JoAnn's Spiritual Lessons

2 Corinthians 3:9, 1John 5:10-12, Revelation 20:15, John 1:12, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, Salvation is offered to all.

"For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory."
2 Corinthians 3:9 NKJV

The law of God was never meant to be the final destination for humanity. Unfortunately, too many people stop there. They read the Ten Commandments and become depressed because they realize they cannot do them all. They see the list of 'do's and don'ts' and realize that they cannot justify the lost sinner or give forgiveness. While this is true, the law is great at what it does.

Imagine coming into the house after working in your garden. You head straight for the bathroom, look in the mirror and stare in horror at what you see - you're a dirty mess. This is the purpose of the law. When we look at the law of God, it acts like a mirror showing us our sinfulness. The important thing is to NOT remain there. Yes, see your sin for what it is but then look to God who can forgive that sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ

Life Lesson: The law reveals the flaws of humanity; only grace can declare us righteous

Dear God,
As I look at Your law, I realize that I am imperfect. I have lied, stolen, lusted and am in need of a Savior. Thank You for sending Jesus to save me. I trust in His death and resurrection as the payment for my sins. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me to point others to Your amazing grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee An Eternal Watershed The Great Divide (also called the Continental Divide) causes the water on one side of this ridge to flow to the Pacific Ocean, while water on the other side flows to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans. It runs from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, through western Canada and then along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. From there, it follows the crest of Mexico's Sierra Madres and extends to the tip of South America. It is the longest continental divide or watershed in the world. But this is nothing compared to the divide created by the cross of Christ. This divide is measured not in miles but in eternal destinies. Let's see what the Bible has to say. Receive Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:10-12, ESV). If we refuse to believe what God says in His Word, what does that mean we think about God? What do we have to do in order to have eternal life? What happens to those who don't have the Son? Reflect What does John mean when he talks about having (or not having) the Son? In John 1:12, he says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Christ becomes the watershed of eternal life. Those who receive Him (have the Son) will have eternal life. This means they will spend eternity in the presence of their Savior. Those who reject Christ (do not have the Son) will live for eternity as well, but it will be apart from God in a place called hell. Revelation 20:15 says, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Respond So, what side of the watershed are you on? Do you have the Son? Have you received Him as your Savior? Or are you rushing down the other side to a Christless eternity? Unlike the watershed in nature, there is something you can do. Visit the "Meet Jesus" page to find out how you can have the Son. Back to the Bible Of all the great theologians this world has known, the Christian singer/songwriter Carman will never be counted as one of them. But when I think of the victory that was accomplished at the cross, I'll always think of his song "The Champion." In the song he paints the long conflict between God and Satan as a boxing match, with the saints of God observing on one side, and the villains of history leering on the other. Near the end of the song, Satan strikes the killing blow to Jesus and all watch God come out to start the ten-count. "Ten...nine...eight...." It looks like the victory is sure, but then the villains are thrown into confusion; what's going on? "Five ... four ... three...." The body of Jesus is now stirring; the saints are on their feet. "Two...." A cheer breaks forth! Jesus is on His feet! He has won! Like I said, Carman's never going to be counted among the great theologians, but he got one thing right in his song: The death of Christ at Calvary and His Resurrection three days later was an amazing victory for you and me. Receive Victory over what? Look at Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death" (ESV). Just as each hour of work I do earns me a certain amount of money, so each sin I have ever committed has earned me death. And while the majority of my life has "felt" good--I'm certainly not as bad as a lot of people out there--Romans 3:23 says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (ESV). That includes those of us who have led "good" lives. That's why the death and Resurrection of Jesus is such a miraculous victory for you and me. If Jesus hadn't raised Himself from the dead, we would have no second half to Romans 6:23: "But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV). Reflect Think about these verses and consider the following questions: ·         If before Jesus died we were condemned to death and after He rose we can accept eternal life, what did Jesus' death accomplish? ·         Why does God offer eternal life as a free gift? ·         What does it take to receive this free gift from God? Respond If you haven't accepted the free gift of Jesus Christ, please do so now! We have resources available if you want to know more. Check out "Meet Jesus" or drop us a note at info@backtothebible.org. We'll be happy to share with you how you can have a part in Jesus' victory. Back to the Bible

My Comment: The payment or retribution for breaking the “law” was the sacrifice of animals because only blood can cleanse yet the blood of animals only cleansed for a short time where the blood of the lamb of God, Jesus Christ, cleanses once and for all! This is the good news Jesus came to tell us. We find complete grace, righteousness and sanctification through the sacrifice of Jesus who loved the world so much He gave His life for us, for our sins because no mortal man, no animal could completely cover our sin. Only the Son of God, Son of Man could do that so He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified in our place for us, for our sin.

When we accept His sacrifice we become one with Him and He with us and we can stand before the Father with complete joy because it is not us who stands before God it is Jesus the Son of God!

Abba Father, open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the truth of Your Word, the sacrifice of Your Son and Your gracious gift, Jesus the Christ. Plant our roots deep into Your Word and help us to grow as You would have us to grow. Thank You Father for Your gift of allowing Your Son to die in our place so that we may live life eternal with You. We praise You Father Son and Holy Ghost for bringing us to Your understanding, knowledge and giving us the wisdom to follow You through Your Son Jesus. Amen

Rebishka