The Greatest Gift Luke 1:26-38; Romans6:23; Ephesians2:8; John4:10; John3:16-21

Most westerners say that Christmas should be more about time together with family and friends than about gifts. However, in 2007 spending on Christmas presents was in the neighborhood of $474.5 billion; each American spending an average of $923.36. With credit card rates often as high as 24 percent, that $923 cost the average consumer closer to $6458.87 when interest and finance charges are included.

This year, Americans and Canadians say they intend to spend 50% less, but it is still expected that Canadians will spend $28.7 billion this Christmas and US shoppers will spend $470.4 billion.

PNC Christmas Price Index 2008: the cost of the gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” have increased 8.1%. The greatest increase this year was in swans a-swimming with a whopping 33.3% increase due to scarcity. True Loves will spend $5,600 this year for Swans compared to $4,200 in 2007. However, gold rings have dropped in price by 11.4% to $349.95 from $395...

For the next few moments let us consider what is the greatest gift that could ever be given. What makes a gift a great gift?

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE A GIFT GIVEN OUT OF LOVE

• For God so loved

• infinite -- from before the foundation of the world – Psalm 103:17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, Psa 5:7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.

• unchanging – same yesterday today forever Heb.13:8 Jas1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

• Holy --- be ye holy ... I am holy 1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.

• just and righteous Hos 2:19 And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.

• great – God so loved the whole world = Cosmos (186 times in Greek New Testament) = world full of sinful people – like us. ref. Romans3:23.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE PERSONAL

• A couple in counseling; The man said,“I have given you everything” ...”Yes, but not yourself” Whereas God gave Himself and gave Himself to you.

  • Luke 2:11 “Unto you is born...a Savior who is Christ the Lord

• Unique (“one and only” NIV) No one like Him – No one His equal

  • uniquely begotten (virgin born),

  • become flesh,

  • eternal God in temporal flesh

• Best – not cast-offs (like we give to charities) We may give away some good stuff, but not our best.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO ADD TO THE RECEIVER

• Not like - noisy gifts for nephews; pets that need up keep; cameras and gifts that need supplies to be enjoyed

• Does God's love for the whole world save the whole world?

  • No. God's love is sufficient for the whole world but

  • Only effectient for those who believe and receive eternal life by faith (the gift of God)

  • What about those who do not believe Jesus? V.17-18 – condemnation

Illustration: A fellow was given a private tour of the British Museum .... Masterpieces, sculptures, beautiful artifacts. … At end of tour the man said, “Well, I don't think much of your old pictures.”

The guide said quietly, “Sir, I would remind you that these pictures are no longer on trial, but those who look at them are.”

The fellow who thought the priceless treasures were worthless passed judgment on himself. What should have brought joy, wonder, and awe revealed his ignorance, lack of understanding, and his lack of appreciation. (William Barclay)

If one looks at Jesus and does not see the love and the blessing to his life and the deliverance from his lostness and just the beauty of the holiness of Jesus, that one's reaction confirms their condemnation.

NOTE The scripture does not say if you do not believe in Jesus you will be condemned or you will be lost. It says you will stay lost and condemned.

But Unto You God Gave His Only Begotten So that You Can Have Eternal Life in Place of Eternal Death

Responsive Reading

God The greatest Lover

so loved The greatest degree

the world The greatest company

that he gave The greatest act

His one and only The greatest gift

that whosoever The greatest opportunity

believes The greatest simplicity

in him The greatest attraction

shall not perish The greatest promise

but The greatest difference

have The greatest certainty

eternal life The greatest possession

And all God's people said, “Amen!”

(from Pastor David Jeremiah)

The Foundation of Reform - a Sure Word
2Peter 1:16-21

Peter points his audience to a standard by which to measure teacher, missions, and experiences. That standard is the Word of God. Peter had experiences to share, but the authentication of his ministry and his words was God's Spirit breathed holy scripture.

