MY FRIENDS, IS GOD’S GRACE SUFFICIENT FOR YOU AND I?

Sep3, 2017

MY FRIENDS, IS GOD’S GRACE SUFFICIENT FOR YOU AND I?

Paul tell us, “to keep himself from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given [to him] in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass [him, and], to keep [him] from becoming conceited. Three times he pleaded with the Lord about this [pain], that it imgres3should leave. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV) Which tells you and I that Christ unmerited and undeserving favor is sufficient for every situation and circumstances of our life.

For His power is made perfect in all of our weakness. “And It is because of  His grace we must be crucified with Christ daily until it is no longer you or I who live, but Christ who lives in us; and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved us, and delivered Himself up for our [salvation].” Gal. 2:20 (NKJV)

Yes, His grace is sufficient to carry us through the storms and rough terrains of this life all the way to His pure and holy kingdom which willchrist-hugging-300x216 continue throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Therefore, we must understand as God’s children we are all “shapen in iniquity; and in sin did our mother’s conceive us.” Ps. 51:5 (KJV)

Therefore, we are not placed in time out or given only limited access to His grace because of our sinful nature. But  through the power of God’s grace we must understand, “there is salvation in no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NASB)

Consistent with this, as we look at all God has done for us, we must endure through our “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities of this life.” And my friends, as you and I look at the plan of Salvation, With no reservation we should all be able to say; do we really believe, Our Father allowed His Son to go through all He did for our salvation, and we personally have no cross to bear?

thNo, Via Dolorosa the (“Way of Grief”) through our journey here on this earth?  But, the question we must also ask ourselves like the one “who, desires to build a tower, does he [or she] not first sit down and count the cost, whether they have enough to complete it? Luke 14:28 (KJV) So in regards to our salvation, as we count the cost, is God’s grace sufficient enough to complete God’s will for our lives here on this earth?

Or has Christ timing for a commitment caught most of His children at a bad time?  And is it at a bad time, because His standard for our Salvation seems to be out of touch with our plans at this point in our life?  “So now consider what it means to desire heaven, and yet turn away from Christ because of the conditions laid down?” So, we tell ourselves, whatever God’s unmerited and undeserving favor is, it really has to be sufficient for now?

MY FRIENDS, THE TEST OF A TRUE SOLDIER IS?

Aug 29, 2017

MY FRIENDS, THE TEST OF A TRUE SOLDIER IS?

In Judges 7:1-20 (NKJV) the narrative begins with, “the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, His mandate was to go to war with the Midianites. Gideon then thblew his trumpet, summoning the men of Israel to arms, 32,000 headed the call. But God told Gideon it was to many, they would only claim victory for themselves instead of recognizing that it was all God.

So then, Gideon ask if anyone “trembles with fear” or were concern about home and family can leave. 22,000 returned Home leaving only 10,000. God told Gideon, “there was still too many. His mandate was now, take them down to the water, and the final test for discipleship the Lord told Gideon, “everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself.

Likewise everyone who gets down on his knees to drink.” And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people who got down on their knees to drink water were sent home. My friends, like the Rich young ruler only one thing he lacked which tells a child of God there is no grey areas with God, His Son was sent to demonstrate a pure character fit for eternity.

Then the Lord told Gideon, I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand with this faithful few. So out of th32,000 fighting soldiers only 300 had the character that exemplified what God was looking for in a dedicated soldier. Only three hundred came battle ready. “For the Lord, knows our true Character “He examines each of us…He knows our thoughts before we think them” Ps 139:1-2 (KJV)

Also, if anyone come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever [is not battle ready] and doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. My friends, we do not determine the test that qualifies us for discipleship only God. Luke 14:26-27 (KJV)

In addition, the prince of darkness goal is not to sift the chaff for they already belong to him, because he knows there foundation is not centered on the word of God and His Spirit. But His goal is to sift the wheat who is God’s true followers, His elect, the chosen three-hundred. The one’s who searches there soul, while dying to self-daily.

600-Gideon-Trumpets100Therefore Satan will use whatever means necessary to try and destroy their Character. But God’s faithful knows they “can do all things through Christ, [because he gives each of us strength.” To defeat the enemy] Phil. 4:13. So God’s faithful endures as they continue to stay focused, and hold onto the promises of God, as there faith and passion to serve, prepares them for the kingdom.

