grace apportioned to me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

One of the greatest differences of Christianity vs every other religion of the world (past or present) is Grace.  Simply put, you have the opportunity to receive eternal life with God in heaven because of what He has done, not because of what you have done.  He has graciously given us a path to redemption, despite the fact that we don’t’ deserve it or for many, even accept it. 

He had to create a sacrifice to atone for our sins, because God is perfect, His heaven is perfect and our sin-filled lives cannot enter therein.  But God had a plan, He created the perfect sacrifice because He realized man could not do it alone.  He created a path just so you could join Him in heaven.  This path would cost Him the very life of His only Son, but His love for you is so deep that He went through with the plan.  He brought His Son to the earth, and watched mankind, amidst the pain and suffering, destroy him on a cross.  What man didn’t know though was this was actually God’s planning, and a part of how He would redeem the world.  In the sacrifice of His son’s life; a perfect spotless, sinless man; He saved the world.  This is an unspoken love that neither you nor I can fully comprehend, because we are unable to do the same.  You can’t ever pay it back, it is beyond your ability; yet He gave it to you anyway.  This is God’s grace, His oh so amazing grace; and you can only choose to accept it or not.

He gives it to you, so you can be saved.  He gives it to you, so you can find salvation in Him.  He gives it to you, so you can live eternally with Him one day.  He gives it to you, so you can share it with others.  Just as He gave everything to set you free, are you willing to do the same?  Are you able to give grace to others when they absolutely, without a doubt don’t deserve it, or even want it; and can never pay it back?  To each of us grace has been apportioned accordingly.  Enough grace to overcome our sinful, unrighteous and worldly lives.  God has enough grace to overcome anything you have done.  You can rest on this truth, that by believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He and He alone, can bear your sins so you can stand before the Lord, blameless and worthy of His Kingdom. 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found,
was blind but now I see.

You were lost, but now you’re found.  You can now see how much God loves you and has prepared a way for you to join Him in heaven.  Take the step today, admit you have been a wretch, but you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the redeemer of your sinful actions.  Be born again today, and rest in the grace of our Lord.   

Be Blessed,

Rich

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37 Days – Let Go of Your Plans

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
- Jeremiah 29:11-14

January 12^th Prayer:

Israel was in captivity in Babylon when this prophecy was given. They felt forgotten, abandoned, and as though all the promises of God they once believed were gone due to their sin and disobedience. And they thought they knew what God thought about them. His “thoughts” must not be good towards them because their current circumstances were so bad. This is why God says, “I know my thoughts. They are not what you think. My thoughts and plans for you are good. I’ve not forgotten you.”

Father, I approach You today to offer all my plans to You. I have carried so many hopes, plans and dreams that I thought were Yours. I’ve been disappointed, discouraged, and even some times offended with You that my dreams have not become a reality. Today I want to release all of my plans to You. I know that “You know the plans You have for me.” I want those plans for my life as well. I can’t help but dream for many things— and I don’t always know what parts of these are in sync with Your plans. But I trust You. I open to Your voice and guidance. Let Your will and plans be done. I surrender this area of my life . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

‘Does God love me?”
“If God knew what I have done, there is no way He could love me.”

How many people have you heard say something of this nature?  It is so common for people to eliminate themselves from God’s grace and blessing because of their past actions.  Repeat sinful actions, turning away from God, anger with God, painful experiences in life – these are all things that will cause individuals to discount their place in God’s kingdom and plans.  We all believe that we can know the thoughts of the Lord, and know His ways.  This is impossible, for He is not of this world and our mind is so infinitely small, His glory and ways are incomprehensible for us.  What these folks need to understand is that God is a God of love, an eternal love that cannot be diminished, be eliminated or withdrawn. 