Many church folks are hoping for and praying for revival. But many times the our definition of revival is connected to feelings or experiences. Here, Peter does not express a desire to have another Mount of Transfiguration experience, instead he makes reference to that as a way of reminding listeners of the glory of Jesus, He then goes on to point to the fact that our present hope in Jesus and the hope of His coming again will be as real to us as is our confidence in Scripture as the sure revelation of God. Our lives will be as lively and our church will be as living and our evangelism will be as effective as is our faithfulness to holy scripture. Revival accompanies reform.

Let us consider what Peter would be preaching if he based his message on his experience.

HOPELESS in SIN Luke 5:2-8

• The presence of Jesus results in big catches of fish but such conviction of sin that there is no hope of fellowship or relationship.

RECEIVER OF HEALING MINISTRY Luke 4:38

• Invite Jesus into your home and your mother-in-law will not only recover from her ailments but will love your buddies and take care of them.

WALKING ON WATER Matthew 14:28

• The way to test for the presence of Jesus is to attempt to ski without skis or a boat.

CONFESSION OF CHRIST BY REVELATION OF GOD

Matthew 16:16

• Whatever you say is God inspired.

PROTECTOR OF CHRIST/ TOOL OF SATAN Matthew16:22

• You can be a bold protector of the faith … or can you?

TRANSFIGURATION Matthew 17:1-8

• God wants us to see visions of Old Testament saints

• and real Christians hear the audible voice of God

FISHING FOR TAXES Matthew 17:27

• Jesus commands us to figure our taxes and fish until we get enough to pay our taxes and our friend's taxes

DENYING JESUS Matthew 26:33-35; 74

• Jesus knows you are going to deny him so learn some worldly language and just roll with flow to protect your own tail.

However, Peter did not point to or preach his experiences. Instead he pointed people to the whole Bible, which points to Jesus as God in the flesh, virgin- born, sinless, loving sinners even in their sin but not willing to leave them there, substitutionary sacrifice, crucified Redeemer, risen Savior, resurrected Lord, seated in Glory, interceding for the saved, returning soon in victory... as told in the Old Covenant and in the New by men as they were moved (inspired to write) by God the Holy Spirit.

If your experience, your doctrine, your tradition does not line up with the “more sure word” of God then set your things aside in favor of God's Word.

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2Pe 1:20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Review for the Test 2Peter 1:12-18

How precious is the Word of God to you...to us as a church? Is it a delight to us? Do we hunger for it? Does it shape you? Is the Word of God something that is critical or essential to your daily life? Do you see it as important as the latest medical news or diet fad or answer to your nations economic woes?

Is the Word of God your standard by which you evaluate life and health and success and science and politics? Or do you use all those things to evaluate the Word of God?

The apostle Simon Peter expresses his belief that the greatest use of his last days on earth would be to remind people he loves and people for whom he is responsible of the Word of God, its content and its intent.

This morning let us consider Peter's approach to his urgent task and then consider our approach in view of some hyperbolic examples of Bible characters' attitudes toward God's Word.

PETER'S APPROACH Therefore(v.12) refers back to V.4: since you have been given...since you are partakers...since you have escaped...I will be:

1. Urgent in Reminding You v.12

• “not negligent” (NKJV) “intend always” (ESV)

• “shortly” v.14

2. Kind in Evaluating You

• “though you know” v.12

• “reminding you” v.13

3. Faithful in Carrying Out the Task

• “it is right” v.13 “the putting off of my body will be soon” v.14 (ESV)

4. Creative (or at least persistent) in the Presentation

• “that you always have a reminder” v.15

• God believes in repetition – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 H. Richard Niebhur's classic Christ and Culture. “Great Christian revolutions come not by the discovery of something that was not known before. They happen when somebody takes radically something that was always there.”

YOUR APPROACH

Most here would probably say, “I believe the Word of God. I believe it is inspired, inerrant, perfect, a guide for life.” ... But does your living match your profession?

A Couple of Hyperboles

1. King Josiah 2Kings 22:1-2, 8-11

• Josiah = grandson of Manasseh (2Kings 21:2, 16)

  • son of Amon (2Kings 21:18-23)

• The Word of God had been lost v.22:8

  • lost in the inside the House of God

• Josiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord because he had a heart for God

  • despite his background

• Josiah was broken and penitent (vv.11, 19)

  • No excuses about his environment

  • No accusations – He tore his own robes, not someone else's.