“Therefore we must take the shield of faith with which we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” The narrative ends with Gideon, and his three hundred faithful never having to fight the battle, only holding their torches in their left hands, with trumpets in their right, while blowing, as they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and Gideon. For the battle was God’s from the beginning to win.

MY FRIENDS, THIS IS UNCHARTED TERRITORY?

Aug. 27, 2017

MY FRIENDS, THIS IS UNCHARTED TERRITORY?

“God’s tender compassion never fails for they are new every morning.” Therefore, our hope rest on the fact ththat He will Guide us through every situation and circumstances of our life. My friends, most of us have lived long enough to have seen the world as it is, but not as we would want it to be.

As kid’s we woke up daily to a brand new world where the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and the Hardy boys would come to life within one’s imagination. Where outdoors was a world of castles and moats, that comprised of an array of trees, dogs, tadpoles lightning bugs, creeks and the woods where every trail, hill and rock would lead to one more great adventure where each step you took would be our safety net for life.

And then somewhere between our fantasy world and a world that is over saturated with television, and social media, life became real, with real issues and real choices that we all make throughout our life. Choices that determines one’s unavoidably consequences in this great controversy between good and evil, life and death.

So today it’s personal as we focus on where God is leading us in this world that at times is “uncharted or thunexplored territory.” So as God’s Chosen, the journey we are now traveling to the promise land stands on the other side of our trials that we must encounter as this controversy continues and the terrain we travel becomes unfamiliar.

But our Savior has been this way before. He knew the rough terrain would be real to us as we moved from the safety net of our homes as children to a life of strong winds and boisterous waves. And at times because it is “uncharted” we will become terrified and begin to sink.

And like Peter, cry out “Save me Lord!” “And our cries are headed as, He delivers us from all [our] fears,” Ps. 34:4 (KJV) because He knows no temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you or I that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance.]

But God is faithful [to His word [each morning and] He is compassionate and trustworthy,] and He will not let us [sink or] be tempted beyond our ability [to resist], but along with any temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide a way of escape, so that we’ll be able to endure [without yielding, and we will overcome temptation with joy]. 1 Cor 10:13 (AMP)

My friends, daily we must be prepared to face that place that goes beyond the unknown, deep into an “uncharted territory”on this Journey Christ thhas us on. But because of the Good Shepherds method of preparation we can say with no reservation, that [with joy] we will exult in our sufferings.

And we will rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, and trouble) produces patient and endurance; and endurance, produces a proven character (which defines our spiritual maturity); and with our proven character, it will produce hope and confident and assurance [of our eternal salvation].

My friends, Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who [will guide us in all truth and understanding as we prepare to leave our temporary home here on earth to our permanent home with many mansions in God’s kingdom]” Rom. 5:3-6 (KJV) Paraphrased

 

 

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS DISTRACTING US?

Aug. 26, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS DISTRACTING US?

thMatt. 25, Jesus likens “the kingdom of heaven too ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish [complacent, and careless because they became distracted right before the Bridegroom was to arrive], and five were wise [attentive, practical, and sensible because they were prepared for His coming]…….. “Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep.

At midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! The Bridegroom [cometh]! Let’s go to meet him.” My friends throughout the years we have all fallen asleep throughout our Christian journey here on earth. “At times of ignorance God winked at our foolishness and complacency towards our responsibility at finishing His mandate here on earth and being ready when He comes.

Now that we have had an opportunity to have that personal relationship with Christ, how will we explain our distraction and lack of interest in eternal things after all He’s done for our salvation. In Matt 24 and 25 His message to all His disciples is, Things will happen right before His second coming so He warns us not to be distracted, for you do not know which day our Lord will come.

And you can be assured of this one thing, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been thiefinthenighton the look-out and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.  For this reason, we must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when we do not think He will.” Matt 24:42-44 (NASB)

My friends, it’s easy to lose focus but beware, when we are least expectant “the bridegroom will come, and the door will be shut. But, those who are ready will go in with him to the wedding feast, a feast that will continue throughout eternity. I’m sure we all have noticed, the higher up we go, as we look down the smaller the world below gets.

So, it is with a child of God, the Higher up or closer we get to Christ and His abiding love and grace the smaller the world gets until it’s no longer relevant, only His presence, as we continue to get closer and closer to Him through His word and Spirit. The story is told by the Golf legend Arnold Palmer. “It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament.

He had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. “I felt I was in pretty good shape.” As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, “Congratulations.” I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I thdid, I knew that one distraction, took my focus off of winning.

