The LORD's salvation

WORDs of Saving Grace - The LORD's salvation

Psalms 3:8  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

It is the LORD God who has, and is able to save us by faith in His death for our sin upon the cross, His burial, and ultimately HIS RESURRECTION. Without this hope we are altogether lost and dead in our sin.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Praise all the day long.

WORDs of Saving Grace -

praise all the day long.

Psalms 35:28  And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

We can truly aspire to praise the Lord at all times.

Psalms 34:1  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Even though our natural tendancy is to complain or murmur.

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts...

Jesus can control the tongue, even though no man can tame it.

James 3:8  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

2 Corinthians 10:5 ...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Psalms 103:1  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Brought out of bondage

WORDs of Saving Grace - brought out of bondage

Exodus 20:2-3

2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

I have been brought out of bondage!

John 11:44

No longer walking in grave clothes!

Mark 10:46

No longer begging by the wayside!

John 8:3, 4

No longer caught up in sin and condemnation of pharisees surrounding me!

John 5:8

No longer bound and crippled in self pitty and false humility!

Matthew 15:27

No longer begging for crumbs, i sit at the masters table!

Luke 19:9

No longer bound as a thief stealing, because i dont believe God can provide!

Matthew 28:6

No longer bound by death and the grave!

All because Jesus brought me out of bondage by taking my sin upon Himself that i could go free!

Isaiah 53:11  

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

The Anointed King

WORDs of Saving Grace - the anointed King

1 Chronicles 11:3  Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

The anointing of the King is a tremendous event. This would signify hope and prosperity for the future and not tyranny and slavery (Romans 13:3).

Anointing represents the presence and power of God upon a leader. Because it is God who raises up leaders and places them in authority. And to resist authority is resistance (rebellion) against God (Romans 13:1, 2).

Through history there have been many leaders anointed or even sworn to office. But one King has been anointed above all. When was He anointed? (Matthew 3:16)

However unlike many kings, Jesus was made king to become as a servant and die for the sin of the world (Philippians 2:8). And this title and anointing of King followed Him from the grave to the cross (Matthew 2:2, Matthew 27:37).

The Son of God - that is God in flesh - was anointed above all, and His kingdom will last forever

Hebrews 1:8-9

8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

stumbling in the dark

WORDs of Saving Grace - stumbling in the dark

Proverbs 4:19  The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

The preaching of the cross is to some a stumbling block.

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

This is because of blindness by the spirit of anti-Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Jesus said that if a man stumbles it is because there is a lack of understanding where he is walking.

John 11:10

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

When we walk in the love of Christ we not only see the will and path of God for ourselves, but we will not cause those around us to stumble through malice, greed, envy and hate.

1 John 2:10

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Walking in Jesus and the light of His gospel is the only Way to see in our often dark surroundings.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Preparation

WORDs of Saving Grace - preparation

Proverbs 30:25  

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Most anything that is done well requires 90% or more preparation and 10% or less implementation.

Often we are in such a hurry we get this completely backwards. We try to Do first, then prepare afterwards. But this often results in more problems than necessary.

This is how our LORD accomplishes His will ! 

Consider His work on the cross that was completed for all eternity in just 6 hours, yet God prepared mankind for thousands of years before hand through trials and the prophets (1 Peter 1:11).

Even Jesus postponed the revelation of His finished work until the time was prepared (John 7:6).

Even still today God is preparing His people (Ephesians 5:27). He is preparing our hearts (1 Corinthians 2:9) And He has prepared a city and home for us to dwell (Hebrews 11:16) who love Him.

But there is one most important question ... Are you prepared to meet God?

Amos 4:12  Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

Thy Word

WORDs of Saving Grace - 

Thy Word

Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Not only does God's Word shine around our present circumstances, but His Word lights our path ahead. He is aware of all our circumstances (Psalm 139:3).

It is the very same Word of God which guided our Lord and Savior to the cross and gave Him hope of the joy ahead (Psalm 16:11, Hebrews 12:2).

