Beautiful Redemption
November 16, 2016 4:07 pm Comments Off on Beautiful RedemptionWe make mistakes. We hurt loved ones. Our priorities get mixed up. We get distracted and totally, completely face-plant in our relationship with God.
We make mistakes. We hurt loved ones. Our priorities get mixed up. We get distracted and totally, completely face-plant in our relationship with God.
Have you ever told a friend you’d call her later, when you knew deep inside you had no intention of following through? Or maybe you told your mom you’d get around to cleaning underneath your bed soon, or you told your youth pastor you’d help with the fundraiser next time–and you knew you were only saying what you hoped would make them happy.
How would the world change if we loved others the way Jesus loves us? Gossiping, criticism, jealousy, and many other sins would virtually disappear. Instead of befriending others for what we can get from them–acceptance, companionship, and prestige, among other things–we’d view every individual as the priceless soul he or she is: someone who is going to spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell.
Have you ever challenged yourself to learn something new, achieve a goal, or become a better person in general? How did you do? Unfortunately, many of us set goals we never reach. We start with our hearts in the right place, but as the novelty wears off, the hard work becomes overwhelming. This is probably why about 80% of New Year’s resolutions are said to fail.
Have you ever come home from the worst day ever, shut your bedroom door, and danced a jig of joy because of all your trials? Didn’t think so. And God doesn’t necessarily expect you to, either. On the other hand, James says you can have an attitude of joy when you endure trials. How? By understanding that trials make you a better person.
Carrying the guilt of sin is about as much fun as dragging around a load of bricks. Nothing brings so much relief as repentance before God. Some situations, however, require more than an “I’m sorry, God” to make right. Have you ever yelled at a parent? Hurt a friend’s reputation through gossip? Taken something that wasn’t yours? You need to ask forgiveness from the one you hurt. In fact, God wants you to ask forgiveness from the one you wronged before you even bring Him an offering.
A popular mentality says that God, knowing our human frailties, doesn’t really care about the sinful things we do. It views the teachings of God’s Word as suggestions more than commandments. This mind-set says that as long as you believe Jesus is the Son of God, you’re good.
“An awesome P7 logo made by one of the student’s fathers on his plasma table. This thing is about 4 feet tall and will be used for homecoming parades for multiple clubs.”
“My daughter started her P7 in a Baptist Fine Arts Academy. The Headmaster said he needed to review all of the lessons. She gave them to him and he went through them including Oneness, and Holy Ghost… gave them back to her and said he would give them a better room and more time and… View Article
“So excited for our students involved in P7. They have been actively meeting for over a year now. The school they attend has roughly 2,600 students with a few other Bible clubs along with many other programs/clubs to keep the students engaged. With all that is going on, our students have only had 6 members,… View Article