The next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters.” My friends, Are we spiritually where Christ wants us to be on this journey? And if not, why not? And what on this earth could possible cause us to lose our focus and our salvation this close to Christ second coming? Christ told the rich young Ruler, only one thing you lack. My friends, are we willing to loose it all  because there is one thing we lack?

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE WITHIN REACH?

Aug. 23, 2017

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE WITHIN REACH?

thIt was not the dread of death that weighed upon Christ. It was not the pain and ignominy of the cross that caused His inexpressible agony. Christ was the prince of sufferers; but His suffering was from a sense of the malignity of sin, a knowledge that through familiarity with evil, man had become blinded to its enormity.

Christ saw how deep is the hold of sin upon the human heart, how few would be willing to break from its power. He knew that without help from God, humanity must perish, and He saw multitudes perishing within reach of abundant help.”(E. G. White) My friends, it must become personal today because every child of God must accept the fact that we are within reach of abundant help, but we are also within reach of loosing it all.

Therefore today we must all stand at the foot of the cross all on different journeys but all within reach and see the Son of God with outstretched handsth  and behold Him. Behold the one who gave it all for our Salvation. And today, at this moment we become part of the crowd, all witnesses, all within reach, all with choices to make.

And all with the same opportunity to allow the “word that was made flesh to penetrate our heart as far as the division of the soul both joints and marrow to the deepest parts of our nature while exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of each of our hearts,” as we look up and like the centurion, and they that were with him………who cried out, truly this is the Son of God. Heb. 4:12 (KJV), Matt. 27:54 (KJV), Paraphrase

Yes my friends, it’s personal because we now realize we are within reach which tells us we are also “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Gal. 3:29 (NIV) But also there’s Judas, he was within reach for over three years and today we must ask, which one of us represent him who betrayed the Son of man with a kiss.

He had become blinded by the enormity of greed up to this point, “but with a kiss” “Infinite righteousness and infinite wisdom had resolved to leave him alone.” Such a small gesture to seal one’s fate and place Him in the monstrous category with the likes of Caiaphas, “it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” And Pilate, “Whom should I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

And the Rabble who cried “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” Who was a murderer and a thief. And “Herod and his soldiers who cross-to-salvation-300x200ridiculed and mocked Christ. Dressing him in an elegant robe, as if some freak at a side-show circus. All within reach all with the same opportunity for salvation. But as the Spirit searched to probe their evil heart and show the love and grace of the one they were about to crucify, they walk away all sealing their destiny.

My friends, where do we stand at the crossroads? We are within reach. Christ sees how deep is the hold of sin upon our heart. But, are we willing to break from it’s power by allowing the Spirit of God to transform our Character into the likeness and image of Christ who died for our sins. Or have we become blinded by the enormity of sin and decided the commitment is to great.

MY FRIENDS, WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY, COULD WE HAVE STOPPED IT?

Aug. 22, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY, COULD WE HAVE STOPPED IT?

th“It’s not fake news; it’s good news. It’s a story that could eclipse all other stories. No way you can stop today’s total solar eclipse from happening. It’s celestial, and we have no control over it. The only way to stop it would be to extinguish the sun or knock the moon or Earth out of orbit. According to NASA, this is a “celestial coincidence,” as the sun is about 400 times wider than the moon and about 400 times farther away.

From certain vantage points on Earth, the moon will completely block the sun. This is called totality. When the Earth, moon and sun line up just right, the moon blocks the sun’s entire surface, creating the total eclipse.” (By Judson Jones, CNN)” My friends, focus on those words but let’s re-word the statement in regards to our salvation. “It’s not fake news; it’s the good news of the gospel.

And It’s a story that will eclipse all other stories. And there’s no way we can stop Christ from coming. The only way to stop Him would be to extinguish the sun or knock the moon or Earth out of orbit and that will never happen because Christ is the One who created the heavens and the earth along with the sun and moon so nothing can stop Him.

Mrs. White tells us in the “The Great Controversy, p 640,” Soon there will appear in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’stt hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man.

In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. Not now a “Man of Sorrows,” to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead.

“Faithful and True,” “in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” And “the armies which were in heaven” Revelation 19:11, 14 follow Him. With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way.” Now we must ask my friends, will we be ready when Christ comes a second time. Remember there is no way any one can stop Him.

