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Salvation is very uncomplicated!! According to the Bible, now when humans get around to explaining it, we complicate it. Why? Because we have to work for everything in life and simply don't have the believe that Christ means exactly what He says. We feel the need to earn it.

I ran this by someone earlier today but would like to read your thoughts: I find that when I am with people who are my friends and who are friendly to me, ESPECIALLY if they are godly friends, then I am far less tempted to sin. I am more at peace and relaxed and often after a nice time together I am even strengthened for my regular routine and its challenges. Does anyone else have the same experience? The battle against sinful tendencies is hard enough on one's own but how wonderful and powerful are kind words! It makes me wonder if heaven is like that.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever keeps the whole Law perfectly BELIEVES if Him should have everlasting life." (John 3:16) “Perfectly obey BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and perfectly keep all of His commands BELIEVE in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Rom. 10:9) "For it is by works GRACE you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by faith works, so that no one can presume on grace boast." (Eph. 2:8-9) My conclusion - Grace through faith is more important than any "good deeds" we do. That being said, enablement to actually do good comes by grace.

Back to topic.

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: 1 John 5:14 Starting Question: Have you ever wondered if God really hears your prayers? Hearing God As Moses made his way back up the mountain, he rehearsed what he would say to God, “The people make me so angry! I didn’t mean to break the stone tablets you gave me. I am so sorry. Please forgive me!” When he finally arrived at the place where they had met last time, he waited, hoping he was still acceptable to God. Finally, a quiet voice came from all around Moses, “Welcome back.” It really sounded like the rock, the air, the sky and the ground were each responsible for the voice. It came from everywhere. It seemed as if even his own body was generating the sound. “You broke my law, Moses.” “Yes, Lord. I am so-” “I’ve heard it already,” God interrupted. “You’ve been apologising over and over the entire time you’ve been climbing the mountain!” “You were listening?” A deep rumble caused a few pebbles to vibrate off of a ledge above Moses. “Yes,” God was laughing. “Yes, of course I was listening! It is impossible for me not to hear the cries of my people—whether they come from the heart or the tongue. I hear everything! I am the Creator, after all.” There was a long pause before Moses spoke. “They just make me so angry! Why did they make that calf? They knew I would come back from visiting you! Why would they worship a golden image from Egypt? What did Egypt ever do for them? Don’t they remember being slaves?” “You have many questions, my child,” God said. “Know this, you are not alone in your anger. Their actions anger me, often. Even I, at times, need reminding of my own grace!” Moses knew exactly what God was talking about, “Well, you did threaten to destroy every last one of them! I had to say something! I couldn’t believe that you would rescue us all from slavery and then, in a moment of explosive anger, obliterate us!” “So you said,” God responded. “And I listened.” ** Continues in Knowing God tomorrow ** Reflection Question: If you were Moses on that mountaintop, and you could tell God anything or ask Him any question, what would you have said? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Genesis 2:18 Starting Question: Have you ever made something special for someone? What was it? How did you give it to them? How did they respond? Dawn of Eve “Will you and I always be together in this beautiful garden?” Adam asked. “The garden is your home, Adam.” Jesus answered, “But, I will come and visit.” “I will be lonely,” Adam looked at the ground, thinking aloud. “I need someone like me. I cannot laugh, plan, love or fully enjoy nature’s beauty by myself.” “It is not good for man to be alone,” Jesus said. Adam’s head snapped up and he looked into Jesus’ eyes, “You were already aware of this?” “Yes,” Jesus smiled. “I was just waiting for you to ask! Follow me.” The Creator led Adam back to the patch of clay where the day had begun. He gestured at the remaining clay, “My shadow is only half finished. Lay down.” Adam returned to the clay he had risen from at daybreak. Lying down, he closed his eyes and was soon asleep. Jesus knelt between Adam and the remainder of the lanky clay man. He quickly gathered the clay into a pile. Jesus reached over and pulled away a chunk of Adam’s side. He pushed the chunk of Adam into the pile of clay. It turned into clay and become one with the pile. He spoke to the sleeping Adam, “The woman is both my shadow and your desire. You are part of each other, forever.” The Creator closed the wound on Adam’s side with a rubbing motion and then turned to forming a new body—a woman—smaller than Adam. After some time, Jesus sat back on his heals. He had finished. He reached over and shook Adam. Adam’s eyes fluttered open and he sat up. He looked over at the clay form next to him. He turned his head sideways, not understanding. “She’s not alive,” Adam said. “Can you give her life?” Jesus nodded and leaned over the clay woman’s face. He took a deep breath and spoke life into her. The woman’s eyes fluttered open and looked into God’s. She smiled. Jesus put a hand under her back and lifted her into a sitting position. Adam was speechless. He had never seen anything so beautiful! ** Continued in Eden's Wedding tomorrow ** Reflection Question: What is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? Why? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Genesis 2:7 Starting Question: Have you ever made something from scratch? What was it? What resources did you need? What tools were necessary? Did you succeed? Was it difficult? Breathing Servant ** Continued from Handmade by God yesterday ** Of course, He had been breathing all along but this was a very deep, very long and very special breath. The Creator—the giver of life—leaned forward and put His mouth above the clay man’s mouth. Then He breathed out. As He exhaled, His lips moved, forming a word. It was a long drawn out word, taking the entire breath. It was the word ‘Spirit’ and it did something amazing to the clay man. The red clay went shiny. The shininess changed to a soft skin-like substance. Then the reddish color deepened to reveal a tanned muscular human. The man sat up. The first thing he saw was the face of God. Jesus smiled a winning smile and said, “Adam, my son, you were formed by my hands and brought to life by my Spirit, which I give to you in every breath.” Adam opened his mouth; speech came easily to him, “Thank you, my Creator. You are my everything!” Jesus extended a hand to Adam and helped him to his feet. Then draping His arm across the shoulders of His new creation, the two of them looked out over the glorious Garden of Eden. The sun shone full from behind them causing the river and everything beyond to shimmer and shine in it’s reflected brilliance. The Creator spoke, turning to place His free hand on the man’s chest, “Adam, you are but shadow and breath,” and then with a sweeping gesture taking in all that was before them, He finished, “And yet, for you the universe was made!” Jesus and Adam walked through the Garden. Jesus explained to Adam the amazing things that had taken place in the last six days. The entire world around them had taken shape—light, land, sea, sun, moon, rivers, trees, day and night. Then Jesus said, “But today is special, Adam! Today I created and named you.” “And I thank you,” Adam said. “I am greatly honoured to live in your paradise and care for your Creation.” “And I am honoured to have you as my servant,” Jesus answered. “Serve me faithfully—with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul—and you will be fulfilled and happy.” Reflection Question: Imagine what it would have been like to be Adam on the day of his creation. What questions would you have asked God? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

CJB:"Come close to me, and listen to this: since the beginning I have not spoken in secret, since the time things began to be, I have been there; and now Adonai ELOHIM has sent me and his Spirit." Tanakh Online:Draw near to Me, hearken to this; in the beginning I did not speak in secret, from the time it was, there was I, and now, the Lord God has sent me, and His spirit. w/Rashi's commentary: from the time it was, there was I: [Jonathan paraphrases:] From the time the nations ceased fearing Me, there I brought Abraham your father near to My service. and now, the Lord God has sent me, and His spirit: [Jonathan paraphrases:] Said the prophet, “And now, the Lord God has sent me, and His word.” This is an intermingling of words. The one who said this did not say that [i.e., the first part of the verse was said by God, and the second part by the prophet]. And the Aggadic Midrash of Rabbi Tanhuma (Yithro 21) explains: Hearken to thisThis alludes to Moses’ Torah, referred to as “This is the Torah.” In the beginning, I did not speak in secretat Sinai. And the prophet says, “From the time that thing was that, He says, I was there.” And we learned from here that all the prophets stood at Sinai. And now He sent me to prophesy to them. Even in this version there is an intermingling of words. “In the beginning I did not speak in secret,” was said by the Shechinah.“From the time it was, there was I,” was said by the prophet. It is possible to interpret it so that there should not be intermingling of words [as follows:] Draw near to me, hearken to this what I prophesy to you regarding the downfall of Babylon and your redemption. In the beginning I did not speak that in secret. From the time it was, that the Holy One, blessed be He, decreed to bring it, there I was. This teaches that from the time of the decree, the Holy One, blessed be He, appoints the prophet who is destined to prophesy regarding the matter in the council of the heavenly household, although it has not yet been created.

