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No matter who you are, where you live, or what you've done; Jesus died for your sins. After His death, they buried Him in a tomb. Even His most loyal followers thought He'd never be heard from again. But 3 days later, history was changed forever. Jesus rose from the dead! No other religious leader has ever come back from the dead. (click #2 above to continue)
After Jesus' rose again, He appeared to 500 eyewitnesses at one time, He spent 40 days teaching others and then He ascended into heaven where He is right now! The Bible tells us the purpose of His death - "God offered Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. We are made right with God by believing that Jesus shed His blood for us." Romans 3:22-25a (click #3 above)
Although we deserve God's judgment, Jesus was punished in our place. He did everything necessary to forgive us and bring us to Himself. He made a way for us to live with Him in heaven forever. Now, He offers us forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift! "By grace are you saved through faith...It is the gift of God, not by your works." Ephesians 2:8&9 (click #4)
"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). Jesus loved you so much that He left heaven and came to earth to suffer in your place! The only way to enjoy a relationship with God is through Jesus. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31).
"God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned [and never will be!]. He who does not believe in the Son of God is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of God's only begotten Son...I tell you the truth, whoever believes has everlasting life." John 3:17-19, 6:47
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Video - 3 min. 25 Sec.
Word Power:
"gospel" - good news
The good news that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. When you simply believe in Him, He gives you full forgiveness, eternal life and a home with Him in heaven forever!
Where do good works fit into salvation? You may be surprised to learn, that good works actually prevent or hinder people from getting saved. In fact, they can't help us get right with God in any way. This may come as a shock, because most of us have the wrong idea that those who do good things, go to heaven. However, the Bible says the very opposite. Click #2 to continue...
Salvation is "by grace through faith, not by works" (Ephesians 2:9). “All our righteous deeds are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Isaiah could have said that our unrighteous deeds are like filthy rags, but he said our righteous deeds are like filthy rags, because even the best things we do are tainted and polluted by our natural sinfulness and are unacceptable to God. Click #3
“It is not by righteousness things we have done, but by His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5). The reason our good works hinder us from getting right with God is that they cause us to become self-righteous and to depend on our own worthiness, obedience or devotion. But, God does not accept these things. No one will ever get to heaven this way! Click #4.
"To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” We must not count on our own works and dedication, but only in the finished work that Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for our sins. He did it all! There's nothing left for us to do, but believe in Him (trust in Him only) for our salvation.
Nothing else will do. Religion can't save us. Going to church can't save us. Getting baptized or taking communion can't save us. Making promises of surrender can't save us. Confessing or feeling sorry for our sins can't save us. Nothing we can do, feel or or say can save us! Simple childlike faith in what Jesus has already done for us is all that is required. Salvation is the "gift of God, not by works" (Ephesians 2:8&9)
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Video - 2 min. 49 sec.
Word Power:
"faith"- to believe or trust
The righteousness God provides, comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Anyone who simply trusts in Jesus Christ alone, receives forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Have you ever heard a pastor or evangelist say, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all!" or "Salvation is free, but it will cost you everything!" or "Jesus gave His all for you, now you must give your all for Him!"? These clever sounding clichés are repeated so often that many people assume they are true. But, they are actually misleading and unbiblical. Click #2 above
These clichés are misleading because they imply that we are saved, not by faith in the death of Jesus Christ alone, but by faith plus works, or faith plus obedience, or faith plus personal submission to the Lordship of Christ. When a preacher or evangelist tells an unsaved person to surrender to Jesus as their lord and master, he is asking the impossible. Click #3 above
Even worse, the preacher or evangelist is asking the unsaved person to do what God has not asked them to do. The Bible makes it clear that an unbeliever cannot possibly do anything righteous or pleasing to God (Romans 8:8). If personal righteousness, submission and devotion are necessary for a person to be saved, then no one could be saved. Click #4
This is true because, "There is no one righteous [in God's sight], not even one. There is no one who does good, no one who seeks God" (Romans 3:10). The only one who has ever completely submitted to the will of God, is the only one who can save us from our sin and self righteousness - Jesus Christ who died and rose again for us! Click #5
The Bible makes it clear that we are only made right with God by simple childlike faith (trust) in Christ's finished work on the cross on our behalf, totally apart from our our own effort, obedience or self-righteousness. No amount of submission or devotion can ever save us, or help us get right with God in any way (Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:4-7). Click #6
Although the issues of Christ’s lordship over our life and personal obedience can never save us, they are a very important part of our spiritual growth once we have been saved by faith alone. Those who have been born again, are God's new creation, and He tells us that we have been "created to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10).
