Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
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January 3 …Even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. — Galatians 2:16

Salvation by Faith

When we consider God’s laws, we know that it is impossible to keep them. That is precisely why Jesus came and endured death for us. If we could make ourselves acceptable to God, His death would not be necessary. His work on the Cross was perfect, complete, and finished. I recall reading once of a master wood craftsman who spent months constructing a beautiful coffee table for his friend. He wrapped it in a soft cloth, brought it to... More
January 2 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. — 1 John 1:8

Get Lost

This is salvation—”And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). We are justified by knowing Christ—knowing Him who is the Son of God, the Savior of men; knowing Him who took our sins upon Himself and died in our place. It is through knowledge and trust in Christ, our Savior that we are justified Christ shows us in the parable of the... More
January 1 Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. — Proverbs 16:3

Godly Goals

Many people make New Years’ resolutions. We see a new beginning and a new chance to make something better of our lives. Our God is a God of second chances, and with His help and in His strength, we will succeed. We need to set our godly goals. We need to lay them out before God in prayer, importunate prayer, prevailing prayer, persistent prayer. We need to obey God with lives that are yielded up to Him, to His will. We will not be... More
D E C E M B E R 3 1 “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?” — Psalm 89:48

A Remembrance Of Death

Tonight we say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new. It’s a special time of reflection and tradition, and perhaps tonight you’ll engage in your own celebration as this year passes into the next. Perhaps you’ll look back on favorite memories of the past year and anticipate some new adventures in the year to come. But many will spend their New Year’s Eve getting drunk. Have you ever wondered why so many people... More
D E C E M B E R 3 0 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” — Mark 8:36

A Matter Of Profit And Loss

“Show me the numbers.” This motto typifies our society’s attitude and focus. We’re driven by the financial “bottom line.” How much money can we make? How will our choices impact our bank accounts? But the true bottom line is the end of our lives, and when we get there, the amount of money we have won’t matter at all. Instead, the ledger either will or will not have our names in the “life given... More
D E C E M B E R 2 9 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away …” — Revelation 21:1

A Look At The Hereafter

Many years ago I heard a man derisively described as someone who was “so heavenly minded that he was no earthly good.” We may hear that from time to time, but for every one person who fits that description, ten thousand people are so worldly minded that they are no heavenly good at all. Where do your thoughts dwell: on the concerns of this world or in anticipation of eternity spent in Heaven? Once I was in an unfamiliar... More
D E C E M B E R 2 8 “The Sabbath was made for man …” — Mark 2:27

The Lord’s Day

At the end of a given week, do you often find yourself tired and weary from the toils of work? Are you ready to relax and give praise to the Lord? That is exactly what the Sabbath is for. We should reserve it as a day of rest and rejoicing. In fact, do you know why many churches (including the one I pastor) choose not to have kneeling benches? Because in the early church, Christians were forbidden to kneel on Sunday. They instead observed... More