If You Want The Key To A Truly Abundant Life, Abide In Jesus!


We have come too far to turn around – for us, there is no going back. It is our hope that this post will help you take one step further in your journey.

MAIN THOUGHT

Many people try to do what is right, but Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to abide in Him, like a branch attached to the vine.

John 15:4 (NKJV) says “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

ADDITIONAL THOUGHT: DEFINITION OF “ABIDE”

  • To wait patiently for;
  • To rest satisfied with;
  • To remain in one place or state.

RESULTS OF ABIDING

  • You will bring forth much fruit;
  • You can be all things through Christ;
  • You can ask Jesus whatever you will and it shall be done;
  • Your joy will be full.

VERY IMPORTANT POINT

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This only applies to what Jesus has anointed or called you to do. If you can do it all by yourself, it is not of God. God works through you to accomplish what He desires.

CLOSING THOUGHT

When a vine bears new fruit, God is glorified; for daily He sends the sunshine and rain to make the crops grow. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the Harvest when the harvest is brought into the barn safe and ready for use.

God makes it all happen. Likewise, God is glorified when people come into right relationships with Him and begin to bear much fruit in their lives.

John 10:10 (NKJV) says “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

SCRIPTURES TO READ

To gain a full understanding of the power in this post, please read the following scriptures:

  • John 15:1-11 “The Vine And The Branches”;
  • Psalm 23 “The Lord Is My Shepherd”;
  • Matthew 11:28 “I Will Give You Rest”;
  • Psalm 57:1 “Prayer For Safety From Enemies”;
  • Psalm 16:11 “Joy Of God's Presence”;
  • Psalm 91 “Safety Of Abiding In The Presence Of God”;
  • Romans 4:17 “Call Those Things Which Be Not As Though They Were”.

May God richly bless you and give you peace and joy as you read His Word.

Bill and Teddy Rogers

End Of Post


QUESTIONS

Do you know for sure where you are going when you die? Are you ready?

If you are not saved or not sure, please click on and read our “God’s Free Gift” Page.

If you are sure (a born again believer) but, for whatever reason, are not trying to help others get to Heaven, please click on and read about our FREE and very easy to use New Tool on our “Tell Others” Page.

The Pitfalls of False Grace For ‘Minor Sin’.


 
Note: This is the second in a series of three posts used with permission from Guest Author John Burton At http://www.johnburton.net/.

"And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (1 Peter 4:18 ).

With the emergence of the false-grace, or what I prefer to call unbiblical grace, teachings, the thought of worshiping, tithing, praying, Bible reading Christians who have great families and seem to be the model of righteousness going to Hell seems ridiculous.

I believe this is one of the most important passages of Scripture in today's false-grace generation:

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:26-31).

This means that tongue-talking, hand-lifting pastors, for example, can go to Hell if they struggle with lust. People that refuse to forgive another are at risk of Hell. If we continue in sin the Bible is clear—there remains no sacrifice for those sins.

There are supposed minor sins such as gossip, lust, rebellion to authority, lying and others that seem to fly below our radar—but not God's.

We can't continue in so-called minor sins and presume all to be well. We will experience judgment in this life and in the next if we do not repent. This brings the sweet little lady who's known as the church gossip into the light—and a terrifying light it is.

Have you ever met someone who has lived with unforgiveness in their heart? What about someone who is into pornography? It's horrifying to think this, but those very people, even if they are amazing in every other way, are very possibly unsaved right now.

Barna recently reported that 97 percent of born again Christian men are into pornography, and 84 percent of Christian women are viewing pornography.

Is it any wonder Leonard Ravenhill famously said that he doubts that 5 percent of professing born again Christians in America are truly saved?

"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation..." (Hebrews 2:1-3).

Corrie Ten Boom

Consider Corrie Ten Boom. You may have read her story in the book, The Hiding Place. She was a general in the faith as she and her family hid Jews during the Holocaust. Eventually they were discovered and were put into a concentration camp. She ministered Jesus in inhuman conditions. She was faithful in a time where all faith was lost.

Ultimately, after torture at the hands of one particular guard and countless horrors, her entire family was killed. The war ended and Corrie was released.

Shortly after Corrie was walking down the road when a man approached her. He said, "Excuse me, you were in the camp, weren't you?" Corrie affirmed that she was. He continued, "After the war I gave my life to Jesus. I prayed that he would allow me to find one person that I hurt so badly in the concentration camp." It was the guard—the one who brutally tortured and killed her family.

He said, "I told God that I wanted to seek their forgiveness. Would you please forgive me?"

Corrie, in her own words, shared her reaction. She said that she simply could not forgive him. As that thought consumed her soul, God spoke to her. He said, "Corrie, if you don't forgive him, I won't forgive you."

She knew, as a general in the faith, if she refused to forgive that man than she herself would die in her sins. Hell was her future. She then looked at the man who brought so much horror to her and took his hand and said, "I do forgive you." She said the love of God shot through her hand into the former guard's.

Tragically, so many Christians today presume they are exempt from such truths in Scripture. "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15).

Daniel Ekechukwu

Daniel Ekechukwu is a Nigerian pastor who died tragically in a car accident. He was told that he would go to Hell if he wasn't raised up—because he refused to forgive his wife regarding an issue.

Here's A Short Transcript:

"Daniel, if the book of your life was to be closed today, this would be your portion."

"No, I'm a pastor; I'm a child of God. I'm born-again—and I've preached all over…"

"Enough, Daniel, on your way to the first hospital, you were asking God to forgive you, but you would not forgive your wife. And your sins have not been forgiven. It is a matter of reaping what you've sown. You cannot sow un-forgiveness to your wife and reap forgiveness from God."

