Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. (Romans 5:18)

Some struggle to accept that salvation is a gift.

They want to do something to earn it.

The problem is, no one can afford it.

The price of salvation is perfection (Matt. 19:21), and the Lord Jesus Christ is the only person who could pay the price.

To anyone who thirsts, the Lord Jesus Christ promises to "give of the fountain of the water of life freely" (Rev. 21:6).

Some people try to purchase the living water of salvation with good deeds and charitable donations.

Although these are forms of spiritual service valued by God, they are not what God requires for the forgiveness of our sin.

The Lord Jesus Christ already paid the price by dying in our place, and He offers to quench our spiritual thirst when we drink freely from God's fountain that will never run dry.

Our God is Powerful

God’s glory is seen in His almighty power! 

And God has chosen to “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 16:9). 

From the dividing of the Red Sea, to the marvel of manna in the wilderness, to the miraculous virgin birth, and ultimately to the power of the resurrection, our Almighty God has chosen to demonstrate His strength to bless, preserve, and protect His people. 

And God delights in showing Himself strong in the challenges of our life. God proves His power on our behalf. 

Let us remember to give Him the glory! 

All of God’s promises are always backed by His wisdom, love, and power.

Look At The Fields

Lift up your eyes and look at the fields - John 4:27-42

The disciples had gone to Sychar to buy food.

On returning, they were amazed to find the Lord Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman.

They urged Him to eat, but He told them that He had food of which they did not know.

This food was to do the will of the Father who had sent Him into the world, which at this time was to bring the Samaritan woman to salvation.

This food gave Him nourishment and satisfaction.

The disciples had been in the Samaritan city with their minds set on obtaining food, rather than on evangelism.

The Lord Jesus challenged them, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

The harvest for grain may have been four months away but the harvest of precious souls was ready for gathering in now!

The Samaritans came to hear the Lord Jesus and many believed in Him as the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

They urged Him to stay with them and He remained at Sychar for two days.

The Lord Jesus had sent His disciples to reap, but they did not see the ripened harvest.

Like them, we often miss opportunities to witness to those we meet as we go about our daily business.

Let us prayerfully look on the ripened harvest fields and speak to needy souls around us.

We will be surprised to find people whose hearts the Spirit of God has prepared to receive out message.

The most unlikely people are often those who respond to our witness. That is reward enough. But there will be eternal rewards not only for those who reap, but also for those who sow and at present see little reward for their labours!

Are our eyes on the fields which are ready to be harvested? Are we praying that God will use us to lead sinners to Christ? Do we know how to load a soul to the Lord Jesus?

The New Wine Of Salvation

Matthew 9: 14-17

Story & Lessons

Some of the disciples of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees saw the happiness and feasting at the house of Matthew.

They were puzzled that the disciples of Jesus did not fast.

*******

They asked Him, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?"

He replied that fasting was inappropriate for His disciples, comparing His presence on earth with a wedding feast.

*******

A Jewish wedding in Bible times was a very festive time.

The couple who were married did not go away for a honeymoon but stayed at home.

An open house was kept and the bridegroom and his bride were treated like royalty as their closest friends shared all the joy and feasting of the week.

*******

The Lord Jesus was comparing Himself to the bridegroom and His disciples to the bridegroom's closest friends.

How could they fast and mourn?

They were with the Almighty Son of God.

... They were seeing corrupt tax officials like Matthew coming to faith in Christ and their lives completely transformed.

... There was daily rejoicing over sinners repenting.

*******

The Lord Jesus went on to speak of the bridegroom being taken away (15).

He was speaking of His death on the cross.

*******

Jesus said that a new cloth patch would soon pull away from an old garment as it shrunk in the wash.

New wine would burst an old wineskin as it fermented because the old wineskin could not stretch like a new one.

*******

We are not saved by patching up our lives with good works.

*******

When a man or woman is saved by grace, they are a new creation in Christ and the old things have passed away.

*******

The garments of the old life are replaced with the garments of salvation.

*******

The new wine of salvation must be poured into the new strong wineskins of joyful thanksgiving and sacrificial service which glorifies God.