Tag: Jesus

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We Must Repent

“And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.  (Acts 3:17-21, NASB) 

The text above is a part of Peter’s second recorded sermon, documented by Dr. Luke in his book of Acts.  Peter had just healed a lame beggar near the Temple in Jerusalem, and the crowd among them was amazed.  “But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, ‘Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?'”  (Acts 3:12)  At this, Peter launches into his sermon. 

Peter reminds the onlookers that they had traded Jesus for Barabbas, a murderer, and insisted that Jesus be crucified by Pilate.  He tells them that Jesus has been raised from the dead, and that their God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had so glorified this Jesus.  Peter then tells them that it is not he who healed the man,  but “it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.” 

Depiction of Peter’s Pentecost Sermon, found at https://www.churchpop.com/2015/05/23/6-observations-st-peters-sermon-pentecost/

We pick up with the passage above.  Peter tells the crowd that the prophets foretold of the Messiah’s coming, and that Jesus had fulfilled what was prophesied.  Next, he gives advice which is good for us today:  “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you.”  

The word “repent” means to turn from.  In today’s slang, we say, “do a 180.” With respect to sin, it means we must turn from it, and not go back.  Peter says that when we truly do this, that God will send us His Son Jesus, and we will have “times of refreshing” in our lives.  

This is the same Peter, who only weeks before, on the night Jesus was betrayed and led before the Temple authorities, had denied knowing Him.  But now, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was now speaking the truth with no fear.  That same power is available to us, if we follow Peter’s advice, to repent of our sins, and to accept Jesus Christ as Savior of our lives! 

Worship:  “It’s All About You, Jesus,” Artist Unknown
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Trust in the Lord Forever

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, The one that remains faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.  (Isaiah 26:1-4,NASB)

The 26th chapter of Isaiah is called “Song of Trust in God’s Protection.”  The prophet tells of a time in our future, when the nation of Judah will be reestablished in the land of Israel.  In the context of the time, Judah had yet to be defeated by, and exiled to Babylon. 

In the portion above, Isaiah looks forward to that day when Judah will be reestablished in a secure land.  Who will provide security?  God will!  The city gates will be opened so “that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful.”  (I’m not sure, but this sounds to me like the New Jerusalem!)  

Isaiah 26:3 image.  Composed by Claudia Hoyes.  Found at https://my.bible.com/bible/100/ISA.26.3

Next, the prophet speaks of peace, and how to achieve it:  “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.”  So the formula for finding perfect peace, “Shalom,” is to place one’s trust in the Lord God Almighty.  Finally, Isaiah tells us to “Trust in the LORD forever.”  Why?  Because “in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”

God is my Rock.  I will trust in Him forever!  Although I have ALS, He has not failed in one good promise to me.  He’s promised eternal life to me because I’ve placed my trust in Jesus Christ, His Son.  When I get to heaven, I will see perfect peace, Shalom! 

Worship:  “Trust in You, by Lauren Daigle
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Shelter

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,  My God, in whom I trust!” . . .  “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.”  (Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16, NASB)

Psalm 91 is entitled “Security of the One Who Trusts in the Lord.”  I was listening to Pandora the other day and I heard the song below.  So I thought I’d write on Psalm 91.  

The author of this psalm is unknown.  The psalmist writes of his belief that the person who trusts in the Lord will be sheltered from harm.  “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,  My God, in whom I trust!”  God is compared to a Shelter, a Shadow, a Refuge, and a Fortress, all symbols of hiding or protection.  

In the latter portion of the text above, God answers back to the psalmist.  God says that those who know Him will be “delivered”; will be protected; when he calls upon God, He will answer; God “will rescue him and honor him”; God will give him long life; and God will grant him His salvation! 

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Psalm 91:1 image.  Found at Modern Ghana, https://www.modernghana.com/lifestyle/13551/true-protection-1.html

There are many advantages to those who place their trust in God.  They’ll be protected, and for those who’ve called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, God will give His salvation.  It’s an easy choice!  Call on His name today! 

Worship:  “My Dwelling Place,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty
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Election

“It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and that you do not turn away and serve other gods and worship them. Or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its fruit; and you will perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you.”  (Deuteronomy 11:13-17, NASB)

Yesterday was Sue’s and my 45th wedding anniversary.  I remember a year ago writing that, God willing, I’d be here the next year.  She’s put up with me all these years.  Well Sue, thank you for a wonderful 45 years!  God willing, I’ll be here for 46! 

