Bible Study - Confident (3) - Why Do We Suffer? - Job 30 vs 26-31 and 42 vs 1-6 October 29, 2023

 

            Confident (3) – Why Do We Suffer? – October29, 2023

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled, “Why Do We Suffer?”

Our scripture is Job 30:26-31; 42:1-6.

We may not know why we suffer, but GOD meets us in our Suffering.

How did it come about that GOD’S faithful follower, Job, was tested by Satan?

Let’s read Job 1:1-22: (Background)

Job and His Family

1 There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. ² He had seven sons and three daughters. ³ His estate included seven thousand sheep and goats, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east.

⁴ His sons used to take turns having banquets at their homes. They would send an invitation to their three sisters to eat and drink with them. ⁵ Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for^[a] all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

A harmonious family is such a great joy. Job’s family enjoyed just coming together and eating. That is what our family loves to do.

In my dad’s family there were 7 boys and 1 girl and, in my mother’s, family were 4 girls and 1 boy. Both families’ gatherings were around food. And my, they were all good cooks.

Back to Job. All was joyous until Satan attacked. Job’s family was Satan’s first target. How did such an attack come about? Let’s read on --

Satan’s First Test of Job

⁶ One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan^[b] also came with them. ⁷ The Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?”

“From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”

⁸ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”

⁹ Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? ¹⁰ Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ¹¹ But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

¹² “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “Everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So, Satan left the Lord’s presence.

¹³ One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and reported, “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing nearby, ¹⁵ the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They struck down the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁶ He was still speaking when another messenger came and reported, “God’s fire fell from heaven. It burned the sheep and the servants and devoured them, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁷ That messenger was still speaking when yet another came and reported, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, made a raid on the camels, and took them away. They struck down the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁸ He was still speaking when another messenger came and reported, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. ¹⁹ Suddenly a powerful wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people so that they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

²⁰ Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, ²¹ saying:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will leave this life.^[c]
The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

²² Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.^[d]

This was the beginning in the life of Job. There was more to come.

We must keep in mind that this occurred before JESUS came to earth.

Let’s go to our selected scripture in Job 30:26-31:

Let’s read Job 30:26-31:

But when I hoped for good, evil came;
when I looked for light, darkness came.
²⁷ I am churning within^[a] and cannot rest;
days of suffering confront me.
²⁸ I walk about blackened, but not by the sun.^[b]
I stood in the assembly and cried out for help.
²⁹ I have become a brother to jackals
and a companion of ostriches.

Job compared himself to something that people feared and avoided. These animals, by their nature, repelled people and other animals.

³⁰ My skin blackens and flakes off,^[c]
and my bones burn with fever.
³¹ My lyre is used for mourning
and my flute for the sound of weeping.

Job suffered from an outward skin disorder that again, would result in people avoiding him. If that was not enough, his bones burned. The musical instruments that once brought him joy and pleasure now were used for mourning and weeping.

Let’s read Job 42:1-3:

Job Replies to the Lord

42 Then Job replied to the Lord:

² I^[a] know that you (GOD) can do anything
and no plan of yours (GOD) can be thwarted.
³ You (GOD) asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?”
Surely I (Job) spoke about things I did not understand,
things too wondrous for me to^[b] know.

It seems that Job was trying to figure out why he was experiencing these terrible conditions, when he knew that he had not sinned against GOD. It seems that he comes to a conclusion, “Surely I (Job) spoke about things I did not understand, things too wondrous for me to^[b] know.”

The law punishes, however, GOD’S Grace abounds and forgives, when our sins are confessed.

² I^[a] know that you (GOD) can do anything
and no plan of yours (GOD) can be thwarted.
³ You (GOD) asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?”

GOD is sovereign and HIS plans do not change.

To me Job was looking for the best outcome from his situation and GOD revealed it to Job. Let’s read on in Chapter 42 ---

Let’s read Job 42:4-6:

⁴ You said, “Listen now, and I will speak.
When I question you, you will inform me.”
⁵ I had heard reports about you,
but now my eyes have seen you.
⁶ Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them;
I am dust and ashes.^[c][d]

Job had heard of GOD but now he fully comprehended the existence of GOD.

Often, we as humans struggle to comprehend GOD when we see some of the things that fellow humans or ourselves encounter in life. However, in Job’s case he finally witnessed the presence of GOD.

Many of us desire to get to know GOD in a real way and it is often through hardship and suffering that we get to know HIM in a real way. No one enjoys hardship or suffering. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS other than to trust and obey.

Do you recall the Biblical account of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery and his life’s journey in Egypt? GOD used Joseph mightily to preserve the lives of Egyptians, Israelites and many other people groups.

When Joseph’s brothers encountered him in Egypt, they did not know what Joseph might do to them, since he was, in essence, in command and they had sold him into a life of slavery.

