How can I get saved?

Yesterday my Bible classes started back up and what a joy to get together again and talk about things of the LORD.  If my students have a question we will stop where we are and address the question.  Such was the case in my evening class.

Now we cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.  Such was the case last night and the topic was how is one saved?

This morning as I was in the Word I thought again of her questions and asked the LORD if my understanding was correct for I instruct others and want to lead them in the right path plus being a teacher I will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).

As a hose is turned to water a plant so the LORD brought to mind (Proverbs 21:1) my salvation experience.

I was 12 and in the 8^th grade.  One Sunday morning I sat in the little balcony of the tiny West Hollywood protestant church in the predominately Jewish neighborhood.  Beside me was a girlfriend and we were passing notes quietly as Pastor Wright preached.  All of a sudden the words he spoke penetrated my heart.  What I heard was “JESUS came to take your guilt away.”  Oh I wanted that for I felt so guilty over the divorce ‘of my parents and silently screamed “”JESUS, I want that, please take my guilt away.”  Then I rushed forward at the altar call to make public my coming to JESUS.

What had happened? The HOLY SPIRIT took the Pastor’s words and explained them to me (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). I believed what I heard.  “Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of CHRIST” (Romans 10:17). And I reached out for it receiving the gift of life and the promised HOLY SPIRIT.

It is just as we are told in Ephesians 1:13-14.  And you also were included in CHRIST when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in HIM with a seal, the promised HOLY SPIRIT, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of HIS glory. 

As the thief on the cross saw JESUS as the LORD and just asked to be remembered (Luke 23: 40-43) was saved so are we saved by confessing that JESUS is LORD (Romans 10:9-10) for all who call on the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Just reviewing that day brings me such joy for it is so simple and yet so miraculous and totally changed my life.

Hugs

Sharon

Lettuce taco bout JESUS

S1For Christmas one year my granddaughter Crystal gave me a red t-shirt that pictured a taco and said “lettuce taco bout JESUS”. She picked it out cause she knows me.

The reason I love the Christmas season is not the hustle and bustle of festive activities but because during this time people seem more open and willing to talk about JESUS and how GOD revealed HIS amazing unlimited love for us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of JESUS birth “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call HIS name Emmanuel, which means GOD with us” (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23).

Christmas is the time when we celebrate that GOD the SON came to earth. It may not be the actual date but that doesn’t matter for we are celebrating the truth GOD humbled HIMSELF and came to be with us and reveal HIMSELF to us.

Of all the wonderful things I am thankful to JESUS for, 1 stands out above all others (after my salvation, that is). That wonder is JESUS is with me just like HIS name Emmanuel implies. (GOD with us).

Life is full of struggles, JESUS said in this world you will have tribulation. Right now one of my children is trying to find a place to live for her family of six but has had one door shut in her face after another and the time for her to get out of their present house is just days away. But JESUS is here with us and says, “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in GOD, believe also in ME” (John 14:1).

Every day HE meets with me early in the morning and throughout the day as things come up, I turn and talk to HIM about them. All I have to do is cry out to HIM and HE is there to talk to me. HE lets me vent, calms me down, encourages me or drives my fears away by bringing a Bible verse to mind or simply by flooding me with HIS peace. Each time I ask, HE shows me the next step I should take, but not necessarily what HE will do. HE doesn’t always take the problems away and I’m not saying I always understand what is going on, because I don’t. But HE does show me (places in my heart Philippians 2:13) my part so I can take that step.

Knowing that HE is with my kids in their struggles, and that HIS plan for them is good (Jeremiah 29:11), that HE is still in control and things that happen have purpose and are not just haphazard takes the burden off my shoulders as a mom. It enables me to encourage my children instead of stress with them.

Yes, GOD the SON JESUS CHRIST’s name is Emmanuel- GOD with us and that name is very precious to me for it reminds me that HE is always with me. HE promised never to leave me alone, nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).

But like I said, HIS Presence and name Emmanuel holds 2nd place to HIS name JESUS… for JESUS means “HE will save HIS people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). When JESUS died on the cross, HE paid the penalty for sin and whosoever believes in HIM appropriates that and will not perish but has everlasting life.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

What about you? Have you believed in JESUS?

“If you confess with your mouth the LORD (Master) JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto (and it is accounted to him as) righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

Consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs
Sharon L Manning