Belief – Planter, Pastor, Preacher

The Gift of the Gospel

And this must inform our evangelism. We cannot make someone believe, even those we love most, but we must be faithful to give the gift of the gospel, praying that the Giver of all good things will give the gift of faith. For, God is glorified through the salvation of his people, and through the gift of the gospel “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (Isa. 52:10). Amen.

A Heavenly Feast

So, when we come to the Lord’s table we look to his body, the bread, and his blood, the wine, seeing in them the mystical union we enjoy with Christ and in Christ one another. We come to a feast, so to speak, not in quantity but in substance, a sacrament that reminds us of our union and nourishes us by his Spirit.

Redemption Remembered

Just as the life of every firstborn in Israel was sealed by the blood of a lamb, Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:15) and by God’s grace through faith in Him, we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1Pet. 1:19).

The Grace of God in Truth

When Christians realize that their citizenship is in heaven, they begin acting as responsible citizens of earth. They invest wisely in relationships because they know they’re eternal.

The Few and Chosen

If you have heard the free offer of the gospel and received it, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; if you trust only in the finished work of Christ, looking not to your righteousness but his alone before God; if you know the conviction of the Holy Spirit and see his presence producing fruit through you; you are one of the few, the chosen, not merely an invited guest but a child of the King.

He Is the One; There Is No Other

Belief is not circumstantial but is a gift of God’s grace and must be received as such. You cannot will it to be, and it will never be on your terms. Try harder and do better, exhaust your efforts on the treadmill of works, if you please, but the gift of grace is just that, a gift so that no one may boast.

Take Heart

Let us glorify Christ remembering that He says to everyone who by God’s grace have believed in Him: “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.”