We read in Genesis 50: ¹⁹ Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ²¹ Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke ^[d]kindly to them.

We read in Isaiah 55: 8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Life upon earth is our training ground to discover GOD and build the right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. GOD shows HIS love toward us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8: ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We were chosen but will we accept GOD’S invitation for salvation? All of us have a choice, how do you choose?

JESUS and eternal life or reject JESUS and receive eternal death?

As we read and study GOD’S Word, we get to see the ever-increasing revelation of GOD’S love for all people. CHRIST’S death is important but HIS resurrection is GOD’S promise to all who place their faith in JESUS of their bodily resurrection from death to eternal life.

The Bible is the revelation of GOD on an ever-ascending scale ending with the establishing of a new eternal Heaven and Earth.

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Confident (2) - Are Miracles Relevant? - John 10 vs 22-26 and John 14 vs 7-14 - Sunday - October 22, 2023

 

Confident (2) – Are Miracles Relevant? – Sunday - October 22, 2023

This is our second lesson in our series entitled, “Confident in Face of Hard Questions.”

Our focus scripture is John 10:22-26 and John 14:7-14.

Miracles are acts of GOD that point to JESUS and Glorify HIM.

What are miracles? They are beyond human explanation and are considered to be from The ONE TRUE GOD – YAWEH.

GOD sent JESUS, HIS only SON, to come to earth, to live as a human, yet GOD. GOD required the shedding of blood from a pure sacrifice to redeem mankind from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. JESUS shed HIS sinless blood when HE was crucified. JESUS death, burial, resurrection and ascension assures all who place their faith in HIM eternal life through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

GOD worked through the life of JESUS to reveal HIS power and to confirm that JESUS was truly the promised Messiah.

All who accept JESUS as their Savior are called Christians. The first record we have of Christians is found in Acts 11:26 - The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Christianity is the result of Judeo-Christian ethics. For any person to have his/her sins forgiven, let’s consider 1 John 1: 1-10: The Apostle John wrote:

1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life (JESUS) — ² that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— ³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things^[a] so that our^[b] joy may be complete.

When we know the truth, our greatest joy is to share JESUS with others and have the joy of seeing them come to a saving knowledge of JESUS, The CHRIST, WHO takes away the sins of all who place their faith in HIM. Salvation is not complicated. It is simply placing one’s faith in GOD’S only begotten SON, JESUS and in doing so results in that person’s salvation via Spiritual birth into GOD’S Family.

JESUS was the result of the union of the Spirit of GOD, the Divine Sperm and Mary’s embryo or egg. JESUS was the result.

The same is true when a person asks JESUS to forgive him/her for their sins and ask JESUS to come into his/her heart. The human spirit must be changed from being mortal to immortal through the power of GOD and that is what faith in JESUS and HIS passion does quicker than the blink of the eye. A person is born Spiritually into GOD’S Family for eternity. Now that is Good News. Believe it to receive it.  

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him (JESUS) and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. ⁶ If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. ⁷ If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Let’s read John 10:22-26:

Jesus at the Festival of Dedication

²² Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem, and it was winter. ²³ Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s Colonnade. ²⁴ The Jews surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense?^[c] If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”^[d]

²⁵ “I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them. “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify about me. ²⁶ But you don’t believe because you are not of my sheep.^[e] 

What was the “Festival of Dedication?” It commemorated the cleansing and rededication of the Jerusalem temple during the “Festival of Dedication.” It was an eight-day Festival and also known as a celebration of lights. In JESUS day it symbolized the hope of the Jews that a new ruler would come and drive out the foreign occupiers and reestablish Israel’s independence. JESUS had to be careful not to give Israelites the wrong impression of HIS mission and purpose ordained by GOD, HIS FATHER. Thus, the miracles that JESUS performed must point to GOD. Miracles are GOD working in and through JESUS to reveal GOD and the manifestation of GOD’S power.

As you may recall, JESUS told HIS disciples in John 10:30:

³⁰ I and the Father (GOD) are one.”

When a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior, he/she is one with GOD/JESUS/Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit is our communicator with GOD and JESUS. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.^[a]

As Spirit-born, we are a child of GOD with all the rights and privileges of being GOD’S Son or Daughter.

Sound too good to be true?

The Jewish religious leaders of that day knew the scripture but either failed to see that JESUS was the promised Messiah or chose not to see that JESUS’ life reflected GOD’S presence among them.

What did JESUS teach in Matthew 7:11 - ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.

Do you need to talk to GOD? Then, as HIS Son or Daughter through Spiritual birth, let your requests be known to HIM.

