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Before I begin my writing I wanted to give a couple shoutouts. Yesterday, I was at the Children's Exploratorium in Skokie. Well, the kids and some of the adults were in the jungle gym type thing. I was sitting in one of the tables. Of course, something would happen where I would need help. My hot packet came out and fell on the floor. I waved one of the workers to come help me. Emily, one of the workers got my hot packet that fell on the floor and put it back inside my glove
And, of course, I wanted to give her a card. But my cards were in my purse hanging behind my wheelchair. So, Emily got my purse that was hanging behind my wheelchair. She took my little pouch out and got out we 2 cards. Then, she put my purse back behind my wheelchair. Thank you, Emily, for being so helpful and kind. You really made my first trip to the Exploratorium quite enjoyable! Thank you 4 being so appreciative of my card. I also wanted to give a shout out to Jennifer. Another nice worker. I really pray that my writings will be encouraging to you two ladies and have a great day!
I can still remember. even though it was so many years ago. I can still remember because what happened to me was life-changing. I'm glad I can still remember. There's no doubt the Lord still has a plan for me to keep mindful of this so I can share it with you guys.
I wouldn't say I was transformed in the mathematical sense. However, I truly believe there was a transformation that happened in my life in June of 1995. I will always be grateful to my aunt for leading me to the Lord. For showing me that being a Christian is more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Reading, studying, and applying the applications in the Bible, every day of my life is also what a Christian should do
Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Every single human being sins. No one is exempt. Not me. Not you. No one. Scriptures tell of many stories of how God totally brought justice on those people who sinned. That made sense. They were bad people. They did bad things. They deserved to go to hell. And, so they did.
Come to think of it. It's kind of the same now. Except, I think it's a lot worse. You guys are smart people. You can single out what's good to do and what's not good to do in the eyes of God. I totally do think that our world is in a different yet somewhat similar story compared to Sodom and Gomorrah. And, that's definitely not a good thing. :(
So, yeah that's pretty bad news. However, we have to rejoice! Because there is good news! Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life!
What does that mean? That means that our awesome God came down to earth and became human in his son Jesus Christ. He suffered, was buried, died and then rose to life. He did that all so we would have life!
Isn't that some Marvelous news? I challenge you to just think about that for a second. 1 John 5:11-12 says and this is the testimony God has given us eternal life and this life is in his son. He who has the son has life, he who does not have the son does not have eternal life. And, the well-known verse John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Wow! God just wants us to accept him and embrace him as our Lord and savior! See, the equation I used to follow before June of 1995 before I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I used to follow this. faith + good works equals salvation. That was oh so wrong! Remember I said earlier all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God? So, yeah that is still current now. And, honestly, sinning will probably follow you until you take care your final breath on this Earth.
Friends, if you do not know Jesus and never accepted him, then of course, you would be scared of death. Are you trying to be a human that is sinless and are you working so hard to be that perfect sinless human being? If so, please stop because perfection doesn't happen. (My devoted readers you know my thoughts on perfection-- It doesn't happen)
The correct equation is this. Faith = salvation + good works. That means we need to believe, have faith, be in that personal relationship with Jesus. Welcome, that he has forgiven us of our sin and he loves us.
What about the good works? Is that what you're thinking? No, it's not being used as a get-out-of-jail-free card. God still would like us to do good works but I'm just saying you don't need to do good works to be saved from hell and go to heaven. But we still should do good works.
That's really it. Folks, have you invited Jesus into your heart to be your personal Lord and savior? I can't make you guys do anything you don't want to do. All I can do is share with you guys how Free, Awesome, Amazing, Great.... only good things, trusting that makes me feel! I am God's child who is Forgiven and loved!
Jimmy Needham: Forgiven and Loved
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