God has provided eternal salvation for all mankind.  As Pastor Randy has educated so many of us the Hebrew interpretation of the word “all” is ….. (wait for it) ALL.  Yes, even you.  You see, when Jesus Christ carried that cross through the stone streets of Jerusalem, he wasn’t choosing which people of all time He would be dying for.  He was fulfilling God’s plan of salvation through one sacrificial act.  His blood was shed, just like the sacrificial lambs in the historical Jewish customs, for the forgiveness of sin.  He was crucified and died on that hill so that mankind’s sins would be atoned for.  He was buried and rose again, so we could become the redeemer for all of mankind from that day forward.  Today, He is alive and seated next to the right hand of God, appealing on your behalf for every sinful act you have lived through.  It is not a game of scale, because if His blood sacrifice is not sufficient for one sin (regardless of how heinous) it is not sufficient for any of our sins, regardless of how small.

So, what have you done that disqualifies you?  Do you really believe that God has turned His back on you and no longer wants you in His eternal kingdom?  Please take a deep breath and pray on this.  I am here tonight to tell you, God has not turned from you, and His love is no different today than it was the day you born.  You are His child and He cannot love you more, nor can He love you less than He did on that day.  You see God’s love is immutable, never changing.  His demands are high (as we discussed yesterday) and He wants for you to love and worship Him.  The one requirement is to believe in His son – Jesus Christ – as your personal Savior and Lord, repent of your sinful actions and turn to follow Him.  Your eternal peace is within your reach, just grab the Father’s hand. 

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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The Visit of a Stranger

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“"If you love me, you will obey what I command.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:15-17

The dust blew through the streets of the small village.  The people that remained behind stayed indoors most of the time, for the sweltering heat was unbearable and there were no crops to harvest anyway.  Most of the livestock had died when the wells and small pools of water dried up and there was a distinct scent of death in the air.  Few travelers passed through this town any longer and businesses had long closed up shop.  Some men still gathered daily in the village market to reminisce and discuss the good days of old when the markets were full of people selling fish, bread, vegetables and grain; right next to the merchants from the East selling fine cloth and oils.  But now, there was no one selling, for there is no money after the taxes are paid.  The synagogue was in ruin, the people had lost sight of the God of their fathers over the last generation.  Where there used to be singing and praising and reading of the texts, there was now only broken down buildings beyond repair, which created a resting area for the local rodents and feline that roamed the streets during the day. 

As the stranger walked into the town, people did not know what to expect.  They peeked from behind covered windows and watched as he walked toward the Synagogue at the end of the street.  He knelt near the alter where the texts had always been stored and he raised his hands and eyes to the heavens.  His hooded robe covered his body, but through it you could tell he was trembling as he cried out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He quoted from the texts as if it were engrained on his heart for he had no written manuscripts before him.  People came from their homes with caution and approached the Synagogue to see what could be seen. 

He rose from his kneeling position and turned to face the gathering crowd. 
“Children of God.  You are lost, and you have forgotten the one true God that gave you everything you have.  You have chosen a path that has led you to this place of desolation and anguish, rather than the path laid out for you by the Creator of heaven and earth.  You have ignored the Spirit within your heart that calls you to Him, and chosen to follow the spirit of the earth into the pits of Hell.  Where are you going, children; in this life and the next, that our Father in heaven cannot provide you peace, comfort and rest along your journey?  Why do you turn your back on Him and at the same time blame Him for the circumstance you have fallen into?  Your future is only determined by your resolve to pursue His righteousness, love and truth and to share it with others.  Seek His blessing upon this land once again and rejoice in knowing that He hears your cries, and will pour out blessings in His due time.  Just as the bride must be faithful to the groom in good and the bad, your Father in heaven desires your faithfulness through this valley, so in turn you will find the peace in what lies before you.  Your paths are not guaranteed to be free from obstacles or pain, but your feet upon His path will convey strength and righteousness to those around you as you endure through the obstacles.  Come home children, home to the Father who has brought you here; home to rest upon His peace and grace.  Open your hearts and see His Spirit within you, and rejoice that His love is great enough to endure all trials, for those who will follow Him.”