Let’s read John 14:7-11:

⁷ Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸ All who came before me^[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. ⁹ I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰ A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

What JESUS said then was not likely fully comprehended by those who were listening to HIM. But when we read this since the crucifixion and the resurrection of JESUS, it makes complete sense. Why? No one took the life of JESUS, HE gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for the sins of the world. However, every person must accept JESUS as their Savior. All who accept HIM as their Savior receive the gift of eternal life through the miracle of being born-again Spiritually. A person’s first birth is physical and will die. However, a person’s second birth is spiritual and eternal and takes place only through faith in JESUS and HIS passion.

Do you recall what JESUS told Nicodemus in John 3: ³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Being born-again is just the beginning of a person’s new Spiritual life in being a disciple of JESUS.

A person’s first birth is physical, however that person’s second birth is the redemption of his/her physical spirit from eternal death to eternally alive through faith in JESUS. It is free but it did cost the life of JESUS, The Savior of all who place their faith in JESUS.

What does it mean for a person to be born-again in his/her spirit? Eternal life!

Let’s read John 14:12-14: Praying in Jesus’s Name

¹² “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me (JESUS) will also do the works that I do. And he (Spirit-born person) will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.^[f]

Spirit-born people must keep in their minds that JESUS is the ONE WHO heals, restores and does mighty works. We must not get the big-head and start to think, “Look what I did.” Also, just like a good mother or father, he/she will not give something to their son or daughter that will harm him or her.

What did JESUS teach HIS disciples as recorded in Matthew 17:20: “Because of your little faith,” he told them. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” WOW! Faith is vital and faith is built as Spirit-born people build their relationship with JESUS and function in GOD’S vineyard.

Life is both teaching, learning and application as we who have been Spirit-born allow GOD to work through us.

Last week our son and granddaughter flew back to the United States from Israel. They had been in Israel representing the United States in world robotics competition. They came in third.

While they were in Israel, well you know that war broke out between Israel and Hamas. When they got home, someone asked our granddaughter, “if she was afraid?” She said “I was not scared or worried in Israel because I knew Dad had it.” WOW! That is exactly the faith JESUS and our GOD, JESUS’ FATHER desires from us as we walk through life upon earth. Confidence in our heavenly FATHER. “I knew DAD had it.” WOW! As Spirit-born believers that is exactly the faith GOD desires from us.

And guess what, as Spirit-born people we can call GOD, Abba or Daddy as recorded in Romans 8:15 - ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba,^[a] Father!”

Galatians 4:6: ⁶ Because you are his sons/daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,^[a] Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:15-16:

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest (JESUS) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

As Spirit-born people, we can approach the very presence of GOD 24/7 and tell HIM of our needs. GOD’S grace is the key. HE listens and HE will take action. We may need to confess something that HE brings to our minds. But know that GOD and JESUS love you and all people. Confess your sins to HIM and ask JESUS to forgive you. There is NO Other Way to receive forgiveness from your sins and go to Heaven.

Blessings!!! 

Confident (1) - Does it Really Matter Which "Truth" I Believe? - John3: 19-21, 8:31-36

 

Confident (1) – Does it Really Matter Which “Truth” I Believe? – October 15, 2023

We begin a new six-week study entitled “Confident in the Face of Hard Questions.”

Our focus scripture is John 3:19-21, 8:31-36.

Knowing the truth of CHRIST is the only way we can experience freedom.

I am not sure what the author of our title had in mind when he or she penned the words, which “Truth” I believe. There is only one truth. So, how does one find that one truth. I know it took me many years.

I accepted JESUS as my Savior when I was about 9 years old. All I knew was that something took place but it was many years later before I understood what actually took place. My life has been a journey of discovery. I know that JESUS and I walk together and I have lots of questions and HE leads me to truth. Often puzzling but then truth emerges when I press on to discover truth. I know that may be confusing to some.

Truth and trust go hand in hand. Trust is built upon relationship with GOD through our faith in JESUS. Our faith in JESUS unlocks the door leading to GOD. Once a person places his/her faith in JESUS, that person experiences the miracle of Spiritual birth into GOD’S Family, never to be unborn.  

Light dispels darkness. JESUS is GOD’S true light. Let’s explore!

We know that as we get closer to the second coming of JESUS, the true Gospel, as know it, will be distorted by those doing the work of Satan/Anti-Christ. Of course, they will appear to be sheep but they are wolves beneath the exterior. That is why all Christians must know the truth as revealed in GOD’S Word, The Bible.

In Matthew 24, JESUS was educating HIS disciples regarding the end times. Verse 24 is but a small part of things yet to come.

Matthew 24:24:

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Notice, they will perform great signs and wonders. Who else can perform? Satan. JESUS defeated Satan when GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead on the third day and eternal death was conquered by the shed blood of JESUS. The physical death and physical resurrection of JESUS by GOD on the third day is proof that JESUS defeated death for all who place their faith in JESUS. Folks that is the Good News of the Gospel. All people need this truth.

