VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH

2 Peter 1:1-15 These Things (Only read verses 8-15 – Draw attention to the repeated phrase “these things.”)
Who among us would like to be known as a failure in the Christian life? That’s a pretty stupid question isn’t it? After all, who wants to fail? The truth is, every one of us wants to be a successful Christian and we really want to bring glory and honor to God.
Well, you can have it either way you want it! We read of men in the Bible who failed in their Christian experience.

1. Demas – King David, Peter, Jonah, Damson….

v. 8-11 THE SUCCESS
Josh1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
(Here is a list of what “these things”, whatever they are, will produce in your life.)
A. v. 8 “These Things” Guarantee Your Fruitfulness – If “these things” are found in your life, then you will never be barren, but you will always be a fruitful branch for God’s glory. This implies that you will be a witness and a soul winner for Jesus. Whatever “these things” are, they must be pretty great because they promise us that we will always bear fruit. This, after all, is the goal of our Heavenly Father – John 15:1-2. It is also proof of our faith in Him – Luke 6:43-44.
(Ill. “These things” will prevent the Christian from being shelved by the Lord, but will keep us productive and fruitful,
1 Cor. 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
(Whatever “these things” are, they must really be some big things! If they can do this, then I really want to know what they are. Don’t you?)
B. v. 9a These Things Guarantee Spiritual Discernment – Many people have absolutely no spiritual discernment. They are blind and easily lead astray, Eph. 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”. But, when “these things” are active in our lives, we will be able to see the tricks, traps and temptations of the Devil. We will be able to see the needs of others and not be blinded by our own selfish interests. We won’t ever be blind and in spiritual darkness ever again. I don’t know about you, but whatever “these things” are, I want to know about them!
C. v. 9b These Things Guarantee You Absolute Assurance Of Salvation – Who among us hasn’t doubted his/her salvation? We have all doubted from time to time! Many people are so over come with their doubts that are of no use to the Lord. Evidently, they lack “these things.” Because, “these things” promise us that we can have assurance of salvation. They promise us that we can get to the place where we never doubt again! I tell you, “these things” must really be something! Whatever “these things” are, then I want to know them. I want to be secure in the knowledge that I am saved. ! John 5:11 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
D. v. 10 These Things Guarantee That You Will Never Fall Again – This verse says plainly that “these things”, if practiced in our lives, will ever keep us from falling. How many have fallen as a Christian? Every single one of us has fallen from time to time. But, “these things” promise us a fall free life. If I can get my hands on “these things” then I want them really bad because I never want to fall again. Whatever “these things” are, they are worth going after if they will do all this.
If “these things” can guarantee: 1. That I will always be fruitful. 2. That I will always have spiritual discernment.

3. That I will never doubt my salvation. 4. That I will never fall as a Christian.

II. v. 5-7 THE STEPS
(Well, here we are, we are about to find out what these 7 great, wonderful, big “things” are. I hope they are something big. I hope they are something wonderful. I am really anticipating something-extra special if “these things” can produce all that wonderful stuff in our lives.) Here are “these things.”

