Hello friends,
As I write this, it is 54 degrees and sunny, with a light breeze. There are geese resting along the shore of Lake Ericson, and I’m thinking of warmer days to come. Those who are interested in the ground hog are predicting an early spring, but the near forecast calls for the return of winter weather. The truth is, only God knows. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for that early spring.
Here is an interesting bit of information from my reading this past week. According to Barna research, 82 percent of Americans believe that ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is a Bible verse. Before blaming the biblical illiteracy of our post-Christian nation, you should know that more than half of practicing Christians thought the same.
First of all, if we could help ourselves, we would never see the need for a Savior. Scripture plainly tells us that without Jesus, we can do nothing. No amount of self-help will save us from our sins, or gain favor with God. Four times in Isaiah, God says, “Apart from me, there is no God, or savior.” In the New Testament, Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The writer of Hebrews says without faith it is impossible to please God.
There is more; The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations (Psalm 98:2). Romans 1:17… “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteousness will live by faith’”. No one will be declared righteous by their own works, only by faith in Jesus Christ.
God has revealed himself though His Son Jesus Christ, but also through His written word, the Bible. I quote, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17)
From Psalm 119; “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word… Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens… Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119: 81, 89, 105).
Remember, if we want to know what the Good Book says, we need to read it for ourselves. Don’t depend on hearsay.
Standing on the Word,
Pastor Jerry
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