salvation – Be Still…

Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

This is a pivotal verse for believers. Could salvation really be this easy? While it sounds simple on the surface, actually following through with such faith can be a difficult thing when we let messages of the world infiltrate our thinking. That’s why it’s a great addition in our toolbox of memory verses.

Context: What a gem Paul shared with the Roman church! Paul opens the chapter by declaring his heart’s desire for all the people of Israel, God’s people, to be saved. For that to happen, they need to know how easy it is, and that salvation is for everyone. This verse is tucked nicely into all sorts of wisdom on the topic of salvation. Continue reading “Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!”

Acts 4:12 – No Other Way

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The name of Jesus is powerful. It saves us awful sinners from death and eternal destruction. Nobody but Jesus can save us. This verse is a bold declaration to boost our trust and assurance. Why is it that so many people don’t understand this truth? Do you ever feel like you are the only one?

Context: Peter and John had been busy healing and teaching people that through Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. This upset some priests and Sadducees, who then confronted Peter and John and threw them in jail. When brought before the religious leaders to defend themselves, the Holy Spirit took over, and Peter called out the name of Jesus, giving him all the credit for such healings and salvation. The religious leaders were amazed yet knew they had to take control of the situation. Continue reading “Acts 4:12 – No Other Way”

Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?

Read Job 20:1-29

Zophar never comes right out and calls Job wicked, but it is implied. Again, I marvel at how much these “so called” friends of Job know about wickedness and the fate of the wicked. What do you make of their descriptions?

What is your take away from this reading today? Did you see anything to help you recognize what might be wickedness around you disguised as good? In Job’s case, he is a good man disguised as evil. At least that’s they way his friends see him. What can be reassuring is that evil will not last. As believers, we know God has the final victory. Wrath will one day fall on the wicked. Continue reading “Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?”

Job 1:6-22 – Job’s First Test

Read Job 1:6-22

Before too much time passes, I wanted to pass on something I learned from my pastor husband, David, as I was preparing to start this reflection. An Old Testament scholar would know that the “Satan” we read about here must be taken into context. We bring a lot of “New Testament” knowledge about how evil is personified in Satan or the devil. People in Job’s time would not have that same knowledge. For them, Satan would be more of a prosecuting attorney or an accuser wanting to trip up or tempt one of God’s favorites.

Here, the accuser is pointing his finger at Job, the terrific guy who was notably God-fearing. God sure thought highly of Job as he told Satan, “He is the finest man in all the earth.” Don’t rush past that. God thought that about Job. Did Job know he pleased God that much? We are all God’s favorites, didn’t you know? Continue reading “Job 1:6-22 – Job’s First Test”

Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell

Read Ezekiel 32:17-32

In case you weren’t counting, this is the seventh prophecy set aside for Egypt. It’s that important to God to get this message out. In this final reading, we’re taken into the depths. “For I will send them down to the world below in company with those who descend to the pit.” We get a glimpse at the pit of hell.

How did it make you feel to read about the place of the dead you never want to see in person? Did it surprise you to see a reference like this in the Bible? What are some of the themes revealed? Do you think this is where Jesus went between his crucifixion and resurrection? Continue reading “Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell”