Month: April 2022

By Cecil May, Jr via Preacher Talk

The difference between salvation by works and salvation by grace is the difference between “Hey, look what I’ve done!” and “Look what God has done for me!” We are saved by grace through faith. There are works that demonstrate the reality of our faith (James 2:21- 24), but no works have merit to cancel sins or earn salvation. If they did, we could boast in them.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8- 9). “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God” (Romans 4:2).

I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom. “But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

By Rob Albright Via Bulletin Gold (4-17-22)

When the women came to the tomb of Jesus, an angel met them and said “He is not here” (Mt. 28:6). Jesus was not in the tomb. It was empty. Even though a large stone was blocking the entrance and even though the tomb was guarded, the fact is, the tomb was empty. So, what happened? Luke states the truth in Acts 2:24 when he said, God raised Him. That message of Jesus resurrection must be preached. The resurrection verifies Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. This truth was confirmed when Jesus appeared to His disciples (John 20). Paul said that Jesus even appeared to over 500 people and most were alive in 56 AD (1 Cor. 15:6) The resurrection benefits us. It gives us a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) and if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, burial, and resurrections, we shall be in the likeness of His resurrection (Romans 6:1-5).

 

By Ron Bartanen Via Bulletin Gold (4-10-22)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The name referred to by which we are saved is “the name of Jesus Christ” (4:12). His is “the name which is above every name…the name before which every knee shall bow” (Philippians 2:8-10. The name signifies one’s power and authority. Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach “repentance and remission of sins…in His name…” (Luke 24:47). The power to become sons of God is given “to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). The convicted multitude at Pentecost were commanded to “Repent and be baptized.. in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Christians are admonished, *Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). Faith, repentance, baptism and Christian worship and service are all in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of religious leaders or churches. Why, then, do some wear human names in religion? To paraphrase Paul, who opposed the wearing of his name: “Is Christ divided? Was (your denomination or preacher) crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of (your denomination or preacher)?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Human, denominational names give honor to others than to Christ, and divide those who claim faith in Christ. We urge all to honor Christ alone in faith and obedience.

By Ed Wittlif Via Bulletin Gold (4-3-22)

“She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 ESV). caps I didn’t grow up in a family that was godly. What I knew about Jesus I learned by watching Christmas specials on TV. I grew up a spoiled rotten” kid, who always got what he wanted. As a result, I was very self-centered, and everything was for my wants and pleasures. I had done a lot of stuff by age twenty that I knew was wrong. I was looking forward to the freedom that came with reaching twenty-one. At the same time, I was beginning to realize that there might be more to life. Just what that was, I didn’t know. When two of my good friends got married, I started talking with the minister, which led to a series of studies. He introduced me to Jesus, and I discovered what was missing in life. I learned that I was a sinner and what that meant, and that Jesus took my punishment for me. I gratefully accepted His gift when I believed and rose from my baptism into a new life. By God’s grace, I am saved from the eternal consequences of my sins. Paul said, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh by faith in the Son of God, who gave Himself up for me” ( Galatians 2:20). Like Paul, I have striven to live for Christ and to serve Him in His mission of reconciliation. Knowing what I was before, I am grateful and blessed to be His. I encourage you to do the same and remember what you were before you were redeemed. Never forget the cost paid for your salvation.