• Josiah was a godly king who was moved by God's Word – though he was out of bad stock. This means that our background does not hinder God. The background of those we meet, those we pray for does not hinder God.

2. King Jehoiakim (Eliakim) 2Kings 23:34-37; Jeremiah 36

• Son of godly king, Josiah

  • Godly environment 2Kings 23:1-25

• Disregarded the Word of God Jeremiah 36:21-24

REGARD FOR GOD'S WORD

• Broken By The Word

  • Remembering and Reminding

• Burning The Word

  • In whole

  • In part – You don't have to buy an album any more. CDs are on the way out because of downloading...just choose what you really like and ignore the rest. Do we do that with God's Word – choose what we like and reject the rest?

• There is Hope for The One Who Remembers God's Word

  • Personal repentance – tearing your own robes – not someone else's.

  • Diligent obedience – v.1:5

• There is Hope for the Nation Who Remembers God's Word. May presidents and prime ministers discover the lost Word of God and at least forestall God's wrath on their nation.

Not to gain salvation (2Peter1:12), but to show the sufficiency of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Death is not the test. At death, the test has been taken. The first part of the test is – Do you trust Jesus for your salvation or do you trust yourself? The next part of the test is – do you live out the life of grace? Do you bear the true image of God? Is His Word, interpreted by His Spirit, the guide for your actions and attitudes and aspirations?

The Supplements that Assure 2Peter 1:1-11

the first general letter of Peter was addressed to those who were dealing with the dangers of physical persecution. This second letter deals with the equally (perhaps more) devastating problem of false teaching which robs believers of the assurance of their salvation, their respect for scripture, and their expectation of Jesus' second coming.

In the first few sentences of this letter, Peter affirms the source and sufficiency of our salvation in Jesus Christ. He continues to assure believers of the certainty of salvation by faith in Jesus.

Because the believer has received all the exceedingly great and precious promises (v.1:4) and everything that pertains to life and godliness (v.1:3) there is an Appropriate Response which: Combats Doubt; Supplies Assurance; Produces Fruit

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

to the gifts and promises of God in Jesus

• Diligence (v.5)- Not ...”Let go and let God.” rather – Make every effort to bring in or along side all zeal and eagerness with urgency.

• Add (v.5)– supply fully – supplement – minister (another epi word – epichoregeo) to your faith:

  • Virtue = purpose fulfilled – Bearing God's Image (not polished human image)

  • Knowledge = discernment – truth properly understood and applied.

  • Temperance/self-control = faith is not to be divorced from conduct Proverbs 25:28; 1Corinthian9:24-27

    NOTE Properly handling the pleasures of life

  • Patience/perseverance = Properly handling the pressures of life – enduring problems and problem people James 1:2-8

  • Godliness = to worship well – living above the petty 1Timothy 4:8

  • Brotherly Kindness = the companion of love for God – We love our brothers because of their likeness to us. John13:35; James2:10

  • Love = agape = sacrificial love – loving our brothers in spite of differences.

These characteristics do not point to the man or woman displaying them, but to the Spirit of God who produces them.

COMBATS DOUBT

• Why Doubts

  • The Sinfulness of sin

  • Failing to Trust Completeness of the Gospel Hebrews7:25; Romans8:30

  • The Past

    • Remembered – all forgiven? 1John2:1-2,12

    • Forgotten – the exact day

  • The Present – trials Count it joy... whom He loves He chastens

  • Willful Sin

• The Damage of Doubts

  • Enjoyment missed - assurance – obedience from love

  • Purpose missed Romans 11:29

  • Gratitude and praise forgone

  • Patience robbed Miss God's purpose in trials

  • Purifying hope missing 1John3:2-3

SUPPLIES ASSURANCE

• Growth is a sign of life.

• Living a life that can only be explained by God's activity.

• Progression in faith backs up your profession of faith.

