In Christ - I am redeemed from the curse of the law

I am redeemed from the curse of the law...

 

I Peter 1:18,19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 

 

Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) ,that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 

In the Presence of God by Dr. R.C. Sproul
June 25, 2012

Treasuring Redemption's Price

"The key to understanding the cry of Jesus from the cross is found in Paul's letter to the Galatians: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'" (Gal. 3:13, NIV).

 

"To be cursed is to be removed from the presence of God, to be set outside the camp, to be cut off from His benefits. On the cross, Jesus was cursed. That is, He represented the Jewish nation of covenant breakers who were exposed to the curse and took the full measure of the curse on Himself. As the Lamb of God, the Sin Bearer, He was cut off from the presence of God.

 

"On the cross, Jesus entered into the experience of forsakenness on our behalf. God turned His back on Jesus and cut Him off from all blessing, from all keeping, from all grace, and from all peace.

 

 

"God is too holy to even look at iniquity. God the Father turned His back on the Son, cursing Him to the pit of hell while He hung on the cross. Here was the Son's "descent into hell." Here the fury of God raged against Him. His scream was the scream of the damned. For us.

 

"Reflect on what Jesus did for you on Calvary. Give thanks for the Lamb of God who bore your sin."

 

 

 

 

What a blessing it is to know that we are no longer under the curse of God!  Walk in that freedom today, dear one!  Sharon

In Christ - I am strong to the end...

I am strong to the end...
 
I Corinthians 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
Jude 1:24,25  To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. 

Morning and Evening
Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg
 
March 14 Morning Reading
 
"It is a curious fact that there is such a thing as being proud of grace. A man says, 'I have great faith - I shall not fall; poor little faith may, but I never shall.'  'I have fervent love,' says another.  'I can stand; there is no danger of my going astray.'  He who boasts of grace has little grace to boast of.  Some who do this imagine that their graces can keep them, knowing not that the stream must flow constantly from the fountainhead or else the stream will soon be dry.  If a continuous supply of oil does not come to the lamp, even though it may burn brightly today, it will smoke tomorrow, and noxious will be its scent.  Pay attention that you do not glory in your graces, but let all your glorying and confidence be in Christ and His strength, for only in this way can you be kept from falling.  Be much more diligent in prayer.  Spend longer time in holy adoration.  Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly.  Watch your lives more carefully. Live nearer to God.  Take the best examples for your pattern. Let your conversation be full of heaven.  Let your hearts be perfumed with affection for men's souls. Live in such a way that men may recognize that you have been with Jesus and have learned of Him;  and when that happy day shall come, when He whom you love shall say, 'Come up higher,' may it be your happiness to hear Him say, 'You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and henceforth there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness that doesn't fade.'  Keep on, Christian, with care and caution!  Go on, with holy fear and trembling!  On, with faith and confidence in Jesus alone, and let your constant petition be, 'Uphold me according to Your promise.' He alone is able 'to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy.'"
 
What a great reminder that our walk as Believers is not passive - it's active - it requires our participation in maintaining holiness and closeness to the Savior.  BUT - in the end - it is HIS strength that sustains us - we must turn to Him when we feel weak - when we are tempted - when our world seems to be falling apart - when we feel that we just can't go on - when a loved one is sick/dying or has walked away from the Lord.  HE will keep you strong - but only when - and if - you turn to Him and ask for that strength!  I've seen many a Christian wander off the path and get themselves into trouble because they didn't keep their eyes fixed on Jesus (myself included).  How much better off we are - and will eternally be - when we can learn to walk side-by-side with Jesus and allow the Spirit to guide and direct our every action! Sharon

In Christ - I am near to Jesus

I am near to Jesus...

 

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 

 

Psalms 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 
 
James 4:8a Come near to God and He will come near to you.

 

Torn in Two

Morning and Evening - C.H. Spurgeon and Alistair Begg

April 19, 2013

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Matthew 27:51
 "No small miracle was performed in the tearing of so strong and thick a curtain; but it was not intended merely as a display of power--many lessons were contained in it.

 

"The old law of ordinances was put away and, like a worn-out garment, torn and set aside. When Jesus died, the sacrifices were all finished, because they were fulfilled in Him; and therefore the place of sacrifice, the temple, was marked with a clear sign of this change.

 

"With the curtain torn, all the hidden things of the old dispensation became apparent: The mercy-seat could now be seen, and the glory of God gleaming above it. By the death of our Lord Jesus we have a clear revelation of God, for He was 'not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face.' Life and immortality are now brought to light, and things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world are displayed in Him.

 

"The annual ceremony of atonement was also abolished. The atoning blood that once every year was sprinkled inside the curtain was now offered once for all by the great High Priest, and therefore the place of the symbolical rite was finished. No blood of bullocks or of lambs is needed now, for Jesus has entered inside the curtain with His own blood.

 

"Therefore access to God is now permitted and is the privilege of every believer in Christ Jesus. It is not just a small opening through which we may peer at the mercy-seat, but the tear reaches from the top to the bottom. We may come with boldness to the throne of heavenly grace.

