The Just Shall Live by Faith

“Behold the proud,

His soul is not upright in him;

But the just shall live by his faith.”

[1]

The question of justification came up this season

It happened due to poor results from great effort

It is expected to do poorly if a person does not try

But if someone puts forth diligent effort…

And still does poorly, questions do arise

So, I prayed

I questioned

I waited

I asked the Lord to forgive me

I asked Him to help me

The Lord forgave me

He helped me

He reminded me…

“By grace…

You have been saved…

Through faith,

That not of yourselves;

It is the gift of God,

Not of works,

Lest anyone should boast.”

[2]

Trust in superior human effort and wisdom...

Fails

Trust in the One who made all things…

Trust in the One who sustains all things

Trust in the Redeemer…

Trust in the Savior Jesus Christ…

Prevails

When I was proud…

I was not upright

By faith in God…

I am just

God turns the tide…

In the battle, I fight…

He does miracles…

Of grace

He sends His angels…

He helps me

He provides…

Abundantly

God is glorified…

When I confess HIM

When I trust in HIM!

“Behold the proud,

His soul is not upright in him;

But the just shall live by his faith.”

[1] Habakkuk 2:4

[2] Ephesians 2:8-9

The Gift of Praise-of-God Language

“Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.” [1] Marvelous! Miraculous! Amazing! A man opened his mouth, and his tongue brought forth words of praise for God!

My prayer is that all humanity (including me) would be graciously granted the gift of praise-of-God language. And that we would sing heartily unto God in this extraordinary dialect.

Of all my human experiences, praising God in Spirit and truth and in the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, has been one of God's greatest gifts to me.

Was the night Jesus was born silent? What does the Bible say? “’This will be the sign to you: you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” [2] No, there was a host of angels praising and worshiping God.

“Thank You dear Lord Jesus for the gift of worship. You always fill our lives with songs of deliverance. Blessed be Your holy Name.”

[1] Luke 1:64
[2] Luke 2:12-14

The Thoughts of Hearts Revealed

Mary’s child was destined for the fall and rising of many…

He would be a sign spoken against…

A sword would pierce through her own soul.

The thoughts of many hearts would be revealed through her Son.

[1]

Jesus was crucified between two robbers…

He stole nothing from no one…

Yet was considered a transgressor by humanity.

[2]

The chief priests and scribes mocked Him,

“He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”

[3]

The Savior refused to save Himself…

To save us

How far will we go?

To rescue others?

Some saw a transgressor

Some saw an impostor

Some saw a failure

A Roman Centurion saw the Son of God

“So, when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!’” [4]

[1] Luke 2:34-35

[2] Mark 15:27-28

[3] Mark 15:31

[4] Mark 15:39

Our Suffering Savior Understands Our Suffering

“Going a little farther, He (Jesus) fell to the ground

and prayed, that if possible the hour might pass from Him.

‘Abba, Father,’ He said,

‘everything is possible for You.

Take this cup from Me.

Yet not what I will, but what You will…’”

(After Jesus was arrested)

“everyone deserted Him and fled.”

(While on trial)

“some began to spit at Him;

they blindfolded Him,

struck Him with their fists,

and said, ‘Prophesy!’

And the guards took Him and beat Him.”

[1]

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest…

who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

For we do not have a high priest…

who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

just as we are—yet He did not sin.”

[2]

[1] Mark 14:35-36, 50, 65

[2] Hebrews 4:14-15

Prepared to Meet Your Maker

Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.

He is GOD and we are not.

You need God's forgiveness.

You need God's power to live right.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

A broken and contrite heart

You, God, will not despise.”

[1]

Talk with God.

Ask God to help and deliver you.

Seek to glorify God and not yourself.

“Call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

[2]

Anticipate with blessed assurance that the Savior, Jesus Christ, will save you as you trust in Him.

“People will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” [3]

[1] Psalm 51:17

[2] Psalm 50:15

[3] Mark 13:26-27

The Eye Of The Needle

A camel with too many things…

Could not…

Enter the city

Once the city gate was closed

He had to enter the smaller door

The eye of the needle

He needed help

“Master, remove these things

I carry on my back.”

Then, down he went…

Humbly, he entered in…

His master helped him

We people need God’s help

To enter His kingdom

Will we humble ourselves?

Get on our knees?

Confess our need for God?

Allow God to remove what hinders?

“Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,

‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…

than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves,

‘Who then can be saved?’

But Jesus looked at them and said,

‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’”

“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:23, 25-27, 43-45

O Come Let Us Adore Him - Christ the King