If those who want to know what kind of body Spirit-born believers will have after their resurrection, study what JESUS could do after the resurrection of HIS bodily resurrection.

Some false teachers will attempt to convince you that there are many ways to Heaven and unless you are anchored/know the scripture, they may turn your way of thinking to embrace alternate ways of thinking and eternal salvation.

There is only one way to Heaven and that is by placing your faith in a JESUS whose shed blood paid, in full, for all of our sins. When a person places his/her faith in JESUS, they are spiritually born into GOD’S Eternal Family, never to be unborn.

Does it matter which truth we believe? Without a doubt it does! Why? It is because there is only one truth. Some may say I reject what I read in the Bible as truth! Then confess it to GOD and ask HIM to reveal the real truth to you and read the Book of John. If you hit a snag, then ask GOD to help you get through the snag. Ask GOD to give you understanding and enlighten you. Why? I come from years of exploring the Bible and have gone through Dr. Blackaby’s book “Experiencing God.” I believe GOD will speak to you in whatever way HE can get your attention. You will not be disappointed the instant you die.

Let’s read John 3:19-21:

¹⁹ “This is the basis for judgment: The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil. ²⁰ All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. ²¹ Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God. Because JESUS is the light and embodies truth.

Do you want to know the truth, then seek the light. But some may ask but where is the light or how does one find the light?

There is only one true light and that is JESUS the CHRIST.

In general, people are afraid of exposure to the righteousness GOD expects. In our flesh, we do not measure up and that is why GOD sent HIS only SON into the world.

Let’s consider 2 Corinthians 5:1:

5 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent (Earth Suit), desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling (Our new eternal body), ³ since, when we are clothed,^[a] we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. (eternal life) ⁵ Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit (The Holy Spirit) as a down payment.

⁶ So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

¹¹ Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. ¹² We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all who place their faith in JESUS died with HIM. ¹⁵ And he (CHRIST) died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised (JESUS).

This is very important – in essence, when JESUS died upon the cross, those who place their faith in JESUS died with HIM for their sins. When JESUS was raised from the physically dead those who accept JESUS as their Savior will not suffer death but will be resurrected to eternal life in their new bodies. WOW!!! Now that is Good News.

It means when you die physically you will not experience the death of your earthly body. Your born-again/Spirit-born body goes, fashioned by GOD goes immediately or sooner to be with GOD in Heaven.

The Apostle Paul continues:

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.^[b] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,^[c] yet now we no longer know him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has^[d] come! ¹⁸ Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. ¹⁹ That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

WOW!!! That is a lot to comprehend. Those who are born-again have been given the “Message of reconciliation.” Since those who are born-again are ambassadors for CHRIST, not will be.

Those born-again have been given the gift of reconciliation. An ambassador has full authority to represent JESUS and offer the plan of salvation to all GOD gives you the opportunity to present salvation through faith in JESUS. So do not be timid. You may feel like you goofed but GOD uses our goofs to lead others to salvation.

Notice verse 21, “²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

When a human places his or her faith in JESUS, he or she becomes the righteousness of GOD! And GOD Gifts them with Spiritual Gifts to represent JESUS to the people of the World.

These are the truths. Do you accept them or reject? The key is faith.

Let’s read John 8:31-32:

Children of Abraham

³¹ Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Let’s read John 8:33-36:

³³ They responded, “We are Abraham’s children; we’ve never been anyone’s slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?”

What makes people Abraham’s children? It is “faith!” How can that be?

Let’s read Genesis 15:6:

⁶ Abram believed the Lord, and he (GOD) credited it to him as righteousness.

Let’s consider Genesis 22. 22 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”

And he said, “Here I am.”

² Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

³ So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. ⁴ Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. ⁵ And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the ^[a]lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”

This is the faith that Abraham had. Offering Issac as a burnt offering meant killing Issac, burning Issac and reducing him to ashes. Yet, Abraham told his servants that, “we will come back to you!” This expresses the faith that Abraham had faith in GOD that HE would resurrect and restore Issac. Abraham had passed GOD’S test.

What does that mean for humans today? GOD sent HIS ONE and Only SON, JESUS to earth to live a sinless life for JESUS to become the perfect sacrifice for every person who will place his or her faith in JESUS. The person will be forgiven for their sins and be born Spiritually into GOD’S Family and receive the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that they Spirit-born. JESUS conquered the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. But all who ask JESUS into his or her heart are Spiritually born into GOD’S Family, never to be unborn.

Sin must be conquered and JESUS did that when HE gave HIS sinless life to pay the sin debt for all who ask for forgiveness, in full.

³⁴ Jesus answered, “I assure you that everyone who sins 35 A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is. ³⁶ Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free.

Do you want to be a Son or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual birth? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. The choice is yours to make. Heaven or Hell. Blessings!!!