Jesus: Savior Now or Judge Later

December 22nd, 2010 No comments »

I came across this paragraph from J.I. Packer today while studying.  I pray that reading it stirs your heart to the urgency of receiving Jesus, and sharing his message with the world, as it did mine:

Paul refers to the fact that we must all appear before Christ’s judgment seat as “the terror of the Lord (2 Cor 5:11 KJV), and well he might. Jesus the Lord, like his Father, is holy and pure; we are neither. We live under his eye, he knows our secrets, and on jugment day the whole of our past life will be played back, as it were, before him, and brought under review. If we know ourselves at all, we know we are not fit to face him. What then are we to do ? The New Testament answer is: Call on the coming Jesus to be your present savior. As Judge, he is the law, but as Savior he is the gospel. Run from him now and you will meet him as Judge then – and without hope. Seek him now, and you will find him (for “he that seeketh findeth”), and you will then discover that you are looking forward to that future meeting with joy, knowing that there is now “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1)

[Quote from J.I Packer, Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1973. p. 146-147.]

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Don’t Waste Your Christmas Break! (An Appeal to Students)

December 19th, 2010 No comments »

Time off from school can be restful and refreshing, but it is certainly not free from temptations. Some go home to strained family relationships, others face the temptation of old friends and habits which come back to haunt them during school breaks. For many there is the temptation to waste countless hours doing nothing but watching television.

Biblically speaking we followers of Christ are called to “make the most of every opportunity”. (Colossians 4:5) Take advantage of the time off school to get some extra sleep if you need it, but “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NLT)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise”. (Ephesians 5:15) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11) You have a God-given destiny, but you won’t walk in God’s best for your life without making wise, godly choices.

Spend time reading and meditating on Gods Word this Christmas break. Intentionally go out of your way to be un-selfish and serve someone. Make time for prayer. Get away from the crowds, the shopping malls and Christmas cookies and spend some time alone with your King and Savior, Jesus. Call a friend to encourage them, and pray for each other while you are on the phone together!

Why not make it your goal to come back to your campus stronger and more full of faith than when you left? Whatever you do, don’t waste your Christmas break!

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Steve Murrell’s Message on Honor

November 23rd, 2010 1 comment »

I recently wrote an article on the importance of honor. One of the things that spurred me to reflect on this subject was Steve Murrell’s excellent message at the Every Nation 2010 conference. I encourage you to listen to it, if you have not already done so. Pastor Steve provides some powerful insights into this all too often neglected habit.

http://www.vimeo.com/13753762

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