1. v. 5 Virtue – (“Moral uprightness”; “Holiness”) This word literally means “Excellent living.” I don’t know about you, but I was looking for something really big. In one word, God is telling you and me that if we will live by the Bible and live morally pure lives, then He will guarantee those 4 invaluable gifts we talked about earlier.
   (Ill. Moral purity refers to every aspect of our lives. Physical, mental, spiritual purity must be maintained if we expect His blessings on our lives – 1 Pet. 1:16)
   (Ill. Maybe the next one will be some great thing!)
2. v. 5 Knowledge – (Literally “an understanding of the truth and how to live it out.”) Well, what a let down! This word is telling us that we can have all those things we discovered by having a sound knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity and by applying them to our lives and living them out.
   What we are to do is this: a. We are to get into the Word – 2 Tim. 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God”.
   b. We are to let the Word get into us – Jer. 15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: ”; 1 Pet. 2:2”desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”)
3. v. 6 Temperance – Oh brother! This word means “self-control.” It implies that I do not do as I please, I control myself and do as the Lord pleases! (Ill. Paul – 1 Cor. 9:27) (Ill. This is one of the fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5:23.)
   (Ill. This has application in every area of our lives. Often we lack those four benefits we talked of earlier because we lack self-control. There are several area where we need to practice temperance:
4. Our Tongues – (Gossip and telling another person off) Some people are doubting their salvation, being unfruitful, falling into sin, and have no spiritual discernment because they cannot control their tongues! (Ill. James 1:26; James 3:1-12; Ill. Pro. 26:20)
5. Our Tempers – (Flying off the handle, getting mad and getting even.) Some people lack the blessings because they cannot control their temper. Temper can get you into big trouble! (Eph. 4:26) (Never think that holding a grudge, or trying to get even will help you. When you do these things, you have assumed the place of God – Rom. 12:19)
6. Our Temptations – Ill. Everyone is tempted – 1 Cor. 10:13. However, not everyone falls into sin! The difference is self-control!
   Many people are experiencing a lack of those four great blessings simply because they have no self-control!
   (Well, “these things” are pretty important, but so far they are just common knowledge, if not common practice. Surely the next on will be something rare and special.)
7. v. 6 Patience – (Endurance) The patient person is the one not swerved from his devotion to God even by the greatest of trials. Many are suffering from the loss of the four great blessings just because they allow the slightest little wind to blow them off course. The patient person is one who has endurance.
   (Ill. He is like the vine clinging to the tree during a severe storm. When the wind is to his back, he is merely pressed more tightly against the tree. When the wind is in his face, he is sheltered from the storm by the bulk of the tree. Whatever the circumstance he finds himself in, he always has the tree! Ill. Heb. 13:5)
   (Ill. What I am saying tonight is this: If you want to have the four great blessings we mentioned earlier, then you must have endurance and stop allowing every little thing knock you down.)
   (Alright, we’re down to just 3 more. These are most certainly the really big ones. I can’t wait to see what big thing I can do to get these blessings in my life.)
8. v. 6 Godliness – This word literally means, “Walking in view of His greatness.” It has reference to the person who has every action and attitude yielded to the fear of the Lord. This person spends his life in a state of “God-like-ness.” He spends his days serving God and serving men.
   (Ill. Many are in doubt, in sin, in trouble, because they reached a place in their walk with God where they just didn’t care anymore what God thought about anything. They do what they please about church, the Bible, prayer, witnessing, sin, etc. Self is the motivation and not the fear of the Lord. These people have forgotten that God speaks loudly and carries a big stick – Rev. 3:19)
   (Ill. The person who practices godliness is one who understands that God truly is an awesome God. He fears the Lord, and strives at every turn to please Him and Him alone, Ill. Eccl. 12:13. He realizes that it doesn’t matter what others think as long as God is pleased. This person enjoys those four great blessings promised earlier.)
   (Only 2 to go, these have got to be the biggies!)
   F6 v. 7 Brotherly Kindness – (filadelfia – Literally, just plain old brotherly love.) If Christians would practice the second Great Commandment, Matt. 22:39, then they would experience those four great blessings that we all want so badly.
   (Ill. It’s no wonder some people doubt their salvation and are in trouble in their walk with the Lord. After all, all they do is bicker and fight with others. This is not the Lord’s way! Remember the lesson in 1 John 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (21) And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
   (Alright, this is the last one! Here comes the big one. This is the one we have waited for all night. This is the thing, that if we do it, will guarantee us those 4 great blessings spoken of earlier.)
   7 v. 7 Charity – (agaph – Love!) He is referring to that self-sacrificing, never-ending, all-encompassing love that Jesus exhibited when He came to the earth to die for sin. It is that very same love that God desires to see lived out in our lives today. It is also for the lack of this love that many do not have the peace and assurance they desire – 1 Cor. 13:1-3.(When a life is lived in pure agaph love, God will be first, others second and self will be relegated to last place. The single motivation of life will be to manifest the love of Christ to everyone.) v. 5 Notice the word “Add.” This little word means “to supply generously.” It does not teach here that we are to first get faith, perfect that then add virtue, then add knowledge, etc. What it means is, that “these things” are to be practiced as a whole and every one of them is to be active all the time. So, don’t pat yourself on the back if you have 3 or 4 out of the seven! God wants us to have them all operating in our lives all the time.
   Conc: Now, we know what “these things” are and what they can do for us. The final question of the evening is this, “Are ALL of them present in you life?” If you found yourself lacking in 1 or 2, or in all 7, then the place to deal with that is right here in this altar. As for me, I want:
9. To always be fruitful. 2. To always have spiritual discernment.
10. To never doubt my salvation. 4. To never fall as a Christian.
    Therefore, I am going to seek the Lord for all of “all these things.” How about you?