With that the stranger laid a scroll of the scriptures upon the podium, and then walked between the people who had gathered.  He left the Synagogue and walked down the street disappearing into the swirling dust from the winds blowing through the village.  The people looked one at the other around the broken down building and some were weeping, others kneeling in prayer, while some just turned and quietly walked away, contemplating what had just happened.  As they walked to their respective homes, rains began to fall on this dry land.  For more than 10 years they had experienced a drought in their land, and now the people of the village poured into the streets to dance and laugh and fill their buckets in the pouring rains from heaven.  By the next morning the small pools in the village center were overflowing and within weeks the fields were showing signs of vegetation once again.  The prayers of this small village were invigorating after the visit from the stranger that day, and with fervor the people continued with diligence to praise and worship God the Father for their blessings, small as they may be.  Within a year the village was once again thriving and the lands were flowing with crops, grain and livestock. 

This could be any city or village near you today, or it could have been an ancient village in the desert of Israel in first century AD.  The point of the story is that nothing is beyond the touch of the Master’s hand.  We are all given the ability to call upon the Holy Spirit at any time and Jesus has promised He will be there to comfort us through every circumstance.  It takes faith and knowing that God loves you and will provide for your every need. 
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Falling Rose Petals

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” – Romans 8:35

The rose drops petals when left uncut.  The bold redness fades to black, and they wither, before they become dis-joined from the stem.  Eventually the stalk is bare and naked of it’s radiance and beauty.  But is it still a rose?  If not, than what is it?

The child wakes angry at his or her parents for their authority and strictness.  Friends whisper in their ear that they don’t need the parents, or the rules or judgment.  The child packs a bag, takes a few $20 bills from Dad’s wallet and walks out the door, hops in a car and is gone.  No note, no Tweet, no text, no call – just gone.  Is he or she still the child of those parents?

Tell me then, at what point in our life can we stop being a child of God?  If our spirit dies within us, and the fire is burnt out – has the love of our Father changed?  If we have chosen the wrong path and done unmentionable acts of unrighteousness, is the redemptive act of Christ’s death and resurrection unobtainable?  Tell me of the sinful nature that you have determined is beyond God’s grace and mercy. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees lived their lives as if they could abide within God’s law.  Even in their educated, disciplined and strictness, their hearts and arrogance exposed their unrighteousness.  Jesus Christ came as a new covenant between man and God, not to abolish those laws, but to fulfill them with perfection.  His life portrayed perfectly the will, the love and the spirit of God Almighty.  Through His perfection, He introduced us to God’s expectations of His children.  The problem this created though, is that mankind is incapable of living this life, because of our inherent sinful nature.

The fact that we are born of mankind, the blood of Adam runs through us.  The sinful nature over millennia of time has not washed clean and never will.  Jesus Christ was not born of man’s blood, but born of the Holy Spirit, through Mary.  The fact that in His perfection and holiness He took our sins upon Himself, provided complete redemption for all of our iniquities.  The blood He shed upon that cross was a pure sacrifice from the lamb of God and sufficient for any sin that would ever be.  His life and His blood is all that He could give, nothing more.  If it is not sufficient to redeem the sin that dwells within your unrighteousness, then it is insufficient for any sin.  God did not send His Son to die for some, but for ALL that believe in Him.  Otherwise, John 3:16 might read something like this; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that some of you who believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  You know that is not what it says, you know this verse by heart and you know it says “…that whosoever believes …”

You either believe it or you don’t.  If you don’t, than you are stating you don’t believe that God’s word is truthful and authentic.  It indicates that you believe you know, more than the Creator, about the rules and guidelines for eternal life.  Here is the reality of the situation.  You are dealing with human guilt, pressed down upon you by your own feelings, not from God.  You see, God cannot love you more than He does.  He gave you everything you need to enter eternal life with Him in heaven.  There is not a second round of redemption coming, Christ’s death and resurrection is sufficient.  This love of the Father is infinitely greater than anything our human mind can conceive and therefore cannot be increased, nor can it be decreased.  It is unchanging, immutable and consistent.  Nothing you can do can separate you from His love?  It is strictly your choice whether you want to accept it or not.  Just as your child will always be your child despite whether they are happy with you at the moment or not, you were created by Him and for Him, and you can’t undo that.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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