Jesus is the infinite God-man.

Jesus is part of the Trinity, in this case God the Son.

Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins.  He paid for our sins with His own blood and is alive to prove it.

Salvation is only possible through Jesus.

John 14:6 “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me”.

In a phrase, Jesus was “the one and only Son” (John 1:18).

As the name implies, the Holy Spirit is a spirit just as God is a spirit.

The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity, in this case God the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit possesses mind, emotions, and a will.

When one accepts Jesus and becomes a Christ follower the Holy Spirit indwells you and your body becomes a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The salvation of souls is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ.

All true believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

The Trinity is one God existing in three Persons.

The word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible.

Man came up with the word “Trinity” in an attempt to describe the triune God.

Each member of the Trinity is God.  The Father is God (John 6:27, 1 Peter 1:2).  The Son is God (John 1:1, 1 John 5:20).  The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 3:16).

The Bible tells us that the individual members of the Trinity have different tasks.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not parts of God, each of them is God.

The Bible is God’s Word to mankind.

There are sixty-six books in the Bible, thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament.The Bible is the most important book in the history of mankind.

The Bible is infallible which means “incapable of error”.

The Bible is the final authority for all matters of faith, religious practice and morals.  It gives us a set of moral absolutes to live by.

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.

Heaven is a real place and truly exists.  Jesus has gone before us to prepare a room for us in Heaven.

The Bible talks about three heavens:  The first is the sky and the area where birds fly; The second is the interstellar/outer space  which is where the stars and planets are located; and third is the dwelling place of God.

In Heaven you will be with our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2).

In Heaven there will be no more tears, pain, sorrow or death.

Heaven is a free gift when you accept Jesus.  It is not deserved, not earned, nor merited (Romans 6:23).

Satan is a spirit.

Satan was an angelic being in Heaven named Lucifer.  He sinned by trying to become God.  He fell from Heaven and became known as Satan (Isaiah 14:12).

Satan is the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2).

Satan is a murderer and father of lies.

Satan has a mind, emotions and a will (Job 1, Matthew 4:1-12)

God will ultimately throw Satan into the eternal Lake of Fire.

Man is a sinner (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23).

Man cannot save himself—you need Jesus!

Have you felt the Holy Spirit working in your life?  Perhaps through a friend, family member, church, or something on television or the internet—please respond.

If one does not truly accept Jesus during your lifetime you will end up in Hell.  You have approximately 80 to 85 years to make that decision.

God made you in His own image.

Mankind is created with a body, soul and spirit.  God wants to communicate with you through His Spirit.

Each of us is born with a sinful nature.  Mark 7:20-23 “He went on:  What comes out of a person is what defiles them.  For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these evils come from inside and defile a person”.

Sin is anything that comes between you and God.

Sin is rebellion against God.

The only unpardonable sin today is that of continued unbelief.

Galatians 5:19-21 “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality; impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred; discord; jealousy; fits of rage; selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”.

Hell is real (Revelation 20:14-15).

Hell is a place of sorrow, weeping, torture and torment.

Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolators and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.  This is the second death”.

God created Hell originally for Satan and his angels.  But when mankind fell to sin God had to accommodate mankind to Hell also.

Hell is likely located in another realm or domain that we humans cannot comprehend.

Biblical method of salvation is faith in Jesus (John 3:16).

God offers salvation as a free gift and not by works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”.

Acts 16:31 “They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household”.

Please understand that reciting a prayer or uttering certain words will not save you.  Saying a prayer is not the biblical way of salvation.  The biblical method of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ.  Salvation is gained by faith, by receiving Jesus as Savior and by fully trusting Jesus alone.

God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten Son.
God said He will never leave or forsake us all the days of our life.
Jesus said I am the way, the truth, the life, no man comes to the Father except by Him.
These truths and fact are promises from our Heavenly Father that can never be taken away. God keeps His word for thousands of generations. God can hold true to His word because of His commitment, His covenant, and His seal, with two small words, mercy and grace.  Mercy is the function of withholding deserved punishment, Grace is the function of providing unwarranted favor. God does not punish as we deserve, He blesses with His unfailing love. He created us in His image for His purpose, all He asks in return is our love for Him and to love our brothers and sisters. Don’t try and work your way to heaven,
it is by faith and trust, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, heaven is a free gift.
Take some time to read the Bible, the Word will explain, it will provide knowledge and understanding, it will encourage, and heal your broken world. Below are some additional Bible verses to help on your journey.