There is no good reason for us to walk in confusion, misunderstanding or darkness of God's will. 

When we are walking in the light of His Word our past no longer has a hold on us, because the past is in the darkness and His light shines more and more on the pathway ahead (Proverbs 4:18).

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

That which was lost

WORDs of Saving Grace -

that which was lost

Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Have you ever been entrusted with something by a friend or relative and then you lose it or damage it? What a terrible feeling that is (2 Kings 6:5).

God entrusted man to dress and keep the garden He planted (Genesis 2:8). Just as it is today (1 Timothy 6:17) there was a wide array of things to be eaten and to enjoy, but only one commandment... (Believe God) not to eat of the one tree.

Man was given dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26). 

But this dominion was given up to death (sin/unbelief) allowing it to reign from Adam onward (Romans 5:14).

The souls of mankind were lost in this transaction, as well as mans dominion of the earth. God did not lose this, man did. To this point satan would like to convince that he has dominion (Luke 4:6,7). But we should remember that the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1).

Also in a prophetic statement the Lord speaks through Ezekiel and says God owns all souls (Ezekiel 18:4). 

Truly every soul originates from God (Genesis 2:7). But when man gave dominion of his soul to satan willingly, it is only God who could render the price to pay for our fault and mistake (1 Corinthians 6:20). He did this willingly and paid in full at Calvary (John 19:30).

No longer does death and sin have dominion over us (Romans 6:14). Neither will this earth always remain cursed (Isaiah 62:4).

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

My portion

WORDs of Saving Grace - my portion

Lamentations 3:24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The term portion refers to inheritance or a award that is received. It is used as dividing up land to benefactors in a will. So how is the LORD our inheritance and award? Well, He told Abraham this very same thing (Genesis 15:1).

Righteousness was imputed (accounted) to Abraham by God, because he believed God (Genesis 15:6). Righteousness in the hebrew צְדָקָה tsdaqah is an attribute of God and is a justified salvation from God to the recipient by God's own law and justification. Wow what an award!

But this was only a type and shadow of what was to come in the fulfillment of Jesus Christ. Because the imputed righteousness from God to sinners by faith accounts God's actual righteousness to the sinners indebted account, and the indebted account is attributed to Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

So when we say "the LORD is my portion", we are literally saying I have been given the righteousness of God in my heavenly account!

"He is our portion and we are his prize"

His army

WORDs of Saving Grace - his army

Joel 2:11  And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

One of my favorite songs to sing with the kids was "the Lords army". And one of my favorite songs i learned just after being saved "im on the winning side": And make no mistake He has has an army like no other! (Revelation 19:14)

But what love, compassion, grace and mercy He shows, that although He is the captain (Joshua 5:14) and leader of the greatest warriors to ever exist, He chose to not call them to His rescue.

Instead He chose the lonely path to the cross and obedient even to death.

Matthew 26:53

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

HE will subdue

WORDs of Saving Grace - He will subdue our iniquities

Micah 7:19  He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

SUBDUE, v.t. - Websters 1828

1. To conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion.

2. To oppress; to crush; to sink; to overpower so as to disable from further resistance.

3. To tame; to break by conquering a refractory temper or evil passions; to render submissive; as, to subdue a stubborn child.

4. To conquer; to reduce to mildness; as, to subdue the temper or passions.

5. To overcome by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or intreaties.

6. To overcome; to conquer; to captivate; as by charms.

7. To soften; to melt; to reduce to tenderness; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.

8. To overcome; to overpower and destroy the force of; as, medicines subdue a fever.

9. To make mellow; to break; as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.

Notice where the power to subdue originates. "HE" will subdue not we will subdue. 

Praise God ! we are not dependant upon our own might and power to overcome and dominate our inward sinful lust, passions and pride (Zechariah 4:6).

He works His righteousness in us by grace (Romans 5:17) and grace comes by humility - not by pride (James 4:6)... Not a proud Christian, but a humble, submissive, surrendered heart (Psalm 51:17).

