salvation

The Cross

“’He saved others,’ they scoffed, ‘but He can’t save Himself! So He is the King of the Israel, is He? Let Him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in Him. He trusted God, so let God rescue Him now if He wants Him! For He said, “I am the SonContinue reading “The Cross”

Are You for Real?

“Large crowds followed Him wherever He went – people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.” (Matthew 4:25 NLT) One of the things that non-believers dislike and criticize the most about Christians is our tendency to “label” people. They also hate that we struggle withContinue reading “Are You for Real?”

The Footprints of Jesus

“Another of His disciples said, ‘Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him, ‘Follow Me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.’” (Matthew 8:21-22 NLT) Questions often arise when we read these verses. Is Jesus being callous and uncaring? Is He asking us to ignore our loveContinue reading “The Footprints of Jesus”

Salvation (Part 2)

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT) In a very real sense, personal salvation, the ability of an individual person to be saved, wasn’t available until the Holy Spirit was given. How do I know that? Because accordingContinue reading “Salvation (Part 2)”

“Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:9-10 NLT) What are the “components” of salvation? When does salvation begin? How do I know I’m saved?Continue reading “Salvation”

Once Saved Always Saved?

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are My followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT) From the outsetContinue reading “Once Saved Always Saved?”

When Someone Walks Away From God

“For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened – those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come – and who then turn away fromContinue reading “When Someone Walks Away From God”

What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” (John 16:7-8Continue reading “What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?”

Compelling or Misleading

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, andContinue reading “Compelling or Misleading”

Can We Come to God Anytime?

“Remember what it says: ‘Today when you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.’” (Hebrews 3:15 NLT) If anyone could have seen with crystal clarity the power of God, it should have been the freshly delivered Hebrew slaves from Egypt. For their entire lives all they’d ever known wasContinue reading “Can We Come to God Anytime?”