Rejoice in the Lord Jesus Always - Part 689

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away and behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) This means that when we ask Jesus into our hearts, we become a new person in Jesus. From this first encounter with our Lord God and Saviour, we begin to do things differently. For example, we dwell on the Word -- the scriptures -- delivered to us by Almighty God Himself. He paid the price on the cross when He shed His precious Holy Spirit blood on the cross for our sins.

The next step is to press closer to our Lord God and Saviour. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him?" (I Corinthians 2:16) The Bible states that we -- ordinary people who believe and trust in an extraordinary God -- need to take on the mind of our Lord. Indeed, the scriptures encourage us to "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5) 

But taking on the mind of the Lord is more than just thinking continually about the Lord. In fact, we read that are "beseeched" to be of the same mind as the Lord. At the same time, we are instructed to rejoice in the Lord Jesus always (Philippians 4:4) Why? Because our joy and crown is to stand fast in the Lord Jesus -- and to be always willing to willingly do His will. 

And in so doing, be careful for nothing. Rather -- in everything give thanks by prayer and supplication -- with thanksgiving as the Word states -- lettin your requests be known unto God. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. And that we do so in order that the peace of God, which passes all understanding keeps our hearts and minds pure through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:11-12)

Remember too that "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Most of all, know that our Lord God and Saviour is big enough to supply all of our needs -- spiritual and physical -- according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Therefore rejoice with gladness. Sing praises unto God and Father and be the glory to Him forever and ever. 

Finally, receive the Word with all readiness of mind searching the scriptures daily -- and discern for yourself whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Will Be My Disciples - Part 688

And we have known and believed the love that God hath toward us. That is, God is love. And he that dwelleth in love dwells in God and God in him. (I John 4:16) 

As we know from reading the New Testament, Jerusalem did not willingly accept Jesus as the Christ that was prophesied under the old covenant. Rather, they were looking for a King that would come forth from the heavens majestically. A glorious King.  A triumphant King. And let's face it -- Jesus being born in a Bethlehem manger to ordinary parents was not the type of King the Jews anticipated. 

Still, regardless of Jerusalem's stance our Lord God and Saviour loved them anyway. Indeed, Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto thee. How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not." (Matthew 23:37) Luke in chapter 13:34 confirms the same. It states, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not."

Fortunately, the same love that our heavenly Father bestowed upon Jerusalem, our Lord God and Saviour applied to the remainder of the world too. The Gentiles. You and I. "To wit" as the Word declares, "that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; but [rather] hath committed unto us the world of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19) 

This is why "Neither is there salvation in any other." Because there was not another that was righteous and holy enough to atone for our sins. Only Jesus could pay the price. Both human and divine -- goth God and man. And the scriptures state there was only "one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5)

"For there is none other name under heaven given among men -- whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  Jesus is the bread which cometh from heaven, The same God who commendeth His love toward us from the beginning -- while we were yet sinners. He became flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary for our transgressions. He paid the price for our sins once and for all. 

Therefore, while the thief comes not but to steal and to kill and to destroy, remember that Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have life more abundantly." (John 10:10) Therefore, love one another because "by this shall all [men] know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)

At the same time, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) That is, receive the Word in all readiness of mind and search the scriptures daily, whether these things be so. (Acts 17:11) Stand in the offering plate.

What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life? - Part 687

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) 

When we turn our life over to Jesus, one of the next steps is to discover our Lord God and Saviour's intent for our life journey. We can know this by taking time each day to read the scriptures. In so doing, not only will we become stronger in our faith, but likewise, we will be edified. We will become equipped according to the power that the Lord has given us. Therefore, as Paul writes, "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (II Corinthians 13:11)

An example of how we should live can be found in Luke chapter ten. Therein, a certain lawyer stands and asks Jesus -- tempting Him with his questions -- "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? " This is a question that is repeatedly asked in the New Testament. The same question is asked on the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 souls were added, according to Acts chapter two. 

