December 25th 2020
This VOW is being repeated from: Thursday, December 24, 2009
YOU Have A Savior, Accept Him Into Your Heart, And Be Free To Live A Blessed Life!
Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
What a wonderful reassuring thought Paul gave to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” We have received that same thought, if we have ever attended a church or read God’s Word. But, do you really believe it? That is, do you really grasp the fact that you are saved by grace? Nothing you ever did or will ever do will gain you heaven, NOTHING! However, you have been granted total absolution for all your sins by the gift of grace. All you had to do was open the package, so to speak, of accepting the indescribable gift. Now that is the absolute best gift you will ever receive at Christmas, or at any other time in this lifetime!
Think about the freedom, the only true freedom, this knowledge gives you. You KNOW your immortal soul has been saved, and you’re assured of being with Jesus in heaven forever! This gift became possible when Jesus came to this earth to free all men from their sins! Yes, of course, He had to die as the perfect sacrifice for your sins, but let’s talk about that at Easter time. Now we are in the Christmas season, and we are busy buying gifts for all those people we love, and even for some we do not particularly like! If you have people in your life you may not hold in the highest esteem, NOW is the time to be humble, and get the courage to try your best to warm-up to them.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul gave them some good advice about at least leaning toward connecting with the Spirit instead of using our sinful nature when we deal with other people. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows! The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10)
As a person whom is born again you have the responsibility to be the one who tries to do the right thing, by doing as Paul has told the Galatians and us, “as we (you) have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Remember too that you have been given the ability of responding positively, because you have the Holy Spirit available to you, and the other person may not have the Spirit in their lives!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) John is making a written statement about the reason for the season. As we celebrate this season we should feel the blessing of God on us, and marvel at the freedom of knowing our future is assured. Do you know that no other religion offers an absolute guarantee of salvation? That is because all other religions require its followers to do something to obtain a “final reward!”
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17) Take notice of what verse 17 says, Jesus the Son of God was sent into this world not “to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Why did God do this, because “God so loved the world.” Note the love in these statements and no condemnation. Jesus offers all people the only way to obtain salvation.
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:5-6) As a follower of Jesus we do not need to be worried about finding our way through this life. So just as Thomas who lived with Jesus, and knew Him as a friend, we too know the way to our final reward, because Jesus is our guide.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:1-12, KJV)
Celebrate again receiving this greatest gift of all, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Believe it YOU have a Savior, just accept Him into your heart, and be free to live a blessed life! The greatest gift of all was, “wrapped in swaddling clothes!”
Merry Christmas!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
YOU Have A Savior, Accept Him Into Your Heart, And Be Free To Live A Blessed Life!
Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
What a wonderful reassuring thought Paul gave to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” We have received that same thought, if we have ever attended a church or read God’s Word. But, do you really believe it? That is, do you really grasp the fact that you are saved by grace? Nothing you ever did or will ever do will gain you heaven, NOTHING! However, you have been granted total absolution for all your sins by the gift of grace. All you had to do was open the package, so to speak, of accepting the indescribable gift. Now that is the absolute best gift you will ever receive at Christmas, or at any other time in this lifetime!
Think about the freedom, the only true freedom, this knowledge gives you. You KNOW your immortal soul has been saved, and you’re assured of being with Jesus in heaven forever! This gift became possible when Jesus came to this earth to free all men from their sins! Yes, of course, He had to die as the perfect sacrifice for your sins, but let’s talk about that at Easter time. Now we are in the Christmas season, and we are busy buying gifts for all those people we love, and even for some we do not particularly like! If you have people in your life you may not hold in the highest esteem, NOW is the time to be humble, and get the courage to try your best to warm-up to them.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul gave them some good advice about at least leaning toward connecting with the Spirit instead of using our sinful nature when we deal with other people. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows! The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10)
As a person whom is born again you have the responsibility to be the one who tries to do the right thing, by doing as Paul has told the Galatians and us, “as we (you) have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Remember too that you have been given the ability of responding positively, because you have the Holy Spirit available to you, and the other person may not have the Spirit in their lives!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) John is making a written statement about the reason for the season. As we celebrate this season we should feel the blessing of God on us, and marvel at the freedom of knowing our future is assured. Do you know that no other religion offers an absolute guarantee of salvation? That is because all other religions require its followers to do something to obtain a “final reward!”
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17) Take notice of what verse 17 says, Jesus the Son of God was sent into this world not “to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Why did God do this, because “God so loved the world.” Note the love in these statements and no condemnation. Jesus offers all people the only way to obtain salvation.
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:5-6) As a follower of Jesus we do not need to be worried about finding our way through this life. So just as Thomas who lived with Jesus, and knew Him as a friend, we too know the way to our final reward, because Jesus is our guide.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:1-12, KJV)
Celebrate again receiving this greatest gift of all, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Believe it YOU have a Savior, just accept Him into your heart, and be free to live a blessed life! The greatest gift of all was, “wrapped in swaddling clothes!”
Merry Christmas!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
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