 

"Is it wrong to suggest that the opening of the Holy of Holies in this marvelous manner by our Lord's expiring cry was signifying the opening of the gates of paradise to all the saints by virtue of the Passion? Our bleeding Lord has the key of heaven; He opens and no man shuts; let us enter in with Him to the heavenly places and sit with Him there until our common enemies shall be made His footstool."
 

What separated Adam and Eve from God?  It was their sin.  What separated the children of Israel from Jehovah?  It was their sin.  What separates man from knowing God now?  Our sin.  Praise JESUS that a way has been made to have fellowship with Him again!  Once saved, we have immediate access to Jesus - and to the Father - and nothing and no one can keep us from drawing near to Him!  We're still going to sin - and when we do we need to repent - turn from our sin - agree with God that what we've done is wrong - and then we're able to experience the full benefit of a relationship with Jesus.  Is there something in your life today that needs to be confessed?  Don't let another minute go by without taking it to the Father - drawing near to His heart - and allowing Him to wash and cleanse you anew!  Don't be afraid to draw near - He longs to be near you, too!  Sharon

In Christ - I am set free

I am set free...

John 8:31,32  To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Psalms 119:32 I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free. 

Galatians 5:13  You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

In Touch Ministries/Charles Stanley

April 2

 

Life’s Great Liberator

Luke 4:16-21

"From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy. Smiles, makeup, and stylish clothing can create an appearance of inner peace. Internally, though, many are in bondage.

In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set free those in captivity. Christ was referring to several types of bonds that can imprison our souls.

 

"First, Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law and consequently live apart from Him (Rom. 3:23). But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him. Then we can have a relationship with the Lord.

Secondly, He liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy, bitterness, and gluttony. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to overcome wrong choices that seemed to “own” us. He enables us to do what He desires—by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in the ongoing battle.

 

"The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our hearts for Jesus to fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing at the time or an obvious bad choice—will ultimately leave us empty. And we will remain in bondage until God frees us and then provides the only true satisfaction.

 

"Are you one of those people who appear happy and seem to have life figured out, and yet inside feel uneasy and empty? Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem you, forgive your sins, and fill the vacant place in your soul. Allow Him to liberate you today."

 

It's a good idea to take stock of our lives on a regular basis to make sure we haven't slipped back into the bondage from which Jesus has redeemed us.  Slipping is so easy to do - especially if we're not carefully watching our footing!  I've always been known to be the one who's going to find the hole to trip in - the rock to trip over - or the crack to trip on.  It's kind of a running joke - "send Sharon out ahead - she'll find the potholes!"  That's funny - kind of - until I do find that hole!  What's NOT so funny is when I find myself in a spiritual hole or flat on my face because I've slipped up somewhere in my walk with Christ.  Fortunately it doesn't happen as often as it used to - but I'm not immune to falling - and I have to be just as vigilant as any other saint to be sure my feet are firmly planted in the Word of God and that I'm walking as far away from the "line in the sand" as I can get.  SO - I encourage you - take a look at your life and see where you're standing - or where you've fallen - and if you've slipped back into bondage, turn to Jesus for rescue!  He'll never let you go!  Sharon

In Christ - I am saved

I am saved...
I Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:4,5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but because of His mercy He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
 Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
November 21, 2011

Sweeter Than the Day Before
 Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. --Romans 13:11
 
"It's true. My salvation is so much dearer, sweeter and nearer to me than when I first believed as a teenager. I appreciated what Jesus had done when I was new in the faith, but I never considered Him... precious. Only old hymn writers spoke of Him as precious! Now I am old. And Jesus is my true Friend, my Fortress when I am frightened, my Beloved when I give Him praise, my Righteousness when I have sinned, the Shepherd who seeks me when I've gone astray.

"How did Jesus become so precious to me? I look at it this way: today is the first day of the rest of my salvation! The Christian idea of salvation involves the past, present, and future. Ephesians 2:8 says 'By grace you have been saved through faith.' First Corinthians 1:18 explains that 'the Gospel is the power of God to us who are being saved.' Romans 13:11 says 'Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.' We have been saved. We are being saved. And we will be saved. At every stage we are saved by the death of Christ. In the past, our sins were paid for by Christ on the cross. In the present, the death of Jesus secures the power of God's Spirit to save us from the domination of sin. And in the future, it will be the blood of Christ that saves us from the wrath of God and ushers us in to perfection and joy eternal.

"As the old Gospel song goes, 'Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before!' Grasp the sweetness of all that the death of Christ purchased for you in the past, present, and future. Today, get actively engaged in your present salvation, and praise the Lord that you will be saved from the wrath to come.

"Precious Jesus, I humbly bow before you, thanking you for all that your death on the cross purchased for me -- I want to honor you by obeying you today."

Are you rejoicing in your salvation today?  If not, take a few minutes to thank Jesus for what He did to save us - remember the price He paid - and purpose in your heart to live a life of obedience as an outward sign of the inward change that has taken place.  You are SAVED from God's wrath!  COMPLETELY saved - not partially saved - but He has done a complete work and is continuing that work of salvation even now!  Hallelujah!