Romans 4:1-5
Listen to Short Audio Messages
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Listen to Short Audio Messages
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Video - 4 min. 58 sec.
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Word Power:
"substitute"- to take the place of
On the cross, Jesus became our substitute, taking our sins upon Himself, and being punished with the punishment we rightfully deserve. Jesus was sacrificed in our place, so we could have His perfect righteousness credited to us without cost.
Can a believer ever be lost? Is it possible to lose your salvation? Will God ever abandon, or turn His back on, one of His children? The answer to these three questions is a definite and resounding "No!" Does everlasting life last forever? Does eternal life last for all eternity? Did Jesus die for, and take away, all of our sins - past, present and future? The answer to these three questions is a definite and resounding "Yes!" Click #2 above.
The words "eternal" and "everlasting" occur over 45 times in the Bible. By their very definition, they always mean that which lasts forever, never ends and can never be cut short or lost. God Himself is eternal and everlasting, His Word is eternal and everlasting, and His unchanging promise to those who simply believe in Jesus Christ, is eternal and everlasting life as a permanent and enduring possession. Click #3 above
Titus 1:2 says, "God, who cannot lie, promised us eternal life before the world began" and we can be sure that He will never go back on His Word! Jesus Himself said, "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away... And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but will raise them up on the last day." (John 6:37&39) Click #4
"Whoever believes [in Me] will not perish, but have everlasting life... My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day... Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life... My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow Me. And, I give unto them eternal life and they will never perish..." (John 3:16b, 6:40&47, 10:27-30)
"Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death or life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow. Not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below— indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38&39) Only Jesus can save us! Only He can keep us saved!
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Word Power:
"incarnation"- God became a man
God the Son (creator of all things) became a human being, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin's womb. He, being fully God, became fully man - the God/Man, Jesus Christ.
Word Power:
"forgiven"- Not held responsible for
On the cross, Jesus died to remove all of our sin, guilt and shame. When we trust only in Him for our forgiveness, He promises that He will never ever hold our sins against us.
Jesus' disciples had a problem. Thousands of people had come out to the countryside to hear Jesus teach, but now they were all hungry. There was no place to buy food nearby, besides that, they had very little money. When they searched among the crowd to see if anyone had any food, they found only one little boy had brought a lunch. Click #2 above
John 6:9-11 tells the story. "They brought Jesus a young boy's lunch of just five small barley loaves and two small fish... Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted and were full... The number of men that ate was about 5,000, plus women and children! Click #3
It was a miracle like no other and the people were astonished! They began asking, 'Could this be the Messiah, the Son of God who the prophets promised would come?' Then Jesus said something that clearly answered their question, "I AM the bread of life... the true bread of God who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:47&51) Click #4
Not only did Jesus claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God and the Bread of Life, He proved it by doing something no one else has ever done. He fed over 5,000 hungry people using a small boy's very small lunch! It was this miracle (and many more like it) that was given by God to validate that Jesus was, and is, who He claimed to be. Click #5
“I AM the bread of life... anyone who believes has eternal life. Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but died. But anyone who eats the bread from heaven will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer for the life of the world is my body [crucified for you].” (John 6:47-51)
Word Power:
"Grace"- God's unserved kindness
Sinners are justified freely by God's unmerited grace, because of the price paid on the cross by Jesus Christ... "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by [your] works, so that no one can boast."