• Avoid stumbling (v.10)into doubt and despair or fear

• Remembers purification

PRODUCES FRUIT

• Fruitfulness (v.8)= The kind of conduct and character God can trust with blessing

• Vision (v.9) = not shortsighted = seeing beyond your neighborhood John4:35

• True Knowledge of Lord Jesus Christ (v.8)= not just about Jesus, but saving, relational knowledge of Jesus

• Lavish provision of life in the eternal kingdom of Jesus

Some Christians will barely make it to heaven 1Corinthian3:15. But there is the option of lavish reward. Diligently add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love to your faith in Jesus Christ.

Who Are You? 2Peter 1:1-11

As we begin our study of the second general letter of Peter, we first of all acknowledge the letter as being authored by the Simon Peter who was a fisherman called by Jesus to follow Him and become a fisher of men – the one who walked on the water to Jesus for a while – the one who saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain top along with Moses and Elijah – the one who denied Jesus three time – the one whom Jesus restored – the one who preached at Pentecost when 3,000 people became believers in Jesus – the one who first took the gospel to non-Jews – the one who became a leader of the church in Jerusalem – the one who authored 1 Peter to the Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bithynia - the one whose father, John, called him Simon, but whom Jesus renamed Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic) – that Peter.

That Peter, with all those credentials (and more), calls himself a bond-servant and missionary (apostle) of Jesus Christ and says of those he addresses that they have received the same kind of faith as his. Our question for the day is; “Who are you?” Are you one to whom Peter writes? Are you one who has the same kind of faith? If you are of “like faith” you have great cause for thanks. If you are not, you have great cause of thanks that today you will hear what this great faith is and hearing, have opportunity to respond in faith to God's salvation unto eternal life through the substitutionary atoning work of Jesus Christ.

THIS FAITH

• What is this “faith”? v.1

  • Objective - The gospel truth? The plan of salvation, The doctrines

  • Subjective - The obedient response to that gospel?

  • Received --- Both are gifts from God, not the reward or result of human effort or worthiness.

• “Same kind” indicates that Peter is speaking of the response of faith since there are various responses to God's call whereas there is only one gospel, one plan that saves.

  • “isotimon” = equal value or equal privilege

  • The gift - Ephesians 2:8-9; 1Corinthian2:5 1Co 2:5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

  • The response - to God's sovereign choice – Acts 16:14 Act 16:14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. ; Romans 10:9-10 Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

• 
  

• Where is it from? v.1

  • By the righteousness of someone else – Jesus Christ

  • who is our God and Savior. Philippians3:8-9 Php 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--

• ; Romans9:5 Jesus is God - Rom 9:5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

• How does it work? v.2

  • In the realm of Grace and Peace

    • Grace – God's gift of favor which no one deserves reconciled to God Romans3:24 Rom 3:24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

      ; Ephesians1:7 Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

    • Peace – with God and from God in all life's circumstances Ephesians2:14-15 Eph 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

; Philippians4:7 Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Through the knowledge (v.3) of God and of Jesus our Lord.

  • “epignosis” = intimate understanding 1)of a person – Jesus Christ; 2) of the work of Jesus Christ; 3) through the truth of His Word 2Timothy3:15-17 2Ti 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

• 
  

• Is it enough? vv.3-4

  • Enough for regeneration – Romans 3:24 (above), 8:16-17 Rom 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

• 
  

• Enough to live the life – 2Corinthians9:8 2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

  ; Philippians4:19 Php 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• Enough for sanctification – Ephesians3:17-19 Eph 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

; Romans8:29; Rom 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

• Enough for glorification – Romans8:17 Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

  , V. 30 Rom 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

• It is like a wedding feast - Matthew22:2-ff; Revelation19:6-9 a celebration with nothing spared.

IS THIS FAITH YOURS? WHO ARE YOU?

• Innocent? You don't need it.

• Lost?

  • Rebelling, putting all faith in yourself?

  • Listening?

  Acts 3:22 Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.'