But in this situation, a lawyer is asking the question. So Jesus responded saying, "What is written in the law? How readest thou?" In other words, what does the lawyer believe is the correct way to live in order to gain eternal life? The lawyer repeated to Jesus the two commandments intended for this time -- the same two commandments which Jesus had previously shared with the crowds that followed Him. That is:

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with thy entire mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you -- that you love one another as I have loved you -- that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples -- if you have love one to another." 

Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live.” But the lawyer wasn't satisfied. Instead, determined to justify himself, the lawyer asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbour?"

And Jesus answering shared a parable known as The Good Samaritan with the lawyer. Jesus said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed him, leaving him half dead."  And by chance, there came down a certain priest. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side of the road. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him and passed by on the other side. 

But then came along a certain Samaritan as he journeyed. He came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Indeed, the Samaritan went to him and bound up his wounds pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence and gave them to the host and said unto him, "Take care of him and whatsoever thou spends more, when I come again I will repay thee." 

Jesus then asked the lawyer, "Which now of these three thinks thou was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" The lawyer responded, saying, "He that showed mercy on him." Jesus said, "Go and do thou likewise." 

In a broader context, the message within the parable is two-fold. First, we are given direction into how our hearts should be sensitive to others within society. However, perhaps more importantly, this parable is revealing to each and every one of us just how much our heavenly Father loved us from the beginning. How this same God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand knew that we could not keep the Law and commandments. And thus. as a consequence He -- God Himself -- willingly became flesh so that He could become our salvation.

That, at the end of the day, it is because of His love and mercy, that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-39)

"Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began -- but is now made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, Amen." (Romans 16:25-27) Stand in the offering plate.

Though I Speak With Tongues - Part 686

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Corinthians 13)

He Will Be Our God - Part 685

Today is a new day. We can be confident in this because the Lord said this is the covenant that I -- Almighty God -- will make with them after those days. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my covenant. They served the law but at the end of the day, could not measure up to the commandments. (Hebrews 8:9)  As the scriptures state, "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

When the Seed came, "now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) A new covenant. Note that this covenant is not an addendum to the former as in the old or former written in stone. Rather, the new covenant is written on the fleshly tables of individual hearts. Our Lord God -- later becoming our Saviour -- promised the inheritors of this new covenant that He would be to them their God and they shall be to Him their people.

But not as the offence for if through the offence of one, many be dead, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace -- which is by one man Jesus Christ -- hath abounded unto many. (Romans 5:15) For this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace -- wherewith we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)

So glory in tribulation knowing that tribulation works patience -- and patience experience -- and experience hope -- and hope makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Why would He that is righteous and holy decide to shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary? Because only our Lord God and Saviour could love us enough to commend His love toward us while we were yet sinners. Indeed, Christ died for us. "Much more than being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (Romans 5:1-9)

Trust Jesus today. Ask Jesus to bring you His peace and joy that passes all human understanding. Read His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Shine on Us With the Light of Truth - Part 684

Jesus said to the rich man who came running after him, "Verily I say unto you. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands -- for My sake and the gospels -- but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brethren and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the world to come eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30)

In this time. While we are still in this earth suit -- not without persecutions because with persecutions, we become sharpened and determined in our journey to inheriting eternal life. But if our goal in obtaining salvation is only about life everlasting, we become like the rich man who asked Jesus, "Good Master, what shall I do that I might inherit eternal life?" Indeed, we miss the point.

As Mark writes in the gospels, this is a man who seemingly did everything right. He obeyed all the commandments. And the young man had observed the commandments since his youth. Therefore, in his heart, eternal life was already his and here he was, waiting for Jesus to confirm the same.

But the man's heart wasn't right. Jesus knew this but He loved the man just the same. But there was one part of his heart that could not --- had not surrendered to Jesus and that was his "trust in riches." (Mark 10:24) Jesus "beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest; go thy way and sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven -- and come take up the cross and follow Me."