Have you ever wondered where to begin reading the Bible? Most people start in the book of Genesis, but when they get to Leviticus or Deuteronomy (the law books), they often become discouraged and give up. What they fail to realize is each book of the Bible was written to different people at different times and places... (Click #2 above to continue)
As a result, some books are more pertinent (and interesting) to us than others. Two of these books, the Gospel of John and the Book of Romans, are primary and foundational. These two books hold the key to understanding the message and meaning of the entire Bible... (Click #3 to continue)
The Gospel of John was written to present an accurate and easy-to-understand biography of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John records several personal interactions Jesus had with people just like us. He also includes word pictures and illustrations that are simple to comprehend and yet profound in their implications... (Click #4)
The Book of Romans was written to explain the most essential truths of the Bible. As a result, it helps us understand the Old Testament, the four New Testament Gospels and the Book of Acts. Therefore, Romans is the starting point for all future Bible study. (Click #5)
Here is a simple 21-day plan for reading the Gospel of John. Read one chapter of the Gospel of John each day. If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off the next day. If you have difficulty understanding a chapter, read it twice. If you have any questions, let us know. (click #6 for Romans reading plan)
Our 21-day plan for Romans is a little different. Start by reading Romans 3:19-31 & Romans 4:1-8 once a day for the first five days. Note: These two passages are most important. Then, on day 6, begin with chapter one and read one chapter each day. If you have any difficulty understanding a chapter, read it twice. If you have any questions, let us know.
Word Power:
"Everlasting Life"- to live forever
Everlasting life is a free gift, promised by God to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone. By its very definition, everlasting life lasts forever and can never be lost.
"How to Detect a False Gospel"
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Read Article Here
Word Power
"Eternal Security"- to be saved forever, with no possibility of ever being lost
Jesus said: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away... For this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me... My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life."
"How To Share The Gospel"
Video - 5 min. 58 sec.
Video - 5 min. 58 sec.
Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world? Theologians have debated this for centuries, but the Bible is very clear about it. Jesus is described as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the WORLD” (John 1:29). He is also described as “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole WORLD” (1 John 2:2). Click #2 above
"For God so loved the WORLD that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the WORLD to condemn the WORLD, but to save the WORLD through Him... I did not come to judge the WORLD, but to save the WORLD....I am the light of the WORLD." (John 3:16-17, 12:47, 8:12)
“For we know that this man really is the Savior of the WORLD... For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the WORLD... Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh [my body], which I will give for the life of the WORLD... the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the WORLD." (John 4:42, 6:33&51, 1 John 4:14)
“God was reconciling the WORLD to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them... He wants ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth… He is not willing that ANY should perish… [Jesus] suffered death, so that by the grace of God, He might taste death for EVERYONE.” (2 Corinthians 5:19, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 2:9)
Of course, all of these passages also teach that Jesus died for YOU! “Christ died for our sins [your sins]...and He rose again the third day... Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name [this includes you!]... Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life." (1 Corinthians 15:3&4, Acts 10:43, John 6:47). When Christ died, He had YOU in mind!
"No Condemnation"
Video - 2 min. 51 sec.
Video - 2 min. 51 sec.
You Can Know For Sure!
First, the bad news! - Due to sin, our relationship with God has been broken and we must face the penalty of death. "There is no one who is righteous, not even one... All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... After death comes judgment." (Romans 3:10&23, Hebrews 9:27). Click #2 above to continue
The good news! - Filled with compassion for us, God sent His Son into the world to pay the full penalty for our sins. On the cross, Jesus willingly became our substitute, taking upon Himself all of the condemnation we rightfully deserve. "God demonstrated His love for us in this way, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Click #3 above
3 days after His death, Jesus rose again and appeared to numerous eyewitnesses, offering irrefutable proof of His resurrection (even His enemies could not deny it). "He presented Himself to them over 40 days, giving many convincing proofs that he was alive... At one point, He appeared to more than five hundred men at once!" (Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:6). Click #4 above
Because Jesus paid the full price for our sins, God offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift. This gift is ours through simple childlike faith in Jesus Christ alone (i.e., relying only on what He did on the cross). "Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life... Whoever believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins..." (John 3:16, Acts 10:43) Click #5
The moment you believe that Jesus died for you, God declares that you are are no longer guilty before Him; He forgives your sins; and, He pronounces that you are perfectly righteous in His sight forever! "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ... We are declared righteous, freely by His grace, through the price paid by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24)
"A Runaway Slave Finds Freedom!"
An In-Depth Study of Philemon
for Personal or Group Study
Free Download Here
An In-Depth Study of Philemon
for Personal or Group Study
Free Download Here