If we glory or if we boast, we brag about the cross of Jesus Christ; where He subdued our iniquity and cast our sins away never Never NEVER to be held against again.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

More to come

WORDs of Saving Grace - more to come!

Zechariah 8:3  Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Sometimes when our circumstances seem discouraging it is easy to lose sight that our God has not finished with us yet! (Philippians 1:6)

But you can rest assured Christian pilgrim that what God has vowed He will perform it. (Romans 4:21).

Just as God promised that Jesus the messiah would come, and complete the will of God to take away the sin of the world by His cross (Hebrews 10:7). 

He will come again and there will be true peace when the prince of peace returns!

Isaiah 9:7  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

In His beauty

WORDs of Saving Grace - in his beauty

Isaiah 33:17  Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

It is one thing to see someone naturally and it is another to see by faith (John 20:29). And many think that if they saw then they will believe, but there is much evidence of that that have seen and still believe not (Luke 24:41).

However by the eyes of faith we can see the glory of our King, because we believe Him first of all (Psalm 27:13). And secondly because He has opened our eyes (Mark 8:25).

Peter, James and John believed Jesus and because of this they saw Him transfigured before their eyes (Luke 9:31) and He shined in His glory and it was here that Moses and Elijah preached of how He would defeat the death of sin by the cross!

And yet another time he was seen by the prophet Isaiah sitting upon His throne high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1). It was in His presence and glory the preacher realized his sinfulness and need to be purged (Isaiah 6:7).

Greatest of all He was prophecied to be exalted and extolled and be very high when He would be lifted up on the cross for our sin (Isaiah 52:13).

Can you see Him there on the cross? Oh how He loves you so, and He always will.

For a time

WORDs of Saving Grace - for a time

Acts 18:11  And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Often we may feel like things will always continue the same as they have in the past. But our God is alive and has plans and purpose. Although He does not change, He does move and lead us according to His will (Psalm 25:4,5).

Even Jesus ministry lasted just three years, but the effect it had was eternal (Revelation 14:6). Certainly Jesus' disciples did not want Him to leave and even forbid Him to go to the cross (Matthew 16:22). But this is mans desire and not God's.

Because we have a limited number of opportunities and a certain time (2 Corinthians 6:2) to accept the Gospel and walk in God's will, we should take all the more earnest heed (Hebrews 2:1). Otherwise if the Word and ministry of the cross is rejected the Holy Spirit can lead the man of God to shake the dust off his feet (Matthew 10:14).

Acts 13:51-52

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

My yoke is easy

WORDs of Saving Grace -

my yoke is easy

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I have heard many times that "it is hard to be a Christian". But not according to Jesus. The WORD says that the way of a transgressor is hard (Proverbs 13:15).

Perhaps our difficulties are due to perspective. Because when we see with the eyes of Christ Jesus we can see ahead despite this light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17) while considering the alternative (Matthew 13:42).

Jesus saw the outcome of His life and it gave him joy regardless of the suffering He faced, even the cross (Hebrews 12:2). If we are truly yoked with Jesus then we will walk and face the same direction and we can look ahead even as the patriarch saints.

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The Holiest

WORDs of Saving Grace - the holiest

Hebrews 10:19  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

The Old testament priests could not come before the presence of God if he was unclean. God's law requires absolute perfection (Leviticus 21:17-23).

However although God's presence would meet the priest in this temporary tabernacle it was not the holiest of all (Hebrews 9:8). The Way to the holiest had not been completed yet.

Now by a new and living way we come to God's presence with confidence and assurance; not by animals blood, but by the blood of Jesus. Not by our perfection and holiness bu by His grace and mercy.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The ability to earn a living by the Cross

WORDs of Saving Grace - the ability to earn a living by the cross

Deuteronomy 8:18  But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

The reason we can work and earn anything is because the Lord gives us the ability.

And when we are saved through the power of the cross He gives us the same power of Christ in a new life and where all things are possible by God (Philippians 4:13).