• Having faith that you received from Jesus Christ, God and Savior

DURING THE COMMITMENT TIME (invitation):

You may come to receive Jesus as your personal Savior

You may come to join this body

You may come make an altar of prayer at the kneeling step

You may come and receive communion (for baptized believers).

Jesus in 25 Minutes / What God Expects of You Acts2:21-36

In this age of antagonistic or aggressive atheism, it is important for a believer to know what he believes and to be able to state it simply and then if need be to expand and explain his basic positions. This is crucial for purposes of offering an apologetic = answer (1Peter3:15) to those who ask who Jesus is (or by their rhetoric prove that they lack the answer). A skeptical world is not satisfied with, “If it was good for Paul and Silas, it's good enough for me.”

This morning we will not turn to all the scriptural references, but plenty have been included for you to study and choose some that are easy for you to remember and use. These are the basics. This is not exhaustive (John21:25).

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

PRE-INCARNATE ETERNAL JESUS Being God, He has always existed.

• John1:1 Jesus Christ, the Son, has always been. He existed with God the Father (WITH GOD =literally, “before face of God”). He existed before the earth. He is coequal, co-eternal, equally divine with the other two persons of God (Father and Spirit). Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah2:10-11; John6:38,41*; Mark 14:61-64*; John10:30-33; 17:5* (*words of Jesus)

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him.

BIRTH OF JESUS Born of a flesh-and-blood woman, who had never had sexual contact with a man Matthew1:23; Luke1:34 (until after the birth of Jesus – Matthew1:25) Isaiah7:14 “alma” in the Hebrew Old Testament, there was some leeway for interpretation of the word we normally interpret as “virgin”. It could be translated “young woman.” NT Septuagint “parthenos”= virgin Matthew, however, quoted the Greek translation of the Old Testament which used a word that would only be interpreted as “virgin.” It should also be noted that the angel Gabriel and Mary both knew that the one who would bear the Savior was a virgin.

• By all scriptural indications, a normal delivery (as opposed to some mystic appearance avoiding the birth canal). Micah5:2-3

• At just the right time (God's) in history. Galatians 4:4-5

• Jesus' mother had a sin nature. Luke1:47 (she needed a Savior); 2:22 (she had to offer a sacrifice for purification) and she had other children

• Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? Mat 13:56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"

SINLESS PERFECTION OF JESUS

• Jesus was born without a sin nature and lived without sinning. Hebrews4:15(yet without sin. ; 2Corinthians5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

  John8:46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

PUBLIC MINISTRY

• Begins with His baptism. Matthew3:13-ff; Mark1:9;Luke3:21;John1:32-34

• Proven by miracles Acts2:22 – healing, raising dead, controlling nature.

• Prophet – Revealing the God John 14:8-ff (Show us the Father); 17:6-8 "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

• Priest – Luke 19:10 (Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost); Matthew9:2-6 forgave sin of paralytic and to show power to forgive – also healed ; Mark10:45 (offer sacrifice for your sin – Himself ...give his life a ransom); Hebrews7:24 (continues to intercede)

• King = Lord Matthew12:8 (Lord of sabbath); Luke6:46 ("Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?); John13:13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am

• Crucified for your sins Roman4:25 Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. ; Romans5:8; 1Corinthian 15:3...Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ; 1John2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

• Resurrected John20;

  1Corinthian 15:3-8 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 1Co 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1Co 15:5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 1Co 15:6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 15:8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

• Physically Ascended into Heaven Acts1:9, Luke24:51; Ephesians 1:20 the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,...that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

PERCENTAGES 91% of Jesus' ministry was in home, among family,

neighbors Luke2:51-52 subject to parents...grew wisdom, stature, favor w God

and man Luke 3:23 about age 30 when began public ministry

100% percent of Jesus' ministry was the Father's

will. John 17:4

PROOF Jesus; Cross; His Continuance; Relationships

HIS RETURN 1Thessalonians4:16-ff

HIS DEMAND ON YOUR LIFE –

Acts 2:38 - And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:19-20 - Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

Romans10:9-10 - ...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

1Thessalonians4:3 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification...

Galatians5:22-25 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.