In no way was I intimating that I do not associate with those of other denominations or unchurched. However, for those friends with whom I consider close friends I find most often they are of the same faith. It is just more relaxing, easier to share and communicate

Thank you for the information regarding the use of Moshiach by the Jews. While it is true that Hebrew has no vowels, is it likewise true that the masoretic diacritical markings or pointings found below, beside or even above a Hebrew letter give the reader a clue as to what vowel sound the consonant carries with it when read?

Absolutely agree!! I often wonder what attraction there is with ungodly friends. Their interest are usually contrary to our interest, even their language. As for being more relaxed after being in the company of Christians, I believe that it is because it is so nice to have fun, laugh, relax and know that it is good clean fun that we could invite our Lord to join in .... and that has to carry out in our routine when we are alone. Heaven would be the same train-wreck that we have here if sinful natures are allowed .... thoughts are things, words are thoughts brought to fruition.

Jesus was the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. As soon as sin reared its ugly head, there was already a Savior. The OT believers looked forward to the reality at the Cross, and every NT believer and afterwards look back to that reality.

I never understood that passage either until I lived in a Buddhist country. When I met many "Seventh-day Buddhists," then I understood. The sins get passed down, generationally. It is hard to truly convert a family before at least a generation or two have passed. Cultures don't change overnight.

No matter how anyone twists it, the title Holy Father or His Holiness is a reference to the Pope, not his office. "The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under the veil of the flesh. Does the pope speak? It is Jesus Christ who speaks. Does the pope accord a favour or pronounce an anathema? It is Jesus Christ who accords the favour or pronounces that anathema. So that when the pope speaks we have no business to examine." [Catholic National July 1895]

I don't agree. God is responsible for giving us the power of choice. If He is responsible for the choice we make then it is not true freedom.

Thanks for explaining this to me. While I respect your view, as a Christian I (obviously) give as much authority to NT writings as I do the Torah and the Prophets. Paul said that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Tim. 3:16) He was a Pharisee among Pharisees. I'll grant you the point that when He said this, the only scripture that existed was the Torah and the Prophets. Many modern Christians discount the Torah and the Prophets in favor of the New Testament; which allegedly put an end to OT Law. This is a mistake. The Torah and the Prophets contain the all of tenets of the NT; including the concept of grace and salvation. Even Job believed in a coming Redeemer: "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (Job 19:25) I ask you this next question out of pure curiosity (not a challenge) - How do you as a Jew interpret Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? Isn't this a perfect description of Jesus - coming as a suffering Messiah (to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind) and receiving a reward of the authority and power over everything (the King Messiah)? As a Christian, I think Jesus is both. I believe that He is also the Redeemer of Christians, Gentiles, and Jews. In fact, I believe that Christians (in a way) owe their salvation to the Jews. Paul says that we as Gentiles were "grafted in". You, as a Jew, are part of the original vine or tree. Jesus was a Jew to the end. There was no such thing as a "Christian" until after Jesus died.

I was saving this for another thread ive been working on regarding Gods loveliness but in relation to ... EGW wrote regarding this scripture ..." Angels of glory, that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Trembling souls, who have many objectionable traits of character, are their special charge. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. And in this ministry Christ's true followers will co-operate." Desire of Ages 440 Wow! Coming from a hedonistic abusive home this applies to me. "And in this ministry Christ's true followers will co-operate. " Can we see Jesus in every person now?

There- fixed! Tom will be so proud!