End Of Post

QUESTIONS

Do you know for sure where you are going when you die? Are you ready?

If you are not saved or not sure, please click on and read our “God’s Free Gift” Page.

If you are sure (a born again believer) but, for whatever reason, are not trying to help others get to Heaven, please click on and read about our FREE and very easy to use New Tool on our “Tell Others” Page.


Can The World See Jesus In You?

 
For the world to see Jesus in you, always do the following:

1. ACT LIKE A CHILD OF GOD.
Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV) says “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
2. DON'T WORRY.
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV) says “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
3. MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS.
Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Whenever you accomplish anything or receive honors, praise, or awards for what you have done,\
 
4. ALWAYS GIVE GOD THE PRAISE FIRST.
End Of Post
 

QUESTIONS

Do you know for sure where you are going when you die? Are you ready?

If you are not saved or not sure, please click on and read our “God’s Free Gift” Page.

If you are sure (a born again believer) but, for whatever reason, are not trying to help others get to Heaven, please click on and read about our FREE and very easy to use New Tool on our “Tell Others” Page.









How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 1)

   

The following are guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen world. We are to:

  • Give Ourselves To God As Living Sacrifices (Part 1);

  • Obey The Government (Part 2);

  • Love Our Neighbors (Part 3); And

  • Take Special Care Of Those Who Are Weak In The Faith (Part 4).

LIVING SACRIFICES

Romans 12:1-2 says “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In the above scripture verses, we are told that God wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices – daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him to guide us. We should do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service.

As Christians, we are called not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world, with its behaviors and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupt. We should wisely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for us.

But, our refusal to conform to this world's values must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs – it must be firmly planted in our minds - “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

However, remember this. It is possible to avoid most worldly behavior and customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant.

It is only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds that are we truly transformed.

Proverbs 23:7 says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

According to this scripture verse, your thoughts have a lot to do with your perspective and attitudes and you become what you think.

ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

  • Have You Truly Offered Your Body To God As A Living Sacrifice?

  • Have You Asked The Holy Spirit To Renew, Reeducate, And Redirect Your Mind?

If Not, Do It Today And See A Change In Your Life!

 

Be Sure To Also Read:

How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 2) 

How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 3) 

How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 4)

 



 

 












How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 4)

 
The following are guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen world. We are to:
  • Give Ourselves To God As Living Sacrifices (Part 1);
  • Obey The Government (Part 2);
  • Love Our Neighbors (Part 3); And
  • Take Special Care Of Those Who Are Weak In The Faith (Part 4).
TAKE SPECIAL CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE WEAK IN THE FAITH
Romans 14:1 says “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
Romans 14:13 says “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Romans 14:19 says “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 15:1 says “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
The above scriptures tell us that we are not to do anything in front of a brother or sister that they think is wrong but we think, according to the Bible, is not wrong.
Example # 1: You go out to dinner with brothers and sisters. You normally have a glass of wine with your meal and you believe, according to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with this. But, if it Is wrong in the eyes of the people you are with, then for their sake, you should abstain from having your glass of wine.
Example # 2: You like to listen to Jazz music. Your brother or sister doesn't like to listen to Jazz music because it brings back thoughts of their past life when they were doing something wrong while listening to Jazz music. If you know this, then you should abstain from listening to this music while you are with them.

We are not to quarrel about issues that are matters of opinion. Differences should not be feared or avoided, but accepted and handled with love.
If a brother of sister regards something as sinful, then for him or her, it is sinful. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, drink or do and you do it in front of them anyway, you are not acting in love.
Everything we do affects others and we have to think of them constantly. God created us to be interdependent, not independent. We who are strong in our faith must, without pride or condescension, treat others with love, patience and self-restraint.
End Of Post
 
 

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How To Live Your Faith Each Day (Part 3)

 
The following are guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen world. We are to:

  • Give Ourselves To God As Living Sacrifices (Part 1);
  • Obey The Government (Part 2);
  • Love Our Neighbors (Part 3); And
  • Take Special Care Of Those Who Are Weak In The Faith (Part 4).

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 5:43-45 says “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

In John 15:17, Jesus said “This is my command: Love each other.”

WHAT IS LOVE?

Romans 12:9-21 says “9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Luke 10:27-37 says “27 He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

28 'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied. 'Do this and you will live.' 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' 30 In reply Jesus said: 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

35 The next day he took out two Denari and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' 37 The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'”

LOVE, FOR THE DAY IS NEAR

Romans 13:8-14 says “8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not covet,' and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

WHY IS LOVE FOR OTHERS CALLED A DEBT?

We are permanently in debt to Jesus Christ for the lavish love He has poured out on us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in turn.

Because Christ's love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbors.

SELF-LOVE IS NOT WRONG

Somehow, many of us have gotten the idea that self-love is wrong. But if this were the case, it would be pointless to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Even if you have low self-esteem, you probably don't willingly let yourself go hungry. You clothe yourself reasonably well. You make sure there's a roof over your head if you can. You try not to let yourself be cheated or injured. And you get angry if someone tries to ruin your marriage or relationships.

This is the kind of love we need to have for our neighbors. Do we see that others are fed, clothed, and housed as well as they can be? Are we concerned about issues of social justice?

Loving others as ourselves means to be actively working to see that their needs are met. People who truly love themselves and who focus on others rather than themselves rarely suffer from low self-esteem!

Finally, In John 13:34, Jesus said “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

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