We all need hope in this world of sin and I know that there are a lot of people out there without hope and in despair. I wish I could help them all by giving them hope, but those who read my blog will find hope and you can tell your friends about the hope you are finding here each morning as you worship with me. May God bless you with hope this morning.
"Works will never save us; it is the merit of Christ that will avail in our behalf. Through faith in Him, Christ will make all our imperfect efforts acceptable to God. The faith that we are required to have is not a do nothing faith; saving faith is that which works by love and purifies the soul. He who will lift up holy hands to God without wrath and doubting will walk intelligently in the way of God's commandments.
Faith and works will keep us evenly balanced and make us successful in the work of perfecting Christian character. Jesus says, 'Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven' Matthew 7:21. Speaking of temporal food, the apostle said, 'For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.' 2 Thessalonians 3:10. The same rule applies to our spiritual nourishment; if any would have the bread of eternal life, let him make efforts to obtain it.
There is no excuse for sin or for indolence. Jesus has led the way, and He wishes us to follow in His steps. He has suffered He has sacrifice as none of us can, that He might bring salvation within our reach. We need not be discouraged. Jesus came to our world to bring divine power to man, that through His grace, we might be transformed into His likeness.
When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him and yet are disloyal to His Father's commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easy-going, accommodating, cross less religion.
Matthew 16:24 Jesus said, 'If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up is cross, and follow Me.'"
(Grandma Joan's remarks) Did you notice that 'through faith in Him, Christ will make all our imperfect efforts acceptable to God.Also have you noticed that the works we are to do is confessing and forsaking our sin and repenting of them. I also noticed that when I put forth an effort to obey God, Jesus accepts this effort as my best service and makes up for my deficiency with His own divine merit. Now that's hope. Again I would like to invite you to sincerely ask God to fill you with all His fullness so that He can do the work in you and through you which is His gift of salvation for you. May God bless you this very morning as you make your commitment to Him. Grandma Joan
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