Read More Daily Jesus More Sabbath School Resources Preparation Day Bonus * - Teaching a great Sabbath School lesson - * Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10 Starting Question: Consider a time when you had the opportunity to give generously to someone. Tell that story. What feelings went through you at each point in the encounter? Reading with Jesus ** Continued from Eating with Jesus yesterday ** Everyone laughed again. “It’s true!” Bart shouted over the din, “Jesus’ stories and questions put his critics on unsure footing! They either stumble away thunderstruck or just fade back into the crowd.” “And hopefully they have been challenged to look at their hearts,” Jesus said seriously. The disciples focused on their Master. They had learned to recognize a teaching moment as it approached. “They all want to minimize their effort and maximize their results,” Jesus said. “And they are wise to do so. Life’s purpose can only be achieved if we remove that which hinders and focus on that which draws the Kingdom of God closer.” Silence filled the room as the disciples chewed on this spiritual wisdom. Finally John spoke, “You told the expert in the Law to be like the Samaritan. Is that the one thing we all must do?” “Love your neighbor,” Jesus said. “Yes, love wastefully. Sacrifice whatever it is that stands between you and your ability to help without hesitation.” Bart said, “Is that why, last week, you challenged that rich kid to sell all his stuff, and give the money to the poor?” “Yes,” Jesus said. “Imagine the lives he could bless by giving generously!” We’ve left everything behind to follow you,” Peter said. “What reward is waiting for us in the Kingdom?” “Peter, you can have a throne,” Jesus said with a laugh, “You all can.” He lifted a mug of water, toasting the roomful of disciples, “Thrones all round.” The disciples laughed and cheered rowdily. “But, that’s not the point,” John said thoughtfully, “Is it?” Jesus’ was sipping from his cup. He raised His eyebrows in agreement. The room stilled, awaiting his response. “What is written in the Law?” Jesus said. “How do you read it?” Reflection Question: How does Jesus’ teaching about the law challenge you? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Psalm 48:8 Starting Question: What do you think mealtime would have been like while on the road with Jesus? Eating with Jesus Jesus lifted a piece of bread to his mouth as he laughed at Bartholomew’s joke. “Yes, Bart,” Jesus said, “Martha’s food has many stories to tell.” “If it lasts long enough!” Peter said as he stuffed two pieces into his mouth at once, one with each hand. The group of disciples laughed uproariously. “Where’s the main course?” John quipped, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone!” Martha spoke up from the kitchen, “Well John, You’re too young to be called a man—you can’t even grow a beard! So you can live on bread alone, boy!” Guffaws, giggles and snorts of merriment swept around the room. “Oh, Johnny boy, she got you!” Bart said. John shook his head, smiling. What comeback could there be to such a well-timed quip? The room quieted as the men enjoyed the bread and water. “Jesus,” John said after washing down another piece of bread, “Why are people always trying to catch you out? I mean, it’s one thing to have humorous stabs at each other in good fun. But, it seems you get attacked from every angle by people who don’t even know you.” “People mock what they don’t understand,” Jesus replied. “Like today,” John continued, “That law expert came out of his dungeon of scrolls and thought he was going to nail you to the wall with his question.” “Ah yes,” Jesus answered, “He already knew the answer. They often do. It’s the unfaced questions of the heart which really need asking.” “That’s why you like to answer with stories, isn’t it?” Bart interjected. Jesus nodded but Peter answered, “That story today—about the Samaritan who outdid the Jewish leaders—you really sent that scholar running back to the safety of his books!” ** Continued in Reading with Jesus tomorrow ** Reflection Question: Can you think of someting you learned 'later' when you reflected on the situation? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

I have started the book. Already the book has MORE than delivered in the very first chapter! I feel like I should bump this thread every day until everyone has a copy of this in their possession. This book presents a very good lesson on the theology of guilt and salvation, on the character of Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God, as well as that of Satan. There is a condemnation that comes from our own minds that prevents us from holding on to the hope that is in Christ. If you want to see the love of Jesus while the world and even those in the church are kicking you down, read these reminders that Lehman has gathered from Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy in this book. You will want to reflect with wonder at what an awesome God we serve.