“For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold, 19but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 AMP
I can think of no greater thing in life to be thankful for than the sacrifice the Christ made for a sinner like me! There are those who today pursue the riches and positions of power of this world thinking that they will bring security and stability. The Scripture is clear that man cannot on his own pay the price for his own soul. Psalm 49 addresses this issue clearly,
“Even those who trust in and rely on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 7none of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him--8For the ransom of his soul is too costly, And he should cease trying forever—” Psalm 49:7-8
The world’s attempt to justify themselves to a holy and righteous God are futile! Even if we could pay the price for our sin and disobedience, it would only just payment for our deserve. It could never reach the height of giving us eternal life with God. That is one of the beauties of the saving work of Christ! Not only are our sins forgiven but, we are rewarded with eternal life with Creator King! John wrote concerning this gift in His first Epistle,
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13 AMP
I love this translation, “so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.” It is as sure as the air I breathe! He will be faithful to His promise that not only are my sins covered by His work but that by His grace, I will receive eternal life with Him!
What else could a person ever ask for?
Maybe you have never heard this good news! Maybe you never considered you eternal destiny! Let me encourage you today that you are only a moment away from eternal life! The Scripture tells us that,
“But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”--that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach-- 9because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous--being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.“ Romans 10:8-10 AMP
Would you receive this free gift of God today? Your good intentions and works will never be enough to satisfy the debt you owe. Christ paid the debt He did not owe for us who owed a debt but could not pay! Why not take the step today and receive all that God has planned for you! Would you pray this prayer?
Father, today I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I recognize that my efforts and energies are not enough to pay the price for my sin. I receive the forgiveness of my sin through the shed blood of Christ given for me at Calvary. I repent today from my way of life and ask that you send Your Holy Spirit today to live in my heart and conform me to image of Christ and confirm that I am a child of God. In Jesus name, Amen!
This thanksgiving take time to remember the gift of God to you and your family. Remember that,
“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 AMP
Have a blessed Thanksgiving celebration today! Pastor Ken
"A Costly Gift"
“For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold, 19but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 AMP
I can think of no greater thing in life to be thankful for than the sacrifice the Christ made for a sinner like me! There are those who today pursue the riches and positions of power of this world thinking that they will bring security and stability. The Scripture is clear that man cannot on his own pay the price for his own soul. Psalm 49 addresses this issue clearly,
“Even those who trust in and rely on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 7none of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him--8For the ransom of his soul is too costly, And he should cease trying forever—” Psalm 49:7-8
The world’s attempt to justify themselves to a holy and righteous God are futile! Even if we could pay the price for our sin and disobedience, it would only just payment for our deserve. It could never reach the height of giving us eternal life with God. That is one of the beauties of the saving work of Christ! Not only are our sins forgiven but, we are rewarded with eternal life with Creator King! John wrote concerning this gift in His first Epistle,
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13 AMP
I love this translation, “so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.” It is as sure as the air I breathe! He will be faithful to His promise that not only are my sins covered by His work but that by His grace, I will receive eternal life with Him!
What else could a person ever ask for?
Maybe you have never heard this good news! Maybe you never considered you eternal destiny! Let me encourage you today that you are only a moment away from eternal life! The Scripture tells us that,
“But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”--that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach-- 9because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous--being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.“ Romans 10:8-10 AMP
Would you receive this free gift of God today? Your good intentions and works will never be enough to satisfy the debt you owe. Christ paid the debt He did not owe for us who owed a debt but could not pay! Why not take the step today and receive all that God has planned for you! Would you pray this prayer?
Father, today I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I recognize that my efforts and energies are not enough to pay the price for my sin. I receive the forgiveness of my sin through the shed blood of Christ given for me at Calvary. I repent today from my way of life and ask that you send Your Holy Spirit today to live in my heart and conform me to image of Christ and confirm that I am a child of God. In Jesus name, Amen!
This thanksgiving take time to remember the gift of God to you and your family. Remember that,
“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 AMP
Have a blessed Thanksgiving celebration today! Pastor Ken