However, taking up the cross and following Jesus would mean that the young man would have to give up his trust in riches. He would have to surrender his whole heart to Jesus -- becoming a disciple for the King of kings and Lord of lords. He could not count all things as loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Further, the man could not fathom the concept of not laying up treasures for ourselves on earth "where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal." (Matthew 6:19-21) Why? Because in his heart he was still serving two masters. Matthew wrote, "You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Paul said, "for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in Him not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Philipians 3:10)

Even though Jesus said, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" the man could not sell all that he had -- even though the Lord said He would give us hundredfold. (Luke 12:32-34) He could not take hold of the treasure -- the promise of peace and joy that passes all understanding -- that comes from following Jesus. Becoming a fisher of men. It is here that the man struggled.

This is why the Lord wants to shine in us with the light of truth. "For where your treasure is, there will your hearts be also. [Therefore,] let your loins be girded about and your lights burning." (Luke 12:34-35) Let the blood of Jesus cleanse your heart and set your spirit free. Take hold of His promises -- Thy kingdom come -- Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Stand in the offering plate.

Let Jesus Set You Free - Part 683

Words cannot begin to express how much our Lord God loved the humanity He created. 

As we know from reading the scriptures, our heavenly Father -- the same God who said "Let there be light" -- and there was -- decided even before the world was shaped -- to become our Saviour. He knew -- even in the beginning -- that men and women could not adhere to the Law or the commandments as they are written. He knew that even with His abundance of love and mercy, and His willingness to commune with humanity, these same men and women would still fall short of His glory. Fall short of the Kingdom and eternal life. 

Indeed, the greatest love story ever told could have ended there. The human race forever separated from their Creator, ignorant of the blessings and pleasure that only comes from knowing the King of kings. But when it came to His creation, our Lord God was not willing to let go of us. He was not willing to abandon you and I without a second thought. So what did He do? The scriptures say that He willingly left glory for you and I. Why? So that He -- God in the flesh as the prophesied Christ -- could dwell in our hearts by faith -- if we would allow it -- so that we would be rooted and grounded in His love.

So that because of His ultimate sacrifice, we could become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22) So that we in fellowship with other believing saints could comprehend what is the breadth, and length and depth and height of real love -- the love of Christ -- which passes knowledge that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-18)

To know His blessings -- the love of our Lord God and Saviour that surpasses knowledge and human understanding --- that provides a way for you and I to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God -- to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask -- or imagine according to His power that is at work within us. Therefore, become rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7) 

Moreover, continue in the faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that has the power to save. The gospel that fills one with peace that passes all understanding. The good news of Jesus. God Himself -- becoming flesh so that He could shed His precious holy blood for us.  

"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten -- that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Press into Jesus to understand the breadth and depth of His love. When we ask Jesus into our heart, He sets our life to music. He sets us free. Read His Word. Proclaim the good news to every creature. Praise Jesus -- forever and ever. Stand in the offering plate. 

Because of Jesus, We are Justified Freely - Part 682

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)  The salvation message is this simple. Indeed, the same God who created men and women in the beginning purposed in Himself -- counseled with Himself -- that only He could become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross for us -- in order that you and I might be saved. Salvation then is by His grace. His mercy. His love for us.

Therefore, as conduits of this glorious gospel message, we willingly share this good news message with others. The apostle Paul recognized this when he wrote, "How then 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 hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?" (Romans 10:13-15)

Paul knew from personal experience that the gospel message was life-sustaining. He knew firsthand from his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus that His Lord and Saviour loved him/loves us so much that His blood washed away Paul's and our sins once and for all. He admitted that all men -- each and every one of us "have sinned and come short of the glory of God." But also that through our faith in Jesus, we are justified freely in His grace -- through the redemption that can only be found in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-26)

The scriptures state, "how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things." (Romans 10:15) This is why Paul was able to say, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:17)

Therefore, thank our Lord God and Saviour for His goodness "that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 1:1-6) Further, be not weak in your faith. Believe in Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25) Stand in the offering plate.