The Bible passage above is from the book of Deuteronomy.  Deuteronomy is mostly a recap of the previous laws and precepts given by God to His servant, Moses.  In this passage, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the benefits of adherence to God’s laws; and the consequences of forgetting them.  

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 image.  Found at Daily Bible Inspirations, https://dailybible.co/p/r1CtJJp1XTZ/

Simply put, the nation that follows God’s commandments will be blessed.  The nation that ignores God’s precepts will be cursed.  When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, they made a covenant with God.  How times have changed!  We have fallen away from God.  We’ve not followed His laws.  There’s an election next week, and my prayer is for healing and reconciliation with our Father.  Would you pray with me? 

Father, we as a Nation have fallen away from You.  Would You please forgive us?  Would You please take Your country back?  We have sinned against You.  We don’t deserve to be forgiven, but You love and forgive anyway.  Father, we’ve killed our children.  We’ve normalized, and celebrate deviant behavior that Your word says is an abomination.  Up is down.  Down is up.  “Men” can now have babies.  Would You forgive us.? We are Your people, and I pray that You will forgive us.  I pray that God will bless America, and that America would bless God!  I pray for revival in our land, for another Great Awakening.  Father, there’s an election in our land next week.  I ask that people would vote for candidates who will govern according to Your laws and statutes.  I pray that the results of the election would unite us, that we would be “one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!”  In the precious Name above all names, Jesus, I pray.  Amen. 

Worship:  “Heal Our Nation,” by Heartbeat

This past Monday was Halloween.  My costume:  I was a tee box.

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Shrewd as Serpents

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you . . . You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”  (Matthew 10:16-20, 22,NASB)

More words from Jesus, from the Apostle Matthew’s Gospel.  Jesus has called upon the twelve apostles, to send them on a mission.  He wants them to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons from people.  The Bible passage above is from among His instructions to them, and applies to us today.  Actually, they are timeless! 

Jesus wants to send them [us] “out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”  Why the warning?  Because men “will hand you [us] over to the courts and scourge you [us] in their synagogues; and you [we] will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”  Jesus further explains that they [we] shouldn’t worry about how to answer to the charges brought against them [us].  Why not?  Because “it is not you [we] who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you [us].”

Untitled image, found at https://biblesharingonline.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/you-will-be-hated-by-all-because-of-my-name-but-whoever-endures-to-the-end-will-be-saved-our-gospel-for-12-26-11/

The last sentence is crucial if we were ever to find ourselves in the midst of persecution:  “You [we] will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”  The overall message?  If we follow Jesus, at some point we WILL undergo persecution.  People will hate us because of Jesus’ name.  When we face this hatred, we will not worry about what to say, or how to answer; we must rely on the Holy Spirit.  We must not deny Jesus when people ask; we must persevere, to be proud of the name of Jesus.  Jesus said that if we deny Him before men, then He would deny knowing us before the Father. 

Jesus loves us so much that He took our place and died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins.  We’re all sinners, and we deserve the punishment He took for us.  Should we not love Him back?  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

Worship: “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” by Darlene Zschech
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Two Resurrections

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.  (John 5:25-29, NASB)

The Bible passage above is part of the Apostle John’s account.  Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate one of God’s feasts.  He healed a man who had been paralyzed for many years at the pool called Bethesda.  This happened on the Sabbath, which made the Jewish authorities very angry.  Jesus got into heated discussions with them in which He equated Himself with His Father, which made them even madder.  “For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”  (John 5:18)  

Further, the words of Jesus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”  (John 5:24)  So Jesus tells the Temple leadership that if they would believe His word, and believe in the Father, they would not only have everlasting life, but would escape eternal judgment and damnation.  That would’ve made the authorities even madder, being lectured by this carpenter from Nazareth.  But Jesus had more for them, from the passage above. 

