theopneustos.

Colossians 2:13-15

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Praise God for His infinite mercies and grace, whereby He has saved a wretch like me. Praise God for His love, and His steadfastness in His promises! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us to make us alive in Him (Rom. 5:8)! While we were yet enemies of God, still He extended mercy to us and completely wiped out the demands of the law against us! He poured His holy wrath out on His Son, nailing the record of sin that stood against us to the Cross with Christ, and disarming every accusation that our Adversary could make against us. Who now can bring a charge against the Elect (Rom. 8)? Can Satan accuse the brethren any more, when God Himself has no record of our wrongs? 

We stand before God righteous, not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ did. This is why our salvation is sure: Because the work of Christ on the Cross was enough! This is the Gospel! Believe it, repent of your sins, and be forgiven! Believe it and be saved from the wrath to come!

When pastors use church growth/numbers as a barometer of church health, it irritates me.

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

—Matthew 24:11 ESV, emphasis mine.

Yeah, if your pastor ever tries to justify his incorrect handling of the Word of God by saying “well God must be moving! Look at how many people are coming to church!” feel free to point him to this verse. 

The healthy church is the Church where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed faithfully, in its fullness; where the whole counsel of Scripture is taught, convicting people of Sin and leading them to Salvation and Sanctification through Christ. It is not the church who has the most people attending, the church with the most ads on T.V. (comin’ your way, Mormons), the church who has the biggest building, the church with the best praise band, or any of that other nonsense. It is only the Church that proclaims the Gospel.

Psalm 35:1-3

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
    fight against those who fight against me!
Take hold of shield and buckler
   and rise for my help!
Draw the spear and javelin
   against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,
   ”I am your salvation!”

David’s prayer was ultimately answered by Jesus Christ, the son of God, come to lay His life down for sinners. Who has contended for our souls like Christ has? What god of this world has laid their life down for our sake? Which of the pagan gods has freely given us salvation?

We preach Christ because there is no other name which saves. We preach the Gospel because it is the power of God to the salvation of those who believe. We preach Christ because He loved us, though we were unwilling to recieve that love; He pursued us, though we were unable to pursue Him; and He saved us, because we could not save ourselves. We preach Christ, or we preach nothing.

(Source: johnnyis)

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

hellomynameisliv:

1 Corinthians 15: 57 & 58

PRAISE GOD!

1 Corinthians 15 is one of my favorite chapters.

Oh love of God how rich and pure.

hellomynameisliv:

It shall forever more endure!