Herein, the Mystery of Christ - Part 681

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, which they in turn delivered to us. As the scriptures state, "For no other foundation can a man lay other than that which has been laid." (I Corinthians 3:11) This is the apostles' foundation which Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20)

In the book of Ephesians, Paul was explaining that the mystery of Christ -- hid in God from the beginning -- was now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. So that the Gentiles -- you and I -- could be fellow heirs with Jesus and of the same body. Partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel. 

Herein, Paul, by his own admission was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto him. Remember, Paul was initially Saul and had become famous for persecuting and killing those that believed in Jesus. He states, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)

What riches, you might ask. The one that all men see. The mystery -- which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God -- who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now -- unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places -- might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God -- according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:1-11)

Read that last part again. "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:11) Think about this for a moment. Then ask yourself, "What do the scriptures say about Jesus? First, there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Second, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Third, Jesus is the name above every other name.  Fourth, the one and only high priest -- Jesus -- who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Further, the old testament states, "In the beginning God." (Genesis 1:1)  However, the mystery hid in God -- but now revealed in the new dispensation is that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God .. and this same Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:1-18) Yes, the same God who created you and I in the beginning was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The Father in creation -- Son in redemption is now the Spirit that comforts us day in and day out. His name is Jesus. 

Doubting Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." Isaiah wrote, "My Lord God and Saviour." Is there another? No way. God became our Saviour and He did so in order that we might have salvation. And now, according to the scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are the people called by His name.  

The same gospel that the Lord of hosts said in the old testament.  "Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24) The good news gospel that was hidden from us until now was not a decision that could be changed. Indeed, our heavenly Father's plan of salvation was destined -- purposed -- to be even before the world was shaped. This is how much our Lord God loved you and I from the beginning.

The greatest love story ever told. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ -- His love -- His mercy -- be with you all! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus' Promises Are Everlasting - Part 680

Almighty God continues to cry out to you and I – indeed, all humanity -- through His creation -- His created wisdom.  Not once or twice, but every day of the week, confronting us and saying, "I -- even I -- am the Lord and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) God has by Himself broken the barrier of sin. God offered to man and woman a new birthright with an unbelievable inheritance, complete with abundance great and a multiplicity of precious promises, He has provided for man’s redemption, offering a new beginning and a new heart. 

In God's plan of salvation, we can become completely cleansed and forgiven of all sin. His promise includes past, present and future transgressions. Adam and Eve are not the parents of this new family. No, God is the Father. The Spirit of God fathered the man Jesus. He being God Himself manifest in the flesh took our sin onto Himself. He was cursed and yet He loved us. Because of this unbelievable action by our Lord God Almighty, we have an opportunity to be set totally free. He offered Himself for us. Now that is love. Indeed, unmerited love. Amazing grace.

At the end of the day, we might think we have messed up. Blown our life!  And as such, there is no apparent hope. But there is hope! Read the scriptures – the Word – for His wisdom – the wisdom that can only come from our Lord God and Saviour.

Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  (John 7:37-38)

Why? For I am the Lord thy God that loved you so much that I – even I – would “sacrifice Myself for you.” The Bible states, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth -- for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:22-23) “In the beginning -- God.” (Genesis 1:1)

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God … and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” (John 1:1-18)

Further, this is the same God who would become our Saviour -- prophesied of in the Old Testament. “I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me. No Saviour except me.” (Hosea 13:4)

Micah 7:7 states, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Saviour. My God will hear me.” He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord – in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God – and they will live securely – for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. (Micah 5:4)

Therefore, our hope is in Jesus. He promised that His grace would be sufficient. That our every need would be supplied – according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) That all things work together for good for those who love God – to them who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Indeed, “if God be for us, who can be against us?”

Therefore, not only are we offered salvation and freedom in Jesus, but He says that He will be the first to welcome us home. Just like the father did in the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32)

Trust in Jesus today. Remember too, that in Jesus, we can be confident that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Stand in the offering plate.