John 5:25 All Who Hear The Son Of God Will Hear And Life (black)

John 5:25 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/John/5/25

He tells them that sometime after death, He will come back (!), and He will call, and whoever hears His voice “will live.”  He further explains, “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”  While “good deeds” do not save someone, in the words of Jesus “This is the work of God, that you believe in He whom He sent.”  (John 6:29)  So the only good “work” we can do that is acceptable to God is to believe in His Son, Jesus.  Those that do, will be raised to “a resurrection of life,” an eternity with God in heaven; those who don’t, “to a resurrection of judgment.”  

There are, then, two resurrections:  One for those who believe in Jesus, and who will spend eternity with God in heaven; and one for unbelievers, who will spend eternity totally separated from God.  The choice is clear to me.  In the words of my late mentor, Brigadier General Dick Abel:  “Do you want smoking or non-smoking?”  It’s up to us!  My hope is in Jesus! 

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King David’s Prayer

” . . . For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God . . . ”  (2 Samuel 7:21-24, NASB)

The Bible passage above is from a prayer by King David.  It follows a revelation from God through the Prophet Nathan that is known as the Davidic Covenant.  David thanks God for the blessings He will bestow on David’s descendants.  And what are those?  First, God promises that David’s son, who will be Solomon, would build “a house for My name,” the Temple, in Jerusalem.  (2 Samuel 7:13)  God’s second promise:  “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”  (v. 16)  The fulfillment of this promise?  The Messiah, Jesus, Who will sit on David’s throne for eternity!

King David shows gratitude to God:  “You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”  Further, David thanks God on behalf of Israel, for He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, and set them apart from every other nation.  King David says that Israel is “Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God.”

2 Samuel 7:22 There Is No God Beside You (black)
2 Samuel 7:22 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Samuel/7/22

How is Israel different from all other nations?  For one thing, God gave His laws and statutes to Israel, through Moses, to pass on to the rest of the world.  God’s people (to include Jesus-followers) are supposed to set the example, and display adherence to God’s laws.  

Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?  If you are, and I am, someday we’ll see the fulfillment of God’s Davidic Covenant for ourselves, Jesus seated on David’s throne forever!  What a time that will be! 

Worship:  “Gadol Adonai (Great Is the Lord),” from Praise to Our God 5 Concert
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Sanctification

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.  (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, NASB)

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessolonica, he strives to encourage his flock amongst heavy persecution.  Their Roman masters were jealous of this new god, Jesus, hence the persecution.  In the Bible verses above, his message is one of how one should live his/her life.  Specifically, it’s a message of sanctification. 

The best definition of sanctification I’ve heard is “set apart.”  We followers of Jesus are to be different, or set apart from everybody else.  A synonym for sanctification is “holiness.”  God is the ultimate picture of holiness.  God is so holy that He cannot tolerate any sin around Him.  That’s why His plan of salvation is for us sinners to put our trust and hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.  When God looks at us sinners, He sees Jesus instead.  Try as we might, once we’re saved, we still sin.  We all need Jesus as our Advocate! 

1 Thessalonians 4:7 God Has Not Called Us For The Purpose Of Impurity (yellow)
1 Thessalonians 4:7 image.  Found at Knowing Jesus, https://images.knowing-jesus.com/i/1-thessalonians-4-7-god-has-not-called-us-for-the-purpose-of-impurity-yellow-12165

Paul begins by urging the church to act according to his instructions, that is, Jesus’ instructions.  He encourages them in that they already act accordingly, but tells them that they can do even better!  The “will of God [is for] your sanctification.” So what comprises sanctification?  First is moral purity.  We’re to remember that our bodies (“vessels”) are the temples of the Holy Spirit, God in us!  We should want God to be honored while he dwells in us, so we must take care not to defile our tabernacles. 

Second, “that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things.”  God hates when His people cheat one another, or other people.  He is the Avenger!  

Finally, “God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”  God wants us to be pure.  He desires purity in our hearts, and in our actions.  We’ll never be as sanctified, as holy, as we need to be, until we get to heaven.  That’s why we all need Jesus! 

Worship:  “Take My Life/Holiness,” by Scott Underwood
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How to Pray for our Nation

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land . . . Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”  (Daniel 9:4-6, 18-19, NASB)

The book of Daniel takes place during the Babylonian exile, and the subsequent conquest by the Persians of that empire.  This is the same Daniel who endured the Lion’s Den.  Daniel received favor, and was appointed to high positions in the courts of the kings of Babylon and the Medo-Persian Empire.  Today’s snippet takes place during the reign of King Darius of Persia.  This Bible passage features a prayer for national repentance for the nation of Judah, and is a great model as we pray for our Nation. 