Promises

By Dr David Jeremiah

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen,
 to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

When people talk about politicians, especially during heated races prior to elections, a frequently heard complaint is that politicians make promises they can’t keep. Politicians can promise change, but only Congress can legislate change. Not keeping a promise one can keep is bad; making a promise one can’t keep may be even worse. But that’s true for all of us, not just politicians. In Ecclesiastes 5:5 Solomon wrote, “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” NIV).

God is different on both accounts. He is capable of making any promise and keeping it—a reflection of His omnipotence (power). But He is incapable of making a promise and not keeping it—a reflection of His never-changing character. God’s words are always true and always trustworthy (Psalm 19:7-9). When God says something or makes a promise—about forgiveness, eternal life, grace and mercy, His love, His provision for our needs—those words are trustworthy.

That is why the proverb says to trust in the Lord with all your heart. In times of trouble, trust in the promises of God—He will keep every promise He has ever made.

Amidst the Sifter

Simon was about to be sifted as wheat,

God knew it would come, making his heart complete;

God’s hedge of protection was there to find,

Giving Simon strength & true peace of mind!

Simon was lead in many different ways,

Pressing him greatly in what to do & say;

The worst thing of all, before the cock crew thrice,

He denied knowing the Lord three different times!

Job passed his test with colors galore,

For he kept his faith in trusting the Lord;

God also kept His mighty hand on him,

Being his source of strength & faithful Friend!

God keeps His hedge of protection on us,

In each day we give Him our faith & trust;

He hears our heart cry in our darkest hour,

In whatever we face, He gives grace & power!

Dr. Charles Stanley

Many Christians struggle to discipline themselves in the area of self-gratification. There are so many things we want right now. And to make matters worse, we usually have the ability to follow through on our desires. That’s what the credit card industry is all about: Have it now; pay later.

But finances aren’t the only area where we get into trouble. Some people are in a hurry to be married and therefore make an unwise choice regarding a mate. Others don’t even see marriage as necessary and opt for premarital sex instead of waiting for the right person. Then there are those who are just in a hurry to become successful and well-respected in their career, never giving any thought to whether the pursuit aligns with God’s plans for them.

One reason the Lord wants us to wait is to protect us from our own self-destructive ways. Those who can’t say no to their own desires end up enslaved by them. God wants us to be mature believers with the character and self-restraint to wait for His provision in His perfect time. Because the heavenly Father is omniscient, He alone knows what’s best. You can trust that if He asks you to wait, He has something more wonderful in mind than you could ever provide for yourself.

Does anything seem to have power over you? If so, it may be an area that requires the practice of self-restraint. Yield to the Lord and submit your desires to Him. Then begin saying no to temptations as you wait for God to reveal His will for your life.

by Max Lucado

I once read a story of a youngster who was shooting rocks with a slingshot. He could never hit his target. As he returned to Grandma’s backyard, he spied her pet duck. On impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck was dead. The boy panicked and hid the duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching.