Hebrews 4:16.. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalms 23:6.. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 40:11.. Do not withhold your mercy from me,Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
Nehemiah 9:31.. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
2 Corinthians 12:9.. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest in me.
2 Chronicles 30:9.. For the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.
Ephesians 2:4.. Because of His great love for us, who is rich in mercy, and by His grace you have been saved.

Blessings to all,
LRL

The secular world often says God is testing me with the temptation to sin.
This same group also promotes that satan has caused them to sin.
Guess what, our secular world is misleading us again, as usual.
God’s word clearly states, He would never test or tempt us into sinning.
James 1: 12-14. Blessed is the man who endures temptations, for when he has been proved , he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed’. God gave  us a free will, to choose between right and wrong. Satan creates situations and circumstances that entice us to sin, but he cannot make us sin. Satan was allowed to temp directly on four occasions. Adam and Eve in the garden, Lot in the book of Genesis, and Jesus in the desert. So don’t blame satan! We have only ourselves to be responsible for our voluntary sinful ways. Because Adam and Eve were the first to sin, we were then born into sin. We inherited a sinful nature, but that does not give us the freedom  to continue to sin as we please. Our selfish and evil desires within our hearts and mind causes us to sin in wicked ways.
Sin has consequences, sin separates us from God, sin hinders our prayers from being answered. In the book of Matthew Jesus lists seven sins to avoid, those seven sins capture the sins for all of mankind; pride, greed, lust, anger, envy, gluttony, sloth. Through out  the Bible God assures us that everyone’s sins can be forgiven, but we must keep  in mind sin has responsibilities and  ownership.
How can we overcome our sinful ways?
Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross for the forgiveness of all sins,  past, present, future.
We must change our mental and physical person by acknowledging and confessing our sins, repent and be more persistence to obedience , be confident within our  ability to overcome temptation, make a commitment to ourself, be courageous one day at a time. Further thoughts must be considered when we subject ourselves to a sinful environment, our thoughts, our words, our actions, our friends, selective reading materials, websites, etc.
Listed are a few Biblical scriptures that will help to strengthen you.
1 Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure.
1 Timothy 6:9. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap into many foolish
and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
2 Peter 2:9  The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
Matthew 6:13. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Luke 11:4. Forgive us our sins, for we forgive others who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Luke 22:40. Pray that you will not fall into temptation.
Romans 3:23. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
James 4:17. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it , to him it is sin.
Pray every day, read God’s word, build up your faith and trust in Him, put on the armor of faith, He will sustain you. Find God’s love, grace, and forgiveness in His Word…

Submitted by LRL

Is Hell Real?

This subject is not pleasant to address, but it is critical for everyone to be made aware of and understand that hell is a real place. It is very difficult if not impossible to describe and understand the Bible’s description of hell. In Luke 16, Mark 9, hell is described as a place of torment and everlasting punishment. Your senses will be revealed, enabling one to see it, smell it, breath it, hear it, feel it. There will be weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth, burning flames, unquenchable flames, a place where the worm never dies. All hope is abandoned.
However….. God has a plan, He said, ‘I will never forsake you or leave you’. There is hope for you today if you trust and have faith in your Lord and Savior. Read John 3:16, ‘ For God loved the world so much that He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to judge, but to save the world through him.
God does not want us to go to hell. Hell was not made for man. Hell was created for satan and his fallen angels, Matt 25:41. God does not send anyone to hell, you choose hell when you reject God’s grace , His love, His gift of eternal life. Jesus Christ took on your sins and the sins of the world, He died on the cross for the remission of your sins. Don’t deny Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He is your only hope for salvation.
Consider reciting this prayer,, pray with a sincere and contrite heart and mind.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you hear my prayer, I am a sinner, I confess and repent of my sinful ways. Forgive me of all of my sins and unrighteous ways. I ask you to come into my heart, I accept you as my Lord and Savior. From this day forward I will be obedient to your word, lead me not into temptation, deliver me from the evil one. Record my name into the ‘Book of Life’, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Additional verses to comfort your reading…

Hebrews 9:27
Mathew 25
Titus 3:5
Acts 16:30
Romans 3
2 Peter 2:20
Revaluation 1:5
Revaluation 20

Submitted by LRL

Life is a series of choices every day of your being, regardless of age or gender.  Choices can relate to family, school, work place, and social functions, etc.

The difference of having a good day or bad day relates directly to the choices you have made.  Some choices are relatively easy to make if you gather your facts and apply sound judgment.  Other choices may have to do with right and wrong.  This is where the individual’s integrity comes into play.  Should I choose the good idea or the bad idea?

A number of years ago there was a wrist band that was very popular, abbreviated “WWJD”.  What Would Jesus Do?  If you apply these four words to your source of selections, would it not make your world much easier? Understand, sin is not a respecter of a person.  Kids sin, youth sin, adults sin, and guess what, older people sin also.

Choices determines your character.  When you are all alone, no one can see you, one can easily make the sinful choice.  Wrong!!  God can see you, He knows your heart and mind.  These sinful choices only brings hardship and turmoil into your life.  Look around you, do you see people with laughter on their face, joy in their hearts, peace of mind, and a positive attitude?  Or do you see hatred, anger, loneliness, jealousy, and a negative attitude?

Spend some time in prayer, ask God to help you to make the right choices when confronted.  God has a plan for you, one that has a cheerful heart and sound mind.

What choices do you have in mind for yourself?

May God bless and direct your journey.

Article by; LRL

How does one forgive another person for a deceitful word or action?

“I cannot forgive someone who maliciously fabricated untrue information about me and that has caused me emotional stress and serious pain!”
Yes, we all have been injured and hurt by erroneous comments or actions at some point in our life. It can be a horrific and unjust experience. A friend befriending another, parent abusing a child, child lying to a parent, the list goes on… It is never easy to forgive someone. Forgiveness is usually a process or sequence of events. In fact it may be impossible to truly forgive without seeking God’s assistance.

Below are a few suggestions that may help resolve these conflicts. Forgiving and forgetting doesn’t mean you should continue taking abuse from a hurtful person. Switch the focus from blaming others to understanding yourself. No one has the power to make you angry or resentful without your consent and you are unwilling to grant authority to that person. Non forgiveness robs you from – the ability to love and be kind to others – your peace of mind – the joy life brings each day.

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to bless you, let him intercede on your behalf, allow him to comfort and council your mind and heart. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s grace. Jesus first loved us, he paid the ultimate price for ALL our sins. He chose to forgive us and to give everyone a second chance. Should we not do the same?

The following scriptures will provide additional understanding and comfort regarding Forgiveness.

Proverbs 19:11
Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-35
Romans 12:17-21
Ephesians 4:31-32
Hosea 14:4

Article by LRL

Why is giving thanks to God so important? Everything that we have ‘that is good’ is a gift from God. By being thankful it keeps our heart and mind in the proper relationship with our Father. God honors the praises of His people. Ask yourself, how much time would be required for me to remember the number of times I purposely set aside for me to express my appreciation for His favor in my life. Giving thanks reminds us of how much we do have. By expressing our thankfulness makes us feel good about ourselves. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could always be thankful and share our love and joy with one another?
However, we must be honest with ourselves, not all circumstances that come our way are enjoyable. When we encounter life’s emotions like ie: grief, anger, jealousy, and un forgiveness , we need to learn how to accept and deal with those trials.  Rejoice, in all circumstances, because we can be confident and assured that our Father in Heaven will provide us with the necessary wisdom and spiritual strength to endure. We must be responsible and demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, standing firm in prayer and supplication, maintaining  a positive attitude, being patient, understanding, and humbling ourself with selflessness. Giving Him thanks in difficult times by maintaining a thankful heart helps us to ward off harmful emotions and attitudes that steal our joy.
Always remember, be thankful for the greatest gift of all, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to this earth to teach us, to be our example, He took on the sins of the world so that we may have eternal life, an indescribable free gift.  His love, His forgiveness, His grace is abundant for all of His children.
Let God always find us to be grateful with a heart of thanksgiving.

Below are a few Bible verses that may provide additional comfort.

1 Thessalonians 5. 16-18.. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Romans 8.28.. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Philippians 4. 6-7.. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 100. 4-5.. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His court with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 105. 1.. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name.
Psalm 118. 29.. Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Proverbs 3. 5.. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.
James 2. 1-3.. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1. 12.. Blessed is the man who endures temptations.
James 4. 6.. God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
2 Corinthians 12. 9.. My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Colossians 3. 15.. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.

Make every effort to spend time in God’s word, it will change your life.
Submitted by LRL