Look at my most recent "needle." I found this the other day while thrifting.
This copy was published in 1956 and look at the original price. The funny thing is that I paid more for it.
Some things have value based on what they are, not just what they cost!
Most people probably associate C.S. Lewis with the Narnia series, but have you ever read this book?
It's imperative to know what you believe spiritually. As strong as that is, it more important to know WHY you believe it. It's quite a sobering thought to think that one day we will stand before the Creator of the Universe. He will ask the question, "Why should I let you into my kingdom?" What you believe and why will determine what your answer will be.
{Matt. 7:21-23. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."}
Being a moral person {"Well, I've never murdered, or committed adultery"} isn't enough to grant salvation. Have you ever gotten angry with someone? Read Matt 5:20-22.
Doing charitable deeds isn't enough either. {Isaiah 64:6 states that all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.}
We live in a society where work results in rewards. No denying it - it is how it is. {work=paycheck, chores=allowance, good grades=scholarship, therefore, good works=salvation, right?}
We seem to be thoroughly conditioned to that line of thinking, and that has transferred into the spiritual life as well.
But, I implore you to take the time to think about why you do what you do {or even don't do.} Is your motive to be on "God's good side"?
Thankfully, God allows for an open-book test! The answers are all there...in black and white.
Will you take the time to look?
God's grace {ONLY, It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ.}
{Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5}
Our faith {ONLY, not coupled with works}
{Romans 5:1}
in Christ {ONLY his sinless life and substitutionary atonement can accomplish our righteousness.}
{John 3:16, Romans 5:8}
based on Scripture {it alone is the ONLY inerrant source.}
{2 Timothy 3:16, John 17:17}
I'm not often good at sharing these kinds of things in person. On the spot, specific Scripture references escape me; bunny trails distract me; my own insecurities disable me, but it is often a burden of my heart. I want the truth to be known. I want people to know what I believe.
. . . . .
Love this post. You do represent these truths in your daily living. Thankful to call you my sister in Christ!
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