Clean And Pure From The Inside Out

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."  Matthew 23:25-28.

     Our outward appearance is very important, because that is what the world sees.  And as Christians, we are to reflect Christ and bring glory to His Name in all we say and do,  but if we are attempting to do this with impure motives, and with an unclean heart, it will come to nothing. Jesus says: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5.

     We can put on an outward show that will fool others, at least for a time, we can even fool ourselves, but if we are truly wanting to please God, and for our lives to be an effective witness and testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ, we must maintain an intimate, holy, and honest relationship with God in the innermost parts of our hearts. Then, stemming from a heart in communion with Him, our outward actions will be blessed, and bring forth fruit as He speaks of in the above verse.

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 NLT.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Psalm 51:6.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23.

"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." Luke 6:45 NLT.

     Has the above subject we have been discussing put a conviction in your heart that you have been going through life putting on an outward appearance that everything is fine, when, in all honesty, there is an emptiness in your heart that you do not know how to fill? Receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior is the only thing that will fill this emptiness. You can have satisfaction, peace, and joy far beyond anything this world can offer, as well as the assurance of everlasting life with God in Heaven!

     To have this new life in Christ, you must acknowledge to God that you are a sinner, and that you are willing to repent, that is, turn from the way you have been living, and believe that Jesus shed His blood and died to pay the penalty for your sin. This is the gift of grace that is available to everyone! You, like the butterfly, can be born again and made a new creature!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

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Behold The Lamb Of God!

"And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering..." Genesis 22:7,8.

     Under the Old Testament law, the High Priests had to offer, every year, the blood of bulls and goats as a sacrifice for the sins of the people of Isreal. (Hebrews 9:25) For "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22 NLT). 

     This Old Testament system was far from perfect, it could never make the people completely clean from their sins, and it also had to be repeated every year, so it was only temporary. "But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." (Hebrews 10:3,4 NLT)  But this system was only a shadow, a dim preview of what was to come.  

     But now Christ has come! He has replaced the law of the Old Testament, and has offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all!  "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in Heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With His own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever." (Hebrews 9:11,12)

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" 1 Peter 1:18,19.

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." Revelation 5:12.

"Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:13.

     Have you put your trust in the blood of Christ? There is no other way to obtain forgiveness of sins, and to be cleansed and made whole in the sight of God, than to believe in the Lamb of God, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! By grace, this free gift of salvation is available to you, but, as with any gift, you must reach out and accept it, and claim it as your own. You do this by confessing you are dead in your sins and on your way to Hell, that you believe the Lord Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, that you want to turn from the road you have been on!

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

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The Joy Of The lord!

Comfort of the Scriptures

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).

A joyless Christian is a powerless Christian, both in maintaining his own life and in communicating help to others. God wants His joy to grip our hearts, no matter what state of things may surround us. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” The Lord desires us to be “exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” He desires to “fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Much joy ought to be connected with our salvation, and only broken fellowship with the Lord can rob us of that joy. When that happens, let us come quickly to the Lord in confession, praying, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit.” Hard circumstances and bitter trials ought not to nullify our joy in the Lord, for we can be “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.” Therefore, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (testings or trials).” “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation,” and thus “with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation,” finding that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joy when the heart is burdened,
Joy when trials we face,
Joy in the Lord’s great mercy,
Joy in Him and His grace.

References: Phil. 4:4; 2 Cor. 7:4; Rom. 15:13; Psa. 51:12; 2 Cor. 6:10; James 1:2; Psa. 35:9; Isa. 12:3.

The above devotion can be viewed HERE.

     It is so true, that, for a believer, the joy of the Lord is our strength. When we are determined to rejoice, no matter what circumstances we may be in, we find strength to help us endure our own trials, as well as being a good testimony of the Lord to others, both believers and unbelievers, who are looking on. 

     It is very encouraging to see a believer who is going through difficult times, going on in the joy and peace of the Lord. When someone who doesn't know the Lord, see's a christian at peace during difficulties, even without words, this is a wonderful and very effective witness for the Lord!

     As christians, we need to be determined that we are going to go through this life, day by day, rejoicing in the Lord, no matter what we are called to go through. "This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24. We know that nothing happens to a believer that is not allowed of the Lord for some purpose or plan. We may not know why we go through some things, that is why we are told to walk by faith and not by sight. We must trust Him through it all. The more we "Look off unto Jesus", and take our minds off of our own problems, the easier it is to rejoice in the Lord. When we consider His love towards us, remember His death paying the price for our sins, and the eternity we have with Him in Heaven awaiting us, it makes it difficult not to go through this life rejoicing in the Lord! "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18.

     If you are reading this and do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, be aware that there is no true, lasting joy apart from Him. Satan will do his best to deceive you with temporary joys that this world can give, but these fall far short from the true joy the Lord Jesus offers. Be not deceived, an eternity in Hell awaits those who do not acknowledge their sin, turn from their ungodly lives, and believe that Jesus died to pay the price for their sins. No amount of good works on our part can cleanse us from our sins, and bridge the gap between us and God. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6.  

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The Sinless One

Comfort of the Scriptures

Lord's Day, March 22, 2015

“We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).

There are certain things that are essential, if we are to be saved. There are things which are absolutely necessary; they cannot be dispensed with. First, there must be a Saviour “without sin.” This we have in God’s beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, “who did no sin,” “who knew no sin,” “and in Him is no sin.” Even so, His holiness and sinlessness cannot in itself save us, for “without shedding of blood is no remission.” It was necessary that He give that sinless life for us, that we might be “redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot.” Then, though He died for all, forgiveness must be personally received, and here we have another essential, namely, faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Be sure, dear reader, that you have personally received “the gift of God [which] is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” who said that “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

He shed His blood for your sins,
That you might forgiven be,
That you might know and praise Him
Throughout all eternity.

References: 1 Peter 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 3:5; Heb. 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 6:23; John 14:6.

The above is from Comfort Of The Scriptures by John Marchbanks.

     Believers are cleansed and made whole, and seen as righteous in the sight of God, only by the precious, sinless, shed blood of of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

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Salvation Is Of The Lord

Comfort of the Scriptures

Friday, March 20, 2015

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” “Christ is ... entered into ... heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body” (1 Cor. 15:3; Heb. 9:24; Phil. 3:20-21).

From start to finish, our “salvation is of the Lord.” He died for us on the cross, he lives for us in heaven, and He is coming to receive us unto Himself. “Christ died for our sins.” “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God,” for “all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Yes, “Christ ... died, yea rather ... is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” He has “entered into ... heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” And we have His sure promise that “if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” “Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.”

His blood has washed away my sins,

And now He liveth for me,

And He shall come to take me home,

Forever with Him to be.

References: Jonah 2:9; 1 Peter 3:18; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; John 14:3; Psa. 3:8.

     The above is from John Marchbanks Comfort Of The Scriptures.

     May these words be a blessing to all this day. What hope and assurance the word of God gives the believer! 

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To God Be The Glory

     God tells us in His word that His purpose for saving us is to bring glory, honor, and praise to His Name. What a privilege as well as responsibility believers have, to be a shining light for Jesus here in this dark, godless world! It is good to remember this purpose God has for us, otherwise it is easy to get off course, and be carried away with self-importance, self-will, or something else that becomes an idol to us. 

"Even every one that is called by My Name: for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him... This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise." Isaiah 43:7,21.

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory..." Ephesians 1:11,12a.

     When we have the desire to help others, whether it is financially, or any other way, if we do it in a way that gives God the credit and not ourselves, we are bringing glory to His Name through good works.We can do good works with a meek and humble spirit, that does not bring attention to ourselves, when we are acting in love to others, following the example our Lord Jesus displayed when He was here on earth. 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16.

"Having your conduct honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 

1 Corinthians 10:31.

     Doing good works is very important as a means of glorifying God, but it is also important that we can, and should glorify God in all that we do, that is, in our entire manner of life. This includes our home life with our families, how we treat our neighbors, and how we act on the job with our boss and co-workers. All of these areas are wonderful opportunities to show forth the glory of God.

     The word "whatsoever" in the above verse is very important to remember. Once we profess to be Christians, we are watched very closely by others, oftentimes, much more closely than we realize. It is easy to bring reproach to the Name of God if we are careless with our words or deeds while doing trivial insignificant things. Others are watching us closely at these times, watching to see if we are truly living for God all the time, not just when we know others are watching us. 

     

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Fear not, trust Him, and be at peace!

Fear not:

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee..." Isaiah 43:1-2.

"Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?" Isaiah 51:10.

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13.

The same God that parted the Red Sea for the children of Isreal, when all seemed hopeless, promises to be with His own still today. For He changes not, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

TRUST IN HIM:

"And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee." Psalm 9:10.

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8.

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." 
Psalm 91:2.

     Who we put our trust in is of the upmost importance. The Enemy of our souls is busy deceiving many in a countless number of ways. Whether it be false, man made religions, trusting in politicians, trusting in wealth, or anything else aside from the God of the Bible, is like walking on quicksand, it may look safe, but it is not the solid ground of trusting the Lord God almighty! 

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8.

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7.

   "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:" Psalm 146: 3-6.

AND BE AT PEACE:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7.

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." 
2 Thes. 3:16.

     Very similar to putting our trust in the wrong thing, we can also be easily deceived by Satan into thinking everything is alright between ourselves and God, when actually it is not. This is a type of false peace that will send souls to an eternity in Hell. True peace only comes from believing that the shed blood of Jesus, and that alone, can cleanse us from our sin, and make us acceptable in the sight of God. 

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 
1 Thes. 5:3.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 
1 Tim. 2:5.

.

"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." 
Job 22:21.

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