Second-Coming-of-Jesus_iconJohn tells us in Rev. 22:12-14 (KJV) “And, behold, [He] comes quickly [He meaning Christ;] and His reward is with Him, to give every man [and woman] according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

My friends as heirs and joint heirs with God’s only Begotten Son, our faith in the promises of God in His word tells us that we have a right to eternal life and a right to live in his pure and holy kingdom right along with His Son. Oh what an honor for a wretched sinner like you and I if we believe to have the same privileges as His Son. Praise God from whom all blessings flow”

MY FRIENDS, HAVE WE CHOSEN THE GOOD PART?

Aug. 20, 2017

MY FRIENDS, HAVE WE CHOSEN THE GOOD PART?

thChrist entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was [very busy and] distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, [which is to her advantage] which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-22 (NKJV) My friends, there are two classes of people I need you to focus on. The one that “is [very busy and] distracted” and the other which “have chosen the good part at the feet of Jesus.”

The world today is divided into these two categories, and no matter how much we may think we are one of God’s children, or how much we attend Mark-11.23-300x224[1]church or visit the sick, or feed the hungry, if we have not chosen the good part at the feet of Christ, we are spiritually distracted and have developed a high estimation of our own righteousness and feel we are not defected in any area of our life, therefore the law is sufficient for our salvation.

“Most Christians today have the attitude that they can make their own decisions and bad choices and God is still obligated” to say one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matt. 25:23 (KJV) Remember, “everyone that says Lord, Lord will not enter the kingdom of God.” My friends, we can no longer act as children who lack the knowledge and maturity to know God’s will for their life. Daily Satan is placing barriers between us, and “choosing that good part” which can only be found at the feet of Jesus. Barriers that keeps us from making a commitment to Christ.

Barriers that keeps us from denying ourselves through faith, and “taking up our cross, and following Christ wherever He may lead” as we develop that passionate and personal relationship with Christ through His word while allowing His Spirit to transform our lives daily into His image. My friends, we can no longer become “distracted,“ in regards to God’s will for our life because God will no longer blink at our in-maturity simply because we feel thHis timing for a commitment has caught us at a bad time.

We want eternal life, but to give our lives totally to Christ is UN-realistic at this particular time so we “become distracted, complacent and UN-attentive” to the voice of God saying, “come out of Babylon.” God loves us so much, that is why He still stands at the door of our heart and knocks. He still seeks a commitment no matter how far we have drifted. But we must choose the Good part and once we have made that commitment “it will never be taken away.”

But will remain with us throughout eternity. Remember, without change there can be no commitment. “If any man [or woman] be in Christ, they are a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [“because we have chosen the good part”]” 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)

MY FRIENDS, CAN WE READ THE FINE PRINT?

Aug 18, 2017

MY FRIENDS, CAN WE READ THE FINE PRINT?

thBy definition “read the fine print” tells us “to make ourselves aware of the specific terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, etc., of an agreement, that are often easy to miss. Today let’s call God’s word the “Fine Print” of our life, because it is who God is and it is the part of our life which deals with the specific terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, from God that leads us to His kingdom that we often ignore. Most people never take the time to study God’s word or the “Fine Print” that gives us a road map to life-eternal.

And, that knowing and understanding and agreeing to its content will lead us to Calvary and to the One who gave it all up so that we would understand the [“Fine Print”] and that we would understand that the [“Fine Print”] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (KJV)

In addition, we must also understand, That “the [“Fine Print”] of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to ththe division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12 (NKJV) In John 13:20-28 (NKJV) it tells us “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”

Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke of……….. And Jesus answered, “It’s he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot…. Than, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” he then went out immediately into the night.

My friends daily the “Fine Print” surrounds us “the number of Bibles sold yearly in the US alone is estimated at 25 million copies.” But like Judas what sits before us daily is not important. And what is so sad, what we watch on our TV’s has become far more important, which then eliminates any meaningful relationship with God. Like Judas, we then betray God by allowing Satan to keep our focus only on the things of this world and not on heavenly things that will last throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

And the chilling message to you and I is, “What you do, do quickly.” And it is only chilling because we thare so UN-familiar with what is in God’s word and like Judas, we betray Christ by allowing our choices to be about self. My friends let’s look within ourselves, what choices are we making daily to take us away from the “Fine print” in other words “How long will we falter between two opinions?

