SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO GOD

The sovereignty of God is absolute. To acknowledge this truth is at once to acknowledge that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass; that nothing else can come to pass; that predestination is a fact; that God does rule in the kingdoms of men; that all human ties, bonds and relationships are divinely appointed and formed; that salvation rests solely, fully and only in God’s election; that salvation is by God’s grace and His grace alone; and that no part of man’s salvation is of himself either in origin or execution. Where men get the idea that man’s will is the all-determining factor or moving cause of his salvation is hard to see. Certainly they do not get it from the Bible.

Pastor Scott Richardson

A WALK AFFECTED BY GRACE

A person’s walk (conduct and attitude) is affected when God’s grace is in the heart. When grace is in the heart a person will be found looking to Christ. When grace is in the heart a person should also be known as a kind, honest and gracious person. “for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45).

TEACH US TO PRAY

Prayer should not be difficult for a believer since prayer is simply talking to our Heavenly Father. However, we are still in the flesh so prayer is often difficult. We often don’t know how to pray or what to pray for. This is why the disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1). Our Lord gave us the manner in which we are to pray. The Savior, being a man of prayer, also gave us several examples how to pray and what to pray for.

• He prayed that the Father’s will be done (Matt 26:39). We can always pray that the Father’s will be done in every situation even when we do not know what His will is.
• He got alone with God and prayed (Luke 5:16). If we would be heard, we must get alone with God and pray.
• He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). We can always pray for our brethren.
• He prayed earnestly in prayer all night long (Luke 6:12). We can continue in prayer since we don’t have anyone else who can help.
• He gave thanks for every meal God had given, especially the table that represents His sacrifice that would put away sin (Luke 22:19-20). We can always give thanks for the material blessings God has given and we must always give thanks for Christ our sacrifice.
• He prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34). We must pray for the grace to love and to pray for our enemies. Who knows if God would be pleased to be merciful to them.
• He lived praying and He died praying (Luke 23:46). A believer must live a life of prayer until that time we no longer need to pray because we will see the Savior face to face.

Something To Consider

If we were asked to picture the most hideous, nasty, foul, repulsive and detestable thing we could conjure up in our minds, I am sure we could come up with some real offensive, horrendous, vile, obnoxious and nauseating things. However, I am certain that none of us would have thought of ourselves.