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

The savour of the cross

WORDs of Saving Grace - the savour of the cross

Matthew 5:13  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

It is by words from the heart (Matthew 12:34) in confessing Jesus Christ as the risen savior or denying His salvation by which eternal destiny is determined (Romans 10:9).

And it is by the savoury salt of the cross that a Christian's speech is recognized. Pure words of kindness, generosity, wholesome grace and love pour from the heart of a Christian.

Even Peter's own speech betrayed him when he tried to deny Christ. (Matthew 26:73-75)

Some believe it was his Galilean accent, but we know how our speech has changed since we have surrendered to be with Jesus...

The LORD's sacrifice

WORDs of Saving Grace - the LORD's sacrifice

Zephaniah 1:7  Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

If we read the previous scripture and understand to whom this is referenced; we clearly see it is written to those who went back from the Lord.

And He reminds that He doesnt need a sacrifice from man and it is better to listen than to give the sacrifice of fools (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Because His time is nearer now than it ever has been.

He invites His guests to come and they refuse, yet He continues to call. Not because men are righteous and holy; but because He, the Lord God has made the sacrifice of Himself.

All things are ready. He has prepared them by His cross!

Matthew 22:3,4

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

No king

WORDs of Saving Grace - no king

Judges 21:25  In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

To be saved the scripture tells us that we call Jesus our Lord (Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31). This means He is our master; the one who governs and rules not only His eternal kingdom, but our miniscule little kingdoms in our hearts and lives.

To live without a king is to say "i will do whatever i want". And this is the pattern that many follow today: e.g. "Do what feels good, why not? Thats what every else does"...

But the thief on the cross recognized the authority of our Lord Jesus: and at that moment in time as the King of Kings hung on an old rugged cross for our sin, this ordinary common thief simply made a request to be remembered by his Lord the King.

Luke 23:42

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Pestilences

WORDs of Saving Grace - pestilences

Luke 21:11  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Definition from Websters 1828 dictionary:

PEST'ILENT, a. [L. pestilens, from pestis, plague.]

Producing the plague, or other malignant, contagious disease; noxious to health and life; as a pestilent air or climate.

Jesus told us of what the future holds. We are seeing the prophecies He spoke fulfilled before our eyes.

Now is the accepted time to be saved (2 Corinthians 6:2) - the day of the Lord is nearer than it ever has been.

Even modern science has stated the fact that the sun in our solar system will become a red giant star and literally boil the water from off the face of the planet.

Some say this disproves the Bible and Christianity, but we who study God's Word know that it simply follows what we have already been told thousands of years ago from the one who has declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Revelation 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

He allows us to see all of these truths in order to believe what Jesus has done for us all on the cross. He will come again for His church and His people, and we will be spared from His wrath (Revelation 3:10).

When He comes He will not come to die for our sin, but will come in power and glory (Matthew 24:30).

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

an help meet for him

WORDs of Saving Grace -

an help meet for him

Genesis 2:18  And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

The LORD knows it is best for a man to be joined to his wife. And not just in physical relation, but in a mental and spiritual application (2 Corinthians 6:14).

It is vital that a house not be divided, otherwise many other blessings from the LORD cannot operate from Him as intended (Matthew 12:25).

When there is one purpose, one mind, one ministry and one accord through a husband and wife so much more can be accomplished, than with a husband or wife not seeking the good of the other (Philippians 2:2).

The love of a husband for his wife is intended to be the same sacrificial love that Christ gave for the church in dying for us on the cross (Ephesians 5:25).

Likewise a husband should be willing to die to his own goals, ambitions, pride, glory and fame for his wifes own good rather than selfishly ignoring her needs; for who ever has a wife has been blessed with a wonderful gift by the grace of the LORD.

Proverbs 18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

My Redeemer

WORDs of Saving Grace - my redeemer

Job 19:25  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

If you had seen Jesus that day as He suffered our punishment on the cross, and then three days later He appeared and spoke to you - would you believe it?... Some still doubted (Matthew 28:17)

Jesus spoke of how Abraham told the rich man of how the heart of man would doubt, even if one rose from the dead (Luke 16:31).

But regardless if some dont believe, it doesnt affect the faith of the believer (Romans 3:3). The question has always been  - did God really say that? (Genesis 3:1)

When we have witnessed the risen Christ for ourself (not with the eyes of flesh but with the eye of faith) (2 Corinthians 5:7) we can bear witness of who He is and what He has done for us personally (Acts 1:8), and confidently say - " I know my redeemer liveth".

give strength to the LORD!

WORDs of Saving Grace - give strength to the LORD!

Psalms 29:1  Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

There isnt anything we can add to God. Nothing can be added to Him nor anything taken from Him, He changes not! (Malachi 3:6). 

But we can attribute all strength to Him, because truly He alone is all mighty and all powerful (Revelation 5:12).

Not only is Jesus the Son of God but He is the Son of Man. He endured and suffered great persecution and suffering His entire life (Hebrews 12:3).

And then He suffered and died as a man in our place. Yet He showed strength, honor and character like no other.

Although He was beaten beyond recognition (Isaiah 52:14), He still cared for and thought of His mother's well being (John 19:27).

While He was being despised, rejected and considered to be cursed by God (Isaiah 53:4), He still had the love and compassion to reveal the splendor of salvation to a dying thief (Luke 23:43).

This is true integrity and strength in the greatest of opposition.

And beyond any human strength possible God our Father raised Jesus from the dead (Galatians 1:1) with supernatural strength to forevermore make intercession for us!

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

The peace of God

WORDs of Saving Grace - the peace of God

Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Often we confuse the peace of God with peaceful surroundings and circumstances. 

But the peace that Jesus gives is not the same as peace in the world (John 14:27).

As a matter of fact Jesus did not come to bring a peace in circumstances and surroundings, but rather He came with a sword (Matthew 10:34), which is the WORD of God (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12).

The peace that Christ brought came through His cross which bridged the gap between man and God (Colossians 1:20).

When we consider what He did in bringing Heaven to earth by His sacrifice we can then call Him Lord (allowing Him to rule in our hearts) and truly be thankful.

Psalms 85:10

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Romans 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

meekness and temperance

WORDs of Saving Grace - meekness and temperance

Galatians 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Often meekness is confused for weakness. But this is simply not the true meaning of being meek. Because Jesus was meek and lowly (Matthew 11:29).

To be "meek" is to yield to the control of your master. In other words Jesus was saying that He was yielded to His heavenly Father's will (John 8:29).

Temperance combined with meekness is an even more incredible characteristic of Christ Jesus. One of the greatest moments where He demonstrated His integrity of  was when He could have called twelve legions of Heaven's angels to delivery Him from betrayal and false arrest in the garden. 

He yeilded His own will to His Father's will and refrained from exercising His divine right to be delivered (Matthew 26:53).

He not only said "not my will, but thine be done" 

He literally accomplished His Fathers will by meekness and temperance. (Luke 22:42)

The Bread of Life

WORDs of Saving Grace - the Bread of Life

John 6:48  I am that bread of life.

Last night i went to the store and found that all the bread was gone apparently because of fear(Proverbs 3:25) and panic that no more will be available???

Bread has been a staple and essential food for thousands of years. So much so that to go without bread is to fast or considered to be hungry (Daniel 10:3).

However those who gathered up all the manna in the wilderness still eventually died. But the manna was simply a shadow of who would come and satisfy our hunger continually (John 6:35).

The statement that the bread represented His flesh to eat was horrifying to the religous people and it made absolutely no sense to them (1 Corinthians 2:14). But this statement was Spiritual and not carnal (John 6:63).

So how can a man eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:53)? Because cannabolism was considered a curse (Deuteronomy 28:53-57).

Beyond simply performing the ceremony of communion (many believe taking communion saves them, but we are not even saved by the religous ritual of baptism). We remember the Lord's broken body upon the cross and His blood that was shed for our sins.

1 Corinthians 11:24

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.