If the Lord is God, [and we have decided to give Him our all then we must than] follow Him; but if the principalities, and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this age, are allowed to control us then God allows us to choose so we follow them.” So as we walk the final stage of this journey, with cross in hand we must ask ourselves, “if the angels pull back the curtain” and we could see how close we were to Christ second coming, like Judas when confronted to change and commit to Christ. Would we turn our backs on the “Fine Print” and walk away into darkness.

MY FRIENDS, THIS IS WHAT GOD WANTS, ARE WE READY?

Aug. 17, 2017

MY FRIENDS, THIS IS WHAT GOD WANTS, ARE WE READY?

thWhen an eagle is born and grows into maturity, by observation they recognize the usefulness of their wings and what separates them from a chicken who only flaps in a never ending and motionless pursuit to fly but never. When the baby first arrives and finds itself in a massive nest, It’s lost, and can’t see over the top. That’s when the mother gives her child stability, a steady routine, constant nourishment, all the things you pour into a child at birth which allows them to grow to adulthood.

The child does not instinctively know how to fly, like all children they must be taught, but mostly they learn by watching other eagles soaring in the sky, as they realize that is my destiny as the mothers amazing tenacity shows her young, this is what I want you to do, this is where I need you to go, these are the heights I need you to achieve.

Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 11:1 (KJV) “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” Because in the end it’s all about Christ and what we must do to accomplish His will, not ours. “Do you not know? Have you not heard?  The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men img_0246stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASV)

As the eagle goes through the various stages from birth to maturity, so the Creator has planed the renewing process of his chosen generation, And as we “wait for the Lord we will gain new strength, and like the eagle there is a process a transformation that only happens through His Spirit. In addition, each of God’s children are different.

Maturity comes at different stages throughout one’s life, but what is important to the child of God who seeks life eternal and to everyone who waits for the Lord, we will all cross into the promise land if we have faith and endure. The disciples had a little over three years to grow into maturity. And during this time Christ gave His disciples stability, a steady routine, and constant nourishment, of His love which allowed them to grow spiritually.

cropped-laying-aside-every-weight-and-sinAnd when Christ time on earth was over He told His disciples, “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” My friends we are also Christ disciples and by now we should have become adults, because He has given us stability, and spiritually this is where He needs us to go, and these are the heights he needs us to achieve.

Which requires each of us to carry our cross as we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, while running with patience the race that is set before us [by Christ, as we cry out daily not my will but thy will be done.] Heb. 12:1 (NKJV) And one day soon we’ll enter eternity and continue to cry out, “Alleluia! heaven is cheap enough.”

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS GRACE?

Aug. 14, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS GRACE?

imgres8Grace, can be compared to the pardon a governor gives to a guilty prisoner, who because of his crimes against humanity was sentence to death without a reasonable doubt by a jury of his peers. Death is assured, but the governor intervenes with mercy, and pardons the prisoner. And because the Governor is the final Judge, He pardons the prisoner and also rewards him with a mansion in, a place eye have not seen nor ear have herd, nor have entered into the heart of any man.”

Now you can say the Governor has given the guilty prisoner both mercy & grace. If he had received his just reward, the sentence would have been carried out and he dies for his crime. Abraham Lincoln said in 1863, “We have been the receipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prospertiy; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation….

But we have forgotten God and His gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and images15enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, and too proud to pray to the God that made us.”

My friends, the world today also has become “Intoxicated with unbroken success, and to self-sufficient to feel the presence of God and His preserving grace, and too proud to pray, because we imagine, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.” 2,000 years ago Christ died at Calvary the “rulers mocked Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

The soldiers also mocked Him…. saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!………” Two criminals hung next to Christ. One kept hurling abuses at Him, saying, ” If You are Christ, Save Yourself and us [from death]!” But amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretched sinner who felt the presence of God’s Spirit as he rebuked him and said, ” Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

We are suffering justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” He then with a contrite images6and forgiven heart said, “Jesus, [please] remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” Jesus answered, “I assure, and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:32-43 (AMP)

Oh “the unearned, unmerited and undeserved favor of God towards a wretched sinner like you and I if we only believe the price for our sins was paid at the cross. One thief understood he did not deserve salvation, But he believed God’s promise of life eternal in His kingdom one day because He witnessed the price being paid by the blood of the Lamb. The other thief, his circumstances showed how he had lived. His refusal to recognize God’s grace and mercy shows how his life will end. What about you and I? The circumstances of our life also shows how we have live up to this point. Turning our back on God’s grace will also show how we will die.