Daniel had noticed the number of years that the Prophet Jeremiah had said that the exile would last (70 years), had almost run its course.  Daniel therefore fasted and prayed, and chapter 9 contains that prayer.  Notice how he acknowledges Judah’s sins, but also his responsibility in those sins:  “We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.”  It’s important that you and I identify with the transgressions of our Nation, as well as our own sins. 

Daniel continues:  “Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.”  Who are our modern-day prophets?  Many of our pastors.  We need to pay attention to them!

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Daniel 9:3-5 image.  Found at Chasing the Wind, https://chasingthewind.net/tag/daniel-9/

Last, Daniel prays for a desired end state.  In this case, he prays for the resettlement of the city of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Holy Temple, because he’s aware that the 70 years of exile and Jerusalem’s desolation are almost complete.  Daniel also admits to the Lord that the people don’t deserve what he’s asking for, but it’s by God’s love and mercy that He will abide by His word! 

On a recent walk through the Bible, I made a list of the great national prayers.  In addition to Daniel 9, we see them also in Ezra 9; Nehemiah 1; 1 Kings 8:22-53 & 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; 2 Kings 19 (King Hezekiah’s prayer) & Isaiah 37; Psalm 85; and Jeremiah 14.  It’s interesting that these prayers follow much the same format:  Personal and national repentance, a desired outcome, and acknowledgment that we don’t deserve God’s mercy in the outcome.

I am guilty of sins against God.  I’ve not done all I can to straighten out the transgressions perpetrated in our land.  Please forgive me, Lord!  I pray for liberty and justice for all, and for revival and a Great Awakening in our land, that people would turn back to God.  And like God’s gift of salvation, I and we are not deserving.  Only by His grace can we approach Him, trust in His Son, and be saved!  In Jesus alone is our Hope! 

Worship:  “At Your Feet,” by Casting Crowns
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Psalm 3

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah . . . I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.  (Psalm 3:3-4, 6-8, NASB)

While listening to music on Pandora on Friday morning, I heard The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “Thou, O Lord,” and I had to write about Psalm 3 (Holy Spirit?).  The title of Psalm 3 is “Morning Prayer of Trust in God.”  It’s described as “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.”  I’ve included my highlighted portions in the text above.  

Absalom, King David’s son, decided that he would succeed his father as king of Israel, even though God had told David that his successor would be Solomon.  Absalom got the support of several influential people, including from David’s court, and proclaimed himself king.  When King David heard the news, fearing Absalom would kill him, he decided to escape to the east of the Jordan River, with those who were loyal to him.  The psalm reflects his trust in God in dire circumstances. 

David proclaims that God is a “shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”  To declare God as one’s Shield is the ultimate in protection; it doesn’t get any better than that!  God is David’s Glory.  God is the One he boasts in, and Nobody else!  When he feels like he can no longer go on, God is the “One who lifts [his] head.”  When David cries out to the Lord, He answers “from His holy mountain.”

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“The Lifter of My Head,” found at Being Woven, https://beingwoven.org/2018/10/01/the-lifter-of-my-head/

Further, David says he “will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.”  Why not?  Because King David trusts in the Lord to strike “all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.”  David trusts in God completely to deliver him from his enemies.  He had had much experience with running from his foes (King Saul) and he knew in Whom he could trust! 

Finally, King David states that God is the ultimate source of salvation; and he prays “blessings be upon Your people.”  What impresses me is that despite the dangerous circumstances in which  David finds himself, he takes the time to pray for others.  That’s selflessness! 

King David’s lessons to us?  No matter the circumstances, we can put our trust in the Lord.  He is our Protector.  Second, God hears the prayers of His people, and He answers.  Third, even when we find ourselves in a bind, we should pray for others.  When we do that, it might take our minds off ourselves.  And last, “Salvation belongs to the LORD.”  God’s plan of salvation requires that we place our faith, hope and trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  There is no Other by Whom we may be saved! 

Worship:  “Thou, O Lord,” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir