October 20, 2023Yesterday, Karen and I had the privilege of being with a group of seniors at Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It has been several years since we visited this church, which began supporting Karen’s parents more than sixty years ago. We are grateful for their support of our family, both financially and in prayer. This week has been a time of great blessing as we have been with some of Karen’s relatives and learning how the Lord has been working in their lives.
Thank you for your prayers for us as we share the life-changing truths of God’s Word with people in Quebec and throughout the world via the Internet. There have been many changes in technology since Karen and I began serving together in Global Outreach Mission (now MissionGO) in 1982. As I reflected on those changes, I found a bookmark that I made nearly twenty years ago. This is what I prepared:
CHANGE
Confess – Romans 10:9
Honour the Lord – 1 Samuel 2:30
Abide in Christ – John 15:4-5
Never forget to follow Christ – John 8:12
Give yourself to the Lord – Romans 12:1
In the Jeremiah Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah writes: “Confessing Christ is evidence of genuine faith (Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 8:37; 1 Cor. 12:3). Salvation comes through belief in Christ, acknowledging that He is God and was raised … from the dead. Christ’s death satisfied God’s righteous demand for the penalty for sins and Christ’s resurrection validated both His claims and the Father’s statements that He is God.
To confess Jesus before men means to openly acknowledge one’s affiliation with Christ, regardless of the possible consequences. One day in the future, Jesus will openly acknowledge all faithful disciples as His own. People who allow human authorities to frighten them into disowning Jesus will be disowned in heaven before the angels. The future and eternal reward He promises for enduring allegiance will far outweigh any current pain.
Because Christ is God, His death, burial and resurrection took care of the world’s sins. Just as all who sin will be judged, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
If you have never asked God’s forgiveness for your sins, I urge you to do so today. You will never regret turning from sin to trust in Christ. If you are a believer, ask the Lord to guide you to grow in His grace.
Scripture for the weekend: “You word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
By His grace,
Steve