After lunch that day, Grandma asked Sally to help with the dishes. Sally said, “Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you, Johnny?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So, Johnny did the dishes.

For the next several weeks he was at the sink often. Sometimes for his duty, sometimes for his sin. “Remember the duck,” Sally would whisper when he objected.

One day he decided that any punishment would be better than washing more dishes, so he confessed to killing the duck. “I know, Johnny,” his grandma said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave out of you.”

He’d been pardoned, but he thought he was guilty because he had listened to the words of his accuser.

You have been accused as well. You have been accused of dishonesty; of immorality; of greed, anger, and arrogance. Every moment of your life, your accuser is filing charges against you. Even his name, Diabolos, means “slanderer.” Who is he? The devil.

As he speaks, you hang your head. You have no defense. His charges are fair. “I plead guilty, your honor,” you mumble.

“The sentence?” Satan asks.

“The wages of sin is death,” explains the judge, “but in this case the death has already occurred. For this one died with Christ.”

Satan is suddenly silent. And you are suddenly jubilant. You realize that Satan cannot accuse you. No one can accuse you! Fingers may point and voices may demand, but the charges glance off like arrows hitting a shield. No more dirty dishwater. No more penance. No more nagging sisters. You have stood before the judge and heard him declare, “Not guilty.”

By Jerry Cross

Embrace And Extend Forgiveness

When we have dealt with our sin, fully repenting and turning back to God, He assures us that because of Christ’s work on the cross, He hears our prayers and fully forgives, placing our sins out of reach and behind His back (Isaiah 38:17) and hurling them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). We can rejoice that He will never remember them against us again (Isaiah 43:25) and that fellowship with Him has been restored (I John 1:5-7).

But revival involves more than dealing with our sin before God. We must also clear our accounts on earth. It is now time to clear your own conscience by seeking forgiveness from everyone you have offended and making restitution wherever possible. Then extend forgiveness to anyone who has wronged you, as difficult as that may be.

As Jesus has freely forgiven us, He commands that we forgive! When we do, we will see His freedom and power released in our lives.

GROCERIES      An elderly lady was well-known for her faith and for her boldness in talking about it. She would stand on her front porch and shout “PRAISE THE LORD!” Next door to her lived an atheist who would get so angry at her proclamations he would shout, “There ain’t no Lord!!” Hard times set in on the elderly lady, and she prayed for GOD to send her some assistance. She stood on her porch and shouted “PRAISE THE LORD. GOD I NEED FOOD!! I AM HAVING A HARD TIME. PLEASE LORD, SEND ME SOME GROCERIES!!” The next morning the lady went out on her porch and noted a large bag of groceries and shouted, “PRAISE THE LORD.” The neighbor jumped from behind a bush and said, “Aha! I told you there was no Lord. I bought those groceries, God didn’t.” The lady started jumping up and down and clapping her hands and said, “PRAISE THE LORD. He not only sent me groceries, but He made the devil pay for them. Praise the Lord!”

 

SECRET      A pastor said: “You need to join the Army of the Lord!” My friend replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.” Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?” He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”

GRANDPA      The minister told the story of a lady and her five-year old son. The lady wanted her son to attend Sunday morning service, but she couldn’t sit with him because she sang in the choir. So, she asked the boy’s grandfather to accompany him.   Realizing that older gent always nodded off during services, the lady offered her son fifty cents to keep him awake. Half way through the sermon the lady glanced from the choir loft and saw/heard her snoring relative. Upon questioning the boy after Church as to why he didn’t do his “paid” job of keeping grandfather awake, the boy said that grandfather offered him a dollar to let him sleep.

WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE – Hebrews 6:13-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
BLESSED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY!
BLESSED WITH PEACE! LET US LIVE IN PEACE – Hebrews 7:1-3

WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE – Hebrews 6:13-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
9 -12 – After a severe warning the “coach” encourages them with confidence that they were true believers. He wanted them to “finish well”, by not getting lazy and persevering to the end. The word patience means “perseverance”.
13 – Abraham is the “Father of faith” for not only the Jewish people but for us Gentiles as well.
Galatians 3:6 – Abraham’s faith simply believed God and God declared Him righteous.
Galatians 3:7-9 – Jews and Gentiles alike come to God by faith.
Galatians 3:10-14 – This Gospel that was preached and had to be believed by both Jew and Gentile!
Galatians 3:11 – Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted here and in Romans 1:17 and in Hebrews 10:38
14 – God made a solemn promise to Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 22:13-18
15 – Abraham’s journey began in faith and continued in faith, step by step. He was promised a son, through Sarah. When he was 100 and Sarah was 90 that promise was fulfilled in Isaac. Today the Jewish people number in the millions! And God is not done with Israel.
Abraham believed by faith, walked by faith and he persevered by faith. He obeyed God by faith. He was not perfect but bounced back from his set backs.
As we, Abraham’s spiritual children will do the same thing. We first believe by faith, walk by faith and obey by faith as we go through life.
16-17 takes us back to Vss. 13-14.
When God promised Abraham, He used an oath to confirm the promise.
Traditionally when a man wants to guarantee his truthfulness or a promise, he will swear by a higher authority.
For years in American Courts a witness was sworn in with, “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” 
God swore by His own name to show those who inherit the promise how confident they can be. We inherit the promise of eternal life through faith!
18 – God uses these two unchangeable things, his promise and his oath to show how we as believers have hope. Note and it’s impossible for God to lie!
Israel had Cities of Refuge where someone who accidentally killed someone could flee for protection.
We have fled to God for refuge from the judgment of our sins, so that we will spend all eternity with Him in Christ. John 3:16-18
God also gave us His Word full of promises for the Christ-follower to be obeyed. When we do, we have what we need to continually give us hope.
19 – This hope is an anchor for our souls. An anchor is used to hold boat of ship in place. Our hope in God’s promises is the sure and steadfast anchor by which we as Christians may live hopefully!
19 – Behind the veil – a thick curtain that separated God’s presence in the in the “the holy of holies”. Only the high priest could go in.
20 – We enter God’s presence because Jesus tore down the veil has gone before us and now resides as a High Priest forever.
This means we have all the help we need to face the storms of life. Hebrews 4:14-16

WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE! – Hebrews 6:18-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
Those of us who have forgiveness of sins and eternal live received it by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Ephesians 2:8-9
We became blessed with same blessing as the “Father of faith,” Abraham. Hebrews 6:13-15, Galatians 3:6-9
18 – When God made this promise to Abraham, made an oath guaranteeing the promise. This gives us the same hope that Abraham had.
19-20 – This hope is an “anchor for the soul”. An anchor makes sure that a boat of a ship cannot drift
Our hope or assurance of eternal life, our anchor, does not go down but up. We are anchored beyond the veil goes up to the right hand of God in Heaven where Christ is seated. He went ahead of us whom we will join someday.
If we have this hope, there is a way that we are to live in hope. Titus 2:11-14

WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE! – Hebrews 6:18-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY!
Hebrews 6:20-7:1 – An unusual character appears on the scene. His name was Melchizedek. He is a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is of a different order of priest than those of the family of Aaron. He is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament. Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:1, 4
Melchizedek means King of Righteousness. Jesus was a priest in the same order as Melchizedek the King of Righteousness. We are not righteous and therefor need a priest of intercessor who can make us righteousness. His blood sacrifice as the perfect so of God, secured righteousness for those who believe. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:6-9 
Because we are blessed with righteousness, we are to live righteous lives. Romans 6:10-13

WE ARE BLESSED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE! – Hebrews 6:18-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH PEACE! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE IN PEACE!
Melchizedek was also King of Peace. Because of our sins, we became separated from God. We are were enemies. When Christ died for our sins, he secured peace with God for all who believe. Romans 5:1
If we have peace with God, we are to live in the peace of God. Colossians 3:15

WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE! – Hebrews 6:18-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH PEACE! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE IN PEACE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH AN INTERCESSOR! – Hebrews 7:1-10 – LET US ASK HIM TO INTERCEDE!
When Jesus came to earth the priest went to the “Holy of Holies”, “behind the veil” in the temple once a year to offer blood sacrifices first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. He offered the sacrifice and left.
The tabernacle and the temple were earthly pictures of the heavenly (“holy of holies”).
When Jesus offered His Sacrifice for sin, once for all, the veil was torn down. When Jesus rose and ascended into Heaven he is now at the right hand of the throne of God, interceding as the Great High Priest on our behalf.
But Jesus was not of the family of Aaron. As king He comes from the line of Judah.
A different type or order of priest He had to be. His order is after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:20
2 – Like Melchizedek, Jesus is King of Righteousness and King of peace.
3 – Although Melchizedek was a real person, there is no record of father, mother or genealogy. There is no record of his birth or death, therefore it appears that his priesthood lasts forever. Jesus’ priesthood does.
4 – Abraham recognized the superiority of Melchizedek. Melchizedek blessed Abraham, bringing him bread and wine. And Abraham gave him a tithe of all the spoils of war.
Our Lord Jesus is superior to any priest who ever lived! He ever lives to make intercessions for us.
Therefore, he is always available to us. When we need help, forgiveness, wisdom or strength we can come to the throne of God and ask in the name of Jesus.
When we need power to live a hopeful life of godliness, in an anticipation of His coming, we can some and ask.
When we need help living a righteous life, He is when we come and ask for help in living righteously. Hebrews 4:14-16
When are anxious, we can come to him and bring all our problems to Him in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7
WE ARE BLESSED WITH HOPE! – Hebrews 6:18-20 – LET US LIVE IN HOPE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH PEACE! – Hebrews 7:1-3 – LET US LIVE IN PEACE!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH AN INTERCESSOR! – Hebrews 7:1-10 – LET US ASK HIM TO INTERCEDE!

The Power of Grace

Dr. Charles F. Stanley

One of the most humbling aspects of the Lord’s love is His desire for everyone to know Him personally. The same God who created the universe—and who interacted with Abraham, Moses, and Paul—wants us to know Him intimately.

How tragic it is that so many ignore Him or look the other way, distracted by friends, family, celebrities, sports, careers, and the endless details of day-to-day life. But the good news is, no matter how distant we may have been until now, the door is open to a relationship with the Father.

First Timothy 2:4 says that the Lord “desires all men to be saved and to come to the know-ledge of the truth.” Notice the writer doesn’t say God wants “some” or a certain number to know Him. Rather, He wants everyone on earth to be saved. It’s not His desire that any perish; rather, He longs for all of mankind to know Him (2 Peter 3:9). And that includes you.

Unbelievers sometimes look at their sins and assume there’s no way God could grant them forgiveness. But the moment a person is willing to acknowledge his wrongdoing, the Lord is there to accept the sinner as His child. Regardless of what you’ve done, whom you’ve hurt, or where you’ve been in life, God is ready and willing to forgive you.

Even for those of us who have been Christians a long time, it’s humbling to reflect on God’s goodness. The same grace that saved us is available on every step of our faith journey. Each day, we can move forward, safe in the knowledge that no mistake can ever put us beyond the reach of God’s love for His children.

You Can Talk to God

You can talk to God, anytime of day,

There’s not a time He won’t hear what you say;

Even if no one else for you is there,

God will listen when you cry out in prayer!

You can talk to God, if the storm rages high,

In all that happens, He’s right by your side;

He never leaves you deserted or alone,

Cry out to Him, He knows what’s going on!

You can talk to God, about everything,

His love will give you a sweet song to sing;

He knows if you need a double portion of grace,

It gives you strength for whatever you face!

You can talk to God, He is waiting to hear,

What’s on your heart, as to Him, you draw near;

It becomes precious, the time you with Him spend,

He gives Godly advice, & He’s also your true Friend!