Tag Archives: Romans 6:23

September 15th 2015 – A Parable of Urgency to the Unbeliever

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“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.” (Psalm 32:6)

Jesus often relied on parables in the Bible to compare something in everyday life to a spiritual truth. However, many of us have trouble understanding Jesus’ parables because we don’t belong to the culture for which they were written. The importance of the spiritual truth is diluted, if not misunderstood, because we can’t relate to the everyday example to which Jesus compares it. The fact is if Jesus walked among us today, His parables would emphasize the same spiritual truths, but use situations and circumstances to which we could immediately connect.

I don’t think you’ll have any trouble understanding this parable.

A couple and thier two children are vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico, Their tenage daughters were playing on rafts out in the ocean bay. All were unaware that a major storm was brewing several hundred miles out in the Gulf, even though the undertow was already beginning to show the early symptoms that a storm was on the way.

These two little girls drifted out beyond the breakers and one of them lost her float. Her sister told her to hold on to the raft until help arrived, but no one seemed to be noticing that they needed help. Meanwhile, the undertow repeatedly overpowered the little girls, only to relinquish its strength long enough for them to get her head back above the water and catch her breath.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a lifeguard appeared. However, he couldn’t overcome the power of the undertow either and told the girls that if they drifted out beyond the next row of breakers, there would be no coming back.

I’m not going to drag out the suspense. The lifeguard managed to get the girls safely back to shore, but I couldn’t let the spiritual truth in this story go to an early grave.

This parable is told in the context of our own culture; consequently, most of us have no trouble understanding its connection to the burden of sin and the timing of salvation in the life of an unbeliever. Indeed, as Paul put it, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 6:23) However, what many of us fail to understand what Paul means when he said, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Each of us knows as unbeliever who either beleives in false doctrines or they can decide when it is time to open their heart to Jesus. While they will freely admit that they sometimes feels God’s pull, but they dont think they need God right now. “There’s plenty of time left before I need to make that decision,” they may tell you.

They may be deadly wrong. God told the Prophet Isaiah, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

The truth is that God will not wait on us to come to him. When he knocks, it may be our only opportunity to answer his call. His Word constantly reminds us that it is he who decides who may come to him; and it is he who will decide when it is time to shut the door. That’s why Jesus said, “Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us’. But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from’.” (Luke 13:25)

Aren’t you glad that when you were drowning in your gulf of sin, a lifeguard appeared to let you know that if you got out much farther, there would be no coming back. After all, “For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. (John 3:17)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, these are such tedious times. Never before in society have we witnessed such times where the prophet’s signs are unfolding daily right before our eyes. Times where all things that are Godly and good are banned and sin is being leaglised everywhere we look.

Father God, I thank you for Your persistent pursuit of me to come to know You, as my Lord and Savior. I thank You for the Holy Spirt and how my eyes were opened when I accepted You personally into my life. I ask humbly as nothing more then a peasant servant, that you would reveil a sense of urgency in the hearts of people that you lead into my life. Help open their eyes to the truths in your Holy word. That they would be curious to seek the answers to why there is still a empty void in thier life. We were created to Love you, and seek You Lord.. The enemy has created such confusion with his lies. But Your word warns us of that.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but You come that we may have life, and have it abundantly.”

I praise You for your promise, Your Love and I pray that today is the day that my friend truly opens the door of thier heart that You would be invited to come in before it’s too late. In Your Holy name. Amen

How to ask Jesus into your heart.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 6th 2015 – Are any sins too big to be forgiven by God?

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“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

Many people make the mistake of believing that God forgives “little” sins such as lying, anger, and impure thoughts, but does not forgive “big” sins such as murder and adultery. This is not true. There is no sin too big that God cannot forgive it. When Jesus died on the cross, He died to pay the penalty for all of the sins of the entire world. When a person places his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, all of his sins are forgiven. That includes past, present, and future, big or small. Jesus died to pay the penalty for all of our sins, and once they are forgiven, they are all forgiven.

“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Everyone has sinned” (Colossians 1:14)

“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” (Acts 10:43)

We are all guilty of sin (Romans 3:23) and deserve eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). Jesus died for us, to pay our penalty (Romans 5:8). Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ for salvation is forgiven, no matter what sins he has committed (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Now, a murderer or adulterer will likely still face serious consequences such as (legal, relational, etc.) for his evil actions – more so than someone who was “just” a liar. But a murderer’s or adulterer’s sins are completely and permanently forgiven the moment he believes and places his faith in Christ.

Everyone can be saved through Jesus

It is not the size of the sin that is the determining factor here; it is the size of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. If the shed blood of the sinless Lamb of God is sufficient to cover all the sins of all the millions of people who would ever believe in Him, then there can be no limit to the size or types of sins covered. When He said, “It is finished,” sin was made an end of, full atonement and satisfaction for it were given, complete pardon was obtained, peace was made, and redemption from all sin was achieved. It was sure and certain and complete; nothing needs to be, or could be, added to it. Further, it was done entirely without the help of man, and cannot be undone.

What happens when we repent?  (Asking for forgiveness before God)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

God loves us more deeply than I think we’ll ever know, but He hates our sin with a passion. That’s why He sent Jesus to die for us, so that our sin could be removed. Sin forms a wall between man and God, even in a believer’s life. The Blood of Jesus is the only thing capable of removing such a wall. When we repent (confess and forsake our sin), it opens the flood-gates to receive our heavenly Father’s rich blessings and goodness in our lives!

If today’s message applies to you, please seek Jesus in prayer and and ask for forgiveness. If you do not know Jesus personally and are at this website, please know that it is by no mistake. Please consider praying the prayer with me below.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, Please click here and scroll to the bottom and let us know. If you would like to be contacted, please select yes and I will personally contact you and discuss the next step. Congratulations and welcome to Gods family.. I am so proud and happy that you made this life changing decision. Your life truly will never be the same…  🙂

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries