"But how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they appear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, "Have they not heard?" Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their worlds unto the ends of the world. But I say, "Did not Israel know?" First Moses saith, "I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you." But Esaias is very bold, and saith, "I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me."
But to Israel He saith, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:11-21; Isaiah 28:16; Joel 2:32; Acts 9:14; Isaiah 52:7; Isaiah 53:1; Psalms 19:4)
In Romans 11, the scripture further clarifies that God hath not cut away His people which He foreknew, and that there would still be a remnant according to the election of grace. But note that salvation is by grace, and not of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace. And likewise also, work is no more of grace. (Romans 12:1-6)
As the scripture declares, by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, but rather, salvation is a gift of God. If it be of works, then we negate the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us, when He was marred more than any man. When they put on His head a crown of thorns, and cast a spear into His side. When the soldiers mocked and scoffed Him, and spit on Him. And yet He chose willingly to shed His precious holy blood so that we might find abundant life in Him.
Remission of sins. Renewed minds. Peace and joy and His love abiding within our hearts, so that we could know in all things, who holds our future.
Yes, Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and in Him do we find peace and joy, dwelling in His presence -- the times of refreshing -- in our day to day. Therefore, let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things comes the wrath of God unto the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partners with them." (Ephesians 5:6-7)
Why not? Because now, we are light in the Lord, and should desire to walk every moment of every day as children of light, proving from His Word what is acceptable unto the Lord. Our hope therefore is not of this world but in the things of the Lord who loved us enough to pay the ultimate price for His beloved. It is because of Jesus (both Lord and Christ) that we who believe have an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God -- and filled with His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost dwelling within.
He has set us free from the bondage that far too many desire that we succumb once again. Thankfully, however, we have not so learned Christ!
Stand in the offering plate.
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